Fantasy Football: Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

Many of last week’s waiver wire picks seemed to put up solid numbers. Patriots’ RB Stevan Ridley had the most productive day of them all, carrying the ball 10 times for an impressive 97 yards and a score. Giants’ WR Victor Cruz caught six balls for 98 yards, and Titans’ WR Nate Washington caught two for 62 yards. Here are this week’s pickups for your fantasy squad:

Isaac Redman, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

 Let’s face it: Rashard Mendenhall has been a pain in the butt for all owners of him. Hopefully owners handcuffed him or are high on the waiver wire, because Redman looks to get the start in Week 5 for the Steelers due to an injury to Mendenhall’s hamstring. Redman hasn’t been getting many touches this year, but when he has, he proved he could play. In Week 2, Redman had 10 rushing attempts and managed to garner 49 yards and reach the endzone. Everyone should pick him up as a spot start this week.

Ryan Torain, RB, Washington Redskins

 Redskins’ coach Mike Shanahan was up to his usual shenanigans last Sunday, giving Ryan Torain the reigns to the offense before even having a carry the whole season. Torain made Shanahan look great, getting 135 yards and a score. Tim Hightower owners beware. Torain is looking like a solid RB2/Flex.

Jacoby Jones, WR, Houston Texans

Jones is slated to take the place of the injured Andre Johnson for the next few weeks, but potential fantasy owners should beware. Jones has been anything but productive the last few weeks this season, but should get more targets the next few weeks as well. Jones averaged a little over 90 yards and five receptions per game when Johnson was missing last season. However, he could easily put up as little as 0-3 points. This guy is a WR3 at best.

Kevin Walter, WR, Houston Texans

Walter has had just as productive of a season as Jones had (not very). The missing presence of Andre Johnson will mean more targets though. Owen Daniels won’t make all the catches for Houston. I like Walter as a spot start if you absolutely need someone. He’s proven himself throughout his career.

Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks

 The undrafted rookie out of Stanford has quietly been producing for the anemic Seattle Seahawks offense. Baldwin started off the season hot, catching four balls for 83 yards and a touchdown in Week 1, to almost a repeat performance last week against the Steelers. Baldwin didn’t find the endzone, but still managed to muster up 84 yards on five catches. He’s not a must-pickup, but keep an eye on him for now.

Jermaine Gresham, TE, Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have been the surprise team of the league this year, and TE Jermaine Gresham is part of the reason why. Gresham has shown consistency this season, totaling 50+ yards in three of four games and catching two touchdowns. He’s worth a look in deeper leagues or as a spot starter this week.

Ed Dickson, TE, Baltimore Ravens

Dickson’s role in the Ravens’ offense is steadily continuing to grow. Dickson hasn’t put up any huge numbers as of late, but he is getting targeted a bunch, which should lead to success in the future. He got 12 targets last week against the New York Jets, and his 32 targets are fourth in the league for TEs. He has a bye this week though, but is worth a spot on your roster.

Cincinnati Bengals D/ST

The 2-2 Bengals have proved the doubters wrong and are looking better than expected on both sides of the ball, especially defense. The Bengals are first in the league in total defense, and look like a great matchup play this week as they plan to face a weak Jacksonville Jaguar offense. Rookie QB Blaine Gabbert hasn’t found his rhythm yet, and is due for at least 1-2 interceptions.