2011 NFL Week 5: Get 'Em or Don't Sweat 'Em Waiver Wire Advice

Ryan LesterOct 3, 2011

There were some unusual heroes on Sunday. There always are. Let’s take a look at them and see if they are worthy of your fantasy rosters.

Colt McCoy, QB, Cleveland Browns

McCoy threw for 350 yards on 40-of-61 passing. He had one touchdown and one pick. He’s had two multiple-touchdown games and this 350-yarder making him a solid QB2.

TOP NEWS

Bleacher Report1w

Bleacher Report1w

Bleacher Report1w

Ruling: Get ‘em.

Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

Maybe I can give T-Jack a little more respect after he threw for 319 yards and three scores (two picks) against Atlanta. I’m still not ready to suggest him for fantasy teams.

Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.

Isaac Redman, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh has struggled to run the ball (3.7 YPC), but Redman, who ran for 40 yards on six carries, will handle the load if Mendenhall is out with a hamstring injury.

Ruling: Get ‘em.

Kendall Hunter, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Hunter is the primary handcuff to Gore and does have some value, especially after his 100-total-yard (38 rushing, 62 receiving) effort. He’s not even a good flex option, but has bench value.

Ruling: Get ‘em (especially if you have Gore).

Ryan Torain, RB, Washington Redskins

Torain ripped the Rams up to the tune of 135 yards and a score on 19 carries (7.1 YPC). He’s definitely a back to pick up, but there are a few things at play to consider.

Mike Shanahan is fickle with his running backs. Torain is oft-injured. The Rams have a ridiculously bad run defense. Mike Shanahan is fickle with his running backs. Yep, it’s worth saying twice.

Ruling: Get ‘em.

Stevan Ridley, RB, New England Patriots

Ridley ran for 97 yards and a score on 10 carries, adding a three-yard catch to give him an even 100 total yards. He looked good and should have a role going forward, but note that BJGE ran for 75 yards and a score as well.

Ruling: Get ‘em.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Oakland Raiders

DHB caught four passes (seven targets) for 115 yards. That’s how bad the Pats’ pass defense is.

Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.

Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Baldwin caught five passes (six targets) for 84 yards. Not enough there to excite me yet.

Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.

Josh Morgan and Michael Crabtree, WRs, San Francisco 49ers

So much for the Eagles’ dominating three cornerbacks. Morgan caught three passes (three targets) for 65 yards and a score. Crabtree added five catches (nine targets) for 68 yards. Neither excite me, but if I had to choose, I’d go with Crabtree.

Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.

Laurent Robinson, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Robinson caught seven passes (10 targets) for 116 yards. Miles Austin should be back in two weeks after Dallas’ bye, which severely hampers Robinson’s value.

Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.

Steve Breaston, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Breaston caught four passes (five targets) for 91 yards. It was a nice performance, but I have no reason to believe the Chiefs will suddenly become an offensive powerhouse again.

Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.

Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants

Second verse, same as the first. Cruz busted out again for 98 yards on six catches (nine targets). He’s a nice compliment to Hakeem Nicks.

Ruling: Get ‘em.

Jared Cook, TE, Tennessee Titans

Cook caught two passes (six targets) for 93 yards and a score. He has yet to reach his promise, but perhaps he will now that Kenny Britt is out. Still, the position is too deep for me to recommend him. He’s back on my radar though.

Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.

Jermaine Gresham, TE, Cincinnati Bengals

Gresham caught four passes (seven targets) for 70 yards and a touchdown. It was his second score on the year, and he’s been at 50 yards or more three of the four games. He’s a big part of the Bengals’ offense.

Ruling: Get ‘em.

Kevin Boss, TE, Oakland Raiders

Boss caught four passes (five targets) for 78 yards. He hasn’t had a prominent enough role for fantasy teams.

Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.

Also check out: