Here is what everyone is waiting for, the FFLockerRoom’s Waiver Wire pickups for week 5. I am going to put these guys in order of what I believe to be the most important guys first, top down.
By Tom Schriner, The Fantasy Football Junkie
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Players I think are safe to drop: Ryan Broyles, Brandon Jacobs, Greg Little, Kenny Britt, Jonathan Dwyer, Aaron Dobson and Mark Ingram
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Click HERE for the FFLockerRoom Week 5 Rankings.
MUST OWN
1. Danny Woodhead, RB, San Diego Chargers (16.5%*) – We suggested last week that you take a chance on Woodhead and it paid off if you did. Two touchdowns later, he’s officially the hottest pickup in the league and should be owned in all PPR formats.
2. Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots (63.8%) – Normally I wouldn’t suggest a player that is owned in more than 50 percent of leagues but I thought Edelman in only 63 was worth noting. He finally broke out with 118 yards in week 4 and should be played in week 5 with Amendola likely still not back.
3. Heath Miller, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers (24.4%) – We told you to nab Miller last week but after catching 6 for 70 it might be tougher to get him off waivers. He was on the field for almost every offensive snap for the Steelers so his injury worries are behind him.
4. Kenbrell Thompkins, WR, New England Patriots (62.4%) – Again, I don’t like pointing out guys that are owned in 50 percent of teams or more but Thompkins is quickly gaining the favor of Brady. And when Amendola comes back, it will not be Kenbrell on the outs.
TAKE A CHANCE
5. Nate Washington, WR, Tennessee Titans (16.5%) – Nate would have made the must own category were it not for Jake Locker going down with his hip injury. I have all the confidence in the world that Ryan Fitzpatrick can get it to Washington but he could favor Kendall Wright more. A situation to watch for sure.
6. Johnathan Franklin, RB, Green Bay Packers (Owned 6.8%) – Before the draft, I had Franklin rated as my #1 rookie RB. The packers face the Detroit Lions in week 5 and will have Eddie Lacy back. Even though Lacy should be a full go, I feel like Franklin could get involved heavily if the Lions can keep pace on offense.
7. Coby Fleener, TE, Indianapolis Colts (19.9%) – Since Dwayne Allen went on injured reserve, Coby Fleener has made the most of his opportunity. As long as he keeps catching the ball and not drop many passes, Luck will continue throwing his way.
8. Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs (45.6%) – You can’t argue with what Smith has been able to do thus far. And he will be a decent option most weeks. With byes coming up, Smith will fill-in nicely for most fantasy teams.
9. Charles Clay, TE, Miami Dolphins (17.4%) – Clay hasn’t had less than 4 receptions in any game this year. It is obvious that Ryan Tannehill likes to throw Clay’s direction.
PLAYING WITH FIRE
10. Jerome Simpson, WR, Minnesota Vikings (2.7%) – I don’t know if there is a more maddening player on the waiver list this week. He was probably dumped last week from the majority of his owners only to go off with Matt Cassell as his QB. Who knows, maybe Matt can help make the passing game of the Vikings relevant.
11. Andre Ellington, RB, Arizona Cardinals (1.8%) – If you are in a deeper league and want to take a chance on a rookie, pick up Andre Ellington. With Rashard Mendenhall struggling, Ellington has come in and done a really nice job with his limited touches. He could be looking for an increase in work in the coming weeks.
12. Robert Woods, WR, Buffalo Bills (4.6%) – Woods and EJ Manuel have a chance to grow together and with Stevie Johnson commanding the defenses best defenders most weeks, that should help open things up for the rookie. Woods only has 11 receptions to date but 8 of those went for first downs and he’s added two touchdowns.
13. Chris Ogbonnaya, RB, Cleveland Browns (1.2%) – I probably wouldn’t pick him up in standard leagues, but I might in a PPR. Willis McGahee is going to get the carries but Chris finished with 5 receptions last week with a score. And he could probably catch 3-5 passes a game. Only the very deepest of leagues need apply.
If you find yourself with some extra time and want to read my recap of Sunday’s action, here is The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.
And if you think I forgot someone for the Waiver Wire, please tell me in the comments below. Who knows, you even might be able to help someone land their next waiver wire stud.
*Owned percentage taken from ESPN leagues.
