Week 5 fantasy football support team
Oct 3, 2013, 3:02 AM | Updated: 3:02 am
Injuries keep piling up, and the four-team bye weeks are in full effect, so it’s time for some replacements.
If you’re still stashing Monte Ball, it may be time to give up and grab someone who can actually help you win.
The following guys are great Week 5 fill-ins, and below them you’ll find a review of last week’s list. Hint: Pick up any defense playing the Jaguars.
QB – Brian Hoyer, CLE – Cardinals fans are shaking their heads; Browns fans are nodding their heads; and the rest of the league is scratching their heads. Brian Hoyer is a starting quarterback, and a successful one, too. He’s 2-0 with the Cleveland Browns. Who can truly say that? Likely nobody who is still alive. He was the best QB under 50 percent owned in Week 4 that’s also playing in Week 5 and will likely stick to his starter role, especially if he beats the Bills this weekend. Jordan Cameron owners rejoice: Not only did you pick a steal of a TE, but he now has an above average QB throwing his way.
WR – Jeremy Kerley, NYJ – The Jets are a mess but they still have to play football. Someone has to be productive for them, and this week it’s going to be Kerley. He led the team with 56 receptions last season. And with San Antonio Holmes (thanks John Madden) and Stephen Hill both ruled out for Sundays game with the Falcons, Kerley will be a sneaky start in PPR leagues.
RB – Jonathan Franklin, GB – James Starks is out again and Eddie Lacy won’t be 100 percent upon returning from a concussion, so expect Franklin to get the bulk of the carries. He would have had a fantastic day if it wasn’t for his late fumble a few weeks ago, but the Packers trust him enough to give him the ball again.
TE – Charles Clay, MIA – He continues to be a regular part of the Dolphins attack and needs to be owned in all leagues by any team, unless you have the aforementioned Cameron or Jimmy Graham. Dustin Keller was supposed to be the man for Tannehill, but since his injury, it’s the incumbent Clay who has stepped up his game big time.
Def – Atlanta – They’re going up against Geno Smith and the depleted Jets offense. Did you SEE what Geno did last week? Don’t bet on another behind-the-back attempt to escape a fumble, but you can bank on multiple interceptions as he tries to move the ball down the field. I know this slightly goes against what I said with Kerley, but the Jets aren’t going to have zero yards and get shut out. Go for Atlanta, especially if you had Indiana last week against Jacksonville; the Colts are playing a Seattle team who doesn’t turn the ball over very often.
Last week’s predictions:
QB – Alex Smith, KC – 5th overall QB, 288 yards passing, 3 TDs, 2 INTs and 37 yards rushing. Solid game. Typical Smith to throw two picks in a win, but he definitely got the job done.
WR – Stephen Hill, NYJ – Took a shot to the head on the second play of the game and did not return. I can’t predict injuries people, no need to scoff at this one.
RB – Andre Ellington, ARI – 38th overall RB, 29 yards rushing, 3 receptions for 22 yards. Getting more involved, but the Cards offense looked terrible until a Patrick Peterson interception put them in scoring range. Ellington continues to be more involved. Great stash guy.
TE – Scott Chandler, BUF – 31st overall TE, 2 receptions for 28 yards. Not my best call here, don’t bother hanging onto him unless you truly don’t have any other options. His TD’s are too few and far between.
Def – Indianapolis – 1st overall D (tied), 3 pts, 4 sacks, 3 INT, 1 TD. The TD came from an interception returned by CB Darius Butler. This was the easiest of all to predict as the Colts played the Jaguars. Up next for Jacksonville is St. Louis, and while they’re 71 percent owned in Yahoo! leagues, you still may be able to swipe them up.
