Fantasy Football: Week 5 Watch List Candidates
Scouring the waiver wire can be a daunting and time-consuming task due to the sheer amount of talent that is usually available in a league each and every week. The purpose of this article is to identify players who should be put on watch lists so that fantasy owners can be proactive and aware of potential free agent gems over the course of the 2018 regular season. Keep in mind that the names listed below are owned in a small percentage of leagues, but nonetheless offer statistical upside and therefore warrant our attention. Week 4 consisted of names like Julian Edelman, Hayden Hurst, and D’Onta Foreman. Now, let’s look ahead to Week 5 and players to watch for.
WR Keke Coutee, Texans (37% Owned)
After an impressive NFL debut in which he tallied 11 receptions for 109 yards on 15 targets, Keke Coutee has been a popular waiver wire acquisition this week. For now, the Texas Tech product belongs on watch lists or fantasy benches until more clarity is provided on Will Fuller’s hamstring injury. If he is sidelined, fantasy owners should prepare to deploy Coutee as an upside WR3. This offseason I wrote about Keke as a deep sleeper, but Houston’s lack of depth at receiver could translate to the 21-year-old being a steady contributor as a rookie in 2018.
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Packers (3% Owned)
Whenever a rookie wide receiver earns a start for the Green Bay Packers, it is a noteworthy occurrence. Marquez Valdes-Scantling accomplished just that in Week 4, catching one pass for 38 yards across 3 targets. He also was on the field for 54 of a possible 76 snaps in the game, which is encouraging for his role in the near future. With Davante Adams (calf), Randall Cobb (hamstring) and Geronimo Allison (concussion) suddenly all uncertain to suit up this weekend, Valdes-Scantling makes for a sound roster addition in all scoring formats. The 5th round pick’s output should be watched intently, as he can quickly pay dividends to those in need of help at wide receiver in fantasy circles.
RB Robert Turbin, Colts (1% Owned)
To date, no running back outside of Nyheim Hines has been reliable for the Indianapolis Colts. I am writing this article prior to the team’s tilt with the New England Patriots on Thursday night, but Robert Turbin would be difficult to trust in lineups regardless of coming off of his four-game suspension. Over four contests this season, Jordan Wilkins leads the Colts in rushing with 136 yards and a 3.6 yard per carry average. This lack of output and efficiency at the tailback position theoretically opens the door for Turbin to carve out a role on offense moving forward. While Marlon Mack still tends to a lingering hamstring issue, Robert’s snaps and touches should be monitored closely.
WR Ryan Switzer, Steelers (1% Owned)
Target share is the clear concern, but Ryan Switzer is now on the fantasy radar after his Week 4 usage. He collected 7 catches for 32 yards, making him a watch list candidate for deep PPR leagues. With James Washington also in the mix for WR3 duties in Pittsburgh, it is best to take a wait and see approach with Ryan’s production. Even so, Switzer has steadily seen his weekly target totals increase this year from 1 > 2 > 3 > 7. He is best viewed as a speculative stash at this point, especially with Le’Veon Bell set to return after the Steelers bye.
TE(s) Tyler Kroft/C.J. Uzomah, Bengals (3% & 23% Owned)
Due to Tyler Eifert’s unfortunate season-ending ankle injury, the Cincinnati Bengals are now left with a complete void at the tight end position. Tyler Kroft and C.J. Uzomah are expected to serve as replacement options, which could lead to a frustrating and unpredictable committee for fantasy purposes. So far this season, C.J. has run 65 routes to Kroft’s 21. In 2017, the Bengals relied on Tyler’s services to fill in for Eifert. Kroft answered with a 42-404-7 receiving line and was a rather consistent asset last season. For now, both of Cincinnati’s tight ends remains deep watch list candidates due to undefined workloads for the remainder of the 2018 campaign.