nfl fantasy football

Welcome to the last week of the fantasy football regular season! I want to start off by thanking all of my readers for keeping up with my articles for this past year. Hopefully, I have helped you set up your team for huge success in the playoffs this year. This week is also important, even if you are guaranteed a playoff spot. The players on the wire right now could come in handy helping you fill in any holes or injuries on your team. The biggest struggles for most owners have been with QB and TE play and there are some great options on the waiver. With that being said let’s dive right in.

1. James Cook
2. Tyler Huntley
3. Zonovan Knight
4. Kenny Pickett
5. Jameson Williams
6. Greg Dulcich
7. DeeJay Dallas

QBs

Tyler Huntley:

Value: 8.8/10

With Lamar Jackson going down for 1-3 weeks, it is time for Tyler Huntley to step in. Last year when Huntley was the starter, he was explosive. Now there are no guarantees that he will have the same production as before, but the potential for something great is there. And with all the poor QB play this year, he is definitely worth a shot.

Role: QB1

Kenny Pickett:

Value: 8.2/10

Kenny Pickett is still a rookie and getting acclimated to the NFL, however, he seems to start to get a feel for it. Him and George Pickens have really formed a connection and even Najee Harris has shown signs of himself from last year. He is good but not exactly what you want in a starting QB but if you’re desperate, consider throwing him in.

Role: QB2

RBs

James Cook:

Value: 9.1/10

James Cook has finally come to life at the end of his rookie season. He started off in his first NFL game with a fumble, and that seemed to have shaken his confidence a bit. But since the bye week, he has been getting more and more opportunities. And last week he actually out touched Devin Singletary. Now Cook is still considered to be the backup to Singletary, but it is completely possible that Cook eventually takes over that backfield. Consider him a flex for now with higher upside.

Role: Flex

Zonovan Knight:

Value: 8.5/10

Even though James Robinson did play last Sunday, Zonovan Knight seemed to be the RB1. He is worth the play this week since Michael Carter is still dealing with an injury, but when Carter is back, I suggest putting Knight on your bench.

Role: Flex (Short Term)

DeeJay Dallas:

Value: 7.4/10

Last week was rough for the Seattle Seahawks with injuries and most notably, their star rookie RB Kenneth Walker. Now it is unclear on whether Walker will play on Sunday, but this leaves a huge opening for DeeJay Dallas to come in and have a great game against the Carolina Panthers defense that has let up the 10th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. DeeJay might not have long on this value, but he has a lot of of it as long as Walker is injured.

Role: RB2 (Short Term)

WRs

Jameson Williams:

Value: 7.7/10

I keep adding Jameson Williams to this list because of his amazing talent and perfect opportunity. He is a deep threat on a team that constantly is down with a QB who loves to air it out. Unfortunately, it seems he still has some lingering pain with his injury. Either that or the Lions have yet to fully trust him. He is worth the pickup but it is probably best to stash him on the bench until he starts producing.

Role: Stash | Flex

TEs

Greg Dulcich:

Value: 7.5/10

Greg Dulcich has been one of the few bright spots on a somewhat awful Broncos offense. This rookie has been lowkey, staying consistent and getting better. He has built up trust with Russell Wilson to become his safety valve. With a horrible year for almost all TE’s in the league, Greg Dulcich might be the key to your missing piece headed into your playoffs.

Role: TE2

Ladies and Gentleman, we have now entered the last 1 or 2 weeks of the fantasy football regular season. These upcoming weeks will separate the haves from the have nots. And if you are on the border of making the playoffs, you need to go for these players tonight on the waiver wire. All of these players are in over half of ESPN leagues and can make an immediate impact on your squad. It is not too late to still be your league’s next champion.

1. DeShaun Watson
2. Zonovan Knight
3. Gus Edwards
4. Mike Boone
5. Jameson Williams
6. Zay Jones
7. Khalil Herbert

QB

DeShaun Watson:

Value: 9.9/10

ESPN Availability: 56.9%

It is unbelievable that this man is still in over 50% of leagues. Before his suspension, he was easily a top 5 QB and now he is on an even better team with better weapons. The concerns are that he is unfamiliar with the Browns offense and he might be rusty. Well he has had over half the year to get acclimated to Cleveland’s system, and Watson at 80% is still better than most QB’s at 100%. He is an immediate set it and forget it player.

Role: High End QB1

RBs

Zonovan Knight:

Value: 9.4/10

ESPN Availability: 100%

After James Robinson was a healthy scratch on Sunday, Micheal Carter then also left the game with an injury. This left Zonovan Knight as the RB1 for The Jets. Now Robinson has the potential to return but if not, expect Knight to get the bulk of the carries for a run heavy offense.

Role: RB2

Gus Edwards:

Value: 9.0/10

ESPN Availability: 59.5%

Gus Edwards has struggled a lot in his career with injuries, but when he is healthy, that kid can run. Baltimore has consistently been one of the league’s top rushing teams mostly due to Lamar Jackson’s speed and the reinforcement of their running backs. If Edwards is back as the RB1, expect good production out of him.

Role: RB2

Mike Boone:

Value: 8.8/10

ESPN Availability: 97.6%

The Denver Broncos recently cut Melvin Gordon, leaving a massive void in their run game. Now Latavius Murray has done a good job stepping in, but he could definitely use some help. Mike Boone is now coming off IR and has already proven to be a good pass catching back for the Broncos. You need to immediately add him to your roster, especially in a PPR league.

Role: Flex

Khalil Herbert:

Value: 8.3/10

ESPN Availability: 65.4%

It has been hard to tell what The Chicago Bears are going to do on offense this year. One week it is the David Montgomery show, the next Justin Fields is a superstar with his legs, and even Khalil Herbert has been a stud from time to time. You should definitely grab Herbert if he is available in your league. I would just hold off for now on starting him.

Role: Stash | Flex

WRs

Jameson Williams:

Value: 8.7/10

ESPN Availability: 79.2%

This is another highly anticipated rookie we have yet to see play in the NFL. But what we can say about him is the Lions have a great remaining schedule, Detroit invested a lot into picking Jameson Williams, and that he looks to be a great deep threat which QB Jared Goff loves to air it out. All of this sets up for a great performance for Williams. He is at the very least worth a roster spot.

Role: Stash | WR2

Zay Jones:

Value: 8.5/10

ESPN Availability: 68.6%

As the Jacksonville Jaguars have started to click recently, Zay Jones has been on fire. Although Trevor Lawrence likes to spread the ball, Zay Jones has had 2 spectacular weeks. He still has a low floor, but if you are in desperate need or a flex or WR, Jones is definitely worth a shot.

Role: Flex

For all those struggling to find a decent flex to help clinch a playoff spot, you are in luck. There are still some playmakers on over 50% of ESPN’s waiver wire. Now it is a very short list this week, and most of these players are well known, but their production and/or usage has been rising. And all of these players at least deserve a roster spot in almost every league.

1. Isiah Pacheco
2. Rachaad White
3. Donovan Peoples-Jones
4. Samaje Perine
5. Cam Akers

RBs

Isiah Pacheco:

Value: 9.3/10

Clyde Edwards-Helaire went down before halftime which led to Isiah Pacheco rushing for over 100 yards last week. And the week before he rushed for 82 yards. The Chiefs love what they have in Pacheco and it is easy to see he will take command of this backfield and will get you some fantasy points in the process. And he is still available in over 50% of leagues.

Role: RB2

Rachaad White:

Value: 9.0/10

Rashaad White has now officially taken over the backfield at Tampa Bay. Granted, Leonard Fournette was injured, but even when Fournette is back expect Rachaad White to take over this backfield. He has demonstrated his ability to be an NFL start and worth at least your fantasy football flex spot.

Role: Flex

Samaje Perine:

Value: 8.4/10

Samaje Perine absolutely crushed it this week. Unfortunately, less than 1% of owners actually played him. Now he did see a lot of usage because of Joe Mixon going down with an injury, but even before that, he was explosive in the pass game. With 3 receiving TD’s he obviously needs to be rostered. And considering Mixon is one of the most used RBs in the NFL, the chances for another injury is high. Perine is best left on your bench, but is a clear cut RB2 if Mixon is out.

Role: Stash / Handcuff RB2

Cam Akers:

Value: 8.2/10

Although I am sure almost all of you gave up on Cam Akers, including myself, he is in the best position to lead the Rams RB room. After today when the Rams released Darelle Henderson, Akers is now worth a roster spot. My only reservation on playing is that the Rams offense has looked atrocious this year, especially their run game. So it is best to get him, then keep him on the bench until you see how the Rams utilize him.

Role: Stash

WRs

Donovan Peoples-Jones:

Value: 8.8/10

For 7 out of the past 8 weeks, Donovan Peoples-Jones has put up double digit numbers. He has quietly become a real threat, even with subpar QB play. With DeShaun Watson about to come back as the starting QB, Peoples-Jones numbers should only increase. Not only should this guy be rostered, but with his consistency, he should be starting every week on your team. He is still available in 61.5% of leagues. Get him while you still can.

Role: WR2

This is another rough week for the fantasy football waiver wire. The upsetting thing is, there were a lot of injuries and not a lot of players to replace them. The Rams suffered a devastating injury to their lead offensive threat, Cooper Kupp. And two TE1’s, Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert, went down with severe injuries. But between their replacements and rookies finally developing, there should be enough on the waiver wire to help you keep a strong team into the playoffs. Here are 7 players that should be able to make a key difference on your team.

1. Christian Watson
2. Terrace Marshall Jr.
3. Trey McBride
4. Jameson Williams
5. Jerick McKinnon
6. Rachaad White
7. Jaylen Warren

RBs

Jerick McKinnon:

Value: 8.2/10

At the beginning of this year Clyde Edwards-Helaire was the clear cut RB1 at Kansas City. Now, he is the 3rd string RB. Isiah Pacheco has taken over as the lead rusher but Jerick McKinnon has made a nice spot for himself as the lead passing back. Since the Chiefs are a predominantly a passing team, McKinnon could have some surprising good games left on his schedule.

Role: Flex

Rashaad White:

Value: 7.6/10

Rashaad White technically had the start on Sunday and his role has been getting bigger and bigger each week. On top of that, Leonard Fournette left the game with an injury. Now Fournette should not miss any real time but Rashaad White is in the position to take over the majority of the snaps for the Buccaneers.

Role: Stash / Handcuff

Jaylen Warren:

Value: 7.4/10

Coach Mike Tomlin said that they need to start utilizing Jaylen Warren more, and it appears they have. With a bad year for Najee Harris, the Steelers have now turned to Warren to pick up the slack and potentially take over the role eventually. Warren might not get you points this week, but he is definitely worth the stash on your bench.

Role: Stash / Handcuff

WRs

Christian Watson:

Value: 9.1/10

The Packers have severely struggled in the pass game this year. It is partially due to Aaaron Rodgers’ lack of consistency, but that issue really stems from the lack of faith he has in his receivers. Allen Lazard has been serviceable but far from the playmaker Green Bay needs him to be. Luckily rookie WR, Christian Watson, stepped up big time when Green Bay needed him the most with 3 TD’s. Now he probably will not have multiple TD’s a week but his role should get much larger in the coming weeks. 

Role: Flex

Terrace Marshall Jr.:

Value: 8.8/10

Terrace Marshall Jr. did not have a great game last Thursday, but do not let that fool you. It was a rainy night in Charlotte and PJ Walker was the QB. Other than that, Marshall had a great catch and run for over 40 yards. He is still young and has been showing a lot more talent recently. Plus, Baker Mayfield is coming back as the starter and looks to have a real connection with Marshall.

Role: Flex

Jameson Williams:

Value: 8.4/10

The highly anticipated rookie wideout is set to come back to the field very soon. Last year in college, he led the league in deep routes, which is great news for owners because Goff loves to throw it down the field. If he comes back fully healthy, expect him to potentially get you some big points.

Role: Stash

TE

Trey McBride:

Value: 8.5/10

After Zach Ertz went down with an injury, Trey McBride came in and had over 90% over the snaps at TE. He is a second round rookie with a lot of potential. He was number 3 on the team in route running and could definitely get more targets once he gets more experience under his belt.

Role: TE2

This might be one of the worst weeks for the waiver wire pickup. Not a lot has changed from last week and almost no long term injuries. There is definitely still some talent on my list but almost all of them you will have to stash unless you absolutely need them in deep leagues. With that being said, it is a good time to start planning for the playoffs and grab some players that might help you down the road.

1. Terrace Marshall Jr.
2. Justin Fields
3. Chuba Hubbard
4. Donovan Peoples-Jones
5. Rachaad White
6. Jaylen Warren
7. Treylon Burks
8. Odell Beckham Jr.

QBs

Justin Fields:

Value: 8.2/10

Justin Fields is coming off a monster game this past week. It is interesting because he is finally starting to look like the player Chicago drafted. Now with the addition of Chase Claypool to the receiving corps and an already solid run game, Fields could definitely have some games where he is a serviceable QB. But do not get your hopes up, he could let you down from week to week.

Role: QB2 / Fill-In

RBs

Chuba Hubbard:

Value: 8.0/10

Chuba was the #1 RB in Carolina before he got injured. But since then, D’Onta Foreman stepped in and had 2 stellar back to back performances. So it might take some time for him to win back his starting role. The good thing about Hubbard is, he is still the #1 passing back in the Panthers offense. So if Carolina is down, which they are expected to be for a lot of remaining games, Hubbard has the potential to put up some decent points.

Role: Flex

Rashaad White:

Value: 7.2/10

Leonard Fournette has been a shell of himself for the past couple of weeks. He has had a couple of catches that has boosted his points, but his performance seems lackluster. With the Buccaneers bye week coming in Week 11, expect Rashaad White to step in and start getting a bigger look in this offense. Until then, he is nothing more than a handcuff.

Role: Stash / Handcuff

Jaylen Warren:

Value: 6.8/10

Let’s be honest, Najee Harris has looked like trash this year. He was probably taken in the first round of your draft this year, and he has played more like a 5th or 6th rounder. Jaylen Warren on the other hand has been stellar every time he gets an opportunity. He is currently one of the most efficient RBs currently in the NFL. Now that the Steelers are coming off a bye week, expect him to get more carries. And pick him up this week before others start to notice. 

Role: Stash / Handcuff

WRs

Terrace Marshall Jr.:

Value: 8.5/10

With the absence of Robbie Anderson, The Panthers have been searching for their new WR2. Now that Baker Mayfield is back, he seems to have a nice little connection with Marshall. Marshall has had back to back impressive games so expect his usage to only go up.

Role: Flex / Stash

Donovan Peoples-Jones:

Value: 7.8/10

Donovan Peoples-Jones has had back to back 10+ points in his last 2 games. It seems Cleveland has started to notice what they have in him. With Deshaun Watson returning fairly soon, his role could expand even more, making him a starter on your team for the playoffs. 

Role: Stash

Treylon Burks:

Value: 6.3/10

It has been pretty clear the Titans have been struggling badly in the passing game. They have been missing a key receiver for a long time now. Luckily, Derrick Henry has been keeping them a float with his rushing. But eventually, Tennessee will need to air it out. With Treylon Burks returning from IR, he could be the missing piece the Titans have been looking for.

Role: Stash

Odell Beckham Jr.:

Value: 6.1/10

With Odell Beckham Jr returning from injury, not only is this a long term play, but it is a risky one. So be very cautious when picking OBJ up from the waivers. There is a lot of talent so you could hit big, but if he ends up on a team with a poor passing attack or a WR1 already in place, he might just be a bust. We have all already seen his highlight reel so no need to talk about his talent, but it is his situation that has everyone wondering if he can come back to fantasy football relevance.

Role: Stash

This is a huge week to grab some names off the waiver wire before anyone else has heard of them. Between injuries and trades, teams have created massive opportunities for young players to step up. Now most of these will not be a RB1 or WR1 for your team, however they will boost your flex spot, securing you some much needed wins over the upcoming weeks.

1. Kyren Williams
2. Greg Dulcich
3. Terrace Marshall Jr.
4. Jaylen Warren
5. Josh Palmer
6. Garrett Wilson
7. Chuba Hubbard
8. Isaiah Likely

RBs

Kyren Williams:

Value: 9.5/10

The Rams have been waiting all year for this young man to get back from injury. He claimed the RB1 spot in preseason before his injury. He is an elite pass blocker and great runner. With Cam Akers out of the mix and the rest of the Rams backfield in shambles, expect Williams to come in and make an immediate impact.

Role: RB2

Jaylen Warren:

Value: 7.8/10

It is no secret that Najee Harris has looked horrible this year compared to his ADP value. However, what is not really discussed is how much success his backup is having. Warren has quietly become one of the most efficient backs in the NFL as the Steelers RB2. Now it’s hard to think that Harris will ever lose his job completely, but if something does happen to him, Warren is setup to see some major points.

Role: Handcuff / Stash

Chuba Hubbard:

Value: 7.2/10

The Carolina Panthers’ running back D’Onta Foreman has been getting a lot of attention over the last two games, however those stats can be very misleading. Hubbard was injured two games ago, however he was leading in snaps before he went down. And Foreman was not involved in the passing game almost at all, whereas Hubbard was. So in matchups where The Panthers are down, expect Hubbard to have the bigger size role moving forward.

Role: Flex

WRs

Terrace Marshall Jr.:

Value: 8.2/10

With the absence of Robbie Anderson, The Panthers have been searching for their new WR2. And Marshall came through and delivered. Now he is young and Carolina’s passing game is far from elite, but Marshall is definitely worth flex consideration.

Role: Flex / Stash

Joshua Palmer:

Value: 7.7/10

Palmer is set to make a huge impact on this team, unfortunately it is only for the next couple of weeks. While Mike Williams is out and Keenan Allen is still coming back to full strength, Palmer is the Chargers only trustworthy option right now. It is best to grab him while you still can.

Role: Temporary WR2 / Flex

Garrett Wilson:

Value: 7.4/10

Wilson came into this season with high expectations, and he seemed to confirm those expectations for the first couple of weeks while Joe Flacco was the Jets QB. But once Zach Wilson took control, Garrett’s production started to decline. For the first week, it seemed that Zach and Garrett really clicked and that Garrett might become the WR1 for the Jets.

Role: Stash

TEs

Greg Dulcich:

Value: 8.9/10

As a rookie, Dulcich has shown a lot of potential even with a struggling Broncos’ offense. Which a lot of that can be blamed on Wilson’s injury and unfamiliarity to the team. Now that Wilson is back in action and Dulcich is starting to develop as a starting TE in the NFL, he is easily worth a roster spot.

Role: TE2

Isaiah Likely:

Value: 7.1/10

For anyone who watched last Thursday night’s game, they know Likely can ball out. As soon as Mark Andrews got hurt, Lamar Jackson started to look Likely’s way a lot. The only concern here is that Andrews is the clear cut starter. However if Andrews does miss more time from this injury or gets hurt again, Likely should be in your starting lineup.

Role: Handcuff / TE1

This is a great week to start picking up some long shots for multiple reasons. The first reason being, most team’s bye weeks are around this time of year. That really affects young players and players that are new to a team. Coaches like to spend the bye weeks re-evaluating what has been successful, or how to improve their offenses. So that means these young players should be getting more reps. Also, the trade deadline is coming up, so a lot of teams are starting to seriously consider trading for big names, leaving their backups with starter potential. Lastly, injuries start to build up so it is a great time to start collecting handcuffs. This article will be geared towards players performing above average and long shots to pay off big in a couple of weeks.

1. Latavius Murray
2. Rondale Moore 
3. James Cook
4. Robert Tonyan
5. D’Onta Foreman
6. Taylor Heinicke
7. Samaje Perine
8. Gus Edward
9. Matt Breida
10. DeSean Jackson

QBs

Taylor Heinicke:

Value: 7.4/10

It is easy to forget about Heinicke when Carson Wentz took his job, but do not overlook the fact that he is loved in Washington for a reason. This kid has more heart than almost anyone else on that football field. He is willing to dive into heavy traffic for the first down and do whatever it takes to make his team better. On top of that he has McLaurin, Samuel, Dotson, Brown, Sims, Robinson, Gibson and McKissic at his disposal. Expect him to definitely have some bad weeks, but he could also almost certainly have some very good weeks.

Role: Fill in QB 

RBs

Latavius Murray:

Value: 9.2/10

It is hard to believe Murray could travel to multiple teams over the past couple of years, and now finally have a home as the starter for the Denver Broncos. But that is exactly what it looked like on Monday night. He came into the game 3rd string behind Gordon and Boone, but then ran away with the position. He was tough and angry running downhill, and it is easy to believe that Denver now trusts him as their lead back.

Role: RB2

James Cook:

Value: 8.0/10

Now there are still a lot of questions in the Broncos backfield, but all signs point to Boone reaping most of the benefit. Gordon is the veteran, but has recently struggled with fumble issues. And the team signed Murray, but he is still very new to the system. Boone seemed to take a lot of the snaps on passing downs. So with Russell Wilson’s injury, you could be seeing a lot more of Boone.

Role: Stash

D’Onta Foreman:

Value: 7.7/10

Foreman showed some flashes of a good player at Houston, but that is not why he is on this list. He is on this list because he has official emerged as the #2 back in Carolina. As of now, that does not mean a lot, but there is a lot of trade talks going on about McCaffrey. If he does get traded or even if he gets hurt again, Foreman is the next man up.

Role: Handcuff

Samaje Perine:

Value: 6.5/10

One thing to know about Cincinnati is that they love to run the ball and get their RBs involved in the passing game. With that being said, Mixon is the most used RB in the entire NFL. Considering all that usage, it is not inconceivable to think there is a chance he might get hurt. And if that does happen, Perine should have great fantasy value at that point.

Role: Handcuff

Gus Edwards:

Value: 6.2/10

If anyone looked at the stats from the Ravens game on Saturday, they would think Drake is going to be the guy in Baltimore. However, this is one of those times where stats can be misleading. The truth behind it is that Dobbins actually had to leave the game early because of tightness in his knee. And Edwards has proven on multiple occasions that he can be the #1 back in Baltimore. The only reason you haven’t seen his name much is because he is just now coming back from injury. Expect a lot more looks for him in the near future.

Role: Stash / Handcuff

Matt Breida:

Value: 5.9/10

This is another handcuff but definitely worth the roster spot if you have the room. Saquon Barkley is no stranger to injury, and with his usage this year, he could easily sustain another one. Breida is nothing more than a “just in case” pickup.

Role: Handcuff

WRs

Rondale Moore:

Value: 8.8/10

Rondale Moore might be the most used name I have on this list. Since Week 1 I have been preaching to pick him up, and since then, his value just keeps rising. Although Hopkins came back this week and the Cardinals just received Anderson in a trade, Hollywood Brown injured his foot and is out for at least 4-6 weeks. Expect this second year wideout to get plenty of looks in the next couple of weeks.

Role: WR2 / Flex

DeSean Jackson:

Value: 5.5/10

Jackson has just signed to the Baltimore Ravens. Granted he is old and most of his talent comes from speed and route running, he still might have some juice left in him. Obviously it will take a couple of weeks for him to get fully ramped up, but he could definitely have some big games due to the fact the Ravens are lacking in the WR department.

Role: Stash

TEs

Robert Tonyan:

Value: 7.8/10

Although the Packers have looked rough this year, it has been shown Rodgers still trusts Lazard and Tonnyan. Tonyan is certainly not a star player, but he has been playing pretty consistently, especially in PPR formats. With the TE position looking as bad as it has been, Tonyan is a solid choice to throw into your lineup.

Role: TE2

This is a great week if you have first, or even early priority on the waiver wire. There are definitely some solid starters still on waivers. If need be, I recommend using your position now more than ever. And even if you do not end up with the top guys on this list, I recommend still going after some long shots. They could really pay off in the playoff stretch.

1. Kenneth Walker
2. Geno Smith
3. Mike Boone
4. George Pickens
5. Rondale Moore
6. Hayden Hurst
7. Kenny Pickett
8. Eno Benjamin
9. Zach Wilson
10. Joshua Kelley

QBs

Geno Smith:

Value: 9.1/10

I had Geno on this list last week but I had to add him again because not only is he still available in 67.4% of ESPN leagues, but he had another great game. I am sure it is surprising to a lot of people that Smith is finding success in Seattle, however he does have two amazing receivers, he has great mobility and can make throws on the run. He definitely should be added to rosters right away.

Role: Fringe QB1 

Kenny Pickett:

Value: 7.5/10

Although Kenny Pickett has not posted big numbers in his two games, he is showing a lot of potential. Keep in mind he did not start the game against the Jets and Buffalo has one of the best defenses in the game right now. He might also struggle against Tampa Bay this weekend, but after that he should have some real production.

Role: QB2 

Zach Wilson:

Value: 6.9/10

I am not too thrilled about Wilson so far this year, but one thing is true, the Jets look much better. Between Moore, G. Wilson and Hall, Zach Wilson has a lot of options to move the ball. So I would not immediately start him, but he might be good to have for upcoming bye weeks if your roster is missing QB depth.

Role: Bye Week Fill-in

RBs

Kenneth Walker:

Value: 9.8/10

This is the player you have been waiting for all year. This is why you save your picks to get an early waiver wire pick. Walker came out of college last year as one of the most productive RB’s in his class. He has already shown a lot of potential and should now expand on that considering he has full control of the starting position. Walker should now become a set it and forget it player on your team.

Role: RB2

Mike Boone:

Value: 8.7/10

Now there are still a lot of questions in the Broncos backfield, but all signs point to Boone reaping most of the benefit. Gordon is the veteran, but has recently struggled with fumble issues. And the team signed Murray, but he is still very new to the system. Boone seemed to take a lot of the snaps on passing downs. So with Russell Wilson’s injury, you could be seeing a lot more of Boone.

Role: Flex

Eno Benjamin:

Value: 6.7/10

There is not a lot to be excited about Benjamin right now, however there is a lot of potential upside with him. Conner is the starting RB and he has already dealt with 3 different injuries in the first 5 weeks. Not only that, but Williams, the other backup RB also just got hurt. So if things keep going this way, Eno could see some real playing time.

Role: Handcuff

Joshua Kelley:

Value: 6.5/10

Much like Eno Benjamin, Kelley does not possess a lot of value right now. But as you saw with the Penny/Walker situation, it is always good to have a backup plan. Considering how Ekeler is on the smaller side and has dealt with injuries in the past, it might not be such a bad idea to hold on to him just in case.

Role: Stash / Handcuff

WRs

George Pickens:

Value: 8.7/10

If you have noticed anything about the Steelers offense this year, it is that Pickens has an extraordinary talent for catching the ball. Now he does split a lot of targets with Johnson and Claypool, but it seems the Steelers are consistently trying to air it out. And with Pickett under center, he is not afraid to let the ball fly. Pickens has a very large ceiling moving forward and should definitely be considered when looking at this waiver wire.

Role: WR2/Flex

Rondale Moore:

Value: 8.2/10

Moore is another player I keep adding to this list because he is still available in over 80% of ESPN leagues and put up 13.1 points in PPR format last week. Now I do not love him because Hopkins comes back next week. However, Moore has the talent to surprise a lot of people this year and is capable of putting up over 10 points on a weekly basis.

Role: Flex

TEs

Hayden Hurst:

Value: 8.0/10

With the TE position you either have an elite player like Kelce and Andrews to give you consistently great numbers, you have a good TE to occasionally give you good numbers, or you have a TE that you pray gives you at least 5 points. Now, Hurst is not elite, but he does have the ability to give you really good games with Burrow as his QB. And even better, Hurst has shown he can produce multiple games around 10 points. He might not be the flashiest player, but with TE position being the way that it is, he is a solid option to pick up off the waiver wire.

Role: TE2

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

1. George Pickens
2. Geno Smith
3. Mike Boone
4. Mo Alie-Cox
5. Michael Gallup
6. Rondale Moore
7. 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