Post-Week 5 Waiver Picking

QUARTERBACKS

Joe Flacco (@ Tampa Bay)

Flacco was sacked a few times last week against Indianapolis, but that was due to recently filled holes on their O-Line. With some experience under their belt this week, they have a great matchup against Tampa Bay. He’s a good flier this week.

Andy Dalton (vs. Carolina)

I normally don’t like Andy Dalton, but he’s got a good matchup against a struggling Carolina defense. At home after an embarrassing loss to the Pats, I think Dalton reignites his connection with AJ Green and airs it out both to Green and somewhat to Bernard.

Desperation Pick-Up: Kirk Cousins (@ Arizona)

Cousins was impressive against what many consider to be the best defense in the league – he didn’t turn it over at all and connected on some deep throws. You could do worse this week.

Avoid! – Tony Romo (@ Seattle)

Seattle will be out for blood this week after they allowed the Redskins to stay in the game too long. Expect them to attack the Cowboys with all they have. Because this is a run-first offense and Seattle is at home, stay away from Romo.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Justin Hunter (vs. Jacksonville)

Well, looks like Justin Hunter decided to show up. He’s a huge physical talent and will get open frequently against Jacksonville. This should be just like practice for him.

Brian Quick (vs. San Francisco)

The number one wide receiver on a team that has dedicated themselves to throwing the ball. Why Quick isn’t owned in more leagues, I do not know. Grab him.

Desperation Pick-Up: Odell Beckham Jr. (@ Philadelphia)

He grabbed a TD last week, and like Hunter is a great talent. The Giants will feed him, and he’ll do passing well against a porous Philadelphia secondary.

Avoid! – Greg Jennings (vs. Detroit)

He’s an afterthought in this offense. Jarius Wright and Cordarrelle Patterson are where it’s at in Minnesota.

RUNNING BACKS (aka Slim Pickin’s)

Andre Williams (@ Philadelphia)

The Giants offense is clicking, and they can definitely run the ball. As the clear backup to an injured Rashad Jennings, Williams will get the majority of the touches over the next few weeks. He will be a solid RB2 until Jennings comes back.

Ronnie Hillman (@ NYJ)

The Broncos have repeatedly said they want to have a dynamic run game. Now that Montee Ball is out of the mix for a while, the most likely beneficiary is Hillman. He’s a dynamic back and could carry the load. If he does well, he may have the job for the rest of the year.

Desperation Pick-Up: Brandin Oliver (@ Oakland)

Yes, he exploded this past week. However, it came against an exhausted Jets defense who were on the field constantly. I don’t think he’s a long term solution, but he has a good matchup and would serve as a decent plug and play this week.

Avoid: Patriots Running Backs (@ Buffalo)

Ridley looked great last week – their O-Line really clicked. But so did Vereen. The back situation here is completely muddled, and on the road against Buffalo is not where you want to find out that you got Belichick’d.

TIGHT ENDS

Heath Miller (@ Cleveland)

How many times do I have to say this: Heath Miller is legit. He’s awesome. Big Ben likes him. Grab him. Start him. He’s reliable.

Owen Daniels (@ Tampa Bay)

Daniels looks good in Baltimore – and he’s got a good matchup against Tampa Bay. He’s one of Flacco’s favorite targets and a good red-zone threat. I expect him to get into the endzone this week.

Desperation Pick-Up: Luke Willson (vs. Dallas)

Willson did well in blocking and has good receiving tools. With Zach Miller out, he’s the clear primary TE option in Seattle, with a decent matchup against Dallas. You could do worse.

Avoid: Zach Ertz (vs. NYG)

I like Ertz, and I like him in this offense. However, Sproles and McCoy are getting some of the short work, and the Giants are good against tight ends. If you can, I’d avoid him this week.

Defense/Special Teams

San Diego Chargers (@ Oakland)

The Chargers’ defense looks good, lately. They have a great matchup against Oakland this week. If they’re available in your league, you should use them. If you were smart enough to grab them the last two weeks, then keep using them.

Green Bay Packers (@ Miami)

Even though they’re going on the road to Miami, the Packers should get it done this week. Ryan Tannehill will probably turn it over a few times, and the Packers defense may even score here.

Desperation Pick: Baltimore Ravens (@ Tampa Bay)

I guess it’s Ravens week here. Tampa Bay is a good matchup for any defense this season. If you’re in a deeper league, look here.

Avoid: Houston Texans (vs Indianapolis)

Andrew Luck is coming to town. As awesome as JJ Watt is, there is only one of him. All the weapons the Colts have will result in a tough day for Houston.

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