Alright, you know the drill.  Lots of guys are on bye this week.  Properly navigating the waiver wire separates the truly great from the average.  Religiously reading The Machine will put you at the top of the game (and increase your sex life).  Receiver is of key importance, as several of the top guys (Jordy, Julio, Megatron, Brandon Marshall, Golden Tate) are off.  Loyal Machine readers have prepared for this by picking up Odell Beckham, Jr. weeks ago, when he was only owned in 6% of leagues.  Now, he’s owned in 61%, so you’ll have to look elsewhere.  Luckily, you can still look here for our top waiver wire picks of the week.

I’m back! (for now).

Robert Griffin, III, QB Washington (47%)

RGIII is back in action this week, as should be a must add in your lineup.  He may not be the long term solution for the Redskins, but he could be the short term solution for your team.  Lost in all of the QB shuffle in Washington is that the Skins love to throw the ball.  Jay Gruden and his brother’s offensive scheme are 5^th in the league in passing yards per game, and that’s with Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy.  With RGIII behind center, the Skins should continue their aerial assault.  Both teams are 3-5 and going nowhere.  The only reason to watch is for fantasy purposes.  If you’re looking for a replacement for Aaron Rogers or Mathew Stafford this week, RGIII provides a nice bridge.

Malcolm Floyd, WR San Diego (41%)

Love the powder blue!

There are a lot of receivers on bye this week (Jordy, Julio, Brandon, Megatron, Golden Tate) so finding a serviceable replacement is a must.  Floyd is that and more.  Malcolm has worked his way into a leading role in San Diego’s offense, he’s averaged 7 targets in each of the past three weeks.  He should get that against Miami, which puts him in line to reach double digit points for the 6^th time this season.

Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB Baltimore (35%)

Thanks Ray!

The three headed rushing attack in Baltimore has turned in to a two-man game, with Justin Forsett and Lorenzo leading the charge.  Taliaferro’s biggest asset is that he’s a goaline vulture.  He scored two touchdowns last weekend, and lead the Ravens in receiving yards.  Baltimore plays Pittsburgh this week, and this game should be smash-mouth football.  That works in Taliaferro’s favor, as he’s their short yardage and goaline specialist, and we also catch a few passes.  Plus, with Forsett banged up, that only results in more touches for Lorenzo.  He’s a low end RB2/Flex play this week.

Dwayne Bowe, WR Chiefs (48%)

Once a no brainer WR1, Bowe has fallen to the ranks of consistent bench player.  But, if you’re desperate for a receiver, he’s worth a look.  He’s scored double digits each of the past two weeks, and caught all 6 targets last week.  The Chiefs are also playing the Jets, who are awful.  Bowe is a WR4/5 and worth a look if you’re really in need of a receiver.

Donte Moncrief, WR Colts (14%)

Donte had his coming out game last week, going 7/113/1 against Pittsburgh.  His problem is getting on the field, as the Colts have a ton of offensive weapons (TY, Reggie, Dwayne Allen, Ahmad Bradshaw).  Good news is that it looks like Moncrief has passed Hakeem Nicks on the depth chart, which should give him some more playing time.  The Colts play the Giants this week, and, because of the attention the aforementioned Colts will receive, Moncrief could get lost in the shuffle, making him an easy target for Luck.

Bonus Pickup: 

Jonas Gray, RB Patriots (18%)

Stock’s rising. Buy low.

The jury’s still out on Gray, but he burst on the scene last week for New England, rushing for 86 yards and having a td called back for a false start.  He out-touched Shane Vereen 17-5.  We don’t like his (or Vereen’s) matchup this week against Denver, but Jonas deserves a spot on your bench now.  Who the hell knows what Belichcik will do with him…but the upside is there.

Still looking for that edge this weekend?  Perhaps you’re playing your arch nemesis co-writer on your sports blog and you’re already down 40 because of Gronk and Shane fucking Vereen.  Well, we’re here to help me you power through and bring home the victory.

Son of a bitch.

Odell Beckham, Jr., WR, Giants (49%)

We told you to pick up ODB, like sooo two weeks ago, when he was only owned in 6% of leagues.  It made sense then, and now, with Victor Cruz out for the year, it makes a shitload of sense.  Beckham, Jr., despite having a Plaxico Burress-like practice schedule, has quickly established rapport for Eli Manning.  He fits perfectly in the G-Men’s quick passing attack, and has a great matchup against Dallas this week.  Odell’s a WR2 from here on out.

Ronnie Hillman, RB, Denver (56%)

Ronnie’s likely been picked up already, but if you’re in one of the 44% of leagues where he’s still available, he is a must grab (also, send us an invite to join that league).  With Montee Ball hurt, plus generally being a non-factor when healthy, the job is Ronnie’s for the taking.  Even though it seems like Denver has a stable of running backs, Hillman got the bulk of the carries last week, and ened with 24 touches for 100 yards.

Blake Bortles, QB, Jacksonville (11%)

We think Blake’s a Top 10 QB this week, and would start him over the likes of Kaepernick, Roethlisberger, Flacco, and Romo.  It’s all about the matchups baby, and Blake’s got a good one at home against Cleveland.  Last week, on the road against the Titans, Blake notched his first 300 yard game, completing 32 of 46 (yes, 46) pass attempts, for an impressive 336/1 stat line (and 1 int).  The Jags aren’t afraid to throw the ball, and he has a young core of surprisingly good receivers.  Plus, his girlfriend’s super hot.  That’s worth something, right?

Yowza!