Week 5 NFL Fantasy Football Sleepers and Waiver Wire Steals
Short on your line up for this week? Need to fill holes due to injury, bye weeks or your players just have not performed as you would like. ProFootballinsight releases their Week 5 Fantasy Football Sleepers and Waiver Wire Steals.
UPDATE: Darren McFadden out 2 to 4 weeks
If you followed ProFootballinsight.net last week in the Week 4 Fantasy Football Sleepers and Waiver Wire Steals, you gained over 100 yards with Glen Coffee, 92 all purpose yards from Correll Buckhalter prior to injury, and 71 yards from Pierre Garcon.
This week, Glen Coffee is set for a great game against the Atlanta Falcons, and I recommend starting him again, as well as Ahmad Bradshaw versus the Oakland Raiders. Bradshaw has had double digit touches every week and will get his this week as well.
In years past, if you had “Steve Smith” on your roster, you were usually the one with the team “Giants” next to his name, wishing it said “Panthers.” This year is exactly opposite. If you have “Steve Smith, Giants” on your team, START HIM!
These moves do not really have any real insight into them, they are as I like to say, they are “no brainers.” Lets get into the band-aids for your broken rosters!
1. Jerome Harrison-RB-Cleveland Browns. Harrison had a great game last week by rushing 29 times for 121 yards, also having 31 receiving yards as well. I never recommend starting Cleveland Browns, as a Browns fan, I usually get burned, but not here. It is abnormal for a Cleveland running back to top 100 yards in a game, so Harrison is the real deal. Even if he is not, James Davis is out for the season, and Jamal Lewis is still inactive, making Harrison Cleveland’s only option.
2. Rashard Mendenhall-RB-Pittsburgh Steelers. This pick is not a waiver wire steal, but if he is on your bench, he appears to be a must start for the rest of the year. I expected his performance he displayed last week against the Chargers all the way back to his rookie season. He has definitely arrived on the scene, and I can’t imagine that his role will diminish all that much when Willie Parker returns.
3. Mike Wallace-WR-Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Steelers decide they want to pass this week, Wallace will get his. They are playing the Detroit Lions, who could help even the Raiders offense to get back on track. This pick is a waiver wire steal, and a last resort start if you need a WR.
4. Mewelde Moore-RB-Pittsburgh Steelers. See Mike Wallace with one exception. Moore will be involved in the offense. He had a touchdown last week, and is a great receiving weapon out of the backfield.
Other players to pick up off the wire and “hold” but not necessarily start;
Chad Henne-QB-Miami Dolphins. He did not have an amazing game last week, but his team won and he had no turnovers. The Jets will be a true test this week.
Mohamed Massaquoi-WR-Cleveland Browns. 8 catches, 148 yards, enough said. As long as Derek Anderson is QB, Massaquoi has fantasy value.
Josh Johnson-QB-Tampa Bay Buccaneers. See Chad Henne, minus the win part.
Justin Fargas-RB-Oakland Raiders. Regardless of who the head coach of the Raiders is, Fargas over the past three years always seems to find the field. With Michael Bush doing nothing last week, and McFadden out 2 to 4 weeks, Fargas has potential value.
This should help you get through your week, and assist your season long decisions as well. Need more insight, post a question to this article.
Look for “Head to Head”, the Podcast download will be available on ProFootballinsight.net later this week, and every week thereafter. MidwestSportsFans and ProFootballinsight take their games to the next level. Get your questions submitted via email for next weeks Podcast by next Tuesday morning. Good luck this week and get after it!
Kurt Fraschetti / ProFootballinsight.
Kurt@ProFootballinsight.net
http://www.profootballinsight.net/2009/09/profootballinsight-goes-10-yards-with-mark-munch-bishop/
http://www.profootballinsight.net/2009/09/michigan-wolverines-versus-michigan-state-spartans-preview-and-prediction/
[...] let’s get into the Week 5 band-aids for your broken rosters by clicking this link! Among the names discussed: Chad Henne, Mewelde Moore, Josh Johnson, and Rashard [...]
would you start clevelands D this week or atlanta’s? I’m stuck with GB on a bye!
Tim,
Great question, and I would call this a toss up. You could flip a coin and come up with a better guess on this one. I think that the Browns D has more upside, due to the Bills offensive struggles. I say the Browns, but remember I my heart gets in the way when I am questioned about the Browns.
Would you start Mike Wallace PIT facing the Lions or Austin Collie IND facing the Titans…? They’re both 3rd on the depth chart and seem pretty equal from where I’m sitting.
Amy,
This again is another “coin flip.” I would lean towards Mike Wallace, as on the year, he has been more involved in his teams offense. Both have one touchdown on the season, Wallace leads in yards, and frankly, has more talent.
Hope this helps. Check in with PFI next week for anything you may need.
Who would you start: Jerome Harrison OR Glen Coffee
Thanks!
Mike,
Remember again, your asking me about a Cleveland Brown, and after last week, I am optimistic about the Browns offense. Into fantasy terms, Glen Coffee’s yards per carry have sucked to say the least. He is well under 4 yards per carry, and has not seen the endzone all year. With that said, he is playing a porous Atlanta run defense this week, and the 49ers are committed to the run. Meanwhile, Harrison looked incredible last week compared to any recent Cleveland Browns running back I have seen. Harrison also has not seen the endzone yet this year. I predict that both will score this week, Harrison is more dynamic out of the backfield as a receiver, but the 49ers are more committed to the run. Harrison is Cleveland’s only rushing option. I think they are both good starts this week, and if able, I would start them both. If they were on my team, my heart would tell me Harrison, my brain would tell me Coffee. ESPN says Coffee, CBSportsline says Coffee, NFL.com says Harrison. My brain usually is smarter than my heart, Coffee it is, barely!
Check back in with us next week, and thanks for your question!
Kurt
Thanks for your insight.
I will start coffee and ahmad badshaw.
I’ve got a crucial week against the #1 team. I’ve got Matt Forte on a bye but can choose 2 of the 3: Michael Turner, Jerome Harrison and Steve Slaton. Also, in terms of I can only choose 3: Dwayne Bowe, Steve Smith (CAR), Hines Ward, DeSean Jackson and the Housh. Right now I’m liking Hines Ward, Steve Smith and DeSean Jackson/ Slaton and Turner. Am I wrong here? Thanks…
Mikester,
Thanks for coming to PFI for your football needs. If you could, let me know what your up against. I am curious as to what you have to match up to, which may affect who I would start if I were you. Give me the total teams.
Initially,
I would start Turner, because you cannot not start him.
I like Harrison more than I do Slaton, here’s why. Both of their total stats on the season are similar, but Harrison’s involvement began only two weeks ago. Buffalo is giving up 150 yards per game on the ground, to Arizona’s 79 ypg. I think that Slaton is the safer play, but if your attacking #1, Harrison may be worth the gamble.
At the WR position, Bowe has been horrible since Week 2. Hines Ward is a must start playing Detroit. Steve Smith has not done much to speak of, but between he and Bowe, I go Smith. With McNabb back, I love DeSean Jackson!
Hope this helps!
Well, thanks for the input. Here’s the total matchup in a standard non-PPR league:
ME:
QB – Matt Schaub (Phillip Rivers on bye)
RB – choose from the three mentioned
RB – Slaton, Turner, Harrison
WR – DeSean Jackson
WR – Hines Ward
WR – Steve Smith
TE – Dustin Keller (or Mercedes Lewis)
K – Longwell
D – Denver
HIM:
QB – Carson Palmer
RB – Clinton Portis
RB – Knowshon
WR – Andre Johnson
WR – Steve Smith (NYG)
WR – TO
TE – Owen Daniels
DEF – NYG
I just don’t understand how this guy has stayed on top in points so far! He does have McGahee but he has him on the bench at the moment. Also, Aaron Rodgers is on a bye. Anyways, I just can’t lose to him this week and have been strongly considering the gamble of Harrison to put me over the edge. By the way, thanks for the great response!
Mikester,
McGahee has benefited from playing defenses that love to give up rushing TD’s. Hell, he walked into the endzone untouched on both of his rushing TD’s against them. This should not continue all season.
Palmer has a difficult match up this week vs. Baltimore, and Schaub should outperform him. With you starting Schaub, I am not a fan of the running back, quarterback tandem on the same team starting, further supporting starting Harrison.
Portis is either a big hit, or a big miss, and he is always playing with an injury, which I why I drafted L. Betts on all of my teams in very late rounds.
With Buckhalter’s injury, Moreno’s stock goes up, but is still beatable.
Andre Johnson helps you if he does well, as long as all of Schaub’s TD’s do not go to Johnson.
Steve Smith(G) has played out of his mind, but Manning’s injury could lower is value this week.
TO has flat out sucked, but they are playing Cleveland this week. Hopefully not a coming out party for TO here!
Owen Daniels, see Andre Johnson.
His defensive match up crushes yours, facing New England is not what I would want my defense to do. Any other options?
This is definitely a winable game for you. Keller and Lewis are a toss up. Lewis is more consistent, but Keller’s match up this week favors tight ends. Go with your first instinct on this one.
Wow, thanks again for the wisdom! As far as defenses go, I’m stuck with little options. I’ve got Denver but SF is on the WW, along with Indy and CIN. Every other team is bottom of the barrel type stuff. I’m definitely seeing your point on Turner over Slaton now. I had a feeling that the DEF might be a big factor in this week so I’ll keep an eye on your reply for some advice. One problem in my league is the fact that I have to drop Denver’s D to add a new one and someone will probably pick it up. I’m kinda stuck on this one. Once again, you’re awesome and I’ll be checking out this site more often (haven’t seen it before this week).
I read a few or your responses and you made some really strong points. I need some help with my wide outs this week.
Available: TO, santana moss, mike sims walker, mohamed massaquoi, and antonio bryant.
Starting, I’m thinking mike sims walker and massaquoi but I can’t make a decision on the third. Will TO wake up this week or am I praying to the stars? What do you think?
The Rookie is back!!!!…any Suggestions for my week 5 line up?
QB Trent Edwards
QB Matt Schaub
WR Mike Sims-walker
WR Brandon Marshall
WR…………?
RB JONES-DREW
RB JEROME HARRISON
TE CHRIS COOLEY
W/R/T ……….?
BENCH:
Marion Barber (im afraid his injury will limit him vs KC)
Braylon Edwards (i want to start this guy because I’m thinking he will play posessed on MNF with a new team)
Marquis colston (bye)
Johnny Knox (bye)
Heath Miller (wondering should I start him vs Det instead of Cooley?)
Matt hasselbeck
Mikester,
Thanks for the kind words! Unfortunately, your screwed on D this week. Denver and SF’s D’s are nice to have, just not this week! Your options out there suck too, and those two are a coin flip of who to play. I would go with your initial instinct on that one too. I am intrigued by the Student vs. Mentor with the Broncos vs. the Patriots. I would be more afraid of the Pats offensive explosion than the Falcons, but not by much. As far as not seeing me before, I have written for MidwestSportsFans for 2 years, I just ventured out on my own 3 weeks ago. Check out the why follow PFI tab on my home page. I wrote that article last year for MSF a week before the Super Bowl. Let me know what you think.
Kurt
CB,
Thanks for taking the time… I usually do this by process of elimination, both good and bad.
You have to start Sims-Walker. He has been on fire, and I love consistency, which he has been displaying.
Moss has been on a roll too, but my dislike for Jason Campbell makes me cautious.
Mohamad Massaquoi… Again, I love consistency, and Massaquoi has one good game under his belt, which is concerning. With Braylon in New York, Massaquoi may be the one commanding teams “shut down” cover corner. He went under the radar because defenses did not have to account for him. I question whether or not he can produce those same numbers with #1 CB’s draped all over him like cheap curtains. This week will be a good gauge. I love that you have him on your team, I just need more to be convinced to make him a fantasy starter with the studs you already have.
T.O. Speaking of your studs, here’s one, with a QB who can’t get him the ball. Buffalo has taken no measure to get him the ball, which makes me question how they are still employed. T.O. is clearly the most explosive player on this team, even at 35 years old. If there was ever a team that will allow a coming out party, it’s Cleveland.
Antonio Bryant. See T.O. He needs a QB too, and I still can’t figure out why Leftwich was benched! He needs a QB in his life to regain his fantasy value. Also check his status before Sunday, he is currently questionable.
With this line up, and how high I am sure you had to draft T.O., if this were my team, I would start T.O., Sims-Walker and Moss. It is not a clear cut decision, but because of what I stated already, that is where my thoughts are. Where do you come out on this?
Kurt
Welcome Back Rookie!
Did you win last week?
First, do you have any other options other than Edwards at QB.
I would be concerned about Barber too, but remember, Felix Jones is out, and Choice can’t do everything. With that said, your running backs you have in are fine too. I would stick with them.
Do you have any other options other than Braylon? I expect him to blow up in NY, as I stated in my Braylon trade breakdown article, but not this early. He may get lucky and have a good game this week, but I don’t expect to see him more than 35 plays Monday night. He will pay off for you later in the year. It is contract year, bad stats, no cash. Big stats, big checks.
As far as tight ends go. Miller can make you win or lose, all by him self. He goes off for a big game, then disappears for a few games in a row. He has killed my teams in years past, which is why I avoid him like the plague! He has a game like last week, then your thinking, “ok he is on track.” Then you start him and he has one catch for 13 yards. Look at his history. Cooley on the other hand is very consistent and the Panthers have given up huge games to tight ends this year. Cooley is the safer bet of the two here.
Hope this helps and let me know how your doing.
Kurt
Thanks for the advice…I forgot to mention I have Derrick Mason whom I will start over Braylon Edwards. Mason is more consistant and I just dont feel right about Edwards this week even though he’s on MNF with a new team and QB…I just dont trust this guy anymore!!!
I have one more question on weather you would start Marion Barber or Clinton Portis in my w/r/t slot????
Cereno,
If health were not a factor, I would say Barber, but with Barber not 100%, I would go with Portis. Sorry for the delay on getting back to you on this, hope you got it in time!
[...] Week 5 Recap [...]
[...] Week 5 Recap [...]
Hey Fraschetti…thanks for the week 6 advice!
week 6 was going great until Hasselbeck and Braylon Edwards pulled a disappearing act on me!!!
week 7:
so many players have bye this week so i’m looking for suggestions.
Matt Schaub
matt Hasslebeck (bye)……..Trent Edwards (GOD HELP ME!!!)
Sims-Walker (bye)…………Johnny Knox
Brandon Marshall (bye)…….Braylon Edwards
Marquis Colsten
Jones-Drew (bye)………….Marion Barber
Clinton Portis
Chris Cooley
w/r/t (Heath Miller…or pick up Sidney Rice or Lance Moore)
BENCH
Marion Barber
Jerome Harrison (should i drop for Sidney Rice or Lance Moore)?
Heath Miller
Derrick Mason (going to drop since bye week is same as my starters)
Johnny Knox
Hope this is not too confusing…Thanks again!
Ronnie Brown getting hurt is devestating. At 32 years old, Ricky is not exactly a spring chicken. Having an inexperienced quarterback will not help. Their defense is ok, but it is not outstanding. This may end up being a lost year.It might be another year without the playoffs
That game was absolutely disgusting. How do you drop that game to the Browns? Hell in december?, what a joke. At least the draft is only 5 months away.
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