NFL Week Five Fantasy Fill-Ins

I’ve uncovered some guys you can plug in if you are dealing with an injury or tough matchups.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Mendenhall destroyed the Chargers last week and I look for Pittsburgh to ride the hot hand as they take on the Lions this week. Even if Willie Parker is in the mix, there should be enough to get out of Mendenhall to make him worth starting.

Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Cleveland Browns

Now that Braylon Edwards is gone, Massaquoi can continue to gel with Derek Anderson.  Buffalo is 21st against the pass, so there should be opportunities there.

Sidney Rice, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Favre has hooked up with Rice for a TD in each of the past two weeks. His size, speed, and leaping ability make him tough to cover, especially if you’re the 19th-ranked Rams.

Sean Ryan, TE, Kansas City Chiefs

I don’t think he’ll score or even put up significant yardage, but he could be a decent plug-in this weekend, especially in PPR leagues.

He has nine receptions the past two weeks. Dallas is desperate and will likely try to pressure Matt Cassel, which could lead to plenty of looks for Ryan as a hot read.

Rian Lindell, K, Buffalo Bills

Cleveland has allowed seven FGs and 12 PATs already this year. The last time the Bills played a terrible team—Tampa Bay in Week Two—Lindell had four FGs.

Buffalo Bills D/ST

Last week I loaded up on the Niners, this week it’s the Bills.

Cleveland has allowed 13 sacks, which is tied for 27th in the league. Buffalo has recorded 11 Sacks, which is good for sixth in the league. 

Cleveland is also 31st in the league by throwing seven INTs. If nothing else, Buffalo should be good for multiple sacks and a couple turnovers.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com.

Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens

Facing the Bengals, who have the 26th-ranked pass defense, at home is a great matchup for Flacco. Look for him to spread the ball around and turn in a productive game.

Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo Bills

Jackson is sharing the load with Marshawn Lynch, but against Cleveland, there should be enough for Jackson, who is still the lead back.