Week 5 Waiver Wire: Examining Top Fantasy Football Targets

The NFL is already entering Week 5, and there have been some notable developments that have caused a shakeup in the fantasy football realm.

Big news surfaced Monday when the Buffalo Bills confirmed they were benching 2013 first-round pick EJ Manuel in favor of veteran quarterback Kyle Orton:

That makes Orton among the best options available at the game's most important position, so he will definitely warrant spot-start consideration.

Let's take a closer look at Orton and the other players likely on most fantasy leagues' waiver wires that are worth taking a flier on.

Analyzing Top Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

Kyle Orton, QB, Buffalo Bills

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It will be worth jumping all over Orton for those who are thin at the quarterback position or play in a league that starts two every week.

Manuel was evidently not ready for the NFL stage, even with a backfield tandem as electric as Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller and a slew of capable weapons. Rookie Sammy Watkins, young wideouts Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin, along with Mike Williams, have to be chomping at the bit for a more accurate passer.

NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano alluded to Orton's mediocre career record:

A good chunk of that came as a starter for the Chicago Bears, notorious for lacking viable wide receivers until Brandon Marshall came to town, followed by Alshon Jeffery.

Then Orton was cast aside in favor of Tim Tebow in Denver, which may not have been a performance-based decision as much as fans clamoring for Tebow and Orton losing some confidence.

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Don't think Orton can come in and succeed right away? Charged with igniting a Dallas Cowboys team in Week 17 in place of an injured Tony Romo, Orton nearly led America's Team to an NFC East title, throwing a late interception to eventually lose to the Philadelphia Eagles.

In that game, DeMarco Murray averaged less than three yards per carry on 17 attempts while Orton threw for 358 yards, two touchdowns and two picks.

Now he has had over a month to learn the new Bills offense, has two capable backs in Jackson and Spiller who can also catch and has an electric receiving corps. Buffalo head coach Doug Marrone had a simple explanation for the landmark decision:

It won't take anything particularly special for the Bills to come closer to reaching their explosive potential. All that's required is a competent QB capable of hitting on basic passes and not staring down targets.

Don't be surprised if Orton comes out of the gates firing and thriving. A trip to Detroit to face the Lions' tenacious front seven sounds perilous, yet if Orton can get rid of the ball quickly, he can capitalize on the opposition's thin cornerback situation and give Buffalo fans legitimate hope.

Matt Asiata, RB, Minnesota Vikings

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It's officially time to get on Asiata as soon as possible. His three rushing touchdowns and 20 carries in Week 4's win over the Atlanta Falcons solidified the former undrafted free agent's status as a strong RB2.

ESPN Stats & Info broke down just how exceptional Asiata's performance was against Atlanta:

Another Vikings ball-carrier in Jerick McKinnon had himself a coming-out party with 135 yards on the ground. However, he is a skills player that needs a tougher matchup to determine his true value.

Against New England in Week 2 is when Asiata proved he could get it done against a better opponent. The Patriots entered Week 4 ranked second in total defense, and Asiata had five catches for 48 yards and a TD in that contest, when it was clear the Pats were going to take away the ground game.

Asiata is owned in a mere 68.3 percent of ESPN.com leagues, but by this time next week, that percentage ought to be around 100. The NFC North rival Green Bay Packers are Minnesota's Week 5 opponent on Thursday night in prime time.

With superstar Aaron Rodgers leading a tremendous Packers passing attack, you'll bet Vikings coach and former Cincinnati coordinator Mike Zimmer will want to win with defense. Running the football a lot and keeping it away from Rodgers is a great way to go about doing that.

Minnesota offensive coordinator ought to keep it rather simple whether it's Teddy Bridgewater or first-round bust Christian Ponder under center.

Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs

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Another pass-catcher in Vikings receiver Jarius Wright warrants waiver consideration. His new QB, Bridgewater, suffered an ankle injury in his impressive debut but may still play on Thursday, per Around the NFL:

Wright has yet to prove himself, though, and a hobbled Bridgewater has just one start under his belt entering a short week. Hold off on Wright until Week 6 at least.

In the meantime, the better bet on waivers to place at either the tight end spot or the flex is Kelce. Owned in just 36.9 percent of ESPN.com leagues as of late Monday evening, the second-year pro is emerging as a stud.

Kelce caught eight passes for 93 yards and a touchdown in Monday's big win over the New England Patriots, targeted by Chiefs QB Alex Smith a game-high 11 times.

Alex Marvez of Fox Sports 1 compared Kelce favorably to a prolific counterpart:

NFL draft expert Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com broke down what makes Kelce so special, citing some key workout numbers:

Monday marked the third straight encouraging week Kelce has had, and also the second straight contest in which he's found the end zone.

It's a wonder he hasn't been picked up in more leagues as it is. Dwayne Bowe is the only consistent, truly dynamic receiver Smith has, while Kelce's size and speed at tight end creates mismatches galore.

Kelce could well be the next breakout star at his position. The athleticism, hands and especially the ability to create yards after the catch gives Kelce all the makings of a perennial Pro Bowler. Provided he stays healthy, there are few linebackers or even slot corners who can stay with him in coverage.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid runs a West Coast offense predicated on short timing patterns and crosses. As long as Smith continues to hit Kelce in stride on simple passes, there should be plenty of room for him to produce moving forward.

A road trip to San Francisco in Week 5 gives Smith motivation to beat his former team. The 49ers won't have NaVorro Bowman to cover Kelce, so another big performance is bound to be in store.