Fantasy Football Week 5: Jared Cook and 5 Waiver-Wire Must-Haves

We're getting to that point in the NFL season where there are only so many surprising players that have yet to be revealed. Most of the good ones have already come to light, and have been subsequently snatched up by needy fantasy owners.

However, there are bound to be at least a couple pleasant surprises each and every week, and there were certainly enough to go around in Week 4.

Naturally, these players are going to be hot waiver-wire commodities in the days leading up to the start of Week 5. Just so we're sure everyone targets the right guys, why don't we go ahead and take a look at five players you must pick up before it's too late?

Yes, let's do that.

5. Isaac Redman, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers' rushing attack has been a huge disappointment this season, and the blame for that is pretty much entirely on Rashard Mendenhall's head.

But Mendenhall has bigger problems at present. He hurt his hamstring on Sunday against the Houston Texans, and one is forced to wonder how it's going to affect his production, which has been disappointing to begin with.

It's a good thing the Steelers have Isaac Redman. He's only gotten a handful of carries this season, but he's done good things with them. He looked particularly attractive against the Texans, rushing for 40 yards on just six carries.

This being said, I'm not entirely sure Redman is going to explode right away. He's more of a high-ceiling guy to stash on your bench until the time is right.

Given the current state of affairs in Pittsburgh's backfield, I'd say that time is going to come sooner rather than later.

4. Tennessee Titans Defense

Very quietly, Tennessee's defense has been one of the best fantasy defenses in the league in the early goings. The Titans rank in the top 10 in the NFL in both rush defense and pass defense, and they have allowed just 56 points in four games.

Despite this, Tennessee's defense remains largely unowned, as it is owned in just 20 percent of Yahoo! leagues and 22 percent of ESPN leagues.

Now, it's possible that Tennessee's defense is overachieving a little bit because of the Titans' schedule, which has been on the weak side. But when it comes to defense in fantasy, I think you have to roll the dice.

Shoot, you oftentimes don't really have a choice.

3. Jared Cook, TE, Tennessee Titans

As soon as Kenny Britt went down with a season-ending knee injury, the question was which player would step up to lend Matt Hasselbeck a hand in the passing game?

Most thought it would be Nate Washington, but Jared Cook ended up being Tennessee's leading receiver against the Cleveland Browns. He only caught two passes, but he turned them into 93 yards and a touchdown.

Because Cook's touchdown came on an 80-yard scamper, you might chalk his Week 4 production up to simple blind luck.

But I'm not so sure. Cook had some strong games late last season, and he figured to be an integral part in Tennessee's passing attack as soon as the Titans decided to part ways with Bo Scaife.

So while he may not have any more 80-yard touchdowns in his future, I do think Cook is going to produce. Consider him a safe pickup.

2. Stevan Ridley, RB, New England Patriots

When it comes to Bill Belichick and running backs, you just never know what you're going to get.

But heck, even Belichick should realize that Stevan Ridley can play. He showed as much on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, carrying the ball 10 times for 97 yards and a touchdown.

True enough, BenJarvus Green-Ellis also had a good game against the Raiders. As such, he is still very much in the picture when it comes to New England's rushing attack. He's also still going to get the nod in goal-line opportunities.

But make no mistake, Belichick is going to use Ridley. And given what he's shown in the last two weeks, Ridley may force Belichick to give him more and more work.

1. Ryan Torain, RB, Washington Redskins

After not carrying the ball at all in Washington's first three games, Ryan Torain caught fire for the Redskins in Week 4, torching the St. Louis Rams for 135 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.

Better yet, it sounds like there should be more where this came from. The Washington Post reported on Sunday that Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said he plans on using the hot hand when it comes to his stable of running backs, which also includes Tim Hightower and Roy Helu.

After a game like the one he just had, it's safe to say that Torain has the hot hand. Don't be afraid to pick him up.

The only downside is that Torain will not be able to help you right away, and he and the Redskins have a bye in Week 5. But don't worry, you'll be glad you picked him up when we get to Week 6.