Week 5 Waiver Wire: 2011 NFL Fantasy Football Bye-Week Help

Heading into the first bye weeks of the season, it’s time for fantasy owners to focus on the depth of their squads, to add useful options while regular starters are out. Week 5, we have the Cowboys, Browns, Rams, Dolphins and Ravens all out, which means many of you are likely looking for a running back to help out.

Stevan Ridley

Percentage Owned: ESPN (4), Yahoo (14).

Maybe the hottest name on the waiver wire this week, as Stevan Ridley looked strong vs. the Raiders, breaking tackles and making defenders miss in the open field. Ridley picked up just four more carries than in Week 3 against the Bills, but his 97 yards on 10 carries to go with an impressive 33-yard touchdown make him an option to snag off the waiver wire.

Look for the Patriots to continue using Ridley and BenJarvus Green-Ellis in an even timeshare, but if the rookie continues to run with this authority, he will likely win a starting job and see 15 touches a game. In a Patriots offense where defenses have to play back because of the passing game, 15 carries should be all Ridley needs to be a great flex play option weekly.

Isaac Redman

Percentage Owned: ESPN (3), Yahoo (7)

Rashard Mendenhall failed to return vs. the Texans after he scored a three-yard touchdown due to a hamstring injury. After all the news about Arian Foster's situation in recent months, we all know that a hammy can keep you out for a game or two, and you never know when a re-aggravation will take place.

It appears Mendenhall’s situation won’t be as serious as Foster’s (then again, Foster’s was only considered to be a grade one at first), but he will likely be a question mark this week, so make sure you pick up Isaac Redman. The Steelers like likely lean on the running game this week as Ben Roethlisberger is beat up, but it appears he will tough out his foot injury and play.

Redman has played well when given the opportunity to play, so he should have a respectable game in your flex position even if the Steelers face off against the Titans defense.

Ryan Torain (On a Bye Week)

Percentage Owned: ESPN (58), Yahoo (21)

Surprised by Ryan Torain’s outburst against the Rams? Well, judging by Mike Shanahan’s comments late in the week about how he almost pulled Tim Hightower for Torain on Monday night, it shouldn’t have been surprising to see him get work. Who knew he would go on to rush for 135 yards on 19 carries, but it’s clear that Torain is the favorite in the Redskins backfield.

Don’t expect this to last long, but for now, ride a hot hand if you can get it, as Torain will likely fall to injury or out of favor by the start of November. Still, Torain has proven useful when given a respectable amount of touches, so when he comes back from his bye week, he should help you as a flex option.

Victor Cruz

Percentage Owned: ESPN (20), Yahoo (34)

After a breakout Week 3 performance from Victor Cruz, the Giants threw Mario Manningham owners a curveball when they decided to demote him after poor route running vs. the Cardinals. This led to Cruz picking up six receptions for 98 yards, and the young receiver is clearly Eli Manning’s No. 2 option in the passing game. I’m not sure how long Cruz will hold off Manningham, but it’s a good idea to at least stash him on your roster for the time begin.

More WK 5 Rankings – QB | RB | WR | TE | K/D | Flex |