Fantasy owners need wide receivers most, but this week’s best pickups are mostly running backs.
With significant injuries to several wide receivers in Week 5, fantasy owners will be scanning the waiver wire this week for replacements. Unfortunately, the top players available in most leagues are running backs.
That doesn’t have to be a problem in leagues that have a flex spot in the starting lineup. They may not provide the same level of production as a starting wideout, but something is still better than nothing.
The best pickup recommendations last week turned out to be the ones at the top of our list. If wide receiver Will Fuller or running back Jerick McKinnon are still available, grab them first before proceeding to this week’s list.
Recommended bids based on a free agent acquisition budget (FAAB) of $100 for the season.
BEST BETS
RB Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers ($15). He only got the start in Week 5 because of injuries to Ty Montgomery and Jamaal Williams, but the rookie sixth-rounder certainly passed the eye test in looking elusive and explosive — and scoring for the second consecutive week.
Even when everyone’s healthy, Jones should still have a large chunk of the workload.
RB Elijah McGuire, New York Jets ($13). More of a streaming option than a long-term one, McGuire didn’t do much (11 carries, 20 yards) at Cleveland. However, he did rush for 93 yards and a TD vs. Jacksonville in Week 4. With starter Bilal Powell possibly out with a calf injury, McGuire should see a ton of work on Sunday against the New England Patriots.
RB Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts ($11). More of a long-term pick than one you can plug into your lineup this week, Mack is coming off his best game of the year — nine carries for 91 yards and a touchdown. Frank Gore is still the starter, but he is 34. Mack is very nearly in the class of Derrick Henry and Tevin Coleman as backups who could be stars if their team’s starter goes down.
WR Nelson Agholor, Philadelphia Eagles ($10). Now we finally get to our top wideout. Torrey Smith, like Agholor, also caught a touchdown pass on Sunday. However, Agholor is getting more consistent looks from quarterback Carson Wentz. Although this week’s matchup at Carolina isn’t great, Agholor has the big-play potential to overcome it
REPLACEMENTS
RB Matt Breida, San Francisco 49ers ($8). Coach Kyle Shanahan’s game plan is pretty simple: Carlos Hyde starts, Brieda spells him. Hot hand plays more the rest of the way. Brieda had a better game in Week 5 with 71 total yards — compared to Hyde’s 18. Considering Hyde’s hip injury, that could be the new normal.
TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, New York Jets ($7). ASJ is tied for the team lead in targets and catches over the past three weeks — and on Sunday he hauled in his first touchdown reception. He’s a great fit for the Jets’ short-passing offense.
RB Adrian Peterson, Arizona Cardinals ($6). Peterson never was a good fit in New Orleans so Tuesday’s trade will give him a better opportunity to contribute. The problem is, the Cardinals have a terrible offensive line (NFL-low 51.8 rushing yards/game) so Peterson’s inability to make tacklers miss will limit his upside. He should get carries in the red zone though.
WR Roger Lewis, New York Giants ($6). Odell Beckham’s season-ending ankle surgery — plus injuries to fellow wideouts Sterling Shepard and Brandon Marshall — have the Giants terribly thin at receiver. Lewis will be thrust into the starting lineup after catching one pass for a 29-yard TD in the late stages of last week’s game.
For The Win: Five potential replacements for Odell Beckham Jr.
SPECULATIVE PICKUPS
WR Marquise Goodwin, Buffalo Bills
TE Darren Fells, Detroit Lions
TE George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
RB Charcandrick West, Kansas City Chiefs
