After a wild week 6 with some key injuries, a few guys have stepped up, and some just had the guy in front of him go down. So as they say in the NFL, next man up.
RB
Ronnie Hillman (DEN) is the likely replacement to Montee Ball after Ball left with a groin injury Sunday. Ball is said to be out a while, and since CJ Anderson was a healthy scratch on Sunday, Hillman is the guy to grab. Denver has a tough schedule ahead, but Hillman will likely get a fair amount of work in a Denver offense that looked like shades of last season.
Andre Williams (NYG) replaced the injured Rashad Jennings in Sundays contest. If the Jennings owner in your league didn't handcuff him with Williams, this is your time to pounce. Williams had a score and caught two touchdowns in relief of Jennings. The Giants said they will know more on Monday, but given their favorable schedule coming up, Williams is a solid add in your leagues.
Branden Oliver (SD) had a monster game on Sunday. Rushing for 114 yards on 19 carries and a score, and catching 4 passes for 68 yards and a score. His great game came against a previously top rated rushing defense of the New York Jets. Oliver is another must add this week, although his time may be limited with Ryan Mathews coming back in the next few weeks. If he keeps up this pace though, it will be hard for the Chargers to take him off the field.
Antone Smith (ATL) didn't do much on the ground this week, gaining 2 yards on his only carry, but he did catch 3 passes for 83 yards and a score. This is 4 touchdowns in 5 weeks for Smith. At this point it is hard to ignore the fact that he has worked himself into the conversation in Atlanta, both having some decent rushing games and some good receiving games as well. As a caution, he has not been getting a lot of touches, but he has been making the most of them. Continued production may lead to more touches for Smith. I would say he is worth a speculative stash or an emergency play if you have nothing else.
WR
Brian Quick (STL) is the number 1 receiver for the Rams. Only owned in 35% of ESPN leagues, Quick is a must add and must start in your leagues. Catching 5 passes for 87 yards and 2 scores in week 5, quick had his best fantasy day of the year.
Louis Murphy (TB) is a name to keep an eye on. Putting together two decent games back to back, 6 catches for 99 yards against Pittsburgh in week 4, and 3 for 35 and a score against New Orleans in week 5. These numbers coincide with a switch at quarterback for the Bucs, and we may be seeing the trust and chemistry between Murphy and Mike Glennon. Speculative watch for now, but be ready to grab him up if his production continues.
Terrance Williams (DAL) scored his fifth touchdown of the season in week 5. His production has been spotty, but averaging a score every week is never a bad thing. He may have been dropped in your leagues, and if you can afford a spot, or need a spot starter for week 6, you likely could do worse. Not getting a lot of touches, averaging just over 3 per week, he is not seeing a lot of passes, so proceed with caution.
Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG) made his Giants debut in week 5. Catching 4 passes for 44 yards and a touchdown, Beckham looked good. He also drew a few penalties on plays he was targeted on. Look for his time on the field to increase if he can stay healthy. The giants offense has been a big turn around since week 1, and Beckham looks to benefit from a fast paced high percentage passing attack. Good play for a PPR league.
Justin Hunter (TEN) had 3 catches for 99 yards and a score against Cleveland in week 5. The Titans have been very inconsistent so far this season, and Hunter has too. Next week they play Jacksonville, and Hunter could be a good spot start if you are weak at receiver, or have key guys on bye.
Taylor Gabriel (CLE) has been building momentum in the past few weeks. This week against the Titans Gabriel caught 4 passes for 95 yards. Some favorable match ups await Gabriel in the coming weeks, like Pittsburgh in week 6, Jacksonville in week 7, and Oakland in week 8. If Gabriels momentum keeps building, and he can manage a score, he may be a good addition to your stable of receivers.
TE
Tim Wright (NE) finally had a breakthrough game for the Patriots. When he was acquired from Tampa Bay, the common thought was the Pats would use him in the Aaron Hernandez role, minus the alleged murder. Catching 5 passes for 85 yards and a score, Wright had a productive day. If your tight end is on bye, hurt, or just not performing, this may be a trend to continue for Wright in the offense. Hopefully this means that Wright and Tom Brady have developed chemistry that will continue.
Dwayne Allen (IND) has been a fairly consistent target and a frequent visitor to the end zone for the Colts. Scoring in 4 of 5 games for the Colts so far this season, the black robocop is a great tight end option for your fantasy team. only owned in 11% of ESPN leagues, he is just sitting there waiting for you to add him to your band of merry fantasy players.
