/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61786607/1052136894.jpg.0.jpg)
At this point in the season, waiver wire adds aren’t always going to be big immediate impact types. A lot of them are going to give you some depth and spot starts on bye weeks. That’s mostly where this week’s waiver wire adds fall. Before we get to the main additions, for the third week in a row we’ll mention Taylor Gabriel, who is still just 22 percent owned in Yahoo leagues.
Albert Wilson, WR, Miami Dolphins
Rostered - Yahoo: 10 percent | ESPN: 6 percent
Over the past three weeks, Wilson has seen 6, 6, and 9 targets, which have resulted in 4, 5, and 6 receptions, and 19, 43, and 155 yards. Where Wilson has really been able to make a splash is after the catch. On his 73-yard touchdown on Sunday, the expected yards after the catch was one (1). He went for 70. That wasn’t even his best run against expectation — that was a 74-yard touchdown with five expected yards after the catch and he went 78, 73 yards above expectation. Only one other player this season has one reception with over 50 YAC over expectation. The Dolphins are also starting to use Wilson more in spots where he can run after the catch — crossing routes to the middle of the field.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13277321/route_chart_WIL648299_2018_reg_6_1539552542908.jpg)
Ito Smith, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Rostered - Yahoo: 9 percent | ESPN: 13.7 percent
Smith has scored a touchdown in three straight games and he’s going to keep getting the opportunity to do more. Devonta Freeman sat out on Sunday and his outlook for Monday night against the Giants doesn’t look good to start the week. Tevin Coleman out-snapped Smith against the Buccaneers (57 percent to 46 percent), but Smith had more carries (11 to 10) and both had two targets. Smith is on a bye after facing the Giants, but should be worth at least a bench spot while Freeman’s health is monitored through the second half of the season.
Cole Beasley, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Rostered - Yahoo: 9 percent | ESPN: 8.4 percent
Maybe the Cowboys figured out which receiver they should try to run the offense through. Maybe it’s just a blip, but there’s no doubt Beasley had the most impressive game for a Cowboys wide receiver this season before you even consider it came against the Jacksonville Jaguars — nine catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns on 11 targets. When the Dallas offense was at its best in 2016, Beasley was a big part of it. If the Cowboys can keep running the passing offense through the slot, they could be on to something, and buying into that is putting your faith in the Dallas coaching staff, so understood if there’s hesitation. But if the Cowboys figured out Beasley’s role, he could he turn into at least a high volume option for PPR leagues.
Latavius Murray, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Rostered - Yahoo: 49 percent | ESPN: 46.2 percent
Dalvin Cook was “close” to playing on Sunday, per Mike Zimmer, but the second-year back was inactive against the Arizona Cardinals and has been dealing with injuries for most of the season and his status is something to monitor. Without Cook on the field Sunday, Murray got 82 percent of the snaps with 24 carries for 155 yards. The Vikings have been one of the most pass-heavy teams in the league this season, but they have also been among the league leaders in total plays, which still gives plenty of volume to running backs. Cook’s return would take away from Murray’s impact, but any future injury concerns would give Murray a clear path to a No. 1 back role. It’s a gamble well worth the roster spot for the about half of leagues he’s not currently on a roster.