Waiver Wire: Week 5
Apologies for starting this article two weeks late. This is going to replace our 20 Facts article this week. So without further adeu, let’s dig deep in to our top Waiver Wire adds for fantasy football season long and dynasty leagues! I am going to discuss any player owned in less than 65% of Yahoo leagues as of the writing of this article, and I am not going to discuss Quarterbacks as there is a distinct difference between QB1 and QB2 in 10-team and 12-team leagues and you shouldn’t be flirting with benching franchise quarterbacks.
Running Back
This chipmunk is a runner not a singer.
Alvin Kamara (New Orleans). OWNED IN: 62%
Kamara is operating as the passing down back for the Saints, similar to the role Khiry Robinson and Darren Sproles played in the past. The team has lacked a gadget player like this in the last two seasons and it’s certainly shown the difference he can make. He’s been targeted 28 times in just 4 games, with 230 yards from scrimmage. Of the 28 targets, he’s been targeted 22 times in downs with 7+ yards to go, which is 78% of his targets. What could be a fantasy killer is the fact that he’s only seen 11 touches inside the redzone, and 35 touches outside it.
Andre Ellington (Arizona). OWNED IN: 44%
How is Ellington still a free agent in 56% of leagues? He’s the heir apparent to David Johnson in the desert. With Kerwynn Williams failing to capitolize as a running back, Carson Palmer has been forced to throw almost every snap. He’s targeted Ellington 22 times in the last two games, and he’s totaled 145 yards receiving on 14 receptions, with 10 rushes for 40 yards for kicks. Even though he’s classified as a RB, he’s filling in the role David Johnson left wide open on this team and for the first time in his career, he’s looking like a real threat.
Eddie Lacy/Thomas Rawls (Seattle). OWNED IN: 41% and 36%
Both Seahawks running backs were supposed to be the starters in the preseason, and neither were able to grab the hot hand as Chris Carson blew past both. With C.J. Prosise also banged up, Pete Carroll has promised to use both in a committee, but eventually one will settle down as the every down back for the rest of the season. I would sign Eddie Lacy, as he’s more of a proven bruiser between the tackles. Eddie Lacy carried me to a fantasy championship in 2014, and I still believe in #FatEddie. Maybe I’m wrong. I’m probably wrong I won’t lie. Sign Rawls.
Wide Receiver
Bad Juju! No, Good JuJu!
Jermaine Kearse (New York Jets). OWNED IN: 33%
Kearse is an interesting player because he’s got the skills to be a WR2 on any team, but he finds himself the WR1 on a team going no where and fast. After seeing 14 targets and 11 rec in his first two games, his production has fallen to 10 targets and 7 rec over his last two. But the reason you should pick him up, and immediately, is his upcoming schedule. He’s got the Browns, the Patriots, and the Dolphins in the next three weeks. Prior to facing the #2 pass defense in the league in Week 4, he was averaging 14 PPR points per game.
Cooper Kupp (Los Angeles Rams). OWNED IN: 46%
We’ve discussed Kupp before in several different pieces, and I’m still very high on him. His chemistry with Jared Goff is great and he’s shown ability to get open underneath, which is something Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods struggle with, as outside receivers. Even though he hasn’t had a game with more than 76 yards or 5 receptions, he’s been sneakily consistent, with two scores, averaging 11+ PPR points per game. To note, he’s got an incredibly difficult schedule coming up with SEA, JAX, and ARI due up, but as the slot man, he’s going to see a lot of targets as Watkins and Woods get erased.
JuJu Smith-Schuster (Pittsburgh). OWNED IN: 4%
He’s bumped Martavis Bryant from the starting lineup and has out snapped and out targeted him since making his debut in Week 2. He’s averaging 5 targets a game, and has scored twice. With a 12.8 yards per reception, he’s going to start changing people’s fantasy team names to “Good JuJu” very soon.
Trent Taylor (San Francisco). OWNED IN: 0%
He’s averaging 7 targets per game the last two weeks with 79 yards and a touchdown. He’s second in targets for wide receivers, tied with Marquise Goodwin who’s been diagnosed with a concussion, and Aldrick Robinson who couldn’t catch a cold in the middle of winter. If you’re looking for some deep league value, take a shot at Trent Taylor. He’s certainly a better bet than someone like Donte Moncrief or Marvin Jones Jr.
Tight End
Those arms are lethal.
Evan Engram (New York Giants). OWNED IN: 57%
Evan Engram lines up like a wide receiver and plays like a linebacker in motion, much like Jimmy Graham used to. The 23rd overall draft pick has been targeted an average of 7.8 times and is averaging over 11 PPR points per game. The tight end position is extremely shallow, so unless you have Ertz, Gronkowski, Kelce I would advise to give Engram a look. Owners of Jordan Reed need to stash Engram on their bench incase Reed misses any time. He’s been targeted 15 times (exactly half) on 1st and 10 or 2nd and 10, as he has become Eli’s go to target and has converted 4 first downs on 7 receptions in those splits. He’s a chain mover.
Austin Sefarin-Jenkins (New York Jets). OWNED IN: 12%
This is a dart throw, as he’s not shown much fantasy wise, but he’s only two seasons removed from a season which he averaged 16.1 yards per reception with 4 touchdowns in 7 games. He’s a big play threat, and he’s been targeted 10 times in the two games he’s played. Unless you’re looking at a Jack Doyle, Coby Fleener, or Austin Hooper, I’d still take ASJ over them as he’s much more consistent with a history of big plays. Tight end is so thin, it’s probably best to look at matchups and stream week to week.
Kicker
Steven Hauschka (Buffalo). OWNED IN: 39%
We are approaching the time of season where you are forced to either cut a kicker on a bye or hope you don’t need him in a close game and keep him in your lineup. Hauschka could be an easy replacement for any kicker on a bye, with 6 field goals over 40 yards this season, and 7 PATs. He’s only 1.00 point away from being the 7th overall kicker in fantasy points.
Defense/Special Teams
BUFFALO D/ST. OWNED IN: 44%
Cincinnati has thrown 4 INT, lost 4 fumbles, and Andy Dalton has been sacked 14 times in four games. Unless you have an elite defensive unit, drop whoever you have and sign Buffalo’s Defense. They haven’t allowed more than 17 points in any game this year and have 12 sacks, and 6 INT in 4 games.
The Daily Fantasy Aces 