Each week during the season, I’ll give some insights on players that should/could be available on your league’s waiver wire.

Working the wire week in, week out is what the best owners do to improve their rosters.

To simplify things a bit, I’ll give each player my personal star rating from 1 to 5 as follows:

5 stars – fantasy starter
4 stars – fantasy flex option
3 stars – borderline flex option, questions about consistency
2 stars – bench player with upside
1 star – deep reach/handcuff

Quarterback

2.5 Stars
- Matt Hasselbeck (TEN) should will the starting job at least another week, maybe more. He’ll face the Bills this week, so he’s a nice one-week fill in if you need it.

2 Stars
- Russell Wilson (SEA) threw for just under 300 yards and 3 TDs against the Patriots, but then again who doesn’t. He’ll face an angry 49ers team this week, so don’t expect the same production.
- Brandon Weeden (CLE) has played steady, but not great, the last few weeks and has seems to have developed a rapport with WR Josh Gordon. A matchup with the Colts makes him a decent option this week.

1.5 stars
- John Skelton (ARI) could get the start this week with Kevin Kolb nursing injured ribs, but you’ll need to monitor the news. I don’t consider Skelton a great option this week with a matchup agains the Vikings, but with six teams on bye, so you may not have much choice.
- Mark Sanchez (NYJ) has somehow held on to his job through New York turmoil, surviving to start another week. He faces a much maligned Patriots secondary in week 7 and that is reason enough to consider him if you are in a bind.

Running Back

3 stars
- Felix Jones (DAL) was able to pull out 105 yards and a score against Baltimore last week in place of the injured DeMarco Murray (sprained foot). He’ll likely start against Carolina this week with Murray doubtful, but keep an eye on the news.
- Montario Hardesty (CLE) picked up 56 yards and a score on Sunday when Trent Richardson left with a rib injury. This is a situation you’ll have to monitor all week, but Hardesty is likely to get extra touches even if Richardson does suit up. And with a matchup against the Colts he should be able to produce RB3/flex numbers for fantasy teams, more if Trent can’t go.

2 stars
- Joique Bell (DET) is now solidified as the backup to Mikel Leshoure with the news that Jahvid Best is unlikely to return this season, maybe ever with continued post-concussion symptoms. Bell hasn’t produced enough yet to consider putting him in lineups, but he’s worth considering as a speculative add.
- William Powell (ARZ) ran for 70 yards on 13 carries in his first major action of the season. LaRod Stevens-Howling got as many carries, but was far less effective, and I expect Powell to get better as the weeks go on.
- Daryl Richardson (STL) split time with Steven Jackson in the backfield and emerged with 25 more rushing yards. A sign of things to come? Unlikely, but Richardson is a guy for SJax owners to invest their insurance dollars in.

1.5 stars
- LeGarrette Blount (TB) is still second fiddle to rookie Doug Martin, but he’s good for 7-9 touches per week with the potential for goal line scores.

Wide Receiver

3 stars
- Josh Gordon (CLE) gets a bump this week after another fine performance (3-99-1) where he caught a long touchdown. He’s only getting a handful of targets each week, but seems to be making the most of them.
- Donnie Avery (IND) had 12 targets last week, but only ended with 4 catches for 60 yards against the Jets. He should get as many looks against the Browns making him a WR3/flex consideration.
- Davone Bess (MIA) has been on the uptick over the last month, averaging 5 catches for 50 yards over that span and seeing increased targets. He’s still not reliable enough to give a higher rating, but is a decent flex option if you are in a pinch.
- Denarius Moore (OAK) has 9 catches, 171 yards and a score over his last two games and is averaging 9 targets per game. Jacksonville and Kansas City are up next, so he should continue to put up decent flex numbers.

2.5 stars
- Kendall Wright (TEN) led the Titans in receiving last Thursday night, finishing with 6 catches and 71 yards. The rookie is steadily getting better and could finish with a flourish. With a matchup against the Bills this week, he’s a decent waiver option.

2 stars

- Devery Henderson (NO) Could get increased playing time with Drew Brees if Lance Moore is still limited with a hamstring injury.

Tight End

2 stars
- Dwayne Allen (IND) is a guy to consider if you are in real need at the position, but don’t expect much more than a 3-for-30 type day.
- Kellen Davis (CHI) only has 8 catches on the season, but has a decent matchup against the Lions this week.
- Marcedes Lewis (JAX) is not going to light up anyone, but he could find his way into the end zone this week against a poor Oakland secondary.