Fantasy Football Week 2 Waiver Wire: The Empire Edition

December 23, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Peyton Hillis (40) runs for yardage in the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium. The Colts won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Berry’s waiver wires and sleepers, oh my. If you started foaming from the mouth after reading the first few words, then you, my fantasy football nerd, are ready for some fantasy football—and it may also be time to see a shrink. If you’re in a league, or several leagues, it’s all business from here on out. Fantasy football. All. The. Time. By the way, did anyone notice the Peyton Hillis picture? What happened to that guy?

OK, so regardless of whether your fantasy football team won or lost on the first week, there may be a player or two on your roster that makes you want to throw up. Yes, I’m talking about buyer’s remorse. You may or may not have stared at your roster and studied the waiver wire for days, looking for that replacement that will take you to the top, that SLEEPER.

We, at the Empire, play a little fantasy football, too. So we may have a nugget or two to offer you that will either make you look like a genius for listening to us, or moronic.

Here we go:

Carson Coudriet: Sleeper for the week? Jordan Cameron. If you drafted Cameron in one of the later rounds or even just picked him up off waivers, I would definitely start him unless you have someone like Jimmy Graham.

This week, Cameron is playing the Baltimore Ravens, who gave up 100+ yards and two touchdowns to Julius Thomas last week, allowing Thomas to score 23 fantasy points in most leagues. If you combine the matchup with the fact that Cameron exceeded all expectations last week with a 100+ yard game and a touchdown, Cameron is almost a must start.

Jonathan Peralta: Cameron, eh? Not bad. But my sleeper pick is Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell. This guy is a diamond in the rough. Yes, he plays behind Reggie Bush, but he is a star in the redzone. Look at what he did in last week’s game: five receptions for 67 yards; 25 yards rushing, with two touchdowns.

The Lions and Bush had a little trouble getting into the end zone, that is until Bell ran the ball and punched it in twice for his team. Look for the running back to be the Lions’ goal line going forward.

Another one that is a definite pick up is New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman. No Danny Amendola (of course); No Rob Gronkowski, no Aaron Hernandez, no Shane Vereen. What will Tom Brady do?

I’ll tell you what the Hoodie and Brady are going to do: they’re going to give it to Julian Edelman. Heavily. Last week, the receiver shined against the Buffalo Bills, finishing with seven receptions for 79 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots will go against the Jets and Cromartie on Thursday night, but rookie Kenbrell Thompkins may draw Cro which leaves Edelman with Dee Milliner, who surrendered 16 yards per catch against the Bucs. Edelman is going to get a lot of looks, so expect the receiver to get double digit points.

Carson Coudriet: Another player definitely worth considering is Brian Hartline. Hartline is only owned in 46 percent of ESPN Fantasy Leagues, so odds are he is still available. Now let’s not forget that Hartline was a 1,000 yard receiver last year, and he might be on track to do it again.

Sep 8, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline (82) makes a reception against Cleveland Browns cornerback Buster Skrine (22) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Last week, Hartline was targeted 15 times by Ryan Tannehill, and he caught nine of those for 114 yards and a touchdown. The reason for Hartline’s success is because opposing defenses will focus all their attention on Mike Wallace. Not getting beat deep by Wallace is a must for defenses, which means that Hartline will be open underneath a lot, much like last week. With Keller hurt and Wallace covered, Hartline will be the go-to guy on the offense.

If you were caught taking Roddy White as a high draft pick or just need another receiver, Hartline is definitely someone worth considering.

Kevin Metz: DeAngelo Williams. Williams was a nice surprise in Week 1 against a punishing Seahawks defense. DeAngelo finished the day with 17 carries for 86 yards and three catches for 14 yards. He did lose a fumble, but 100 total yards against Seattle is no easy task.

This week Williams faces a much more forgiving defense in Buffalo, who were torched for 101 yards on 14 carries by Shane Vereen in Week 1. Factor in Stevan Ridley, and the Patriots averaged 6.4 yards per carry. With Jonathan Stewart still out with an ankle injury, Williams will get the majority of carries, making him someone to keep your eye on for Week 2.

Another player to look into is Bryce Brown. We all marveled at the pace of the Philadelphia Eagles offense in Week 1. With that in mind, Bryce Brown becomes an interesting flex play for Week 2 against a so-so San Diego Chargers defense. With this being a short week for the Eagles, expect to see Brown get a little more action than he did during the season opener. If you are in a deep league and desperate for a fill-in at running back, Brown could be your guy in Week 2.

Stay tuned for more fantasy football gold nuggets throughout the season from Empire Writes Back, because why not?