Week 5 Waiver Wire

It’s that time of the week again! Bye weeks are in full swing, and some of your key players will be missing. That makes you turn toward the Week 5 waiver wire.

Which players should you pick up? This is my advice on which players to snag this week off waivers.

Of course, you’ll want to be careful about which players you cut from your roster in order to add these guys. Don’t cut someone that will end up being a better player than who you pick up!

The Dolphins and Raiders are on a bye week in Week 5, so keep that in mind. The Bengals, Browns, Broncos, Cardinals, Rams and Seahawks are coming off of Week 4 byes.

Week 5 Waiver Wire

We used ownership percentages for CBSSports.com Leagues

Eli Manning, QB, N.Y. Giants

Available in 44% of CBS Leagues

It appears that Giants’ QB Eli Manning has finally re-joined fantasy football relevance. Eli had a star performance on Thursday Night, throwing for 300 yards, and tossing for 4 TDs on national TV. He looked calm in the pocket, made the right decisions, and was extremely successful in the red-zone. A big part of Eli’s fantasy success in the past was having a reliable tight end, and it looks like he’s found one. Larry Donnell caught three touchdowns on Thursday, and was a huge target for Manning in the red-zone. Eli’s upcoming matchups are extremely favorable as well, as he plays Atlanta, then Philadelphia, followed by Dallas. All of those teams have struggled against the pass this season. Eli could potentially be a good starting option for you if you’re in need of a Quarterback; otherwise he is a great fill on if your starter is on a bye-week.

Jerick McKinnon, RB, Minnesota

Available in 80% of CBS Leagues

The Vikings have been desperately trying for ways to get rookie Jerick McKinnon more touches, but he simply hasn’t produced. However, he finally shined on Sunday against the Falcons. McKinnon had a monster day on Sunday, rushing for 135 yards on 18 carries. Although Matt Asiata scored three touchdowns, McKinnon saw a bulk of the work in the 4^th quarter, when the Vikings were rushing the clock out. Asiata had just two more carries than McKinnon, and McKinnon out rushed Asiata by 57 yards. With Teddy Bridgewater running the show, the Vikings’ offense looked revamped on Sunday. With Adrian Peterson still missing time, McKinnon could possibly develop into the starting back for the Vikings, and is definitely a great replacement for players that may be on bye-weeks.

Eddie Royal, WR, San Diego

Available in 74% of CBS Leagues

On Sunday, Eddie Royal showed that he is no longer a one-week fluke. For the second week straight, Royal hauled in two touchdown passes, and managed to get over 100 yards on the day. The veteran receiver has become one of Phillip River’s favorite targets, as Royal has at least 6 targets in each of his last three games. Royal has some very good matchups upcoming, as he faces off against the Jets and Raiders over the next two weeks. Both of those teams have struggled against opposing receivers this season. Royal for sure makes a solid fantasy option, especially with star receivers’ bye-weeks upcoming.

Jordan Reed, TE, Washington

Available in 39% of CBS Leagues

Before the season I expected Jordan Reed to have a huge year, and I still believe in him. Although Reed has been out since Week 1 due to injury, he is expected to return either this week or next week for the Redskins, and should regain his starting role when he does. Niles Paul has done a great job filling in for Reed, but Paul got injured on Thursday, and even if he’s healthy, many Redskins’ sources have indicated that Reed should be the starting tight end when he returns. That being said, the Redskins’ offense gives a lot of looks to its tight ends, which we have saw over the last couple of weeks, and last year. Reed has tons of talent, and as long as he stays healthy he should produce as much as we saw towards the end of last season. Both Kirk Cousins and Robert Griffin III look for their tight end a lot in the passing game. Now is the time to pickup Reed, before he explodes once he returns.

Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB, Baltimore

Available in 39% of CBS Leagues

I didn’t mention Taliaferro is last week’s column because I wanted to see if he would still produce once Justin Forsett and Bernard Pierce are more involved. Pierce was active on Sunday, but didn’t see the field because of precautionary reasons, John Harbaugh said. Taliaferro took advantage of his opportunity on Sunday, rushing for 58 yards and a TD, on 15 carries. Taliaferro once again impressed, and may get more work as the season progresses. However, I do still believe Bernard Pierce should get the bulk of the work when he returns to full health, but Taliaferro is certainly worth a roster spot, especially with players on bye-weeks. I would still consider Bernard Pierce a better option if he is healthy, but Taliaferro could change my mind on that. We will have to see.

Follow me on twitter @Nadelman99 for any Fantasy Football questions. Also, feedback on my articles and my Week 5 Waiver Wire picks is always appreciated!