We're a quarter of the way through the 2019 fantasy football season, and for owners struggling in their leagues, it's time to look at the waiver wire for reinforcements.
Injuries and benchings are forcing young players across the league into fantasy relevant roles, and many of these players are worth picking up to replace veterans who are struggling to produce.
Here are some of the best waiver wire pickups for Week 5.
QUARTERBACK
Jacoby Brissett (owned in 35 percent of Yahoo! leagues): Jacoby Brissett has thrown multiple touchdown passes in each of the Colts' four games this season, with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions overall. He's also completing 65.2 percent of his passes. Brissett has a favorable Week 5 matchup versus a Kansas City Chiefs defense giving up the third-most yards per game. Another factor to consider is the likely event the Chiefs have a lead in the second half, which would force the Colts to throw quite a bit and create a scenario where Brissett picks up some nice garbage time stats.
Other quarterbacks to target: Andy Dalton, CIN (vs. ARI), Chase Daniel, CHI (vs. OAK)
RUNNING BACK
New England Patriots
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Ronald Jones II, Tampa Buccaneers (44 percent owned): Jones ran for 70 yards and a touchdown against a really good Los Angeles Rams defense in Week 4, and he's averaging an impressive 4.7 yards per carry (with zero fumbles) over four games. Jones, as a starting running back in a very talented offense, must be owned in all fantasy leagues.
Other running backs to target: Darrel Williams, KC (vs. IND), Jordan Howard, PHI (vs. NYJ)
WIDE RECEIVER
Golden Tate, New York Giants (50 percent owned): Tate should be the No. 1 wide receiver in the Giants offense in short order. He's coming off a 4-game suspension, so he should be well-rested and fully up to speed on the team's playbook. Rookie Daniel Jones' emergence as a quality starting quarterback in New York should bode well for Tate, who tallied 74 receptions for 795 yards and four touchdowns between the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles in 2018. Tate is a trustworthy target for Jones, especially on key third downs and the red zone.
Other wide receivers to target: Geronimo Allison, GB (vs. DAL), Dontrelle Inman, LAC (vs. DEN)
TIGHT END
Ben Watson, New England Patriots (3 percent owned): Watson also returns from a 4-game suspension in Week 5, and he should add some much-needed production at tight end for the Patriots. New England tight ends Ryan Izzo and Matt LaCosse have combined for just four receptions for 77 yards and zero touchdowns in five targets. Watson has a great matchup to ease back into the fold Sunday against a Redskins defense allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete a league-high 77.2 percent of their passes (in addition to the second-most passing touchdowns).
Other defenses to target: Chris Herndon, NYJ (vs. PHI), Eric Ebron, IND (vs. KC)
DEFENSE
Philadelphia Eagles (33 percent owned): The Eagles defense has played poorly at times this season, but it has an amazing Week 5 matchup against a New York Jets offense generating the fewest yards per game and scoring the second-fewest points per game through four weeks. Philly also will go against Jets backup quarterback Luke Falk, or starting QB Sam Darnold coming back from a bout with mono. Darnold's status for Sunday is uncertain, as of this writing. Either matchup is a good one for the Eagles.
Other defenses to target: Raiders (vs. CHI), Titans (vs. BUF)
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