Wire Tap: Moats shines for Texans

Steve Slaton's time in the lineup on Sunday was short. Midway through the first quarter, Slaton caught a Matt Schaub pass just past midfield and failed to keep a grip on the ball, losing his fifth fumble of the season. Slaton got the hook, allowing 26-year-old Ryan Moats the opportunity to gain 126 yards on 23 carries and score three times in the fourth quarter to push the Texans past the Bills.

Now 5-3, and heading into a pivotal stretch of the season, the Texans may be tempted to pull the trigger and give Moats a chance to handle the primary rushing duties moving forward. Coach Gary Kubiak is mum so far, but how can he ignore Moats' performance? Fantasy owners certainly cannot.

The Texans rank fifth in the NFL in total rushing attempts, suggesting an increased role for Moats could make him fantasy gold for those fantasy owners lacking quality depth at the position. At 5-foot-8, 210 pounds, Moats is no smaller than Slaton, and is someone capable of handling the ball 20-plus times, evidenced by his performance on Sunday. One thing for fantasy owners to keep in mind: Moats is not the receiver that Slaton is, suggesting both backs will probably figure into the equation.

Here are a few other waiver wire candidates to consider...

QB Vince Young, Tennessee

Last week, Alex Smith rose from the dead; this week it was Young. In his first start of the season Young completed 15 of 18 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown (no interceptions). Most important, the Titans won, perhaps serving as proof team owner Bud Adams was right in insisting Young should get a chance. The next four weeks the Titans will face four teams that rank in the bottom half of the league in defending the pass. Young, like Smith, might just make the most of what is expected to be his final opportunity.

RB Leonard Weaver, Philadelphia

With Brian Westbrook ailing, Weaver was given the ball eight times on Sunday (75 yards). In the first quarter the 250-pound tank rumbled through the Giants defense for a 41-yard score. Fantasy owners should not expect Weaver to become the team's primary ball carrier -- especially not with rookie LeSean McCoy running as well as he has -- but Weaver's productivity against a respected defense will force Philadelphia to keep him in the rotation.

WR David Anderson, Houston

Moats isn't the only Texans player worthy of a look this week. Anderson caught three passes for 51 yards in the win over Buffalo. The reason he may be a good pickup is the Texans' sudden lack of bodies in the passing game. Tight end Owen Daniels is out, and his backup, James Casey, is also expected to miss time. Anderson could join Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter as the top weapons for a team that has put up respectable passing totals so far (Schaub is tied for first in the league with 16 touchdowns).