Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: QB | RB | WR | TE | PK | DT

Fantasy football free agents: One-week plays

The following fantasy football pickups are for those who need injury or bye week replacements. They are not players you immediately acquire - unless your team is in dire straits. Some have, however, shown some life and should be followed in case they materialize as options beyond their temporary use.

NEW - Shaun Draughn, Kansas City Chiefs (97 percent)

Draughn hasn't received many chances, but he has made the most of them with his 14 touches accounting for 120 yards and a touchdown. With Jamaal Charles (knee) dinged and Peyton Hillis coming off a game in which he had a goal line fumble, Draughn could see more action in Week 3. Sunday's opponent, the New Orleans Saints, have allowed a league-worst five touchdowns to opposing backs this season. Combine the two and you have a viable desperation play.

Fantasy football free agents: Watch list

Marching into relevance?

These fantasy football free agents shouldn't be on your immediate list. They may have had a big week. They may have talent but are buried on the depth chart and merely awaiting an opportunity. Still, fantasy football players must know who they are for their potential contribution in the future.

Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints (38 percent)

Although New Orleans is off to a rough start, Thomas is making the most of his chances with 143 yards on 13 total touches in Week 2. Therein lies the issue, however, as the Saints continue to feature Darren Sproles (13 touches) and Mark Ingram (16) as well.

Thomas is a solid stash option; he's just not someone you can safely start until the Saints show a willingness to give him consistent snaps.

Jackie Battle, San Diego Chargers (100 percent)

I'm going out on a limb here and saying that, in the illustrious history of fantasy football, there has never before been an instance of a team scoring five touchdowns exclusively with players owned in zero leagues - a claim I could substantiate if only I had access to a crack research staff (hint hint). Meet half of that equation: Jackie Battle. The former Chief injected some life into a dormant Chargers run game in Week 2, carrying the ball 14 times for 69 yards and two touchdowns.

Once Ryan Mathews (collarbone) returns, Battle's value is lost. If you've been carrying Curtis Brinkley or Ronnie Brown as a handcuff, though, you can make the appropriate move to add Battle behind Mathews.