Four weeks of NFL play are officially in the books, which means bye weeks are in full swing. Gone are the days where you could just coast by on a strong draft. Now more than ever, you’ll need to search the waiver wire for all the best available running backs. Heading into Week 5, you should set your eyes on Ronald Jones, Nyheim Hines, and Rex Burkhead.
Note that in order to make this list, the player had to be available in over 50% of fantasy leagues. If you’re in smaller leagues, there may be better players available. Make sure to check your waivers to see if there are any diamonds in the rough before submitting your claims.
Wide Receiver Week 5 Waiver Wire Claims
Quarterback Week 5 Waiver Wire Claims
Defense Week 5 Waiver Wire Claims
Ronald Jones, Nyheim Hines Highlight Fantasy Football Week 5 Running Back Waiver Wire Claims
Ronald Jones
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers backfield is one of the most frustrating units in fantasy football, but Ronald Jones appears to have an established role. Jones led the team with 19 carries in Week 5, turning those opportunities into 70 yards and one touchdown. More often than not, he’s been the top option over Peyton Barber. Starting him comes with some risk, but he’s in a high-powered offense with a head coach who always gets the best out of his running backs.
Jones faces off against a good New Orleans Saints defense in Week 5. Truthfully, this unfavorable matchup means that Jones probably won’t be anything more than a RB2 or RB3. That said, there aren’t many good options on the waiver wire this week, and Jones’ relative control of the backfield means he’ll have the opportunity to be fantasy relevant. If you have to start him, you’ll have to hope he finds his way into the endzone.
Nyheim Hines
If you’re in a deeper league and don’t have many available options, take a look at Nyheim Hines. Hines is never going to be a true three-down back, but he has the chance to put up some 2016 James White numbers in Week 5’s outing against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Colts are going to have to throw early and often to keep up with Kansas City’s passing attack, which means Hines should see the field on a regular basis.
Marlon Mack left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury and did not return. As of this posting, it’s unclear if Mack is going to be able to suit up against Kansas City. Even if he can play, he’ll probably see a reduced workload. If you’re in a PPR league, Hines should be a solid flex in 12- and 14-team leagues.
Rex Burkhead
Rex Burkhead was set to have a huge game in Week 4, but a foot injury caused him to be an afterthought in the offense. Burkhead barely saw the field and finished his night with just one reception for seven yards. He’s already available in over half of fantasy leagues, and chances are he’s going to get dropped in a lot of formats.
However, you shouldn’t overreact to one bad week. Burkhead wasn’t healthy and was going up against one of the best defenses in football. He should be healthier at this time next week, and he faces a considerably better matchup in Week 5. The Washington Redskins are not a good team, and New England should crush Washington, which means that there’s going to be a lot of garbage time rushing attempts. Sony Michel can’t see every touch, so Burkhead is going to get in on the action. Just like with Jones, Burkhead isn’t a perfect play. However, with the waiver wire so thin, he’s probably the best you can find.
Wide Receiver Week 5 Waiver Wire Claims
Quarterback Week 5 Waiver Wire Claims
Defense Week 5 Waiver Wire Claims
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