Getty Image / Todd Kirkland
To say this was a strange week in the NFL would be an understatement.
Patrick Mahomes was left without a passing or rushing touchdown, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense was a dud against the worst passing defense in New Orleans, Jared Goff threw for 500 yards and lost, and some of your biggest fantasy stars were letdowns.
We’re starting to see how these teams will operate going forward and here are some players I’m looking for on the waiver wire this week.
My Top Waiver Wire Pick For Week 5
Gardner Minshew
He’s owned in less than 20% in Yahoo, NFL, and ESPN leagues. With Josh Allen in concussion protocol, Mitch Trubisky injuring his shoulder, and Case Keenum appearing to be done in Washington, Minshew should be picked up if you need a quarterback.
Minshew has a tough matchup in Carolina next week, but then faces New Orleans, Cincinnati, the New York Jets, Houston, then Indianapolis. All but the Jets are at the bottom 10 in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks.
Will Dissly
He’s going to be a productive part of this Seattle offense that is increasing its passing percentage. Dissly has a 86% comp rate on the year, he’s been on the field in 78% of snaps, and has run routes in 59% of snaps, along with a touchdown and five catches in three straight games.
If Dissly still available on waivers, he’s a must grab.
A.J. Brown
I talked about Brown being someone to stash at the beginning of the year. Many might have given up on him after his one catch and five yards performance last week, but he showed his quickness and athleticism this week with three catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns.
Brown sparked that offense and led them to a massive win in Atlanta. He will be more involved in that offense if Marcus Mariota wants to keep a job.
Ronald Jones
After this week, we can say Jones is the running back in Tampa Bay. His carries have increased, and the gap between him and Peyton Barber has widened as he out-carried him 20-9 this past week.
If you need an RB2 option, look for Jones.
Darrel Williams
You have a banged-up LeSean McCoy, and Damien Williams could miss more time. It’s never easy to tell who is the lead back in Andy Reid’s offense, but if he’s going to continue getting goal-line opportunities, he has value.
Geronimo Allison/ Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Davante Adams will miss some time after suffering turf toe this past Thursday. Aaron Rodgers took over the game against Philadelphia with 53 passing attempts. If this trend continues, Allison and MVS could see an increase in opportunities until Adams returns.
Dawson Knox, Ricky Seals-JonesNoah Fant, Chris Herndon (returns week 6).
The tight end position is thin. These are some low-floor, high-ceiling guys owned in less than 40%.
Jordan Howard
Miles Sanders had an opportunity to make a big run on the first play from scrimmage and blew it and Jordan Howard came in the next play and ran for 19-yards and set the tone against the Packers.
Doug Peterson’s offense has never allowed a running back to average more than 13 carries per game in a season, but if you’re thin at running back, I would take a chance with Howard.
My Take Aways From Week 4
Nobody in the Minnesota offensive lineup is playable except Dalvin Cook. Through four games, the Vikings have passed the least amount of any team with only 99 attempts.
Cook was kept in check against Chicago, and it showed the Vikings don’t have a plan outside of the run game.
Adam Thielen vented his frustrations with the offense after the loss.
Unfortunately, Thielen, Stephon Diggs, and Kyle Rudolph are not worth starting.
The Browns’ offense needs to go through Chubb. Cleveland’s offense looked like the offense we expected. Odell Beckham Jr. was held in check while Jarvis Landry was the leading receiver, that won’t happen much this year.
If the Browns can establish the run game, this brings up the value of everyone else.
Wayne Gallman will be a sufficient running back till the return of Saquon Barkley
Although on the losing end. Lamar Jackson is officially matchup-proof. He still managed three touchdowns and 66 rushing yards against a tough Cleveland defense. Jackson is a set and forget at this point.
Frank Gore is reliable at RB2 every week. The Patriots had not allowed a 40-yard rusher this season and Gore went for 109 on Sunday. Even when Devin Singletary returns, Gore should be in your lineup.
Right Say Fred, Marcy Playground, Chumbawamba, now add Sammy Watkins to the one-hit wonders
Every week a new Bucs receiver goes off, except for O.J. Howard. It looks like Jameis Winston is establishing himself in this offense and is a viable quarterback option going forward. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have a chance to be a WR1 every week.
With Howard, it’s hard to drop him because of how thin the tight end position is, I think you just have to wait it out.
The Patriots defense is the only defense you can always start.
You love no names getting touchdowns? This was your week.
Foster Moreau, Ricky Seals-Jones, Troymaine Pope all scored, while Darren Waller, Keenan Allen, and Michael Thomas were all left out of the end zone. Crazy week.
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John “Supi” Supowitz is a graduate from Quinnipiac University with a Masters in Sports Journalism. He is also currently a part of the Game Day Production Staff for a minor league baseball team. If you want to pique his interest, bring up the Yankees, pro-wrestling, or King of The Hill. You can follow him on Twitter @Imthatsupi85 and Instagram @Imthatsupi.