NFL Fantasy Football: DeAngelo Williams Leads Waiver Wire Watch

Nov 30, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) rushes against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most unsung parts of winning an NFL fantasy football league is being able to navigate the waiver wire, which is typically filled with players that won’t get drafted but given the right circumstances should be able to produce quality points in a given window of time. Here is a name at each position that owners should watch for.

QB: Robert Griffin III (Washington Redskins)

Being in the second year of an offense will be most helpful for Robert Griffin III as he enters likely his last chance to remain the Washington Redskins quarterback long-term. The good news is he has an excellent cast of weapons around him like Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson and an offensive line that should be improved as well. If he embraces the opportunity and puts in the work, there is no reason he can’t be productive.

RB: DeAngelo Williams (Pittsburgh Steelers)

This comes from an advantage of circumstance. DeAngelo Williams was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wake of the news that star running back Le’Veon Bell would miss the first four games of the 2015 season due to a suspension. That means the Steelers needed a veteran who could carry the load until he gets back. Williams can be that guy. He’s smart, experienced, tough and will be running behind a very good offensive front.

WR: Cody Latimer (Denver Broncos)

This is what happens when young players are drafted and then stashed away for a year. People forget about them. The Denver Broncos made Cody Latimer a 2nd round pick in 2014 for a reaso. They felt he could play but didn’t need him right away as a rookie. Now with Eric Decker, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas gone the offense will be looking for young guys to step up. Latimer has that combination of size and athleticism to become a factor right away, especially in the hands of Peyton Manning.

TE: Eric Ebron (Detroit Lions)

Another talented young player who didn’t have the rookie seasons he or most expected. In truth Eric Ebron was undone by a variety of factors including injury and playing behind an established veteran in Brandon Pettigrew. It made it difficult to get chances in the Detroit Lions passing attack that also includes Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. Expectations are that will change this season. Ebron is healthy and the coaching staff has plans to take advantage of his size-speed combination as a threat down the middle.

Defense: Oakland Raiders

All things considered, the Oakland Raiders defense wasn’t terrible in 2014. They ranked 21st overall. Their biggest issue was keeping other teams out of the end zone (28 points allowed per game). There is young talent all over their roster including linebacker Khalil Mack and corner D.J. Hayden. What they’ve lacked is proper coaching. That will change this season with the arrival of Jack Del Rio. Not only a former head coach with experience, he’s also one of the more respected defensive minds in the league. He’ll know exactly what to do in order to get that unit playing some good football. NFL fantasy football owners should watch carefully.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: Top 5 New Passing Combinations

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