Waiver Wire Watch: Week 11

Nov 14, 2016

Editor's Note: We're happy to have Brandon Niles on the Waiver Wire Watch this year. He'll work in conjunction with Senior Editor John Paulsen to compile the weekly list of pickups and generate recommended prices for FAAB leagues.

Here is a look at the top waiver wire pickups for Week 11. To be eligible for discussion, the player must be owned in 50% or fewer Yahoo leagues, though we’ll stretch the rules a bit for the RB position, which is usually very thin. We’ll also include suggested bid prices (with a $100 budget) for those leagues that use Free Agent Acquisition Budgets (FAAB). Of course, player value depends on league characteristics and team needs. Players are listed by position in order of importance. For extremely shallow or extremely deep leagues, be sure to review our Rest-of-Season Rankings (updated every Tuesday) to get an idea of how to value players not on this list.

Quarterbacks

Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers ($2)

Kaepernick had only 210 yards and a touchdown in a close loss to the Cardinals on Sunday, but he added 55 yards and a touchdown on 10 rushes as well. Kaepernick should continue to be the starter for the 49ers and he has the ability to salvage a bad passing day with running statistics every week. If you’ve been having trouble at the QB position this year, Kaepernick faces the Patriots, Dolphins, and Bears the next three weeks and will see the Falcons in Week 15.

Next up: Patriots, @ Dolphins, @ Bears

Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles ($2)

Wentz executed a good game in a win against the Falcons on Sunday, despite a bone-headed play on fourth down at the end of the half where he threw the ball away. He had only 231 yards though, and relied on the running game to find the end zone. Wentz will likely struggle against the Seahawks this week, but he’s still worth adding in leagues where you carry two QBs for his Week 12 and Week 13 matchups against the Packers and Bengals. He also should definitely be on keeper and dynasty league rosters of all sizes for his long-term value.

Next up: @ Seahawks, Packers, @ Bengals

Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs ($1)

Smith only had 178 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers on Sunday, but he pulled out a victory and looked healthy, which is a good sign for the 7-2 Chiefs. He faces a Bucs team that kept Jay Cutler in check in Week 10, but ranks in the bottom quarter of the league in passing touchdowns allowed per game. Smith isn’t a great option in any week, but he has upside in a nice matchup and has low-end QB2 or large league streaming value for those needing help at the position.

Next up: Bucs, @ Broncos, @ Falcons

Bryce Petty, New York Jets ($1)

I might consider grabbing Bryce Petty if I’m already happy with my starting QB and I have a spot for a backup. He cooled off as the game wore on, but he opened up on Sunday with a big pass to Robby Anderson and a touchdown throw to Bilal Powell. Petty will likely be given every opportunity to show the coaching staff what he’s got now that the Jets are 3-7 and in the midst of a lost season. A Week 13 game against the Colts could make him streamable even.

Next up: Bye, Patriots, Colts