There were some interesting results at running back in week 5. Unlikely stars led the way and that will bear watching going forward. Isaiah Crowell, Jordan Howard and Terrance West all looked like legitimate starting running backs. The question is whether or not any of them can keep it up for the long haul.
Week 4 Recommendations Results (Standard League Scoring)
- Dwayne Washington DET - 2 carries 6 yards 1 reception 8 yards 0 Fantasy Points (Left With Injury)
- Jordan Howard CHI - 23 carries 111 yards 3 receptions 21 yards 13 Fantasy Points
- Dexter McCluster SD - 1 carry 2 yards 2 receptions 9 yards 0 Fantasy Points
- Orleans Darkwa - Plays Tonight
- Paul Perkins NYG - Plays Tonight
Washington has a sprained foot and ankle, so his availability for week 5 is in question. Howard looked like a true workhorse back and if you didn't pick him up it is probably too late. Ownership is up to 81% for Howard at last glance. McCluster disappointed for the second week in a row, but there may be PPR value down the road. The Giants will be without Jennings tonight so it will be interesting to see how the workload shakes out.
Find the rest of the Week 5 Waiver Wire Picks here.
Week 5 Waiver Wire Picks
Terrance West BAL 45% ownership
The backfield of the Ravens had been a glaring blemish for most of the season before this weekend. On Sunday, the coaches handed the job to West and he ran with it (pun intended). Former starter Justin Forsett was a healthy scratch and his roster spot is said to be in jeopardy. While Kenneth Dixon will be returning from injury soon, a change is not likely if West continues to run like he did against the Raiders. The only caveat here is that it WAS the Raiders playing on the road in a cross-country game.
DeAndre Washington OAK 15.7% ownership
The running game in Oakland has been uninspiring this year, but Washington has done a lot with his carries. For the season, Washington only has 23 carries but he has taken them for 147 yards. That is good for 6.4 yards per carry. Latavius Murray seems to still have a solid hold on some rushing work, but that may not continue for much longer. Now is the time to grab Washington, before the coaching staff gives him a real chance and he is no longer available.
Wendell Smallwood PHI 10% ownership
There is not much clarity when it comes to the Eagles backfield situation. Ryan Mathews, the oft-injured starter could return for week 5. It seems like there is a bit of a committee feel either way. One sure thing is that when Smallwood was given a decent workload in week 3, he came through to the tune of 79 yards and a touchdown. The coaching staff will not forget about that going forward and Smallwood may be able to supplant Mathews as the starter down the line.
Deep Stash
C.J. Spiller SEA 7.4% ownership
The Seahawks have a history of grabbing former Buffalo Bills running backs and making them useful (Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson). In this case, the running back has been on the scrap heap for a couple of years, but Spiller still has the explosiveness that fantasy owners were enamored with in the past. After scoring a touchdown over the weekend, some savvy managers have taken notice. The Seahawks are on a bye next week, but Spiller could be an intriguing stash while Rawls is on the shelf.
