Fantasy Football: Week 5’s Best Waiver Wire Options
Week 5 has officially begun, which means a lot of you are here for one simple reason – you need bye week replacements. The Cowboys, Raiders, Lions and Bucs are taking the week off. That’s one way to put it. Here’s another: Holy (fill-in-the-blank), Calvin Johnson, DeMarco Murray, Doug Wilson, Darren McFadden, Tony Scheffler, Sebastian Janikowski, Tony Romo and the Bucs defense are off. Whatever will I do?
Here are your best waiver options for the week, and in a lot of cases, beyond:
(All players listed are owned by less than 50% of owners on Fleaflicker.)
Kevin Kolb, Cardinals Quarterback: In a week with ridiculous quarterback numbers, Kolb quietly squeezed out 324 yards and 3 touchdowns. His has developed a nice connection with Andre Roberts who serves as a compliment to Larry Fitzgerald. Even more exciting news about Kolb’s fantasy prospects – the Cardinals next two opponents are St. Louis and Buffalo.
Jackie Battle, Chargers Running Back: It is unclear how much more Ryan Mathews get infiltrated back into the Chargers game plan next week. But one thing is clear – Jackie Battle is the Chargers’ goal line back. All three of his rushing touchdowns this season are from 1-yard out. Next week’s opponent, New Orleans, has allowed six rushing touchdowns.
Brandon Bolden, Patriots Running Back: Disclaimer – Bolden plays for the Pats and could very well be irrelevant this week. The Pats are notorious for changing up their running back packages based on opponents or whatever Bill Belichick had for breakfast that morning. But…Bolden looked great last week on his way to 137 yards rushing and a touchdown. He does have a tough road ahead against Denver and Seattle, both Top 10 rushing defenses.
Davone Bess, Dolphins Wide Receiver: Bess always seems to be a bye week /injury replacement darling. He really got on track Sunday with seven catches and 123 yards, on twelve times. Best is shifty and speedy and can get open in various parts of the field.
Brian Hartline, Dolphins Wide Receiver: How do you top a 253-yard, 1 touchdown performance? You probably don’t but that doesn’t mean Hartline, the Dolphins #1 receiver should be starting in most leagues, especially playing a middle of the road Bengals defense.
James Jones, Packers Wide Receiver: With two scores last week James Jones was the most productive of the Packers wide receivers. He was targeted six times and generally did a great job getting open. Greg Jennings may sit out Sunday’s game at Indianapolis with a groin injury (monitor that one). If so, look for James to get a healthy number of opportunities yet again.
Andre Roberts, Cardinals WR: Roberts had two touches and 118 yards Sunday, and has four scores on the season. While Fitzgerald remains the Cardinals top option, Kolb is very comfortable looking Roberts’ way.
Jerome Simpson, Vikings Wide Receiver: Simpson had a relatively productive first game with 50 yards on four catches, and five targets. It was a promising debut, as it appearing Simpson will be a healthy part of the offensive. Aerial attack He has a dream matchup next week against the Titans who have already allowed ten receiving touchdowns.
Greg Zuerlein, Rams Kicker I don’t care who your kicker is; Zuerlein is probably better. Unless your kicker made 58 and 60 yarders with ease last week.
Happy pickin’!
