MONDAY MORNING WAIVER WIRE HELP

Ralph Mancini, FFI Sr. Writer

SEARCHING THE SCRAP HEAP
SAGE ROSENFELS (QB-HOU)- The former Miami Dolphin stepped in for a battered Matt Schaub and turned an apparent blowout at the hands of the Tennessee Titans into a edge-of-your-seat thriller by throwing four touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. Rosenfels did a fantastic job of spreading the ball among his receivers throughout the game. The 29-year-old signal caller punctuated his performance by sensing pressure by defensive end Travis LaBoy and unleashing a 53-yard bomb to Andre’ Davis temporarily putting Houston ahead 38-36 before opposing kicker Rob Bironas hit a game winning field goal for the Titans. Rosenfels is a fine pick up if Schaub is forced to miss time.

JESSE CHATMAN (RB-MIA)- Subbing for Ronnie Brown who exited the game with a dinged-up knee, Chatman put up serious numbers in garbage time by gaining 73 yards on only seven carries, including a 7-yard score . The hard-charging 5’8” dynamo could fill in quite nicely next week against a Giants defense that gives up significant yardage on the ground.

KENNY WATSON (RB-CIN)- Watson led Cincinnati’s offensive charge by gaining 130 yards on the ground and scoring three touchdowns with his team’s season hanging in the balance. The former Nittany Lion also chipped in with three receptions for 27 yards in the Bengals 38-31 victory over the hapless New York Jets. Regardless of whether Rudi Johnson returns next week, Watson deserves to be on everyone’s fantasy roster as Cincinnati will certainly continue to provide him with touches in the coming weeks. The speedy fifth-year veteran has proven to be a very disciplined runner.

MUSHIN MUHAMMAD (WR-CHI)- The 34-year-old Muhammad is making a resurgence in Chicago by quietly turning into Brian Griese’s favorite receiver in recent weeks. In Sunday’s 19-16 win over Philadelphia, the big wide out not only caught the game-winning touchdown pass, but also recorded a 44-yard reception. Add Muhammad to your fantasy teams and start him next versus the Lions next week.

ARNAZ BATTLE (SF-WR)- On a team in total disarray, Battle is one of the few players showing any sort of promise. In San Francisco’s 33-15 drubbing at the hands of the New York Giants, the former Notre Dame quarterback had six catches for 57 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown grab. Though limited by his underwhelming quarterbacks, Battle has the athletic skills to gain yards after the catch and also do damage on the occasional running play. Battle should put up good numbers in next week’s game versus the New Orleans Saints.

BRANDON STOKLEY (WR-DEN)- The veteran slot receiver is now in Denver’s starting lineup and gives his team a sure-handed option in the passing game who knows how to get open. Expect the Broncos to look to him both deep and an underneath routes.

TONY SCHEFFLER (DEN-TE)- The Bronco is back from a broken foot and has good chemistry with his quarterback Jay Cutler, who’s suddenly short on receiving options with the absence of number one receiver Javon Walker. In 2006, Scheffler caught 11 of his 18 passes in his last four games with Cutler at the helm.

LEONARD POPE (TE-ARIZ)- Previously featured in ONES TO WATCH, Pope did an excellent job acting as Kurt Warner’s safety valve. At 6’ 8”, Pope presents a big target, who can run after the catch. In Arizona’s 22-19 loss to Washington, Pope had three receptions for 35 yards, including a one-yard touchdown catch from backup Tim Rattay in the fourth quarter. The return of wide out Anquan Boldin should open more room for the second-year professional.

ROB BIRONAS (K-TENN)- Bironas made history by setting the all-time record for kicking the most field goals in one game by hitting on eight of them in leading the Titans to victory. Blessed with a booming leg, Bironas kicked a 60-yard field goal last year versus the Colts, as well as a 52-yarder versus the Titans this Sunday.

ONES TO WATCH
CHRIS REDMAN (QB-ATL)- Well, it didn’t take long for newly-anointed starter Byron Leftwich to go down with an injury this week. Although Joey Harrington stepped in to replace the former Jaguar, who suffered a high ankle sprain, it may not be long before coach Bobby Petrino decides to give Redman a try. The former Louisville standout has generally been viewed as a bust from his Baltimore Raven days. Despite all that, Redman seemed to have a good grasp of the offense in the preseason. Stay tuned.

CHRIS HENRY (RB-TENN)- Buried behind lead backs Lendale White and Chris Brown to start the season, Henry has had little opportunity to showcase the skills that made him a second round pick out of the University of Arizona until this Sunday. Against the Texans, Henry was impressive in gaining 57 yards on 11 carries, including a 4-yard touchdown run. The 6’ 0” 228 pounder brings good size and 4.4 speed to the table, which complements the inside, short-yardage strengths of White.

MAURICE MORRIS (RB-SEA)- As Shaun Alexander’s disastrous season continues, coach Mike Holmgren may begin carving a larger role for longtime backup Maurice Morris, who produced 42 yards on 10 carries against the Rams. Although he has never performed against tougher defenses, Morris has significantly less mileage on his wheels than the aforementioned Alexander.

GLENN MARTINEZ (WR-MIA)- The 25-year-old journeyman is Denver’s third receiver and despite only recording one catch for 11 yards against the Steelers, Jay Cutler did look deep for the former Detroit Lion. Look for him to get more looks in the coming weeks with the cannon-armed Cutler behind center. Martinez also runs back kickoffs and punts.

DEREK HAGAN (WR-MIA)- The recent trade of star wide out Chris Chambers has given the 23-year-old Hagan a chance to establish himself as Miami’s top receiver. In this Sunday’s loss to New England, the 6’ 2” receiver led his team with 4 catches for 56 yards. In his short tenure in the NFL, Hagan has showed the potential of becoming a strong receiver capable of making receptions over the middle. He may also develop into a solid end zone option.

WILL HELLER (TE-SEA)- The fifth-year veteran could be looking at a bigger role as the 35-year old Marcus Pollard trudges along with a bum knee this year. In this week’s win versus the Rams, Heller recorded three receptions for 18 yards and one touchdown. Unlike fellow Seattle receivers, the 6’ 6” tight end presents a huge target on short yardage and goal line plays.