Dr. Fantasy: Ride the waive

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are most fantasy teams. Even owners who have endured particularly putrid draft days can be saved by a magical little device I like to call The Waiver Wire. Unlike the NFL's real waiver wire, the fantasy version can be chock full of players with huge value due to injuries or promotions and demotions. Here's a look at potential pickups for your team for Week 8.

Shonn Greene, running back, Jets: The popular draft-day sleeper pick was stuck behind Thomas Jones and Leon Washington on the depth chart until Washington's season-ending broken leg. Grab the talented Greene now.

Alex Smith, quarterback, 49ers: The former first-round pick tossed three touchdown passes to Vernon Davis and was handed the starter's job by coach Mike Singletary. Smith is in an intriguing prospect for two-QB leagues or as a bye-week option.

Miles Austin, wide receiver, Cowboys: Excuse the pun, but this rookie sensation is miles away the best waiver-wire pickup if he's still available in your league.

Matt Stover, kicker, Colts: Kickers aren't usually hot waiver wire properties, but with Adam Vinatieri likely out for the season, Stover is worth a look considering he's booting field goals for the high-octane Colts.

Jeremy Maclin, wide receiver, Eagles: This speedy Eagle is ready to take flight with Kevin Curtis officially out for the year. He'll also have even more opportunities if Brian Westbrook misses more time from his concussion suffered Monday night.

Locks of the week
Jay Cutler, quarterback, vs. Browns: I'm guessing the post-extension-signing blues for Cutler was only a one-week hiccup.

Mike Sims-Walker, wide receiver, vs. Titans: The Jags new No. 1 pass catcher should catch many of them against the Titans' sagging secondary.

Kevin Smith, running back, vs. Rams: In a game no one wants to watch, Smith will be worth keeping an eye on this week for fantasy owners.

D.R. Smith is a RedEye special contributor.