NFL Week 5 Fantasy Waiver Wire Adds
The Villain got off the Fantasy Football schneid, but that doesn't leave me out of the woods yet. If you like me, you still have some mixing and matching to do. But there is hope, there are still some targets to keep an eye on for the NFL Waiver Wire in Week 5 with matchups or forced starters.
Quarterback
Drew Lock (1% Owned in Yahoo Fantasy)
Photo Credit: Denver Post
Another season, another injury for Teddy Bridgewater. This quarterback just can't catch a break. He was off to a really solid start having the broncos 3-0 coming into his game against the Baltimore ravens. But a concussion will lock likely knock him out of the next contest, enter Drew Lock back at the quarterback position. While this isn't a sexy pic, this is a pic that is basically your replacement for a starter in a 12+ deep manager league to sub in for Teddy Bridgewater until he's healthy.
Sam Darnold (38% Owned in Yahoo Fantasy)
Photo Credit: USA Today
I keep saying it, but Sam Darnold has been on a roll this season as he has broken away from that New York Jets sigma. Darnold has thrown for over 300 yards in his last 3 games, and in the one he didn’t, he threw for 279. He's only scored under 19 fantasy points in one game this season. His last game against the Cowboys, Arnold was 26 of 39 for a 301 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. If you haven't picked up Darnold by now I don't know what you're waiting for.
Running Back
Latavius Murray (49% Owned in Yahoo Fantasy)
Photo Credit: USA Today
It looked like Ty'son Williams was going to be the lead back in Baltimore. But after a healthy scratch in week 3 and limited time in the backfield in week 4, it looks like Murray has grabbed the lead back role in a run heavy offense. Murray went for 18 rushes for 59 yards and a touchdown, while Bell only got 4 rushes in the game. Even though he's a step slower, he's a veteran back that knows how to get the tough yards. He's also a volume play because of Baltimore Ravens heavy run style offense. Despite Bell getting some carries in week 4, look for Murray to be the feature back going forward
Damien Williams (11% Owned in Yahoo Fantasy)
Photo Credit: GettyImages
With the injury to David Montgomery in week 4 against the Lions, Williams will be a popular pickup for any team desperate for a running back. Montgomery will miss at least 4-5 weeks with a knee injury for Chicago. Luckily he avoided a ACL tear, but he won't be available for over a month. If you're in need for a RB, especially in a deep league, Williams is a solid pick up. He carried the rock 8 times for 55 yards and 1 touchdown. He's got a solid track record for being a lead back so you can't do worse.
Marlon Mack (13% Owned in Yahoo Fantasy)
Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports
I finally got a good game out of my RB2 Jonathan Taylor, so why would I tell you to grab Mack off waivers? The rumor is he requested a trade out of Indianapolis. If he is moved over the next few weeks, he could be a nice RB4 option and a matchup flex if needed. This is a pure waiver stash for future games.
Wide Receiver
Jamison Crowder (20% Owned in Yahoo Fantasy)
Photo Credit: NFL.com
Earlier this season, I said Crowder was a drop candidate because he was inquired. But Jamison Crowder returned to make his season debut in Week 4 and put together a nice game. Crowder finished with 7 catches for 61 yards and 1 touchdown. What I liked most about his debut is he led the Jets WRs in targets with 9 targets. Crowder had a nice 2020 season for the Jets and was a daily fantasy prized for me last year. He he can match that production, he's a nice WR3 / flex option as matchups dictate.
Kadarius Toney (3% Owned in Yahoo Fantasy)
Photo Credit: USA Today
The Florida Gator product has not seen much action in his first few games. But with injuries to Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton has forced the Giants to use every tool in the toolbox. Kadarius Toney came to life in Week 4 against the Saints as he racked up 6 catches for 78 yards. He showed explosiveness that you loved coming out of college and can break a long play at any point. He's worth picking up in deep leagues and using as a flex option.
Tim Patrick (42% Owned in Yahoo Fantasy)
Photo Credit: Denver Post
With injuries to Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler for the Broncos, Tim Patrick is the number 2 option at WR. I don't know if he will get the numbers that you will like. However, he's seen 5+ targets in his last 2 games. He went for 5 catches for 98 yards in Week 4, so the volume is there for him to make plays. Bridgewater going down with an injury knocks his value down, as Lock isn't the same as Teddy B. But volume is key so keep an eye on Patrick.
Randall Cobb (7% Owned in Yahoo Fantasy)
Photo Credit: USA Today
So Aaron Rodgers was on to something huh? Randall Cobb put together his best game since returning to Green Bay as he went for the 5 catches for 69 yards and 2 touchdowns. Rodgers wanted Cobb back and now we see why. The injury to Marquez Valdes-Scantling make Cobb a 12+ league option if you are hurting for WR help. I wouldn't expect this type of production regularly, so be smart when to roster him and start him.
Tight End
Dalton Schultz (36% Owned in Yahoo Fantasy)
Photo Credit: USA Today
The tight end position is tough to navigate, but if you haven't picked up Dalton Schultz yet then you better get on it. He have 8 targets each in his last two game for the Cowboys and has a nice matchup with the Giants on deck. He caught 6 balls for 80 yards and a touchdown in Week 4 against the Panthers. The targets / volume is great at the TE position and he's almost a must start in 8 team leagues. He may not be the starter on his team as Blake Jarwin is the lead guy, but Schultz is a starter option in fantasy.
Zack Ertz (27% Owned in Yahoo Fantasy)
Photo Credit: GettyImages
Look who makes the list! Zack Ertz was left for dead at the TE position but came to life in Week 4. Ertz tallied 6 catches for 60 yards. What stands out for me is the 7 targets in Week 3 and 8 targets in Week 4. He's getting opportunities in Philly after he should have been traded out of town. Dallas Goedert isn't seeing as many targets and just hasn't gotten it going for the Eagles. If you need TE help and your draft player isn't producing, give Ertz a shot.
