Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Wednesday: Week Five

In anticipation of waiver claims processing early tomorrow morning, let’s dive into the best players available on the waiver wire as we head into the fifth week of the 2017 NFL seaosn. For the first time in a while, there are multiple Texans on the list.

Deshaun Watson (QB - Texans)

Last week, the Texans had several fantasy players finally break out, with DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller, Lamar Miller and others racking up a big chunk of fantasy points. At the top of that list was rookie quarterback and obvious savior of the Texans - Deshaun Watson. With 283 yards, three passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown (and only one interception), the ex-Clemson QB finished as the highest scoring player in standard leagues and the highest scoring at his position in PPR leagues. He is surrounded by weapons (especially with Will Fuller’s return) and could be in line for a huge fantasy season. Add him, add him, add him.

Latavius Murray (RB - MIN)

Dalvin Cook’s season-ending injury is a huge loss for the Vikings, who will attempt to fill the void with a combination of Jerrick McKinnon and Latavius Murray. Of the two, I think Murray is the better option to earn the bulk of carries. He had a solid final season with the Raiders, managing nearly 800 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2016. Running backs are always thin as more and more teams turn to the committee backfield, so Murray should be a priority add wherever he is available.

Alex Collins (RB - BAL)

I liked Collins heading into the NFL Draft last season and was sad when he went to Seattle, where they had a bevy of backs that would prevent him for having any significant impact. Now with the Ravens, and with both Terrance West and Buck Allen’s roles in the run game diminishing by the week, Collins could eventually emerge as the main guy moving forward. He’s worth adding if you need running back help while waiting for the situation to settle in Baltimore.

Will Fuller (WR - HOU)

Back from a collarbone injury suffered in training camp, Fuller jumped right into Houston’s passing game, hauling in four receptions for 35 yards and two touchdowns against the Titans on Sunday. With Fuller back in the lineup, defenders were forced to cover more than just DeAndre Hopkins. With what appears to be a huge upgrade at quarterback in Watson, Fuller could be in line for a huge season after fading in the second half of 2016 thanks to the lackluster performance of Brock Osweiler. If he’s available in your league, grab him.

Devin Funchess (WR - CAR)

Funchess will likely be a touchdown dependent option for the Panthers, whose primary receiving target is Kelvin Benjamin. But with a talented quarterback in Cam Newton and tight end Greg Olsen on IR, Funchess could be a solid fantasy option moving forward. His 70-yard, two-touchdown outing in Week Four could be just the beginning.

JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR - PIT)

The rookie receiver had his best game to date last week with 47 yards and a score on three receptions. He has to compete for targets with Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant, but he could be in line for a bigger role as the season progresses. If you have room on your roster to grab him, he’s worth an add, especially in deeper leagues.

Tyler Kroft (TE - CIN)

With Tyler Eifert sidelined for an unknown amount of time, Kroft has stepped in and has accumulated 96 yards and two scores on nine receptions through two weeks. He may not be the long-term answer to your tight end problems, but Kroft is certainly worth an add for this week and potentially longer, depending on how long Eifert’s injury lingers.

What are your thoughts, fantasy owners? Who are you targeting on the waiver wire this week? You can discuss any and all fantasy questions or ideas in the comments section below.