The pool of players this week isn’t as deep as in weeks’ past, but with bye weeks coming up, one week plug ins are as important now as ever.
Last week’s fantasy football waiver wire additions proved invaluable. Winner of the week was Jordan Howard putting up a respectable 13 points in standard scoring leagues. What really bodes well for him going forward were his 26 touches. Howard seems to be the workhorse back in Chicago while Jeremy Langford recovers from injury. Not so nice was Cole Beasley’s six points in standard leagues, most of which came on the final drive for the Cowboys on a screen pass he took 47 yards to secure the win for Dallas. Despite the lackluster performance, he’s still worth the add in PPR leagues.
I’m sorry if you played against Julio Jones, Matt Ryan, or Ben Roethlisberger, but odds are they weren’t available on your league’s waiver wire. Let’s take a look at this week’s fantasy football must adds.
Worthy of Your 1st Waiver Claim:
Terrance West
Justin Forsett was inactive on Sunday, so the Terrance West show took place in Baltimore. West took advantage to the tune of 21 carries for 113 yards and a score. After the release of the ineffective 30-year-old Forsett, the Ravens are going younger in the backfield with West, Javorius Allen, and rookie Kenneth Dixon splitting the duties. While the status of the Ravens backfield isn’t 100% clear, I would expect West to again handle the lion’s share of carries in Week 5 against a Redskins defense that has allowed 7 rushing touchdowns to running backs this season.
Sammie Coates
The wide receiver pool is very shallow at this point in the season but can I interest you in the Steelers wideout who had the most receptions on Sunday night against the Chiefs? Normally just a deep threat, Coates was able to pull in targets from all over the field in route to a 6 catch, 79 yard line. The return of all-world running back Le’Veon Bell and his superb pass catching ability should stretch the field for big plays from Coates. The Steelers will host the New York Jets and their struggling pass defense in Week 5.
Worthy of Your 2nd Waiver Claim:
Dontrelle Inman
Inman has been one of the beneficiaries of the unfortunate season-ending injury to fellow wide out Keenan Allen, logging the most snaps at receiver for the Chargers in the last three weeks. In Week 4, Inman turned in 7 receptions for 120 yards and a score. We aren’t sure who the true number one in San Diego is, but we do know the Chargers like to throw, throw, and throw some more. Against an Oakland Raiders team that has allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, Inman is a great add. Dontrelle is IN, man.
Bilal Powell
Powell is sure to be owned in some leagues but may be available in yours. If he is, snag him this week before your league mates realize his usage is up in the last couple of games. Powell is a similar back to Matt Forte, just younger and fresher at this point in the season. Forte has struggled over the last two games, logging just 3.2 yards per carry. Powell has four receptions in three out of four games this season and is definitely worth the pickup in PPR leagues or as an insurance policy for Forte owners.
Future Add of The Week:
Alex Smith
If you can afford the roster space and your starting QB has a bye coming up, consider Alex Smith. While not normally known for putting up huge passing numbers, Smith’s upcoming schedule will have you drooling at the mouth. After a bye in Week 5, Kansas City plays Oakland, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Carolina, and Tampa Bay. None of those six defenses rank better than 23rd in the league when it comes to surrendering fantasy points to quarterbacks. Owners of Big Ben, Cam Newton, Carson Palmer, or Eli Manning should take a look at Smith as a bye week fill-in at the very least.
Getting Defensive:
The Buffalo Bills defensive unit has scored double digit fantasy points in back to back weeks against the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots. Over that span, they have allowed just 18 points while securing eight sacks and registering six turnovers. While they are 3-1, the LA Rams have failed to score a touchdown in half of their games this year. If you need them, Rob and Rex will be there to give you solid points out of your D/ST roster spot.
