Week 4 is now in the books. With two teams heading into their bye weeks, (CHI, TB), several players returning from suspensions, and injuries to monitor, here is a look into the top waiver wire adds for week 5.
Quarterback
Marcus Mariota TEN (33%). Mariota had what looked like a tough matchup against the Eagles in Week 4. With virtually no help in the running game, Mariota took matters in his own hands and feet, rushing for 46 yards and a touchdown. Through the air, Mariota was able to complete 30-43 passes for 344 yards two touchdowns with the game winning touchdown going to Corey Davis. The Titans have a nice matchup next week in Buffalo, so look for Mariota to have another big performance.
Derek Carr OAK (36%). After 3 losses to start the season, Derek Carr and the Raiders bounced back with a close win against an improved Browns team. In a back and forth game, the Raiders had to rely on Carr’s arm as he passed 58 times completing 35 of those attempts for 437 yards and 4 passing touchdowns. He did have 2 interceptions, bringing his season total up to 7. The Raiders play a Chargers team in Week 5 who allowed 298 yards and 2 touchdowns to C.J Beathard and the 49ers last week, so look for Derek Carr to take advantage of what should be a good matchup.
Jameis Winston TB (12%). Heading into their bye week after a tough matchup against the Bears and Ryan Fitzpatrick struggling, the Buccaneers have named Winston the starting quarter for Week 6. With a talented trio of wide receivers and a good matchup against the Atlanta Falcon’s bannged up defense, Winston could prove to be a good waiver wire add to stash. In the second half against the Bears, he had two interceptions. However, he went 16-20 for 145 yards adding a passing touchdown.
Running Back
Nyheim Hines IND (15%). If you didn’t see Hines’ leaping touchdown catch against the Texans, you need to watch and you will be sold to use your #1 waiver claim on him. The Colts have 3 running backs with similar skill sets, but Hines has proven to be the most effective so far. Despite only running 4 times for 10 yards, his receiving skills showed why he should take the starting running back role in Indianapolis, catching 9 of 11 targets for 63 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns.
D’Onta Foreman HOU (5%). The Texans have been underperforming this season, finally getting their first win this week in an overtime matchup against the Colts. One of the major factors of their early struggles has been the lack of production at the running back position. Lamar Miller has 1 receiving touchdown but has 0 rushing touchdowns. He’s averaging a respectable 14.5 carries a game, but only for a 3.9 yard per carry average. The Texans need help at running back and they probably can’t wait until Foreman is back in the lineup after recovering from a torn achilles he suffered week 11 of last season. The earliest Foreman can return is Week 7, but in leagues with deeper benches he is well worth adding as a stash.
Nick Chubb CLE (19%). The Browns have a legitimate starting running back in Carlos Hyde. However, Chubb gave the Browns something to think about moving forward, taking full advantage of his only 3 carries. Chubb was able to take one for a 63 yard touchdown and another for a 41 yard score. Chubb is a great handcuff to have for Carlos Hyde, but he could also prove to be a dynamic playmaker for the Browns and provide standalone value moving forward.
T.J Yeldon: JAX (50%). With Leonard Fournette re-injuring his hamstring, Yeldon took on the lead back role and showcased his rushing ability with 18 carries for 52 yards and a rushing touchdown. Yeldon was also able to show off his receiving skills, catching 3 balls for an additional 48 yards and receiving touchdown on a 31 yard catch and run. Given Fournette’s injury history, it would not be surprising if the Jags are conservative with him, opening the door for Yeldon to get multiple starts.
Wide Receiver
Keke Coutee HOU (2%). Texans rookie wide receiver Keke Coutee was drafted in the 4th round after he ran a 4.43 40 yard dash. His speed and explosiveness was on display in his first NFL game, after being held out the first 3 weeks with a hamstring injury. With Will Fuller exiting the game with a hamstring injury of his own, Coutee took on the number 2 receiver role. After a strong start to the game, he left with an impressive stat line, catching 11 of 15 targets for 109 yards. If Will Fuller is unable to play in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys, Coutee will benefit from his absence. Even if Will Fuller is able to go next week, Coutee is a talented player who is worthy of being rostered in most formats.
Taylor Gabriel CHI (6%). Heading into the bye week, Gabriel had an outstanding performance in Week 4 against the Buccaneers. Gabriel was able to catch all 7 of his targets for 104 yards and two touchdowns. It’s clear he is the number 2 wideout on a team with a creative head coach that can find ways to get the ball into the hands his playmakers. The Bears have a good matchup against the Dolphins in Week 6, so it may be worth stashing Gabriel for a week to ensure none of your league mates try to grab him next week.
Tight End
Cameron Brate TB (24%). The Buccaneers are on their bye week. When the Buccaneers return in Week 6, they will play the Atlanta Falcons. With OJ Howard likely to be out with a sprained MCL, Brate could have a big game. In Week 4, Brate made 3 receptions on 4 targets for 29 yards and a touchdown. While this isn’t a huge statline, and seemingly Winston likes his Brate will likely be more involved as long a Howard is out, and could create mismatches against the Falcoln’s heavily injured defense.
Geoff Swaim DAL (0%). In Week 4, Swaim hauled in 3 of 5 targets for 39 yards and 1 touchdown. You can’t replace a player like Jason Witten, but it looks like the Cowboys might have found their tight end for the future in Swaim. With some of the top tight ends getting injured in Weeks 3 and 4, Swaim looks like he could be at the least a good streaming option for bye weeks and could potentially become an every week starter.
C.J Uzomah/Tyler Kroft CIN (0%/1%). It’s always sad to see a player go down with an injury. That’s what happened with Tyler Eifert in Week 4. It was a nasty ankle injury that will require surgery, meaning Eifert will almost certainly miss the remainder of the season. It’s tough to say who the Bengals starting tight end will be moving forward, so it might be best to avoid claiming either of these guys, and waiting to pick them up after the waiver wire period.
Thank you for reading and be sure to follow me on Twitter for more fantasy football advice throughout the week @LonskiWilliam
