By Jim Bratton//Contributing Writer
We have now officially reached the midway point of the NFL season, but it is already time for fantasy owners to start making their big playoff push. Here are some names you should be looking for on the waiver wire this week to put your team over the top:
Nate Washington, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans– Nate Washington has exploded in fantasy football for the past couple weeks. Against the Dolphins, Washington recorded 9 catches for 127 yards and 2 touchdowns, racking up 24 fantasy points for owners. Against the Titans, he recorded 4 catches for 74 yards, a solid 13 points for owners with little receiver depth. With Cecil Shorts out of the lineup, I expect Washington to continue to be a factor in the Texans’ offense.
Charcandrick West, Running Back, Kansas City Chiefs– If you did not already have him on your roster as Jamaal Charles’s handcuff, then it’s time to pick up Charcandrick West. The rookie running back finished with 17 fantasy points this week, recording 20 carries for 97 yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs are on a bye this week, but I expect West to still be productive after this weekend.
Ronnie Hillman, Running Back, Denver Broncos– Gary Kubiak’s new run-first scheme has definitely helped Denver’s offense move the football. Against the Packers, Hillman finished with 19 carries for 60 yards and 2 scores, en route to 18 fantasy points. This week, Hillman has a very favorable matchup against the struggling Indianapolis Colts, who are in the midst of a three-game losing streak and have had trouble stopping the run this year.
Gary Barnidge, Tight End, Cleveland Browns– One of the few bright spots in the Browns’ offense this season has been tight end Gary Barnidge. As of last week, Barnidge ranked third in fantasy points at the tight end position, and has recorded three 100-yard receiving games this season. Barnidge has also recorded double-digit fantasy points in each of his last six games. I see Barnidge as a viable tight end option regardless of who the Browns are playing.
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