Fantasy Football: How to Win Your League With Waiver Claims

Aug 15, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback

(25) reacts to a penalty during a game against the San Diego Chargers during the second half at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks beat Chargers 41-14. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

5) MATCHUPS MATTER

So, now you’ve identified an unknown who has 1) good numbers, 2) opportunity, 3) good scoring potential favored by your league rules, and 4) you’ve reminded yourself not to care about position, you need to look JUST WHO DID THAT GUY PUT UP HIS NUMBERS AGAINST.

Torching Richard Sherman should make you sit up and take notice that a guy can play in the league.

Did your prospect just torch the worst pass defense in the league? Is he the slot receiver who played a team forced to play safeties at corner due to injuries? Did your backup running back run over a defense geared to stop the pass after their offense handed them a 3 touchdown lead in the 4th quarter?

I know it should be bloody obvious, but you need to consider the circumstances that surrounds a big game from an unknown. If player X torches the Raiders and Player Y puts up good numbers against the Seawhawks in a tight game, then player Y deserves some extra consideration.

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Torching Richard Sherman should make you sit up and take notice that a guy can play in the league. Especially if it happens multiple times. His coaches will certainly notice, and more importantly, so will his quarterback.

A classic bargain target are wide receivers and tight-ends on bad teams that play from behind a lot. Such players can get extensive garbage-time opportunities against teams playing loose to prevent big plays.

You target the wide receivers because SOMEONE needs to pile up those catches, and the quarterbacks will often throw a lot of interceptions that negate the value of their garbage yards.

That problem doesn’t exist for wide receivers. This also holds true for running backs on teams who like to throw a lot to backfield targets.