This Week Five waiver wire looks very promising for owners struggling to get off to a good start. There is almost certainly a player in each position that can help enhance your roster and get you back on track to making the playoffs.
Overall Rankings
- George Pickens
- Geno Smith
- Mike Boone
- Mo Alie-Cox
- Michael Gallup
- Rondale Moore
- Nyheim Hines
QBs
Geno Smith:
Value: 8.9/10
Geno Smith was red hot last week against the Lions who surprisingly have been fierce competitors all year long. Smith has posted over 15 points in three out of four games and just recently, a game over 30 points. He is not as flashy as Russell Wilson, but he has been reliable for the Seattle offense. he is available in most leagues and is worth the start depending on the matchup.
Role: Fringe QB1/QB2
RBs
Mike Boone:
Value: 8.7/10
Mike Boone is in a great position. The Broncos second-year starting RB, Javonte Williams, went down with a season-ending injury this past week. And even though Denver has veteran RB, Melvin Gordon, Boone ended up seeing the majority of the running back receiving targets. If he keeps progressing in the right way and Gordon keeps fumbling at a historic rate, he could be Denver’s main threat on the ground. But for now, he is still splitting carries with Gordon. Muddying the waters further, today the Broncos signed Latavius Murray. Murray had been activated from the Saints practice squad this past weekend and could be in play if both existing Broncos falter. For now, we will take things one week at a time.
Role: Flex
Nyheim Hines:
Value: 6.8/10
Hines has always been a solid running back, but has never really gotten a chance to shine because of superstar Jonathan Taylor in front of him. Now that Taylor is out with an ankle injury, Hines can step up and get some real looks during the game. He is definitely worth the flex while Taylor is out, but returns to being a handcuff as soon as he is back.
Role: Flex/Future Handcuff
WRs
George Pickens:
Value: 9.2/10
George Pickens finally came out ready to play on Sunday. It only took the rookie four weeks and a change of QB to show the world what he is made of. Now that Kenny Pickett has been named starting Quarterback for the Steelers, expect Pickens to get a lot more looks. He could emerge as the team’s WR1 and maybe even a WR2 in fantasy.
Role: WR2
Michael Gallup:
Value: 8.2/10
Michael Gallup is back, and Dallas could not be happier. Now Ceedee Lamb is still the #1 receiver in Dallas, but Gallup is still a redzone threat. With the very best corners shadowing Lamb and the linebackers in the middle trying to stop the two-headed monster of Zeke and Pollard, Gallup is bound to get some great looks. This sure-handed wideout will definitely be worth a flex play for some of the weeks ahead.
Role: Flex
Rondale Moore:
Value: 7.3/10
I have had Rondale Moore continuously on this list, and it finally became worth it in Week 5. Now he did not get a lot of points to show for his effort. However, he received 11 targets and a lot of playing time. If he can connect with Kyler on just a couple more of the catches, he will be well worth a spot on your starting roster.
Role: Flex
TEs
Mo Alie-Cox:
Value: 8.5/10
After constant mediocre performances by Alie-Cox, he was finally able to build some real rapport with his new QB, Matt Ryan. Last week he posted 26.5 fantasy points that came on six catches for 85 yards and two TDs. Now obviously he cannot sustain this incredible output, but it is not unreasonable to think he has a couple more big games ahead of him this season. He is definitely worth the waiver wire pickup, given the low performance in the TE position. However, I would only recommend playing him in favorable matchups.
Role: Fringe TE1/TE2