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News-Herald Assistant Sports Editor Kevin Kleps doesn’t just write headlines and stories. He also checks on his fantasy sports teams. A lot. See if the moves and news from the world of sports affect your fantasy teams.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Fantasy football: Week 3 waiver-wire picks

Last week, we gave you Devery Henderson, Dustin Keller, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Aaron Hernandez and Ben Tate in this space.

If you only listened to us on Cadillac Williams, shame on you. OK, shame on us for thinking one game might mean Williams could somehow turn back the clock.

Anyway, we're back with more waiver-wire selections this week. Note that we are looking for players who are available in the majority of the leagues on ESPN.com.

Also note that we discussed the fantasy values of Dexter McCluster, Thomas Jones and other possible free-agent running backs on Monday morning.

1. Eric Decker, WR, Broncos (owned in 6.7 percent of the ESPN.com leagues): With Brandon Lloyd out because of a groin injury and Eddie Royal sidelined during the game because of a similar ailment, Decker had his best game as a pro Sunday -- five receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns vs. the Bengals. He has eight catches for 166 yards in two games, and Royal is expected to miss 2 to 4 weeks. Lloyd should return this week, but that doesn't diminish Decker's standing as a quality No. 3 receiver option in 12-team leagues.

2. David Nelson, WR, Bills (1.4 percent): Nelson had 31 receptions for 353 yards and three TDs as an undrafted rookie last season. All three of his scores were in his last four games. This season, he has 14 receptions for 149 yards and a TD in two games, including a huge Week 2 against the Raiders (10 catches for 83 yards and a score). He's a decent third receiver in 12-team point-per-reception leagues.

3. Fred Davis, TE, Redskins (16.9 percent): Chris Cooley is beat up, as evidenced by his two catches for 21 yards in two games (he was shut out last week). Enter Davis, who has 11 receptions for 191 yards and a TD in two contests. In 2009, he seemed to be Washington's future No. 1 option at tight end (48 receptions, six TDs), but he was disappointing last year. This season, he has surpassed Cooley and should be considered a starting tight end in 12-team leagues.

Five other possible free agents of note:

-- Rex Grossman, QB, Redskins (16.6 percent): He's thrown for at least 291 yards and two TDs each week. Do we think it will continue? No. Can you do better at QB? Absolutely. But Grossman does merit consideration in deep leagues, and he's a no-doubt-about-it starter in leagues in which you play two QBs.

-- Nate Washington, WR, Titans (3.3 percent): He has had six catches or more in each of his first two games, capped by a seven-reception, 99-yard performance against the Ravens. Washington had six TDs in both 2009 and '10, but he never had more than 47 receptions or 687 yards. With Matt Hasselbeck under center, he can at least be a part-time starter in fantasy.

-- Jabar Gaffney, WR, Redskins (5.6 percent): Gaffney averaged 59.5 catches per season in 2009 and '10 with the Broncos, but he scored two TDs each year. With Big Rex in command, Gaffney had five receptions for 62 yards last week against the Cardinals. He isn't a fantasy starter unless you're desperate, but he is roster-worthy.

-- Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Rams (31.3 percent): See Gaffney, Jabar. Sims-Walker had six catches for 92 yards Monday night, but he had one reception for 5 yards in St. Louis' opener. Sam Bradford spreads the receptions between Sims-Walker, Brandon Gibson (seven catches for 102 yards) and Danario Alexander (three receptions for 122 yards and a TD on Monday), so consider Sims-Walker a fantasy reserve.

-- Jason Campbell, QB, Raiders (27.5 percent): We're not fans of Campbell, but he has accounted for five TDs (three passing, two rushing) in two weeks. Campbell's season stats are obviously skewed by his huge game at Buffalo on Sunday. Also keep in mind Campbell threw for only 13 TDs last season. He's no better than a mid-level fantasy backup.

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