Fantasy Football Week 5: Breaking Down Top Plug-and-Play Sleepers

Picking up a player from the free-agent market and immediately sliding them into the starting lineup isn't usually an ideal scenario. Yet, whether it's due to injury, bye weeks or another issue, it's something fantasy owners have to do during the course of a season.

The part that makes it even more difficult is the knowledge the decision could ultimately decide whether a team wins or loses the week. It further illustrates the importance of building a strong bench, even if the waiver claims don't have a clear path to playing time on your team.

Alas, sometimes even the best-laid plans don't work out as expected. So let's check out one player from each key position who's available in at least 70 percent of ESPN leagues and should be capable of filling a key void for Week 5.

QB: Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens)

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The version of Flacco that led the Ravens to a Super Bowl title two seasons ago rarely showed up last year. As a result, his fantasy stock plummeted to the point where he went undrafted in most leagues this summer. But now there are finally signs of a rebound.

After a terrific showing against a solid Carolina Panthers pass defense last week (25 fantasy points), he's racked up seven touchdowns and just two interceptions through four games. Those are the type of numbers Baltimore expected when it gave him a long-term contract extension.

The arrival of a rejuvenated Steve Smith has helped immensely. It's given the offense the proven top target that it sorely lacked last season and allowed everybody else to slide in behind him. The result is more correctly utilized weapons for Flacco to target.

After his big game last week, he now gets to face off against an Indianapolis Colts defense that ranks 21st against the pass. Given the rate Andrew Luck and Co. have been putting up points, it's a game where Flacco will likely need to pass a lot to keep pace. That's great news for his fantasy value.

RB: Jerick McKinnon (Minnesota Vikings)

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Minnesota used a third-round pick on McKinnon to add some depth to the backfield. From a fantasy perspective, he was an intriguing dynasty asset but nothing more. But now that he's moved up the ladder, he's more than a viable option and should be owned in all leagues.

Matt Asiata is still the starter, at least for the time being. Yet, McKinnon is clearly the more dynamic option and showcased that en route to 135 yards on 18 carries last week. Michael Fabiano of the NFL Network notes they form a nice tandem:

A meeting with the Green Bay Packers is good news for two reasons. Most importantly, their NFC North rivals rank last in the league against the run. They are giving up 176 yards per game on the ground and allowed the Chicago Bears to rack up 235 yards last week.

The other positive for McKinnon is Green Bay's ability to light up the scoreboard. The Vikings will be forced to keep pace with the high-powered Packers, which suggests it's a game where they are going to need a lot more lighting than thunder. It makes him worth taking a chance on.

WR: Brian Quick (St. Louis Rams)

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Few people probably predicted the Rams would have a top-10 passing offense at the quarter pole. The running game hasn't been as effective as St. Louis hoped, which has forced it to throw more. Quick has been the biggest beneficiary.

The third-year player out of Appalachian State finally looks ready for his breakout season. He leads the team in receptions (16), targets (22) and receiving yards (235) through three games. He's averaged slightly over nine fantasy points per game over that span.

More importantly, he's established himself as the team's top target. That should ensure he gets a regular allotment of targets, which equates to fantasy consistency. So far he's scored at least seven points in every contest.

It's a streak that should continue on Sunday. The Philadelphia Eagles rank 23rd against the pass, in large part due to their up-tempo approach leading to more possessions. That should lead to another busy, productive afternoon for Quick.

TE: Heath Miller (Pittsburgh Steelers)

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Miller is no longer a reliable weekly option. He scored just eight points in the first three games while serving in a complementary role. That said, the veteran is still a strong matchup play, as he showed in a 14-point outburst against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week.

The 2005 first-round pick was bothered by some nagging injuries last season. It caused a significant drop off after a strong fantasy season in 2012. But he told Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette coming into the season that he was back to full strength.

"I feel really good," Miller said. "I'm happy about that. I haven't spent a lot of time thinking about the past. I put my focus and energy on feeling as good as I can for this year. Putting the preparation in and getting myself physical and mentally ready to go. We're here finally."

He has to battle Markus Wheaton for targets, but tight end is a definite weak spot this season. That's what allows Miller, who wouldn't be on the radar with the same stats at wideout, to enter the discussion to fill a short-term void.

Miller has a golden opportunity to have a second straight double-digit performance. The Jacksonville Jaguars' defense has looked completely overmatched in the early going. That includes a last-ranked pass defense, to make him an attractive option at position without many.