Fantasy: Waiver Wire - Week 5
Each week, theScore's fantasy editors will run down the top waiver-wire pickups with a focus on the coming week and the rest of the season.
Quarterback
Jay Cutler, Bears
Recommended FAAB allocation in 12-team leagues: 5 percent
Andy Dalton and Tyrod Taylor are preferred adds, but they're owned in many leagues, so Cutler is a passable option for owners still searching for a replacement for Tony Romo or Ben Roethlisberger.
Running Back
Ronnie Hillman, Broncos
FAAB: 20 percent
We saw hints of it in the preseason, but it was never more apparent than on his 72-yard touchdown run in Week 4: Hillman deserves to start ahead of the disappointing (and very banged up) C.J. Anderson. If he's available in your league, adding him should be near the top of your to-do list.
Duke Johnson, Browns
FAAB: 20 percent
The Browns made it a point to feature Johnson in their offense for the first time in Week 4. The decision proved to be a wise one, as the rookie provided a spark the Browns have sorely missed this season. Based on the public criticism of Isaiah Crowell by Browns coaches, it's likely Johnson's role will only get bigger.
Thomas Rawls, Seahawks
FAAB: 10 percent
Rawls had an unspectacular Monday night, which should help keep his price down. He will go back to being merely a handcuff once Marshawn Lynch gets healthy, but there's a chance Lynch's injuries will hamper him throughout the season.
Darren McFadden, Cowboys
FAAB: 5 percent
With Lance Dunbar lost for the season, there's an opening in the Cowboys' offense for a passing-down back. McFadden could help fill the gap. In PPR leagues, that could give him low-end FLEX value.
Wide Receiver
Martavis Bryant, Steelers
FAAB: 25 percent
He's back from suspension in Week 5. If he was dropped by an impatient owner in your league, it's your lucky day. It doesn't even matter that Ben Roethlisberger is hurt - one of the best parts of Mike Vick's game is his deep ball.
Leonard Hankerson, Falcons
FAAB: 8 percent
Remember what you expected from Roddy White before the season began? Just move that expectation over to Hankerson. He's clearly the Falcons wideout to own after Julio Jones.
Kamar Aiken, Ravens
FAAB: 5 percent
Steve Smith's injury looks like it could linger for a while, making Aiken a de facto No. 1 target. Make no mistake: Aiken doesn't have the skill set to be a fantasy WR1. But on sheer volume alone, he could be a low-end WR2 while Smith is hobbled.
Ted Ginn Jr., Panthers
FAAB: 5 percent
Ginn's getting consistent targets with Kelvin Benjamin on IR and he's been surprisingly productive with them.
Allen Hurns, Jaguars
FAAB: 3 percent
Touchdowns in back-to-back weeks and 116 yards against the Colts gets him noticed, but Hurns could be benefiting from defenses keying on Allen Robinson. He's only worth adding at a bargain price.
Tavon Austin, Rams
FAAB: 3 percent
Owning Austin can be tremendously frustrating. He tends to produce several duds for every "breakout" game, which means lean weeks could be ahead following Week 4's two-touchdown outburst. Then again, maybe defenses keying on Todd Gurley will create space for Austin to do more damage.
Tight End
Antonio Gates, Chargers
FAAB: 15 percent
Like Martavis Bryant, Gates comes off suspension in Week 5. Add him if he was dropped in your league.
Richard Rodgers, Packers
FAAB: 3 percent
Rodgers has two touchdowns through four weeks and should only see his role grow with Andrew Quarless on IR/designated to return. He's never going to be the first, second, or even third option in the Packers' offense, but the team should score enough points to make Rodgers a viable low-end TE1.