Fantasy football requires a willingness to accept risk. Whether that involves which members of your roster you choose to activate on a weekly basis, a trade proposal giving up value now for long-term security or grabbing a player off of the waiver wire, taking a gamble can be worth it if the returns are good.
Here are three highly risky waiver wire adds who have the ability to make or break your fantasy week, depending on when you choose to start them.
WR Jerricho Cotchery, Pittsburgh Steelers (Bye)
The Steelers are on their bye this week, but that doesn't mean fantasy owners aren't giving receiver Jerricho Cotchery serious thought. Cotchery had two catches for 29 yards and a touchdown in the team's Week 10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and could have grabbed two more scores if it weren't for a poor pass and a penalty.
On the season, he has six catches for 83 yards and that one score, with that yardage coming exclusively in the Steelers' last three games. He's getting more work ahead of fellow receiver Hines Ward and could usurp his position entirely after the team emerges from their Week 11 bye.
However, with so many talented receivers on the Steelers' roster, Cotchery isn't the one to own and start every week. If you're interested in his services, pick him up and stash him on your bench, evaluate how the team uses him in Week 12, and throw him in the mix as a flex or WR3 only when the situation warrants it.
TE Ed Dickson, Baltimore Ravens (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)
Ed Dickson emerged in Week 1 as the starting Ravens' tight end, but that role seems to have fallen to Dennis Pitta as the weeks have gone by. However, with 10 catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns in Week 10 against the Seattle Seahawks, it appears that Dickson has reacquired some fantasy relevance.
But not so fast—Dickson's success was predicated by the fact that receivers Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith were well covered by a Seahawks' defense that has been weak against the tight end position all season.
While that doesn't mean Dickson isn't a useful addition to your team, especially if you're feeling weak at tight end, it does mean you'll have to pay attention to matchups and only give him the nod if it seems likely that Joe Flacco's usual receiving options will be neutralized.
Dickson has 40 catches for 356 yards and three touchdowns, but the Seattle game was the first time he's scored since the first game of the season.
WR Chad Ochocinco, New England Patriots (vs. Kansas City Chiefs)
If there's a week for you to not only pick up Patriots' receiver Chad Ochocinco, but to give him a highly-risky, but potentially fruitful start, it's this week. The Patriots host the struggling Chiefs on Monday night.
Slowly, slowly, slowly Ochocinco is becoming a useful part of the Patriots' multifaceted and high-powered offense. He had two receptions for 65 yards before being squeezed out of the game plan due to the offense's shift to the no-huddle, in which he does not play a role.
Ocho has 11 receptions for 201 yards on the season, with zero catches in Weeks 6, 8 and 9. However, with the Chiefs not fielding a dangerous defense, the Patriots may rely less on the no-huddle this week, meaning more opportunities for Ochocinco to take the field and catch passes.
He's getting more and more up to speed with the Patriots' offense. While he's not useful in consequential games against stout defenses, he may have something to contribute to your fantasy team this week. If you're in a deeper league and are desperate, or just willing, to take a major risk, Chad could be your guy.
Wade Belak Martin Erat Marcel Goc Jamie Lundmark Nick Spaling Pikka Rinne
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