The waiver wire hot list is a bit shorter this week, due mainly to the fact that the talent pool has likely been sucked dry at this point. However, some of these names could be of use to owners in need of a roster upgrade.

Ryan Torain, RB, Washington Redskins: Torain’s role in the Washington offense has been increasing the last two weeks. In addition, he looked very impressive in Philadelphia Sunday afternoon, carrying the ball 18 times for 70 yards and 1 touchdown. His TD run was a thing of beauty as Torain absolutely trucked Eagles safety Quintin Mikell. Remember, Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan was the guy who drafted Torain when he was running the show in Denver. He obviously likes this kid.

Mike Bell, RB, Philadelphia Eagles: We don’t think Bell offers much upside, as his role in the Philadelphia offense has been very limited to this point. However, with starting RB LeSean McCoy currently nursing a broken rib, Bell could get some serious burn next Sunday night at San Francisco. We don’t expect too much, but it’s not too often you can find a starting RB on waivers.

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets: Owners in need of QB help need to give Sanchez a good, long look. The second-year signal-caller has thrown eight touchdown passes in his last three games and has yet to toss an interception this season. He’s been getting better each week. We don’t expect him to produce monster games week in and week out, but this guy is starting to build confidence and momentum. That’s a scary thought with the talent that’s currently around him.

-Also target: Santonio Holmes, WR, New York Jets: The suspension is just about over. If Holmes is sitting on the wire, get after him.

Michael Bush, RB, Oakland Raiders: Bush lost his shot at the starting job when he broke his thumb during the preseason. With the way Darren McFadden has been playing, I’m sure a few Bush owners dropped him in fear that he would never see any playing time. The good news is that McFadden injured his hamstring during Sunday’s loss to the Houston Texans and could be sidelined if he doesn’t respond well to treatment. Bush looked solid in relief of McFadden on Sunday, carrying the rock 7 times for 40 yards (5.7 YPC) and one score.

Harry Douglas, WR, Atlanta Falcons: He’s only caught nine passes this season, so owners in smaller leagues shouldn’t bother. But keep in mind that Douglas trails only Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez in receptions for the Falcons this season. Not only that, but he’s coming off his best game of the season (3-59-1). Be advised: targets are hard to come by in Atlanta.

Bruce Gradkowski, QB, Oakland Raiders: Gradkowski is going to make mistakes and he’s also going to have some inconsistent weeks, but the guy has thrown for over 250 yards and at least one touchdown in each of his last two games. If you’re in need of a bye week replacement or have some serious issues at the QB position and Sanchez isn’t available, take a look at Gradkowski. He’s thrown the ball 73 times over the past two weeks.

John Carney, K, New Orleans Saints: A kicker?!?! You know it. Remember how many fantasy publications had Garrett Hartley rated real high due to the New Orleans Saints offense? Well, just apply that same logic here for the savvy veteran. In his first game action of the season, Carney went 3 for 3, which might be enough to cost Hartley his job.