The Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals are feeling the pressure after both dropping to disappointing 1-3 starts despite lofty pre-season expectations… but, more importantly, does your fantasy team fall into the same boat?
If so, here are some options to consider on the waiver wire prior to the start of Week 5.
QB
Notable players on bye: Russell Wilson, Drew Brees, Blake Bortles, Alex Smith
Dak Prescott (59% owned)
The rookie has made noticeable improvements each week, has the Cowboys sitting at 3-1 and should be added in all 12-team leagues. He has the ability to scramble, picking up two rushing touchdowns already this season, but the most promising aspect of Prescott’s game is the way he limits mistakes. In 131 pass attempts this season he has yet to throw an interception, which is a record for most pass attempts without a pick to start an NFL career. He’s also the first QB to throw for 1,000 yards interception-free through his first four games.
Through four weeks, Prescott has more fantasy points than Russell Wilson, Philip Rivers, Tyrod Taylor, Andy Dalton and Carson Palmer. He has been particularly impressive over the last three weeks, completing 74.42 per cent of his passes, scoring five touchdowns (three passing, two rushing), surrendering zero turnovers, accumulating a 113.8 passer rating, while averaging 19.97 fantasy points per game in standard scoring leagues.
Brian Hoyer (5% owned)
If your starter is on bye, or you don’t want to start an injured Carson Palmer on Thursday, or you’re worried about Matt Ryan’s upcoming schedule (Denver and Seattle on the road in back-to-back weeks) it might be worth taking a chance on Brian Hoyer…seriously. He has thrown for more than 300 yards and two touchdowns in consecutive weeks and has a favourable schedule upcoming against the Colts and Jags. He’s a much better fantasy quarterback than he is a real-life QB right now.
Derek Anderson (0% owned)
This one is mostly for nervous Cam Newton owners. The Panthers’ franchise QB suffered a concussion against the Falcons and if he can’t go this week you’ll need a backup plan. Anderson went 17 of 23 for 172 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in less than 10 minutes of work in relief of Newton. If Cam can’t go Monday against the Bucs, Anderson is a decent last-minute handcuff option.
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RB
Notable players on bye: Mark Ingram, Christine Michael, Spencer Ware, Jamaal Charles, T.J. Yeldon, Chris Ivory
Terrance West (29% owned)
The Ravens made Justin Forsett a healthy scratch and West took advantage, running for 113 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries against the Raiders. He may lose some touches to Kenneth Dixon and Javorius Allen, but it’s rare to find starting running backs like West on the waiver wire. Pick him up.
Bilal Powell (23% owned)
Powell had 80 total yards on 10 touches in a loss to the Seahawks and his workload should increase this week. He does great in passing situations and you’d have to think the Jets are going to be in plenty of those Week 5 on the road against the Steelers. Powell will always play second fiddle to Matt Forte, but he’s still worth a look. His value is boosted in PPR leagues.
WR
Notable players on bye: Allen Robinson, Doug Baldwin, Jeremy Maclin, Allen Hurns, Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead, Michael Thomas
Steve Smith Sr. (63% owned)
The veteran’s future was in serious doubt when he ruptured his Achilles last November but the 37-year-old has been able to return with a vengeance and he’s once again Joe Flacco’s top target. He’s had eight catches and 11 targets in two straight games and got into the end zone on a beauty 52-yard catch-and-run.
Terrence Williams (9% owned) and Brice Butler (2% owned)
Both had double-digit fantasy points and registered touchdowns against the 49ers. As long as Dez Bryant is out dealing with a hairline fracture in his knee, Williams and Butler will be decent options.
Dontrelle Inman (2% owned)
The former CFLer was targeted 11 times by Philip Rivers and ended up with 120 yards and a touchdown. Oakland isn’t good against the pass so he could be in for another big week. Philip Rivers turned to Inman more frequently than he went to Travis Benjamin and Tyrell Williams.
TE
Notable players on bye: Travis Kelce, Jimmy Graham, Coby Fleener, Julius Thomas
Hunter Henry (30% owned)
Henry was a popular pickup last week and he came through for fantasy owners with 61 yards and a touchdown. If Antonio Gates misses another week with a hamstring injury, Henry will be a strong option against the Raiders in what is likely to be a shootout. Make sure to monitor Gates’s status though.
Cameron Brate (10% owned)
Jameis Winston has been turning to Brate more frequently of late. Tight end is a volatile position, as you all know, but Brate is seeing a steady dose of looks. Jacob Tamme had a strong game against the Panthers in Week 4 so Brate will look to do the same in Week 5.
The percentages shown above represent how much each player is owned in Yahoo! fantasy football leagues at the time this article was published
