Joe Serpico shares his top fantasy football waiver-wire pickups heading into Week 5.
Sam Darnold, QB, Minnesota Vikings: It might be fair to ask if Kevin O’Connell was the key to Kirk Cousins’ success because while the new Falcons quarterback has struggled, Darnold has thrived. Darnold has seven touchdowns in the last two games, finishing as QB13, QB4, QB9 and QB6 (as of Sunday night) in the first four weeks of the season. I never thought I would say this entering the year: Darnold needs to not only be rostered but also starting in most fantasy leagues.
Justin Fields, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers: I must admit I am surprised at the availability of Fields in fantasy leagues. Available in more than 66 percent of leagues, Fields has earned the right to remain the starter in Pittsburgh. His passing numbers have gotten better each week, and his rushing ability makes him the quintessential fantasy quarterback. With teams on a bye in Week 5, Fields enters QB1 territory.
Joe Flacco, QB, Indianapolis Colts: I would be remiss if I did not mention the effort of the Ravens’ Super Bowl MVP in relief of an injured Anthony Richardson. The veteran completed 16 of 26 throws for 168 yards and two touchdowns as the Colts put an end to the Steelers’ undefeated season. Richardson will not miss much time, if any, but if Richardson is out in Week 5, Flacco is a decent streaming option in Superflex leagues.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs: Last week, I wrote that “Kareem Hunt is looming after signing on the practice squad.” His takeover of the Chiefs’ backfield came much earlier than expected. Hunt had 14 carries for 69 yards against the Chiefs on Sunday, compared to Carson Steele’s two carries for 6 yards. The question is whether this is Hunt’s job moving forward with Clyde Edwards-Helaire eligible to return to practice this week. Similar to Steele a few weeks ago, Hunt needs to be rostered but don’t break the bank.
Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants: Malik Nabers has garnered much of the attention in the Giants’ passing game, and deservedly so, but do not sleep on Robinson. He has 26 receptions on 38 targets after four games and could assume the role as No. 1 receiver if Nabers is forced out of action from a concussion suffered Thursday against the Cowboys. The added time off should benefit Nabers, but Robinson should be on your radar with many of the top receivers either on a bye or injured.
Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts: I was hesitant to make Alec Pierce a priority add a few weeks back because Pierce’s playing time increased without Downs in the lineup. With Downs back, Pierce saw just two targets while Downs tied Michael Pittman for a team-high nine targets. Downs’ ability to work the middle of the field will make him a favorite target for whoever is at quarterback next week.
Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Green Bay Packers: The Packers’ receiving corps is arguably the deepest in the NFL, but that also made it difficult to predict who would headline the group entering the season. Christian Watson was carted to the locker room on Sunday, opening the door for Wicks to get a heavy increase in volume. The second-year receiver caught five of 13 targets for 78 yards and two scores. Those numbers could have been better if not for a couple of drops. Watson’s injury opens up more opportunities for all of the Packers’ wideouts, but Wicks gets the biggest jump in playing time.
Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints: The ultimate boom-or-bust player in fantasy football found the end zone twice before exiting with an injury on Sunday. He will have games where he does next to nothing, but when he puts up points, it is usually game-changing for the tight end position. His injury situation needs to be monitored, and he will drive you crazy some weeks, but he is a cheat code at the position with how the Saints use him.
Top Handcuffs (Rostered in less than 50 percent of leagues)
Braelon Allen, New York Jets
Cam Akers, Houston Texans
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots