WAIVER WIRE HELP

SEARCHING THE SCRAP HEAP
QUINN GRAY (QB-JAX)- Far from a finished product, Gray has been making strides since an embarrassing Monday night performance versus Indianapolis two weeks ago. Against the Saints, the career-backup showed his big-play ability by completing an 80-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Williams. On the day, Gray connected on 20 of 33 pass attempts for 354 yards and two touchdowns. While his three interceptions may be a bit disconcerting, there’s no doubt that this former NFL Europa championship winner has the physical tools to be a competent passer. Gray will have to put the ball in the air in next week’s matchup with a Tennessee Titans defense ranked first in rushing yards allowed to the opposition.

KELLEN CLEMENS (QB-NYJ)- Previously featured in Ones to Watch, the 24-year-old Clemens is clear upgrade over the ragged-armed Chad Pennington. In Sunday’s overtime loss to the Redskins, Clemens was out of sync with his receivers on some plays, but did an excellent job of delivering most of his throws on a rope in completing 23 of 42 passes for 226 yards and one touchdown. The second-year signal caller will have no choice but to air it out 35 to 40 times a game this season on a defensively-challenged New York Jets squad that will be hard pressed to stop anyone from scoring big points.

J.P. LOSMAN (QB-BUF)- Losman did his job, and then some, versus an ineffective Bengals defense by unleashing his cannon arm to the tune of 295 yards and a touchdown along with gaining 21 yards on the ground. The erratic quarterback was in control for most of he game with the exception of a woefully-underthrown strike to Lee Evans which landed in the hands of cornerback Leon Hall. Losman is a definite start in next week’s game against the Dolphins provided that Trent Edwards sits out another week with his wrist ailment.

PRIEST HOLMES (RB-KC)- The diagnosis on Larry Johnson’s lower-leg injury could make the 34-year-old Holmes the free agent pickup of the week. Holmes isn’t the player he once was, but a larger workload should enable him to be a productive runner even if his old highlight-reel plays may be a thing of the past. The former star is still a quality receiver out of the backfield.

REGGIE WILLIAMS (WR-JAX)- The 6’4” Williams may not be the most dynamic receiver around, but he does know how to score. The University of Washington product finally flashed some big ability on a 80-yard touchdown reception versus the Saints---his fourth of the season. The 24-year-old wide out is still young enough to significantly improve and shed the bust tag that many have labled him with.

D.J. HACKETT (WR-SEA)- Billed as everyone’s fantasy sleeper prior to the start of the season, Hackett has fallen off the radar screen ever since going down with a high ankle sprain. In his return to action versus Cleveland, the young receiver scored a 6-yard touchdown on a inside slant play. In total, Hackett recorded 6 receptions for 58 yards. The 6’2” wide out is a strong player with good downfield speed, who plays with exceptional determination.

VERNON DAVIS (TE-SF)- There’s really no way Vernon Davis should be available in anyone’s league, but in the off chance he is---claim him right now! Back healthy after a sprained MCL injury earlier in the year, Davis has been the one bright spot on an anemic 49ers offense the past two weeks. In San Francisco’s week 9 loss to the Falcons, Davis caught seven passes for 79 yards and was stopped one yard short of hitting pay dirt. This physical freak is poised for a huge second half.

ONES TO WATCH
KEVIN KOLB (QB-PHI)- Can the Kevin Kolb era be too far away with another uninspiring performance by Donovan McNabb, who seemed obsessed (as he has all year) with throwing dump-off passes to running back Brian Westbrook in Philadelphia’s embarrassing 38-17 loss at home. By all indications, McNabb will not be resigned at the end of the season leaving Kolb as the heir apparent to lead the Eagle offense in 2008. At 6’3” 218 pounds, Kolb is a big quarterback armed with a quick release, mobility, arm strength and good decision-making skills.

MAURICE HICKS (RB-SF)- Hicks and Michael Robinson filled in for a hobbled Frank Gore versus Atlanta in week nine. While Robinson received most of the carries, Hicks displayed better big-play ability by rushing for 49 yards on only seven carries, including a nine-yard touchdown run.

MICHAEL ROBINSON (RB-SF)- In filling in for the injured Frank Gore, Robinson gained a workmanlike 67 yards on 17 carries. While fellow back Maurice Hicks is the more explosive player, Robinson is the bigger man (6’1” 218 pounds) who’ll be better equipped to take on the majority of the carries if Gore sits out for an extended period of time.

T.J. DUCKETT (RB-DET)- Previously highlighted in Ones to Watch during the preseason, Duckett has reappeared on the scene by gaining 48 yards on only five carries, including a three yard touchdown run versus the Broncos in week nine. In the coming weeks, Detroit may be looking to save lead runner Kevin Jones from taking too much punishment and make the 250-pounder their primary option on short-yardage and goal-line plays.

TIM DWIGHT (WR-OAK)- This journeyman may have some value on a Raiders squad plagued with a dearth of downfield threats. Dwight was on the receiving end of a 28-yard touchdown pass from Josh McCown in Oakland’s 24-17 loss at the hands of the Houston Texans. The one-time Atlanta Falcon is a smallish wide out with superior run-after-catch skills.

BILLY MILLER (TE-NO)- It was Miller time in New Orleans this Sunday as backup tight end Billy Miller posted a season-high 75 yards on three catches, including a 57-yard reception. The eight-year professional may be getting some more looks in the coming weeks behind a injury-prone Eric Johnson. Playing with a red-hot Drew Brees is also a plus.

SCOTT SUISHAM (K-WASH)- Suisham was the difference maker in Washington’s 23-20 overtime-win over the lowly New York Jets by connecting on four field goals---three of which came from 40 yards and beyond. The native Canadian displayed remarkable accuracy on all his kicks with all four of them splitting the uprights. Suisham could be an intriguing fantasy option in weeks 11 and 12, as the Redskins travel to warm-weather sites in their games versus the Cowboys and Buccaneers respectively.