Practice Report Round Up Week 8

Week 8 brings us some familiar names on the practice reports, some new additions, and a few guys getting back in action. Here is the list of guys you might care about for your fantasy games this week.

John Brown (ARI) is probable after being limited in practice this week. Brown may make a good fill in for injured wide receivers or bye week fill in. The Cardinals play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The Eagles have the 23rd ranked pass defense. This game may see the Cardinals put the ball in the air more as Carson Palmer has not appeared on the practice report himself this week.

Harry Douglas (ATL) is a welcome addition back to a struggling Falcons offense. The bad news is that he can't play offensive line. Douglas is a good third option for the Falcons, but Matt Ryan has had little time to make the read to get to Douglas. Detroit has one of the best defensive units so far this season, so I personally wouldn't be playing Douglas.

Owen Daniels (BAL) is out this week after having some "cleanup" done on his knee. No other viable option exists with the Ravens for fantasy purposes, so go fine yourself a waiver guy like maybe Andrew Quarless from Green Bay or Luke Willson or Cooper Helfet from the Seahawks.

Fred Jackson (BUF) is out for a few weeks. Some estimates are 2-3 weeks, or as many as 6 with a groin injury. In the absence of both Jackson and CJ Spiller there isn't a consensus on whether Anthony Dixon or Bryce Brown are the best play. Take your shot this week, or just don't play any Buffalo running back this week. The Bills play the stingy run defense of the Jets this week, so caution may be the best option.

Philly Brown (CAR) is out this week with a concussion. It is unlikely you were playing Brown, but he does return kicks, so if you were playing him in a league that gives credit for this, you won't have him to score for you this week.

Chris Ogbonnaya (CAR) is questionable this week with a groin injury against the Seattle Seahawks. The Panthers running back situation is its usual mess, with anyone who is anyone banged up. Jonathan Stewart is getting the start this week, but with the 2 starting guards out for the Panthers, I wouldn't feel good about starting any of their backs.

Fozzy Whitaker (CAR) is out this week. Part of the mess of injured Panthers running backs, Whitaker will not be available to you this week.

AJ Green (CIN) is questionable this week. Having already missed time with a toe injury this season, this is not a surprise to any Green owner. He was heard to say last week that he was playing this week, but was only able to do conditioning this week at practice. I wouldn't count on him playing, and even if he does, there is no way to know how effective he would be. I would look for better options this week.

Reggie Bush (DET) is listed as doubtful this week with an ankle injury. With Joique Bell and Theo Riddick both healthy, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense for the Lions to play Bush this week. Riddick might be a good addition if you are weak at running back, as the Lions play against the terrible defense of the Atlanta Falcons this week.

Calvin Johnson (DET) was a limited participant in practice this week. According to multiple reports on Friday night, it is unlikely the Lions will play Johnson this week. If they do, you can be pretty confident that he will be able to contribute, as the Lions have found a way to be competitive so far in his absence. The confounding issue is that this game is an afternoon game in London, and starts at 9:30 am eastern, 6:30 am pacific. If you go to bed with Johnson in your lineup, you better be up to make sure he plays.

Theo Riddick (DET) is listed as probable for the Lions this week. In the absence of Reggie Bush, Riddick will likely get the workload of the second running back for the Lions. In week 6 when bush was inactive, Riddick was a big contributor in the Lions passing game against the Vikings. He had 5 catches for 75 yards and a score, adding slightly to that with 3 rushes for 6 yards. Riddick is a good hail mary at running back against the Falcons. If Detroit can get a big lead, it is likely that Riddick will see much of the work. He will likely make a good one week option for a desperate team.

Eric Ebron (DET) is out this week against the Falcons. Missing his second game in a row for the Lions with a hamstring injury, if you were playing Ebron, time to get another option.

Joseph Fauria (DET) is bad at being a pet owner. Fauria will miss another game with an ankle injury, now famously, sustained trying to stop his dog from peeing in the house. I feel bad for Fauria, but it is one of the better weird injury stories.

Brandon Pettigrew (DET) is listed as doubtful for the Lions this week. The third tight end for the Lions to be unlikely to play this week, Pettigrew has a foot injury. Having almost fallen off the fantasy football map, it is unlikely that you were playing Pettigrew anyways, but if you were, unlikely this week.

James Starks (GB) is probable for Sunday after being limited in practice all week with an ankle injury. It is unclear if Starks will continue to get the workload he was getting in the past few games seeing as he is hurt, but he has been getting a near equal share of the work and did score last week. Keep an eye on the inactives list to be sure, but Lacy seems like the better option this week for the Pack.  This is also the Sunday night game, so it makes it more difficult to wait to see what Starks status will be.

Trent Richardson (IND) did not participate in practice this week and is listed as questionable for Sunday with a hamstring injury. Richardson left last weeks game early and has not been on the field since. This is a late game on Sunday, so I would make other plans if you have Richardson in your starting lineup.

Reggie Wayne (IND) is out for Sunday against the Steelers. After suffering an elbow injury, Wayne is likely to miss a few weeks. A possible replacement in the Colts lineup is either Hakeem Nicks or Donte Moncrief.

Toby Gerhart (JAX) was a full participant in practice Friday. It is unclear what Gerhart's role will be with the Jags on Sunday, but he was unimpressive in his previous appearances for Jacksonville. This one is your judgement call.

Donnie Avery (KC) is out this week for the Chiefs with a groin injury. Not a big fantasy name, you likely don't have Avery as a regular member of your squad, but if you did, take him out.

Shane Vereen (NE) missed Friday practice with an illness. Head coach Bill Belichick is famous for listing guys on the injury report possibly erroneously, but it is possible that Vereen will not play. Keep an eye on the inactives Sunday. Jonas Gray is a good name to keep in mind if Vereen is out.

Jimmy Graham (NO) was limited in practice this week with a shoulder injury. Graham was active last week, but only got 2 targets. Being the night game on Sunday makes him a difficult decision. It is possible that if you wait on him and he is inactive you could gamble on Gavin Escobar or Niles Paul in the Monday night game, but unlikely you have a better option that Graham. Because he played last week, it is likely he would play this week after being able to participate in practice at all.


Pierre Thomas (NO) is out this week for the Saints with rib and shoulder injuries. The logical replacement for Thomas in the Saints offense is Travaris Cadet. Likely available, if you want to play a Saint against the Packers 31st ranked run defense, Cadet will assume the Thomas role.

Khiry Robinson (NO) is out this week with an arm injury. This bolsters the role for Mark Ingram for the Saints. Ingram is a great play this week as the only running back surviving for the Saints that actually runs most of the time.

Eric Decker (NYJ) was limited in practice this week for the Jets. This will likely be the case for most, if not all, of the season. Keep an eye on the inactives for Sunday as Decker has missed time already this year, but if you have been playing him, plan on continuing.

Darren Sproles (PHI) was a full participant in practice for the Eagles. Officially listed as questionable with a knee injury, keep your eye on the inactives and make your educated decision.

Vincent Jackson (TB) is questionable for the Buccaneers after being limited all week in practice. Widely expected to play, you can likely pencil Jackson into your lineup Sunday, but make sure to check inactives Sunday morning.

Shonn Greene (TEN) was a full participant in practice for the Titans. Muddying up the running back situation for Tennessee, Greene will likely be in a backfield with a disappointing Bishop Sankey on Sunday. Currently there is no solid information on who will have what workload, so playing either guy is a gamble. Adding to that the Titans are starting Zach Mettenberger this week for the first time. The Titans may decide that it is time to see what the youth of their team can do together, so tread carefully with Greene.

Robert Griffin III (WAS) was a limited participant in practice this week. Being called a game time decision by head coach Jay Gruden, it is possible Griffin returns to play this week. Being the Monday night game makes it nearly impossible to wait to see, but you may want to stash RG3 if you have faith left in him.

That brings this look at the Friday practice reports to a close. Remember the early Sunday London game, and to keep a close eye on the inactives for your players. Good luck this week!

IR Designated To Return

The past few seasons the NFL has had a spot for teams to place a player on the injured reserve list for a portion of the season and bring him back later. Often times, unless your league has an IR spot in it, these players get dropped and forgotten until they are returning. This is your chance to get out in front of the return of a couple of these players that may have some big fantasy implications.

Image source benglas.com

Tyler Eifert (CIN) is a tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals who dislocated his elbow at the beginning of the season. Eifert was placed on the IR to return list, and soon should be active again around week 11 for the Bengals. The passing game in Cincinnati has been challenged to say the least so far this season after the injuries to Eifert, Marvin Jones, and AJ Green. When Eifert returns you can expect him to get a decent amount of targets in the passing game and help to shore up a tight end position that has been fraught with injury and lack of production this season. Don't wait for the news to hit the main stream media that Eifert has returned to practice. The time to grab and stash is now. If your tight end has been underperforming, pick him up and stash him for the late season push.

Image source: buccaneers.com

Another name that has a chance to see significant playing time when he returns to the active roster is Charles Sims. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been a disappointment all around so far this season. Sims was rumored to be part of a committee coming out of training camp when he went down with an ankle injury. Sims has already returned to practice in week 8, and with Doug Martin and Bobby Rainey not providing good production for the Bucs, look for Sims to get a shot soon after being activated to the Bucs roster. At 1-5, the Bucs are sitting on the brink of a lost season and will likely decide to take a look at the young running back that was drafted by the current regime.

I recommend adding one or both of these players to your roster if you need help at either position. They could end up being difference makers for your fantasy season, or hopefully your playoff run.

Sashay Donte

The Indianapolis Colts have had the most prolific offense so far this NFL season. Andrew Luck is on a torrid pace, and his receivers and running backs are coming with him. This week an injury is likely to sideline Reggie Wayne for a week or two, and it may usher in the youth movement in Indy.

Image source indystar.com

Donte Moncrief is a rookie wide out for the Colts out of Mississippi. He has all the tools to be a great receiver in the NFL with a little work. With Reggie Wayne sidelined, he is likely to get his chance this week. Moncrief stands 6'2 and weighed in at 221 pounds at the combine last spring. His speed and leaping ability will allow him to both stretch the field, and to go up and get balls over the defenders playing him.

At Mississippi, Moncrief was a starter as a true freshman in 2011. That season he started 12 games and led the team in receptions (31), yards (454), and touchdown catches (4). As a Sophomore he played 12 games making 66 catches for 979 yards and 10 touchdowns. In his junior, and final season at Ole Miss, Moncrief had 59 catches for 938 yards and 6 scores.

At the combine he was a co-leader in 40 yard dash times with a 4.4 second time, vertical jump at 39.5 inches, and broad jump at 132 inches. Moncrief possesses a gift of speed and size that are not often found with wide receivers. He is a field stretching talent that can get down field and catch the long bomb, or go up and get a ball up close in the red zone. In college he also showed an awareness of where the yardage marker was to get his team a first down.

So far this season Moncrief has not had a ton of work. His high water mark so far was in week 3 against Jacksonville where he caught 4 of 5 targets for 55 yards. The next two weeks, which coincide with reports of the timeline for Wayne to be out, see the colts play the 13th ranked pass defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the 25th ranked New York Giants. The overall average rank of the defenses left on the Colts schedule is 17, middle of the pack. The colts have the easiest schedule this year, and if Moncrief can put up some good numbers with Wayne out, you may not see him coming off the field when Wayne returns.

With the big play making ability of both Andrew Luck, and the skill set of Donte Moncrief, I recommend picking him up this week off of your waiver wire. He would make a good speculative addition for anyone who is needing help at wide receiver and wants to add a guy who is owned in less than 1 percent of ESPN leagues. The opportunity to add a player with his path in front of him, and recently developed opportunity should not be missed. If you are carrying a second quarterback and your main guy has had his bye, you can likely drop the backup and add Moncrief to his spot.

Don't miss the boat on this super talented guy who is about to get his shot in the best offense in the NFL this season. He may tilt the field in your fantasy match ups for the rest of your season.

Waiver Wire Week 8

Looking through the box scores and checking the injury reports, there are some names with opportunities for your fantasy team in week 8. Take a look in your league, and add these guys if you need help at their position.

RB

 Bryce Brown (BUF) will be getting a big opportunity to take the lead back role for the Bills in week 8. After Fred Jackson went down with a groin injury, and CJ Spiller broke his collar bone and is out for the season, expect Brown to get the bulk of the carries until Jackson comes back. Brown has been a healthy inactive so far this season, but had mixed results with Philadelphia in the past. Putting up back to back 165+ yard games in 2012, Brown followed that up with two miserable performances. He has talent enough that the Bills traded for him in the off season. A starting running back is a hard thing to come by this time of year, especially one in an offense that will look to run. Brown is the top add of the week.

Jerick McKinnon (MIN) has taken over the feature back role in Minnesota. Rushing 19 times for 103 yards in week 7, McKinnon is a must add player that is only owned in 11.7 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues. He will be getting the rushing down work, and will mix in some pass catching as well. If he is unowned in your league, go grab him.

Tre Mason (STL) got the starters reps for the Rams against the Seahawks in week 7, and he didn't squander his opportunity. Gaining 85 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, look for Mason to continue to get work for the Rams in the future. A tough schedule lies ahead for the rookie, but given volume, he can still be a productive addition to a running back talent starved roster.

Stepfan Taylor (ARI) is more of a speculative add. He got 12 carries for 40 yards and a score plus caught 2 passes for 19 yards and a score. There is no guarantee that he will continue to get any kind of volume for Arizona, but if something happened to Andre Ellington, Taylor would likely see increased workload. Watch him again in the coming week to see if his increase in touches continues.

Travaris Cadet (NO) caught 6 passes for the second time in 3 weeks for the Saints. With Pierre Thomas suffering an injury in week 7, Cadet could see some work in the coming weeks if Thomas misses any time. Cadet is a better addition in a point per reception (PPR) league. Watch for news on Thomas and grab Cadet if he can help your team.

WR

Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG) had 4 catches for 34 yards and 2 touchdowns plus a rush for 13 yards. On bye in week 8, Beckham will not be a helpful addition to your team this week, but he should be owned in all leagues after the injury to Victor Cruz. Currently owned in only 20.2 percent of ESPN leagues, get him while you can.

Doug Baldwin (SEA) had a monster game in the first game after the Seahawks traded Percy Harvin. The Hawks were behind early on Sunday, and came out firing in the second half. Baldwin had 7 catches for 123 yards and a score in week 7 against the Rams. Baldwin is the best receiver on the Seahwaks roster, and has now been thrust into the number 1 role. Expect him to continue to see a high volume in the future.

Stevie Johnson (SF) has 3 games this season with at least 5 catches, and has scored in 3 of his last 4 games. A bit hit or miss, Johnson will definitely leave you hanging at times, but if the 49ers are behind, he will likely see some solid fantasy production. On bye in week 8, you may be able to wait until next week to get him, but don't miss the boat on a player that could help your team.

TE

Gavin Escobar (DAL) had 3 catches for 65 yards and 2 touchdowns in week 7. This is the first week Escobar has had that kind of production, but his upcoming match ups are good ones for tight ends. Facing off against Washington, Arizona, and Jacksonville the next 3 weeks, Escobar could see his scoring ways continue.

Jermaine Gresham (CIN) has 16 catches in the past 2 weeks. Seeming to be a bit of a safety valve for Andy Dalton, he had 10 catches for 48 yards in a dismal game for the Bengals against the Colts in week 7. In PPR leagues he will have value based on his volume.

Clay Harbor (JAX) has either 6+ catches or a score in 3 of the last 4 weeks. A favorite target of rookie Blake Bortles, Harbor can provide you some help at the dismal tight end position on your team. If your tight end is out or on bye this week, you could definitely do worse than Harbor for your roster.


QB

Ryan Tannehill (MIA) has put together three solid games in a row. Throwing for at least 240 yards and 2 touchdowns in each of his last 3 games, Tannehill is putting up some good numbers. He is bolstering his stats with rushing yardage as well. Averaging 44 rushing yards per game his last 3, Tannehill is a good option for a bye week fill in, or a switch if you are in the market for a new quarterback. A week 8 match up with Jacksonville should provide him with a good opportunity to score.

Robert Griffin III (WAS) is likely to practice this week. It is uncertain what RG3 will come back from his latest injury, but it has become painfully obvious that Kirk Cousins is either not an NFL talent, or just not ready to be a starter yet. I would recommend a speculative stash of Griffin if you are unhappy at the quarterback position. If he can gain the rushing yardage he had as a rookie, he can score big. Games against Minnesota in week 9, and Tampa Bay in week 11 set him up for the chance to score for you.

Waiver Wire Week 7

Some big injuries, and some guys that look like they may be breaking out in week 6. Here's the list of who I like on waivers for week 7.

RB

Image source ktvu.com

Jerick McKinnon (MN) got more work in week 6 than Matt Asiata. He had 11 carries for 40 yards to 2 for -5 for Asiata in week 6.  He was the leading receiver for the Vikings with 6 catches for 42 yards as well. His ownership in ESPN leagues is listed at 5% on the ESPN fantasy app. He is now a must ad as the torch may be being passed.

Storm Johnson (JAC) was a late week sensation, but didn't quite deliver last week. Look to add him, and for Storm to get another chance. He had 10 carries for 21 yards and scored in week 6. With Toby Gerhart sidelined, storm is the most likely candidate for continued carries from the backfield of the Jaguars. I wouldn't quite start him yet, but I am stashing him in a few leagues.

James White (NE) with an injury to Stevan Ridley, White is one guy who has a chance to step up. Only issue is that the running game for New England is difficult to predict. Keep your eyes on practice reports, and whether the Patriots sign someone new.

Image source zimbio.com

Brandon Bolden (NE) is the other current member of the Patriots running game. Bill Belichick is famously difficult to predict, but Bolden has the most experience in the Patriots offense, he is a likely choice to do some running.

Chris Polk (PHI) may get a chance, assuming that Darren Sproles is going to miss time. Proceed with caution as Polk has been dealing with some injury problems of his own. Watch for the Eagles to sign someone for this week , but in the absence of another signing, and that Sproles is out, hes a good pick up.

WR

Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG) made his season debut in week 5 with a touchdown. In week 6 the Giants offense was shut down and Beckham had just 2 catches for 28 yards. But going forward expect the workload for Beckham to increase as Victor Cruz sustained a season ending injury.

Image source kckingdom.com

Andre Holmes (OAK) had a monster game for the Raiders in week 6. Four catches and 121 yards and 2 scores against what had been a solid defense. Holmes has had at least 4 catches in 3 of his last 4 games, and has scored 2 games in a row. Definitely a speculative ad, maybe Holmes and quarterback Derek Carr have something good going together.

Loius Murphy (TB) makes his second appearance on the waiver wire article. With 7 catches for 72 yards and a score, Murphy has now put 3 solid games in a row together. Seems as if he has a comfort level with Mike Glennon. He is still a bit speculative, but if he can keep it going, he's a good stash for the brutal week 9 byes.

Image source zimbio.com

Brandon LaFell (NE) has had 3 decent games out of his last 4. Scoring 2 touchdowns this week, and adding 97 yards, LaFell is working the field in New England well. He is another candidate for bye week replacement for the heavy bye weeks in 9 and 10. Seemingly developing a rapport with Tom Brady in the last few weeks, LaFell has developed into a good outside target.

Davante Adams (GB) has taken the role of third receiver in Green Bay. Having 6 catches for 77 yards in week 6, Adams put his best game of the year together. There were times in the game that there was an effort to feed him the ball. Adams is still young, and would be highly speculative so far, but the Green Bay offense likes to throw, and with a less than stellar defense, they will be throwing a lot.

Robert Woods (BUF) saw an uptick in production in week 6 with Mike Williams out. Having his biggest production of the season, 7 catches for 78 yards and a score, Woods scored well this week. Two good match ups await the Bills playing Minnesota and at the Jets in the next two weeks. If Williams can't get back on the field, look for Woods to continue to produce.

TE

Image source washingtontimes.com

Jordan Reed (WAS) returned from injury in week 6 to make 8 catches for 92 yards in a loss at Arizona. Reed has the size and skills to be a top level tight end, and Washington will likely be behind a lot this year and throwing. One knock on Reed is that he is injury prone, but while he is healthy he should be on your team if your tight end is on bye or has been injured.

Scott Chandler (BUF) had a huge game for the Bills in week 6 with 6 catches for 105 yards. This may be a sign of the comfort level with new quarterback Kyle Orton, or a sign of being behind. In a season where tight end is a challenging position, Chandler may be putting up some good numbers int he near future. Keep an eye on him, and if you have space and a tight end bye coming up, you likely could do worse than Chandler.

Jace Amaro (NYJ) makes his third appearance on the waiver wire column. Making 10 catches for 68 yards and a score in week 6, Amaro seems to have found a spot as an outlet for Geno Smith. Being a rookie, it is possible that the trust level, and skill level have grown to the point that Amaro is going to be a favorite target going forward.

D/ST

Cleveland Browns face off against the Jaguars in week 7. A solid streaming choice this week. The Jaguars are allowing 9.5 PPG to opposing D/ST.

Buffalo Bills play against Minnesota week 7. Teddy Bridgewater had a hard game in week 6 getting sacked 8 times and throwing 3 interceptions. If the Bills aren't owned, you could do worse this week.

Good luck on the wire this week!

Trade Target: AJ Green

AJ Green has been nursing a toe injury this season. This culminated in him leaving practice on Wednesday on a cart, and seeing two specialists. For enterprising fantasy owners, the time to pounce is now.

Image source thesportspost.com

Take a moment and look at the roster of the Green owner in your leagues. If he is deficient at wide receiver or running back, and you can afford it, then you are now presented with a golden opportunity to take action and gamble on the ability of Green to return this season. The chatter on twitter today has been that Green will likely miss a few weeks. That wide receiver or running back deficient Green owner may need help now. If you have a surplus at any position, you may be able to help that owner out, at the right price.

I personally made offers in 3 of my 4 leagues (I own Green in the 4th) that will both help out the current owner in my leagues, while giving me the upside of a top 7 wide receiver if Green can get right this year. Don't necessarily give up your top tier talent to get him. If you can afford it, offer. The worst you can hear is no. My offers were Pierre Garçon to an owner who needs a receiver this week, and Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon to an owner who needs a running back now. The last offer was on a team where if I get Green, he would still be the 4th best receiver on the team, so I offered my 4th best running back Ahmad Bradshaw, and am not going to be upset if I don't get him. These players are about what I would value at the top of the spectrum for Green, since it is unknown if he will miss significant time the rest of this season.

If you want to find the best deals on Green, strike now. If the information comes out later this week that it is only a 1-2 week injury, the price will likely increase exponentially. If your trade partner needs help, offer it, and hopefully reap the rewards for swift action.  Good luck!

Waiver Wire Week 6

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.

Injured Players Coming Back

There have been some players that have been injured and left in the wind for enterprising fantasy players to pick up as they are set to return. The following is a list of some players you may find as a speculative add after waivers this week to beat your opponents to the punch.

RB

Knowshon Moreno (MIA) dislocated his elbow in the Dolphins week 2 game. The team is on bye after their game in London this week. Moreno is looking to try to make it back in week 6 after their bye. He was off to a good start, putting up great numbers in week 1. If he was dropped in your league, consider adding him now and holding on to him until he comes back.

Ben Tate (CLE) will return to his starting job in week 5, after missing time with a knee sprain. He is a bit of a wildcard as Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell have played well in his absence. While it is possible that the Browns backfield will turn into a three headed monster, the team paid Tate in the off season, and would like to get some value from his contract. Cleveland has a good offensive line that has made room for West and Crowell to run.

Toby Gerhart (JAX) had a high ankle sprain and has been part of a woeful offense. Now that the team has made the switch at quarterback to Blake Bortles, and has Cecil Shorts III back in action, teams will have a harder time just stacking the box and daring the jags to beat them in the air. This means that there will be a renewed opportunity for Gerhart to bring you some fantasy value. Stash him on your bench and see what comes of it.

DeAngelo Williams (CAR) is not a particularly great fantasy back. But being as this is a week filled with byes and many running backs are hurt or suspended, Williams may be a decent bye week fill in for your team. There is literally no running backs left in Carolina, and someone will be running the ball. After losing Mike Tolbert to the IR designated to return, and Jonathan Stewart to an injury, again, Williams is practicing in full this week and set to play. Baltimore is not the best of match ups, but in a pinch, a guy who will get 15 touches or more is better than nothing.

Bernard Pierce (BAL) is back, I think. He was practicing. It is no sure thing what his role will be in the Ravens offense this week, but facing a Panthers defense that gave up 265 yards rushing last week opens the door to the possibility that even if Pierce has a limited role, he could still be productive.

WR

Marvin Jones (CIN) has returned to practice with the Bengals during thier bye week. Jones will be the number two behind AJ Green for Cincinnati, giving him opportunity against lesser coverage. Jones had 51 catches for 712 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2013. Some productive numbers if you have a hole at wide receiver 2 or flex on your bye weeks.

TE

Chase Ford (MIN) is not injured, but he is a possible replacement for Kyle Rudolph in the Vikings offense. Ford is a tall, big bodied tight end at 6'6" and 245. Norv Turner, the offensive coordinator for the Vikings, has a history of using his tight ends very effectively. Keep your eye on Ford as he has a chance for the next 6 weeks.