Big returns on risky investments

Most folks in my fantasy leagues will cop that to some degree that I am a waiver wire genius. I guard my higher waiver position like Tom Cruise smothers Katie Holmes, only using it to fill a desperate need, steal someone else's injury replacement, or grab a rookie call-up. In football especially, the waiver wire is like drilling for oil. It's tiring, dirty, and you're generally rewarded with heartbreak and despair. But once in a great while, you get a gusher.

I just lost Andre Johnson across the board this week with his knee injury, and it sent me into a bit of a panic because I'm already thin at receiver with Mark Clayton hurt (another guy I targeted often this season). Preseason Week 2, I thought I had drafted like a genius. Now, I feel like an idiot. By Week 6, I hope to feel somewhere in between.

But before you throw away any week as a loss because of a sub par receiving corps, take a look at your league's scoring system in regards to kick returns. If you get really lucky, you may just be able to weasel your way into a W.

Over the last two years, I've found that return guys like Dante Hall (and now Devin Hester), who also line up as a #3 or #4 receivers, can really help get you through a tough bye week situation or a desperation start.

In my big money league, Return Yards are 25 yards per point; 1 bonus point at 100 yards; 1 bonus point at 150 yards. Plus you get touchdowns. Plus, it's a point-per-reception.

Patrick Crayton should be the ultimate pickup for this role because Dallas has injuries to Terry Glenn and their number 1 punt returner. However, TO has been hoovering all the balls, and Crayton can't seem to do much except get himself hurt.

Right now on my waiver wire, Joshua Cribbs (Cle), with one catch, has outscored Demetrious Williams, Jacoby Jones, and Vincent Jackson—guys who may have been drafted in your league. Even Dante Hall has similar numbers. So if Devin Hester (Chi) is still out there, you might want to stash him on your bench, because he almost had 3 return TDs last Sunday.

There's one guy in particular, though, that just may be a temporary gold mine. Due to injuries, Glenn Holt (Cin) is now returning kicks and acting as the #3 receiver: the Chris Henry Memorial 40 oz position. Right now in my league, he's outscored Darrell Jackson, Hines Ward, and Santana Moss. He had 5 catches for 52 and TD last week on top of 177 return yards. Even if he only gets four returns in Seattle this Sunday, he could still post the same numbers as a receiver.

Now, I left him on the wire for Jason Avant (Phi) in this league, only because I think he's moving his way into McNabb favorite territory, but I've picked him up in another, and I'm starting him. So go, L'il Holt!