Waiver Wire Tuesday - WWT Week 7

Alex Smith (QB - SF) – We know he is on a bye but if you need depth at quarterback, Alex is putting up a decent numbers for the 5-1 49ers, 1090 yards, 9 total TD and only 2 picks.  Seems like the former QB Jim Harbaugh finally has the kid on the right track.  They have a VERY easy schedule, so he may become valuable to some of you guys as the season progresses.

Donald Brown (RB - IND) – He is definitely available in your league and if you need an emergency start this week because of injury or bye week issues, he may be your best option.  Not a long term hold, but if Addai is out he should put up a few points for your squad.

Arrelious Benn (WR – TB) – He has only caught 15 balls this year for 243 yards, but he had a breakout game last week versus the Saints.  Josh Freeman has been terrible, but also seems to be turning it around.  If you are thin at WR take a flyer on this kid, he has talent and may get his numbers to 900 and 7 by the end of the year.

Delanie Walker (TE - SF) - Another bye week pick-up, sorry.  But if you need help at TE, this may be your guy.  He has 3 TD in 6 games, which puts him on pace for 10 on the year. That would have led the league for TE’s in 2010.  Not to shabby.

Carson Palmer (QB - OAK) - Trade may happen today to bring Palmer to the Raiders. If so, PICK HIM UP!  PICK UP OF THE WEEK!

Has His Time Finally Come?

If you haven't noticed (and I haven't until today) Alex Smith is putting together a pretty good campaign in 2011. I don't think this is a coincidence or an accident either. That's why I'm advocating, for the first time, you consider adding Alex Smith to your roster if you're looking for QB help. He ranks 2nd in the NFC in passer rating and has thrown only 1 interception to 8 total TD's (1 rushing + 7 passing). The niners hired coach Harbaugh with the hopes he could tutor a young QB and that's why they drafted Colin Kaepernick, but it's Smith who was more ready to be the starter with the shortened camp and he seems to be making the most of this opportunity. Whether it's a bid to get a long-term deal in the Bay or a dress rehearsal for another QB needy team next year, he's finally got a coach and coordinator that are getting the most out of him and the weapons around him. This week he has a tough matchup with the Lions forcing lots of turnovers, so I wouldn't advocate starting him. But if you're not satisfied with your current backup, he's a player you may want to consider taking a shot on. This may be the beginning of a really good thing and you can get in on the ground floor.