Alright, no foreplay today.  Let’s get right to the action.

Cole Beasley, WR Cowboys (13% owned in Yahoo! leagues)

FREEBIRD!!!

White slot receivers are en vogue this week, as the best one of all time was just signed by the Rams.  But you’re league probably doesn’t get points for concussions, so you should stay very far away from Wes Welker.  However, Cole Beasley is turning into a Welker clone, minus the brain injuries (for now).  Cole exploded last week, hauling in 9 passes for 112 yards and 2 scores.

Sure, he looks like a roadie for Lynyrd Skynyrd, but Cole can provide you with some value this week and down the stretch.  With Dez back, he commands a constant double team, which opens up the slot.  And, with Tony Romo coming back soon, his value will continue to increase.  The Cowboys have a great matchup against Tampa Bay this week.

Theo Riddick, RB Detroit (21%)

PPR stud.

In a PPR league, Theo’s a no brainer.  He ranks #3 in receptions by a running back (and with Devonta Freeman and Danny Woodhead both on byes this week, he’ll be #1 again after tomorrow).  He’s averaging over 5 catches per game.  We like him to be above that tomorrow.  Also, his rushing attempts are on the rise, meaning Theo is being used more on 1^st and 2^nd downs.

Kirk Cousins, QB Washington (26%)

Operation: Start every QB that plays the Saints.

Why do we like Kirk Cousins this week?  It’s simple.  It’s all about the matchup.  The Redskins play the Saints this week.  Here are the stats of the last two QBs to play the Saints:

Marcus Mariota – 371 yards, 4 tds, 0 ints.

Eli Manning – 350 yards, 6 tds, 0 ints.

That’s really all you need to know.  Given the matchup, we think Kirk is a Top 10 QB this week.  That’s right.  Don’t say we didn’t tell you.

Last week we struck some fantasy gold and some fantasy coal.  Blake showed up and tossed 2 tds (now tied with Aaron Rodgers for 3rd overall), and Stefon Diggs looks to be the number 1 option in Minnesota, with another solid performance, going 6/108/1.  Let’s get right to this week’s top waiver wire pickups.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB Jets (36%)

Fear the Beard!

You think Bill O’Brien wants a do over, having jettisoned Fitz-magic to the Jets in favor of Brain Hoyer and (recently released) Ryan Mallet?  Fitzpatrick has put together a consistent first half of the season…tossing a td in every game.  The Jets have a good matchup against the Raiders this week.  Fitz is a Top 10 fantasy qb this week, and should flirt with 250 and 2 tds.

Marvin Jones, WR Cincinnati (49%)

With Andy Dalton having a career year, and quickly moving up the ranks of Top Ginger Athlete (look out Shaun White) Marvin has become one of the biggest benefactors.  Yes, having a ginger around you will make you better.  With AJ Green getting constant double teams, Marvin has stepped up.  He’s coming off a bye and his last game posted a 9/95/1 performance.  The Bengals should be well rested and fired up to play the rival Steelers.  Marvin should have plenty of opportunities to reach double digit points on Sunday.

Michael Floyd, WR Arizona (49%)

Top 1-2 duo?

Floyd is coming off of back to back td performances, and has established himself as a reliable fantasy option.  He’s not going to run past anyone, but he’s established himself in the Anquan Boldin role.  Solid possession receiver, and the Cards top redzone option.  Arizona has a great matchup against Cleveland this weekend.  Look for Floyd to continue his td streak.

Eric Ebron, TE Detroit (49%)

Ebron has quietly put together an impressive first half, and starting to live up to his first round draft pick status.  It’s surprising he’s only owned in 49% of leagues.  He’s tied (with Greg Olsen) for 5^th in tds by tight ends, and has scored more than Jimmy Graham a.  His problem is he doesn’t get much yards per game, but he get a lot of redzone looks.  Stafford has had a bit of a resurgence the past couple weeks, and Ebron should get some looks this weekend against the struggling Chiefs.