Fantasy Football Week 5 Waiver Wire: Best Pickups At Every Position
The key to being a good fantasy football owner is always looking ahead.
Week 4 won’t officially end until the Minnesota Vikings play the New York Giants on Monday night, but it’s never too early to start planning for Week 5, where the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks all have Week 5 byes.
If those byes leave you scrambling for roster replacements, don’t fear. There are a host of good players who might be available on your waiver wire and are worthy of picking up. Let’s take a look:
Quarterback: Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles had a bye in Week 4, so there’s a good chance Wentz is available in most standard leagues. If that’s the case, snag him. The rookie quarterback has thrown for 275-plus yards in two of his first three NFL starts, and there’s a good chance he posts big numbers again versus a Detroit Lions defense that’s given up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.
Other quarterbacks to target: Jay Cutler (CHI), Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ), Ryan Tannehill (MIA), Joe Flacco (BAL)
Running Back: Terrance West, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ running game finally showed signs of life Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, and West was the primary beneficiary, rushing 21 times for 113 yards and a touchdown. We can’t expect those numbers every week, but West is available in a majority of leagues and has another favorable matchup in Week 5 at home against the Washington Redskins.
Other running backs to target: James White (NE), Darren Sproles (PHI), Dwayne Washington (DET), Fozzy Whitaker (CAR), Bilal Powell (NYJ)
Wide Receiver: Eddie Royal, Chicago Bears
Royal also had a huge Week 4, converting seven targets from QB Brian Hoyer into seven catches for 111 yards and a score. Royal is off to a pretty good start this year, and he has two more favorable matchups coming up in Weeks 5 and 6 against the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars, respectively. The slot man especially is worth a look in PPR leagues.
Other wide receivers to target: Steve Smith Sr. (BAL), Robert Woods (BUF), Dontrelle Inman (SD), Sammie Coates (PIT)
Tight End: Zach Ertz, Eagles
Ertz missed two games before Philly’s Week 4 bye, so he’s likely available for the taking on the waiver wire. If so, he’s worth an add, as he tallied 58 yards on six catches in Week 1 and looked to be one of Wentz’s favorite targets. Ertz could be a major part of the Eagles’ passing game if he stays healthy, so if you’re looking for a long-term fix at tight end, he might be your guy.
Other tight ends to target: Zach Miller (CHI), Hunter Henry (SD), Cameron Brate (TB), Tyler Eifert (CIN)
Thumbnail photo via James Lang/USA TODAY Sports Images
