Just like that, week five is behind us and we are almost 1/3 through the NFL season. Fantasy playoffs begin in 9 weeks or so. Now is the time to begin getting aggressive, use that high waiver priority and all. This weekend gave us some openings on the waiver wire where that aggressiveness may pay off. Don’t be afraid to sell high on players as well, or buy low on struggling stars. I compiled this list based on players under 50% and using the ESPN rostered percentage.
Running Backs
Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears, 5% rostered, 10-12 team priority
With David Montgomery out, Damien Williams became the top waiver add. Khalil Herbert stepped in this Sunday with a statement. He rushed 18 times for 75 yards. The stat line is nothing flashy, but the fact that he had 18 carries alone versus Williams’ 16 showed it was a true split. Also of note, Herbert was used in the red zone. If you need a running back, this is a priority add.
Devontae Booker, New York Giants, 4% rostered, 10-12 team priority
We all saw the picture of Saquon Barkley’s ankle. It’s a tough break for a great player. The early word is he’s week to week, which makes the loss not that bad, but now that gives a chance for Devontae Booker to get his carries. He filled in with 16 rushes for 42 yards and a touchdown on the ground, combined with three catches on four targets for 16 yards and a receiving touchdown. Depending on how long Saquon is out, Booker slides in as a low-end RB2/Flex play.
AJ Dillon, Green Bay Packers, 56% rostered, 10-12 team priority
I normally keep higher percentage players off this list, but AJ Dillion needs to be rostered all over. Dillon is making Aaron Jones managers sweat with 8 rushes for 30 yards and catching all four of his targets for 49 yards and a score. While Jones saw 14 carries and five targets, this is a share that is eating into his workload, and something to for sure monitor.
Darrel Williams, Kansas City Chiefs, 8% rostered, 10-12 team priority
With Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s sprained MCL expecting to have him miss a few weeks, Darrel Williams and Jerick McKinnon enter as the favorites for an increased role. Williams should be the favorite here for carries, with McKinnon seeing some work as well. He rushed five times for 27 yards, and saw 5 targets, with three catches for 18 yards. Meanwhile, McKinnon only rushed one time and saw two targets.
Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots, 6% rostered, 12 team priority
Damien Harris battled through chest and rib injuries on Sunday, as well as a goal-line fumble, opening the door for Rhamondre Stevenson to have a crack at the starting role. With Brandon Bolden essentially working the James White role, Stevenson did not fare too well, only rushing 11 times for 23 yards, but we all know how Bill Belichick operates with his running backs when they lose the ball. Stevenson could be in line for an increased workload next week.
Alex Collins, Seattle Seahawks, 42% rostered, 10 team priority
With Chris Carson dealing with a neck injury, Alex Collins fills in as the starting running back. Carson’s status for week six is in the air, meaning Collins could fill in again as the starter. He saw 15 carries for 47 yards and caught two passes on three targets for 25 yards. Even if Carson is back, we don’t know how the neck is, making Collins a must-stash option.
Wide Receivers
Kadarius Toney, New York Giants, 12% rostered, 10-12 team priority
Well, this was out of nowhere! Kadarius Toney saw a season-high 13 targets, and brought in 10 catches for 189!!!! Yards. Now granted, he took a swing at a player with a helmet on, and also has an ankle, foot injury that may keep him out of a game, but this is now a must-add. Kenny Golladay is injured, and Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard continue to miss time. The Giants need to get their playmakers involved, and Toney has become one.
Rondale Moore, Arizona Cardinals, 37% rostered, 12 team priority
Rondale Moore was a human highlight reel on Sunday bringing in a spectacular catch from Kyler Murray. With this offense being boom or bust outside DeAndre Hopkins, it’s hard to trust one of AJ Green, Christian Kirk, or Rondale Moore consistently, but Moore has shown to be a playmaker on offense. He brought in five of six targets for 59 yards and added 3 rushes for 38 yards. He had a touchdown catch called back, so it could have been an even bigger performance.
Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos, 30% rostered, 10-12 team priority
How Tim Patrick isn’t rostered more than 30% is a big question mark. Outside of week four, he has put up double-digit fantasy points each week. He brought in seven catches on nine targets for 89 yards. With Jerry Jeudy still out, Patrick has stepped up and should be rostered all over.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions, 4% rostered, 12-14 team priority
Amon-Ra St. Brown is expected to see more opportunity with Quintez Cephus breaking his collarbone. St. Brown has back-to-back weeks with eight targets, catching seven this past week for 65 yards. With an expected role increase, St. Brown is an under-the-radar grab and a preseason favorite of mine.
Marquez Callaway, New Orleans Saints, 39% rostered, 12 team priority
Jameis Winston is playing great football right now and getting better as the weeks go on. He targeted Marquez Callaway eight times. He brought in four of those for 85 yards, and a pair of touchdowns. Callaway is a nice add in 12 team leagues coming into bye weeks.
Mecole Hardman, Kansas City Chiefs, 42% rostered, 10-12 team priority
With the news of Tyreek Hill being injured (not expected to miss any games), Mecole Hardman is a player to look out for. He saw 12 targets Sunday, catching nine of those for 76 yards. With Josh Gordon making his debut, Hardman made a performance to keep his role in this offense. I would look at Hardman in any format right now as a low-end WR2/Flex play.
Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens, 13% rostered, 12-14 team priority
Rashod Bateman was not activated off IR this week, which will keep him likely away from many waiver claims, but this is a rookie that got a lot of attention this summer, and someone who will likely make their debut next week. He is a very good stash at this point in the season.
Tight Ends
David Njoku, Cleveland Browns, 2% rostered, 12-14 team priority
Well, this was not Austin Hooper! David Njoku broke out in a big way on Sunday catching all seven targets for 149 yards and a touchdown. It is yet to be seen if this will be sustainable, but this was a pleasant surprise for a Browns offense that was clicking on Sunday (sadly with a loss). Keep an eye on this situation, Njoku has the talent to keep this up.
Dan Arnold, Jacksonville Jaguars, 1% rostered, 14 team priority
At least Urban Meyer didn’t forget how many targets Dan Arnold got this Sunday. He caught six of eight targets for 64 yards. Coming from Carolina, Arnold is catching passes from Trevor Lawrence now, and building chemistry.
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots, 36% rostered, 12 team priority
Jonnu Smith got the big contract from the Patriots this offseason, but it’s Hunter Henry making the noise. He caught six of eight targets for 75 yards and a touchdown. Jonnu Smith isn’t being used in the passing game as we all thought, and Henry seems to be the tight end to the roster in New England.
Quarterbacks
Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks, 0% rostered, Superflex Priority
Geno Smith is set to be the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks for the next 4-8 weeks. Russel Wilson had finger surgery and is set to miss extended time. Geno threw for 131 yards and a touchdown against the Rams. If you rostered Russel, or need a quarterback in a Superflex league, Geno has the talent around him to be fantasy-relevant.
Davis Mills, Houston Texans, 0% rostered, Superflex priority
Davis Mills was supposed to get shut down this week by Bill Belichick. He did not get that memo. He threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns. He is a decent add in Superflex leagues if you need a quarterback, especially if you rostered Russell Wilson or Daniel Jones.
For more options, or questions about these, you can reach me on Twitter @NMimi. Otherwise, you can always check me out on the Stack Attack Fantasy Podcast.