Yahoo!‘s Brad Evans Dispenses Add/Drop Wisdom

Who are some waiver wire pickups who might be flying below the radar? Yahoo!’s Brad Evans highlights some admittedly big names who, through a combination of injuries and poor play, are widely available in leagues, and could be poised for second half surges:

Darren McFadden (RB) Oakland Raiders

Logging extensive time on the trainer’s table, McFadden, reportedly fully recovered from a knee injury, is expected to see the field in Week 10’s futility war with Kansas City. Prior to the setback, the top RB selected in the ‘08 draft was criticized by scouts and the media for his unassertiveness and fumbling woes. Due to his sprinter’s style, he has lived a Reggie Bush(notes)-like existence during his short time in the league. But his home run hitting ability could prove fruitful this week against KC. In three career contests against the Chiefs, including one game this year, he’s averaged 97 total yards per contest and totaled two touchdowns. Justin Fargas(notes) and Michael Bush(notes) will also be involved in the rotation, but McFadden, who is the future in Oakland, will likely net roughly 10-15 touches. Obviously, he’s only flex material in deeper leagues, but 50-70 total yards with one score is attainable. The Chiefs have surrendered 5.0 yards per carry and the 10th-most fantasy points to rushers this year.

Antonio Bryant (WR) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Suffice it to say, Bryant has taken up residence on the Isle of Disappointment this season. Limited by injuries and poor QB play, the popular early round pick has had few achievements. In six games he’s found the end zone twice and has averaged a mere 2.7 receptions and 38.2 yards per game. But Freeman’s sparkling debut gives Bryant backers new hope. Assuming the wideout’s lingering knee soreness subsides, he could be productive down the stretch, especially Week 12 at Atlanta and Week 15 at Seattle. If his knee responds positively in practice this week, he could be a quality WR3 stopgap at Miami. Over the past five weeks the Fins have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to receivers.