Fantasy Football Week 5: Waiver Wire
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Running Back
Ronnie Hillman, DEN (37%) – Earned some future playing time with an explosive 73-yard TD run last week and is in no worse than an even-carry split with CJ Anderson moving forward. My hunch is that Gary Kubiak thinks Hillman is a better fit for his scheme and will favor him at least slightly the next few weeks. Anderson was unproductive early in the season as the main back and with Peyton Manning’s deteriorating arm strength the Broncos need a back that can make things happen. Right now that is Hillman and he should be a solid RB3/Flex with the upside for much more.
Duke Johnson, CLE (32%) – The Duke has been on the list this last two weeks and my faith in him paid off with a 22 fantasy point performance in week 4 (on my benches of course). The Browns are finally using Johnson in the passing game which is his strength. Johnson isn’t doing much in the run game but was on the field for red zone snaps and his 10 targets last week make him a must start in PPR formats.
Charles Sims, TB (12%) – Doug Martin had a surprisingly competent game last week, but I’m pretty sure it was a fluke. Even with limited touches last Sunday, Sims still managed to find the end zone and put up 15 fantasy points. I’m not sure why Lovie decided to limit Sims’ snaps last week, but he is the back of the future in Tampa and will get more touches as the season goes on. He’s worth a stash on your bench.
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Christine Michael, DAL (9%) – With the season ending injury to Lance Dunbar and the ineffectiveness of Darren McFadden, Michael is at worst the Cowboys #3 RB with a real chance to pass McFadden on the depth chart quickly. He’s got a ton of talent and could be an impact fantasy player with 15+ touches per week. Now’s the time to stash him in case Michael gets a legitimate chance to play the next few weeks.
Antonio Andrews, TEN (9%) – Titans coaches have been reluctant to name a starting RB, but in the Titans last game Andrews had the most carries. His powerful running style is a good complement to the speedy Marcus Mariota. I think Andrews will get the first crack at locking down the position this week and another solid game could win him the job long-term.
Cameron Artis-Payne, CAR (2%) – The rookie back got a season high eight carries this week and with Jonathan Stewart struggling, Artis-Payne could be a bigger part of the offense moving forward. He’s a powerful runner with a low center of gravity who could start to eat into Stewart’s carries as the season goes on. If you have a deep bench, give Artis-Payne a shot.