Waiver Worthy: Week Five Fallout: Austin, Maclin, and More

Let’s take a look at some players who are potentially on your waiver wire after Week Five and determine if they are worth owning or not:

Miles Austin—WR—Dallas Cowboys
He had a humongous day, going off for 10 catches, 250 yards and two touchdowns in the absence of Roy Williams. It's not like Williams has been excessively impressive, is it? The early word coming out of this game is that Austin is going to see an increased role in the offense, despite the team not coming out and specifically crowning him one of their starting wide outs. Still, if you have room on your bench, he’s certainly worth stashing heading into his bye week.
Verdict: Should be owned in all formats.

Jeremy Maclin—WR—Philadelphia Eagles
He was solid in the return of Donovan McNabb, catching six passes for 142 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Of course, the rookie isn’t expected to be the main focus in the offense, with DeSean Jackson entrenched as the top receiver as well as Brian Westbrook always being in the mix. Still, Maclin has the potential to have solid games like this one on occasion, meaning that owners in deeper formats can own him.
Verdict: Leave for those in deeper formats where he can be a fill-in option.

Austin Collie—WR—Indianapolis Colts
For the second straight week, Collie put up big statistics. While he’s been great, they have a bye week on the horizon and the imminent return of Anthony Gonzalez is growing nearer and nearer. Once he returns, Collie’s role in the offense is likely to diminish, meaning now may not be the best time to stash him away.
Verdict: While he could prove usable as a bye week replacement in the future, that’s all I’d view him as.

Tashard Choice—RB—Dallas Cowboys
Is he going to remain part of the rotation once Felix Jones is back in the mix? It will be an awfully crowded backfield between Jones, Choice and Marion Barber, so depending on Choice doesn’t seem like the best idea. Barber is likely to be the main back, but none will be a guarantee for a huge week.
Verdict: Too many backs to depend on. Look elsewhere outside of leagues with a FLEX.

Donnie Avery—WR—St. Louis Rams
Someone has to have a good game now and then for this terrible team, right? I know, it’s usually Steven Jackson, but someone else is entitled. Still, with how bad this offense is, you don’t want to be depending on anyone.
Verdict: Not worth using considering the offense he’s in.

Chester Taylor—RB—Minnesota Vikings
Yeah, he had a somewhat decent game in a blowout (20 yards, 1 TD), but that’s about the only way he’s going to get an opportunity to really contribute. Next week the Vikings draw the Ravens, so it’s unlikely that’s about to happen.
Verdict: Don’t use in any format.

Josh Johnson—QB—Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Does anyone expect Tampa Bay to throw the ball 50 times very often? Even with all those attempts, he only had 240 yards while throwing three interceptions.  He’s a desperation play in two quarterback formats and even then, you should be able to find someone better.
Verdict: Only use as a bye week fill-in if you have no other option in two quarterback formats.

Mike Wallace—WR—Pittsburgh Steelers
He’s put together a couple of strong weeks in a row, but we all know that he’s the fourth option on his own team. That makes him a tough play.
Verdict: There are certainly more dependable options available.

What are your thoughts on these players? Which would you grab? Which would you avoid?

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