Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 5
We are getting into the real meat of the NFL bye week schedule. If you own any Seahawks, Saints, Jaguars or Chiefs chances are that you need a fill-in player this week. The following players are free in most leagues. For the full conversation, check out the Waiver Wire Podcast every Tuesday. As always, if you are looking for a QB to use as a spot start or streamer, they can be found in the Streaming QBs article.
Wide Receivers
Steve Smith vs WAS (ESPN 61%, Yahoo 64%)
The ageless one was a top 10 WR in 2015 before his injury. It looks like he is returning to form. If he is still available, go get him.
Quincy Enunwa @ PIT (ESPN 40%, Yahoo 37%)
Eric Decker’s season is in shambles. Though his shoulder may not require surgery he is going to be a shell of himself if/when he plays. Enunwa steps into that featured role in Chan Gailey’s system.
Eddie Royal @ IND (ESPN 9%, Yahoo 15%)
A deeper add, Royal has shown chemistry with Brian Hoyer. He will have added value if Kevin White and/or Alshon Jeffery miss time.
Phillip Dorsett vs CHI (ESPN 43%, Yahoo 53%)
A homerun threat in an Andrew Luck-led offense. Dorsett can be a headache, but he proved in London that all he needs is one play to make himself start worthy.
Chris Hogan @ CLE (ESPN 31%, Yahoo 24%)
Your best bet is to get your hands on as many members of the Brady Bunch as possible.
Robert Woods @ LA (ESPN 10%, Yahoo 8%)
A better real life WR than fantasy asset, but the opportunity is there for the former USC wideout.
Sammie Coates vs NYJ (ESPN 11%, Yahoo 17%)
The target numbers for Coates are encouraging as he has climbed the depth chart in recent weeks. He appears to be taking over the downfield threat void left by Martavis Bryant.
Running Backs
Terrence West vs WAS (ESPN 45%, Yahoo 31%)
Kenneth Dixon vs WAS (ESPN 20%, Yahoo 26%)
So the Ravens have released Justin Forsett, again. West is the immediate starter, but the long-term play in this offense is the rookie Kenneth Dixon who is set to return this week from his knee injury.
Bilal Powell @ PIT (ESPN 36%, Yahoo 23%)
Whether or not Forte is actually injured, Powell has seen an increase in touches in recent weeks and has been more explosive than his running mate.
Jay Ajayi vs TEN (ESPN 49%, Yahoo 29%)
I can’t in good conscience recommend that you add Jay Ajayi. Adam Gase seems to hate his RBs so I will opt to follow his lead.
Orleans Darkwa @ GB (ESPN 32%, Yahoo 38%)
Darkwa managed to find the end zone against a tough Minnesota defense, but this is still a backfield by committee. In PPR leagues you might want to look to Bobby Rainey. Rookie Paul Perkins also showed some of his talents on MNF.
Cameron Artis-Payne vs TB (ESPN 40%, Yahoo 30%)
CAP hasn’t done much to get excited about in Carolina but if Cam Newton is forced to miss time (concussion) Carolina RBs are going to see more opportunities, especially in the red zone.
Wendell Smallwood @ DET (ESPN 9.9%, Yahoo 13%)
The rookie is playing behind the fragile Ryan Mathews, and looks to have earned at least a role in a timeshare.
Tight Ends
Zach Ertz @ DET (ESPN 61%, Yahoo 64%)
Watch the injury reports, as Ertz is returning from a scary rib injury. But even if he does not play this week, Ertz is still a valuable add.
Zach Miller @ IND (ESPN 67%, Yahoo 61%)
With Hoyer at QB and the options on the outside ailing in Chicago, Miller should have a big role this week against a banged up Colts defense.
Hunter Henry @ OAK (ESPN 32%, Yahoo 31%)
If Antonio Gates is out, this kid fills the role nicely in a San Diego offense that leans on the TE.
Defense/Special Teams
Chicago Bears @ IND
San Francisco 49ers vs AZ
Los Angeles Rams of Anaheim vs BUF
Buffalo Bills @ LA
Pittsburgh Steelers vs NYJ
Generally, defenses fair better at home so you have to love the Steelers this week against PicksPatrick and the Jets. Also, the 49ers are likely to get a backup QB from Arizona on a short week. If both the Rams and Bills are available, and you would like to flip a coin, I’d be ok with that.