Frey’s Fantasy Focus: Week Five Waiver Wire
Josh Frey
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After another week, we have seen more injuries, and a new threat to your fantasy team has been introduced in the form of COVID diagnoses. We saw a few players come down with the virus, such as star quarterback Cam Newton.
This week also begins the stretch where multiple teams go on bye. This week the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers are both on bye, so make sure to sub out Aaron Rodgers! If your team has succumbed to any of these issues, here are a few waiver pickups you can make to improve your chances this week.
Note: The percentage in parentheses represents the number of ESPN leagues in which the player is rostered.
Eric Ebron (30.5%)
Ebron and the Steelers go up against the Philadelphia Eagles this week. Philly has allowed the third most points to tight ends this season, so this is a very favorable matchup.
To make Ebron even more enticing, his number of targets has continued to climb each week this season as Big Ben becomes more comfortable with him in the offense. Week one he had two targets, week two he had five, and week three he had seven. I wouldn’t be surprised if he maintained that seven mark this week.
Teddy Bridgewater (22.9%)
Bridgewater has looked more comfortable in the Carolina system each week he has started, and it has led to two consecutive wins against seemingly better teams. This week, his matchup is the Atlanta Falcons who have given up the most quarterback fantasy points this season.
I normally wouldn’t use one of these spots on a quarterback, but everyone seems to be ignoring Bridgewater’s potential right now. With no Christian McCaffrey, and weapons of Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore, Bridgewater looks primed to put up a big week.
I would consider him your best bet if you are trying to replace either Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, or Matthew Stafford. Even if you aren’t, he’s not a bad option to pick up and stash on your bench in case your normal starter encounters a tough matchup or has an upcoming bye.
Damien Harris (33.9%)
With both Sony Michel and Cam Newton out, there are a lot of carries for the taking in the New England backfield. Harris took 17 of them for 100 yards against the Chiefs on Monday, and I think the trend will continue against Denver.
The Denver defense is beaten up, and I expect New England to be up big in this game. This will give Harris more carries just to eat up the clock.