Week 5 Byes: Lions, Titans, Eagles, and Chargers
As we head into Week 5, it is time for the bye weeks. This unfortunate reminder that fantasy managers can lose half their lineup in the blink of an eye forces you to stay liquid and step ahead of your league mates.
Here are some players to consider picking up this week, if available, to get ahead of the other managers in your league. These players include potential bye-week fill-ins, players who are returning from injury, and defenses to look at in advance.
Beat the Waiver Wire: No-Brainers
In most leagues, these guys aren't available. But if you're one of the fortunate ones who sees them on the waiver wire, snap them up.
QB Caleb Williams, Chicago (61% rostered on Sleeper)
The Bears have a great schedule moving forward for quarterbacks and pass-catchers. Chicago goes on a bye in Week 7, but before that, they play Jacksonville in Week 6, which has allowed the second-highest passing yards per game through four weeks and the eighth-lowest total quarterback pressures.
RB Braelon Allen, NY Jets (62% rostered on Sleeper)
Braelon Allen’s snap percentage has slowly been increasing, as has his running back share. Last week, he had a 44% running back rush share compared to Breece Hall’s 56%. The Week 6 byes include a myriad of every-week starting backs, plus the chance of owning a potential league winner if Hall goes down makes Allen a solid pickup. The Jets face a Buffalo defense in Week 7 that has allowed the third most rushing yards per game, and if Allen looks decent again this week, he might be the big waiver wire darling.
WR Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas (65% rostered on Sleeper)
With Davante Adams requesting a trade, either Tucker or Meyers (or both) could become startable fantasy assets. As soon as Adams is dealt, expect their roster percentage to jump up, and either could be a spot start, especially in Week 7 against the Rams, who have allowed the highest passing yards per play over four weeks.
TE T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota (72% rostered on Sleeper)
If your league has IR spots, there is a strong chance Hockenson is gone, but if not, it was reported that the Vikings plan to open his 21-day practice window Friday, with the hopes of him returning soon. With the success of Sam Darnold and the dismal tight end landscape, he is a must-add.
TE David Njoku, Cleveland (77% rostered on Sleeper)
Another injured tight end eyeing a return is David Njoku. Again, already heavily rostered, but worth checking. He logged limited practice this week, which is promising. The Eagles and Bengals are not great matchups for tight ends, but the schedule opens up nicely afterward.
Beat the Waiver Wire: Quarterbacks
Joe Flacco, Indianapolis (8% rostered on Sleeper)
Flacco came in for an injured Anthony Richardson last week and threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Richardson is rumored to return this week, but managers know the chance of losing him to another injury is higher than most, and Flacco is more than competent. In addition, the Colts have a late Week 14 bye. Flacco could hold teams over during the tough weeks.
Beat the Waiver Wire: Running Backs
Trey Sermon, Indianapolis (44% rostered on Sleeper)
There was a big push to grab Sermon from waivers with the news of Jonathan Taylor sustaining a “mild high ankle sprain.” We don’t know if Taylor will go this week, but Sermon will be the workhorse back if he doesn't. Additionally, we know that JT has had issues with his ankle before and has had a tough time getting back on the field. I am not saying this could be a Mason/CMC situation, but it is an opportunity to get ahead of a massive FAAB dump if we get more information.
Beat the Waiver Wire: Wide Receivers
Tre Tucker, Las Vegas (30% rostered on Sleeper)
With Davante Adams requesting a trade, either Tucker or Meyers (or both) could become startable fantasy assets. As soon as Adams is dealt, expect their roster percentage to jump up, and either could be a spot start, especially in Week 7 against the Rams, who have allowed the highest passing yards per play over four weeks.
Beat the Waiver Wire: Tight Ends
Noah Gray, Kansas City (2% rostered on Sleeper)
This is a deeper league stash. With Rashee Rice gone, at least for a while, the Chiefs will need Travis Kelce more than ever. Andy Reid has made clear his intent to save Kelce more for the playoffs, so we might start to see some Noah Gray sightings. He had four targets in Week 4 against the Chargers.
Erick All Jr., Cincinnati (5% rostered on Sleeper)
Mike Gesicki might not be the tight end to own in Cincinnati - rookie Erick All Jr. has slowly been increasing his target percentage and usage. He has caught all his targets this season, and the Bengals don’t go on a bye until Week 12.
Beat the Waiver Wire: Defense/Special Teams
Indianapolis Colts (8% rostered on Sleeper)
The Colts are startable this week against the Jags, but they could be held into the next few weeks. In Week 6, they head to Tennessee to take on either Will Levis or Mason Rudolph, and in Week 7, they play Miami, who are still having difficulty adjusting to life without Tua.
Cincinnati Bengals (10% rostered on Sleeper)
Very few people will play the Bengals this week against Baltimore, but then they will get Daniel Jones and the Giants and Deshaun Watson and the Browns.
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