The bye weeks in fantasy football leagues can be similar to walking through a mine field. Just when you thought your team was doing well, a few bye weeks can really set you back. While you are keeping your eye on the prize, the playoff weeks, a few bye-week pickups might help you along the way.
I have identified some players that might be available in your leagues. The number in parentheses shows the percentage of Yahoo! leagues in which the player is available as of this writing. You realize, of course, that there must be a reason why these players are available. If they were really fantasy point producing studs, they would have been either drafted or picked up off of waivers. I also question the accuracy of some of these availability numbers, but I did double check them all.
Quarterbacks
1) Jason Campbell (71%). Against the Browns and Chiefs at home for the next two weeks, he might help if you need a quarterback either week.
2) Matt Hasselback (40%). He didn’t do well against the pressure from the Steelers, but if you are looking ahead to fill a lineup hole in week 8, the Titans do get the Colts at home.
Running Backs
1) Earnest Graham (86%). In a points-per-reception league, you should be able to count on Graham for a reliable seven fantasy points in a pinch. If LeGarrette Blount’s injury is serious, Graham will get more chances to pick up some rushing yardage as well.
2) Leon Washington (97%). If your league counts return yardage, Washington is the player to fill a hole in a bye week. 100 return yards is a typical week for him. Throw in an occasional pass reception and you have a viable replacement.
Wide Receiver
1) Victor Cruz (39%). It is hard to believe that he is so readily available. Based upon his recent performance, you should be able to count on teen-range fantasy points. You just need to be careful that he doesn’t put the ball on the ground before he gets hit, walk away from it, and cause you a fumble.
2) Doug Baldwin (94%). With 330 receiving yards so far, Baldwin would make a nice substitute after his bye this week
Tight End
1) Fred Davis (62%). With his bye week behind him and playing against a porous Eagles’ defense this week, Davis is an immediate pick-up candidate.
2) Jermaine Gresham (43%). With three touchdowns in five games, Gresham could be a productive tight end for your team.
Kicker
1) Dan Bailey (81%). When I saw he had five field goals over 40 yards and had his bye week behind him, I snapped him up as soon as I could this week.
2) Mike Nugent (88%). The Bengals defense is playing pretty well, so the team has had pretty decent field position. Eleven field goals so far and the Colts on the schedule this week make Nugent an attractive substitute.