Running the Wire

Screwing League Mates Over By Stealing The Missing Pieces Of The Puzzle That They Need 101 What a past couple of days it has been. Injuries and the trade deadline have kept fantasy footballers' eyes glued to the television and amazingly well-written blogs. With so much news, your league's waiver wire is sure to be buzzing this week. Gold Wire Pickups: Brad Johnson/QB Dallas: Sure, he doesn't have the strongest arm in the world and he isn't the most mobile in the world. In fact, these two could avoid a pass rush better than Johnson could. But if you get points based on age, look no further. Seriously, all bad jokes aside, Johnson should be one of your top pickups. Because of his experience, you don't have to worry about any sort of learning curve like a rookie or inexperienced player may face. He's got the weapons, too. Owens, Witten, Barber, and the newly acquired Roy Williams are all at his disposal. St. Louis' defense is one of the worst in the league, too, making Johnson even more appealing. Vincent Jackson/WR San Diego: He was easily Philip Rivers favorite target Sunday night in the Chargers romp over the Patriots. Jackson was targeted on many deep routes and given his size, he's also a red zone threat. Jackson is a great play this week, especially if Chambers is still out of the lineup. He's on waivers in about 30% of leagues. Copper Wire Pickups: Kevin Walter/WR Houston: With Matt Schaub back in the lineup, Walter becomes relevant to fantasy play. He nearly had 100 yards last week and should have an excellent chance of matching those numbers this week against a Lions defense that allowed Bernard Berrian and Bobby Wade to rack up big numbers last week. He's owned in over 55% of leagues. Chicken Wire Pickups: Shaun McDonald/WR Detroit: With Roy Williams heading for Dallas, the #2 WR spot is open. Granted, the Lions offense isn't as strong as it was last year, but chances are the Lions will be playing from behind. A lot. Fantasy owners are always looking for players with opportunities and McDonald has it. Shaun Alexander/RB Washington: Now I'm not one to jump on the bandwagon, and you know how highly I think of Clinton Portis, but if you have a free spot and looking for a flier, you could do a lot worse. Ladell Betts could be out a few weeks, giving Alexander all the carries Portis doesn't snatch up. He's going to get an opportunity to some extent - the Redskins are going to see what he has left; otherwise, they wouldn't have signed him. Matchups against the Browns and Lions don't hurt either.