NFL fantasy wire tap

It was not so long ago that fantasy owners had written off Fred Taylor due to his bad knees. But Taylor persevered, and had some huge fantasy totals last

It was not so long ago that fantasy owners had written off Fred Taylor due to his bad knees. But Taylor persevered, and had some huge fantasy totals last season.

Perhaps Houston's Ahman Green is trying to follow in Taylor's footsteps.

An injury magnet, Green has missed time in each of the past five seasons. This year injuries made him slow to get out of the block, but now it appears Green is picking up steam. In Week 6 Green averaged 5.1 yards per carry; last week he found the end zone; and on Sunday, his 4.6-yard average was better than Steve Slaton's 3.5-yard average.

Could it be that Green is preparing to be named 2008 fantasy comeback player of the year?

Well, no, not quite. But Green's recent play is difficult for fantasy owners to ignore, especially those who drafted him and then ditched him after his early season injury. And the news on the injury he suffered against Cincinnati has been positive (neither the coach nor the player said it will force Green to miss time).

Green is still a gamble, no doubt, but he just might make a nice No. 4 back for those owners looking to add upside to their bench.

Here are a few other waiver wire candidates who offer value to fantasy owners ...

First, let's acknowledge that Weaver is a fullback, and so no one can blame fantasy owners for labeling his 116 yards receiving in the win over San Francisco a fluke; Weaver has nothing in his past to suggest otherwise. Then again, it's rare for good backs -- even versatile ones -- to collect that kind of yardage catching the football. And Weaver was also the only Seattle rusher to average more than two yards per carry against the 49ers. Because of those two stats, Weaver might be worth the risk for a fantasy owner in need of a utility player.

Thanks to a 60-yarder at the start of the second half, Schilens led Oakland in catches and yards on Sunday. He is an unknown, and not somebody that every fantasy owner should pounce on. Still, one can't help but to think Oakland was intriguided by what Schilens showed in the loss to Baltimore. For those fantasy owners with room left at wide receiver, Schilens might be a reach worth examining.

Bradley signed with Kansas City only a few weeks ago but already he has climbed up the team's depth chart. On Sunday, the former Bears bust had a nice game against the Jets (five catches for 42 yards and a touchdown). Bradley has burned fantays owners before, but the Chiefs are desparate for help in the passing game and if Bradley is the answer he'll offer some nice fantasy numbers down the stretch.

Yes, Dallas already has one of fantasy's best tight ends (Jason Witten) but there might be room to love two Cowboys. Bennett has performed well as of late, with five catches for 88 yards over the past two weeks. And Witten's shoulder and rib injuries only add to Bennett's appeal. Though he cannot be expected to produce top-level numbers, Bennett is a decent gamble as a fill-in for fantasy owners weak at the position.

Not exactly a prototypical fantasy tight end, Boss made big plays on Sunday nonetheless. He caught four passes, including the decisive score from two yards out. The 6-foot-6, 253-pound Boss has had a nice week before (three catches, 51 yards in Week 3) and may be coming into his own in New York's offense.

Here is a look at this week's buy and sell candidates:

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills

By most standards, Lynch had another dud on Sunday (61 yards rushing), but a closer look at his stats suggest he is on the same trek as 2007 when he offered some nice fantasy totals in the season's second half. Against Miami he had his best per-carry average (4.7 yards) of the season, and he had a season-best five catches. Lynch's asking price is at a low point, and now would be a good time to buy as the weather shifts and the Bills turn more and more to their ground game.

Marques Colston, WR, Saints

Colston finally showed signs of life on Sunday (two catches for 56 yards) but even so, he has still not offered fantasy owners any value this season. Soon that will change, with several favorable matchups coming up on the Saints schedule. A deal for Colston will come at an affordable price, and as the Saints' top target returns to the top of his game he should help fantasy owners make a playoff push.

Roddy White, WR, Falcons

Yes, it's true, White is already the hottest fantasy receiver in the game and his value is at an all-time high. Still, the Falcons upcoming schedule suggests White will only continue to bloom. Games against Denver, San Diego and two contests against New Orleans (all ranked in the bottom six in pass defense) should pad White's numbers, and having him on one's roster in the season's final month could make a difference when fighting for the top prize.

Brett Favre, QB, Jets

It's been a remarkable year so far for the 39-year-old Favre, whose nostalgic appeal only adds to his asking price. But with Buffalo, New England and Tennessee lurking, now might be a good time to deal the old man.

Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Dolphins

Ginn had a career day in the win over Buffalo (175 yards) but in three of seven games this year he's had less than 20 yards. For those unlucky fantasy owners who grabbed Ginn on draft day hoping he'd explode for a big year (and who didn't play him during his time of glory) the time to deal the former Ohio State standout is now, while he has some value to offer.