Rainey is just one of a handful of football players that are available on most fantasy waiver wires to help your team down the stretch. The former Baltimore Raven who was claimed off waivers multiple times before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have found a permanent home down the stretch. Rainey and Brian Leonard have split time since the team lost starting running back Doug Martin then Mike James to season ending injuries.

Rainey didn’t disappoint Sunday in the win against the Atlanta Falcons as he finished the game with 30 carries. The Falcons couldn’t find a way to slow him down as he racked up an average of 5.4 per carry for 163 yards and touchdowns. This marked back to back games he found the end zone as he also scored in the Buccaneers win against the Miami Dolphins.

Going forward the Buccaneers will stay with the five foot eight inch Rainey who also only weighs 212 pounds. In the years past we have seen smaller backs similar to Rainey such as his former teammate in Ray Rice have great success.

Now Rainey may not be available this morning for you if you failed to land him prior to yesterday’s game but if he is available I would encourage everyone to pick him up. Here are a few other players that may be available on the waiver wire or trade market.

In Pittsburgh Jerricho Cotchery has put together three consecutive games with at least one touchdown catch and five in total. Cotchery should be available in most fantasy leagues and gives you a decent option at a flex spot in larger team leagues. The big part of the success has been Ben Roethlisberger and the passing game which has increased all of the Steelers receiver’s values. In two of his past four games big Ben has thrown for over 350 yards and four touchdowns. The other

Kendall Wright is emerging as one of the main wide receivers in the Tennessee Titans offense. Wright is also emerging as a good fantasy play for PPR leagues as he has pulled in nine, seven, three, nine and five catches over his last five games. He has also been targeted at least five times in each of those games and twelve times in two different games. The downside to Wright is he has only one touchdown this season for the Titans.

Then with many trade deadlines still a few weeks away the name that will be talked about is Ray Rice. You won’t find him on your waiver wire but a fantasy owner might be willing to give him up for a decent position player. Rice is coming off his best game of the season for the Baltimore Ravens and this could exactly be what he needed to get hot down the stretch.

The last player that might play a key role down for the Arizona Cardinals in their remaining games is Michael Floyd. Floyd has had an up and down season but after Sunday’s performance he should be a good play in a flex spot the remainder of the season. On Sunday Floyd pulled in six catches for 193 yards and a touchdown.

There are always those NHL players who dominate the scoring charts – the league has its stars and they impress year in and year out. So far the 2013/14 NHL season has been no different with a number of big names scoring at a torrid pace.

While there may be a group of ‘usual suspects’ atop the NHL stat lists, fantasy hockey takes different categories into account and produces a different crop of top players. Washington’s Alex Ovechkin is #1 both in official scoring AND fantasy scoring (at least in our league), but he’s a pretty obvious player. Let’s see which guys are ripping it up in fantasy hockey and hopefully you drafted some of them.

The St. Louis Blues have been 8-1-1 over their last 10 games and center David Backes has been reaping the rewards from their exceptional play. Backes is currently second in fantasy scoring to Ovechkin. He’s racked up 8 goals and 12 assists so far, but also a huge amount of shots, hits, blocked shots as well as 4 power play goals and 1 goal while shorthanded. Backes is an immensely well-rounded player and will get points because of how much he does on the ice. If he’s not on your roster – make a trade.

This might seem like déjà vu but the Phoenix Coyotes are also 8-1-1 in their past 10, and a center on their team, Martin Hanzal is also having quite the fantasy year. Hanzal has 18 points, 25 penalty minutes, 5 pp points and 57 hits on the year – this guy is getting it done for the Coyotes and helping them win. A lot.

Sometimes you get tier-2 players on teams who are playing well leading the fantasy stats, and then you have a classic fantasy conundrum: a player you’ve never heard of who is in the top 10 in overall points. That’s because of penalty minutes and blocked shots mostly, like Tampa Bay defender Radko Gudas – currently 9^th overall in scoring. Gudas has one goal and five assists, but has racked up 61 penalty minutes (!) and 43 blocked shots – two rather contradictory stats as a defenseman, but who cares – we’re trying to win a fantasy league here! If the scoring picks up for Gudas he could be a fantasy star this year.

His New York Islanders may be struggling this year, but John Tavares is having quite the season. Tavares’ 11 power play points are among the best in the entire league and 25 points and 60 shots on goal are nothing to sneeze at as well. Whatever happens to the Islanders this year, it’s safe to assume that Tavares will keep putting up big numbers.

Finally we have Brandon Dubinsky who seems to have found himself in Columbus after being traded from the New York Rangers. Dubinsky has given the Blue Jackets’ fans something to cheer for with his 15 points and 2 shorthanded goals. His team may be in last place in the Metropolitan Division, but Dubinsky has some huge numbers in fantasy and is worth some serious consideration.

Finding the right guys for your fantasy team sometimes takes place outside of the big names in the NHL, but if you target solid players on winning teams, or guys that keep scoring no matter what, you could be in for a really awesome season. 

Kevin Love missed the most of the 2012-2013 campaign and also recorded career-lows in points per game and shooting due to an injury in his shooting hand. Prior to the start of the 2013-2014 season there were some questions and concerns whether Love would be able to return and be as dominant as he was before getting injured. In his first 10 games of the season, Love has been superb. He is a big factor the Minnesota Timberwolves have gone 6-4 up to now. The double-double machine is back.

After fracturing and re-fracturing his hand last season, Love was very inconsistent and ineffective with his shooting. Even before sustaining his injury he wasn’t as dominant as he used to be. Of course, shooting is one of Love’s main weapons. It became clear that without a solid touch for his shooting hand the 25-year old superstar wouldn’t be able to be the player he once was.

This season, though, Love made all the concerns about his performance vanish by simply recording superb outputs.

His is now averaging 27.2 PPG and also 13.8 RPG. He is one of the best fantasy options out there in any position. His shooting numbers are up once again. He has gone for a 48.4 FG% and 34.8 3P% Love in his first 10 games of the season. He is also averaging 4.8 APG and 84.8 FT%.

As of late, rumors state that he is a long-term target of the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks. Of course, he has this season and the next one in his contract with Minnesota but also a player option for the 2015-2016 season. Chances are he chooses to opt-out and explore the market.

As the time when Love’s contract is set to expire, the talk about his next team will heat up for sure. For now, the Wolves are lucky to have him in a perfect condition, playing with his usual dominant style and putting up huge numbers every night. The Wolves have now gone on a 6-4 start in the 2013-2014 campaign. They have set the foundation for a solid run this season.

The presence of Kevin Martin seems to have helped both Love and the team be better.  Martin provides a constant threat in the perimeter for Minnesota and gives the opposing defense one more target to pay attention to. Nikola Pekovic is also a solid contributor in the middle, cleaning up the glass and providing size and length to the Wolves.

At the moment, Love’s value is clearly exposed, not only for his team but also as a fantasy option. He is constantly breaking individual, team and league records. He recently became one of the four players in league history to record 30 plus points, 15 plus rebounds, eight plus assists and three three-pointers in an NBA game. He also broke another record as he became the only player in the history of the NBA to record four threes, 19 boards and seven assists in a game.

There is little doubt that when healthy, Danilo Gallinari is a quality forward, one of the best in the league. Point is he currently is not healthy. So what about his fantasy potential? Should he be considered as a legitimate fantasy sleeper? Or should he just be avoided by fantasy owners?

The first thing we have to consider when talking about Gallinari for the 2013-2014 season is that he will be returning from a torn ACL injury. Remember this type of injury? It’s a nightmare for any professional athlete, because it has an extended rehabilitation time and it can also hide lots of setbacks. That’s the same injury Rajon Rondo is recovering from and the same one that forced Derrick Rose miss 1.5 years in the league. So, first things first, even if Gallinari returns this season, somewhere around late November or December or even January, he might not be 100 percent. He will be slower, weaker and far from ‘fit’. It will take time to pick up the points he did when he suffered this unfortunate injury and became the main man for the Nuggets.
 

It’s true that Gallinari came off a career-high16.2 PPG last season in the 71 games he was able to participate with the Denver Nuggets. He also recorded 5.2 RPG, 41.8 FG% and 88.2 FT%. These are solid stats and tempting for a fantasy team. However, his injury concerns should alert fantasy owners. During the 2011-2012 season the Italian forward appeared in just 43 games.

As a matter of fact, the 25-year old forward could be considered as a solid fantasy pick for the 2013-2014 season but he also contains a big dose of risk. Certainly, the slight loss of quality in the Nuggets team and the departure of Andre Iguodala could work on his favor. Gallinari will certainly be the biggest contributor on the offensive end for the Nuggets, once he reaches his 100 percent. But will this happen this season or during the first weeks after his return? That’s a mystery and there’s exactly where the risk is hidden for fantasy owners.
 

 
So, for fantasy owners who want to stay focused and don’t bargain with their fantasy teams, Gallinari might as well remain undrafted this season. For those who are willing to take the risk, they can keep him in mind of course, especially as his comeback gets more imminent. Personally, we are big fans of “Gallo” and his character, determination and work ethic is only to be admired.

Thankfully, Danilo Gallinari is still young and he will have many years ahead in his career to prove his value and that he can stay healthy and at the top of his game. But for now, it would be wiser for fantasy owners to sit back and see that happen. 

McCoy and the Philadelphia Eagles host the Washington Redskins at home. The Redskins enters this matchup allowing the second most fantasy points per game to the running back position. This week that defense has a very difficult matchup in trying to slow down the NFL league leader in rushing yards with 932.

The other key fantasy matchup is Peyton Manning against a very good Kanas City Chiefs defense. The Chiefs have only allowed nine passing touchdowns this season against 12 interceptions. The other thing that is a concern is how well will Manning’s ankle hold up.

Top Fantasy Quarterbacks For Week 11:

Russell Wilson – The Seattle Seahawks host the Minnesota Vikings in week 11. Last week the Vikings pass defense allowed three first half touchdown passes to Robert Griffin III but limited him to zero in the second half. This season the Vikings defense has allowed the most passing touchdowns in the league with 20.

Nick Foles – This is a difficult pick based on this matchup being a divisional game. If Foles and the Eagles weren’t playing the Redskins but a similar defense that has allowed 19 passing touchdowns this season he would be a must start. Foles has yet to throw an interception this season.

Top Fantasy Wide Receivers For Week 11:

Antonio Brown – Last week Brown pulled in six catches for 104 yards but failed to get in the endzone. Brown has put up big numbers in receiving game this season but has only three touchdowns to show for it. In only one of his last five games has Brown found the endzone.

Torrey Smith – The Ravens offense is lacking but the loss of Charles Tillman to the Chicago Bears defense opens up more of the passing game. Smith is a big play receiver who if it wasn’t for the wind last week would have had two touchdowns and over 100 yards receiving.

Top Running Backs For Week 11:

LeSean McCoy – It is hard to pick against McCoy when he gets to go up against a Redskins defense that has allowed the second most fantasy points to the running back position. The Redskins haven’t allowed the most yards this season but they have allowed eleven touchdowns to the running back position.

Marshawn Lynch – Beast mode continues to put up big games and this week should be no different against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have allowed eight touchdown runs and over 800 yards on the season. Lynch has rushed for over the hundred yard mark in each of the last two games.

Top Tight Ends For Week 11:

Brent Celek – The Eagles offense heads up against a Redskins defense that has allowed 451 yards and seven touchdowns to the tight end position. This could be an opportunity for both the Eagles tight ends to find the endzone.

Zach Miller – Russell Wilson has an opportunity in week 11 to get Miller involved in the passing game. The Vikings have allowed the most passing touchdowns with nine to the tight end position and the third most fantasy points.

Breakout Player For Week 11:

Mike Glennon – The Buccaneers picked their first win up of the season last week now they have an opportunity to put together a winning streak. Glennon has an opportunity to make plays with his arm against a Vikings team that has allowed 19 passing touchdown versus only six interceptions.

All fantasy owners who have selected Paul George for their fantasy teams can be full of joy at the moment. Not just because George has been terrific up to now, putting up superstar-like numbers. But because they also got justified for their selection and the trust they showed to the 23-year old emerging star.

In the first six games of the Indiana Pacers, where the team has gone for a perfect 6-0, George is simply stunning. He now shows why he is considered as an emerging superstar and a player that can establish himself to the elite of the NBA players this season.

In 37.5 minutes per game George is averaging 25.3 points per contest, 8.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He also has 1.8 steals and shoots 45.5 percent from the floor. His free-throw shooting is also improved to an 82.5 percent while his three-point percentage has reached the 40.9 percent mark.

One aspect of the game George had to improve from the 2012-2013 season was shooting. Of course, there were some other aspects of the game George could make better, but his shot selection and his efficiency from the floor was the most obvious.

Of course, it’s still too early in the season for us to export a clear view of George’s performance. But still, he is very impressive. In 2012-2013 he averaged 17.4 points per game, 7.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists. But his shooting was much worse, just 41.9 percent from the floor and 36.2 percent from three-point range. Right now, he has entered this new season with his stats skyrocketed and there is no sign of him slowing down.

Still, LeBron James and Kevin Durant will be the two best players in the league and any fantasy basketball league. Nevertheless, Paul George is an emerging power that shouldn’t be neglected. In fact, George’s presence started to become vividly obvious during the 2013 NBA Playoffs. Then, he was able to uplift his performance, stand up firm against LeBron James and lead the Indiana Pacers all the way to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Danny Granger’s absence has certainly affected George’s performance. He is now the center piece of the Pacers’ offense. He also dominates the offensive possessions in the perimeter. But that’s one thing about George all fantasy owners should be cautious about. Once Granger gets back there is no certainly about how George’s performance will balance. If Granger is at his 100 percent, he will definitely see big minutes and take several shot attempts, which might negatively affect George’s outputs every night. Of course, up to then, the 23-year old guard will continue to dominate and put up superb performances, just as he has been doing up to this point of the season.

Paul George could end up averaging around 20 points and 8 rebounds per game this season. This will place him in the top 10 of fantasy options for this season, especially if he continues to shoot the way he does.

Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers battle in what could be a high scoring contest next week in the NFL. Meanwhile the Dallas Cowboys with Tony Romo travel to New Orleans to take on Drew Brees and the Saints. These are just a few of the great fantasy matchups taking place around the NFL.

All four of these quarterbacks rank in the top six in the NFL in passing yards. Matthew Stafford and Andy Dalton round out the top six and both have favorable matchups in week 10 as well. Dalton and the Bengals go up against a struggling Baltimore Ravens team. Stafford and the Detroit Lions take on NFC North rivals the Chicago Bears.

Top Fantasy Quarterbacks For Week 10:

Drew Brees – The Saints quarterback is on pace for another 5,000 yard passing season as well as over 40 touchdown passes. This week he should have an opportunity to make plays going against a Cowboys team that has allowed over 20 points a game to opposing quarterbacks.

Ben Roethlisberger -The Steelers have a very favorable matchup against the Buffalo Bills at home. The Bills are in the middle of the pact in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks but have allowed the most passing touchdowns in the NFL with 20.

Top Fantasy Wide Receivers For Week 9:

Antonio Brown – The one thing going right for the Steelers this season is the play of Brown in the passing game. Brown has 61 catches for 701 yards but only three touchdown receptions. Over the last five games Brown pulled in at least five catches per game and 50 yards per game.

Wes Welker – The Broncos travel to San Diego to take on a Chargers team that allowed 172 yards to Pierre Garcon in week 9. Welker along with the other two wide receivers should all have good games against a Chargers team that has allowed the seventh most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Top Running Backs For Week 9:

Chris Johnson – In week 9, Johnson ran for 150 yards and two touchdowns in the Titans 28-21 victory over the St. Louis Rams. Johnson has another chance for a big game in week 10 going up against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that has allowed the second most fantasy points to running backs.

Adrian Peterson – Peterson and the Vikings face off against another NFC East opponent the Washington Redskins in week 10. The Redskins have allowed the most fantasy points to the running back position with nearly 22 points a game. This is perfect timing as Peterson put together a solid game last week rushing for 140 yards and a touchdown.

Top Tight Ends For Week 9:

Jimmy Graham – The Saints take on the Cowboys in week 10 in what should be a high scoring game with both teams throwing the ball a lot. The Cowboys are allowing nearly ten points a game to the tight end position.

Jordan Reed – Reed goes up against a Vikings defense that allowed eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown to Jason Witten in week 9. Reed is becoming a viable threat and a main target of Robert Griffin III.

Breakout Player For Week 9:

Maurice Jones-Drew – Now most the time breakout stars are not big name players but he has yet to have a big game. This week he gets a shot at a Titans defense that allowed over 100 yards and two touchdowns to the Rams in week 9.