Many a fantasy football championship has been won with the waiver wire. Following Week 4 action, these are the names that should be on owners' radars going forward. And fear not if your waiver priority is low-we have some sneaky pickups for you as well.
Quarterbacks
Charlie Whitehurst, Tennesee Titans
Jake Locker found himself hurt again in the first half of Tennessee's Week 5 defeat vs. the Cleveland Browns, this time banging his thumb on another player's helmet while under pressure, and Whitehurst was competent as his replacement.
Whitehurst finished the afternoon 13-of-21 for 194 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Locker had been having a solid outing before exiting the game though. He was 8-of-11 for 78 yards, and also rushed for 24 yards and a score. When he's healthy, Locker should resume his role. Until then, Whitehurst is a mere two-QB league option.
DEEP OPTION: Michael Vick, New York Jets
Geno Smith was benched after the first half of a 31-0 drubbing in San Diego, as Jets coach Rex Ryan became desperate and turned to the veteran Vick. Unfortunately for the Jets, Vick was out of sync. He completed under 50 percent of his passes for just 49 yards, and rushed for only 14 yards.
Smith is expected to return to the starting lineup next week when the Jets host Denver, but another poor outing may lead to a quick hook. With more preparation Vick may look better down the road. He's a purely speculative add at this point, but his rushing ability can't be ignored if he's given the job. Just be prepared for interceptions, and low passing yardage.
Running Backs
Ronnie Hillman, Denver Broncos
Struggling running back Montee Ball left Week 5 with a groin injury that's expected to "keep him out a while" according to reports. C.J. Anderson was a healthy yesterday, and Ronnie Hillman capitalized. The day belonged to Peyton Manning and Demaryius Thomas, but Hillman averaged 4.27 yard per carry and finished with 64 yards. He looked impressive, and should start until Ball comes back.
Branden Oliver, San Diego Chargers
The Chargers' running backs can't stay out of the trainer's room, and yet they remain a sound rushing offense. Donald Brown was the latest casualty, leaving Sunday's decimation of the Jets with a concussion. Oliver exploded on the typically stout Jets D, rushing for 119 yards and a touchdown, and picking up 68 receiving yards and a second touchdown.
If Brown misses extended time, Oliver is a strong play.
Andre Williams, New York Giants
Rashad Jennings left Sunday's game with an injured knee, and Williams stepped in with a touchdown. While Williams is a safe bet for some touchdowns if Jennings misses extended time, his yards per carry (3.25) is alarming. In limited work prior to his 20 carries Sunday, Williams barely averaged three yards per rush. He's a must-own if Jennings is out, but no more than a low-end RB2 until he shows more burst.
George Winn, Detroit Lions
Winn entered yesterday's game when Reggie Bush exited with an ankle injury. Winn performed capably, and could remain a factor is Joique Bell's concussion keeps him out of Week 6 action too. Stay tuned for Bell updates, because if he is ready to go Winn is a handcuff-only add. If Bell and Bush are out, Winn is a strong play vs. a soft Vikings D.
Benny Cunningham, St. Louis Rams
Cunningham was chewing up six yards per carry vs. the Eagles this week once Zac Stacy departed with a calf injury, and should be owned regardless of Stacy's status going forward. After a breakout 2013, Stacy has left owners wanting more. He has just one touchdown this year, and had Cunningham cutting into his touches already. When healthy, Stacy will remain the goal line hammer, but Cunningham's shown more elusiveness and speed.
DEEP OPTION: C.J. Anderson, Denver Broncos
While Hillman was the man on Sunday, and Anderson inactive, Hillman's brief NFL history is nothing to write home about. He is not going to be a bellcow, and with Ball out Anderson will have some opportunities to wrest the role from Hillman, or at least be used in a rotation.
Wide Receivers
Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants
Move over Victor Cruz? Odell Beckham Jr. made his Giants debut and caught four passes for 44 yards and a touchdown. He lined up outside, moving Cruz back into the slot. That might make both Giants pass-catchers more valuable. After a brutal two weeks, the Giants' passing game looks to be chock full of decent fantasy options. None will be amazing, but many will be useful.
DEEP OPTION: Jeremy Ross, Detroit Lions
Ross' numbers in 2014 don't warrant him being picked up. Calvin Johnson's ankle injury might be. Johnson aggravated his existing ankle injury on Sunday as the Lions dropped a game to the Buffalo Bills, and after two straight weeks of minimal production, the Lions may be ready to rest him. With injuries plaguing the Lions' backfield, Ross could see an increase in targets if Calvin misses time.
Tight Ends
Ben Watson, New Orleans Saints
Watson had five catches for 43 yards in relief of Jimmy Graham, who left Sunday's OT win with a shoulder injury. It's unclear what Graham's status is for next week and beyond, but if he is out then owners can feel safe plugging in Watson.
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