The second quarter of the NFL season is set to begin, and the byes (and injuries) are starting to pile up. So if you’re a Drew Brees owner looking for a streaming option, or are in need of a decent running back or wide receiver to flex, here are a few sleeper options that are likely still sitting on your league’s waiver wire.
NFL News and Previews
- Washington Redskins vs. Kansas City Chiefs Preview - October 2, 2017
- Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos Preview - October 1, 2017
- Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots Preview - October 1, 2017
- 2017 NFL Week 4 Picks and Predictions
2016 NFL Week 5 Fantasy Sleepers
Carson Wentz – Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
So, three turnover-less games (and a 300-yard performance against the Steelers) should be sufficient proof that Wentz is at the very least a solid NFL quarterback. The Eagles have been excellent in providing Wentz with a strong offensive gameplan, and the rookie should be pretty well prepared to attack a shorthanded Lions defense after a bye.
For Drew Brees, Russell Wilson and Blake Bortles owners in need of a quarterback during their bye week, Wentz is a worthy waiver wire pickup for Week 5.
Orleans Darkwa – Running Back, New York Giants
Darkwa hasn’t exactly been a workhorse for the Giants despite the absence of Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen, but he has been efficient. He’s averaged 4.6 yards in his 22 carries through two games, and has also gotten into the end zone twice.
With Jennings still a doubt to return this week, expect Darkwa to continue getting majority of the carries against the Packers in Week 5.
James White – Running Back, New England Patriots
White got his heaviest workload of the season last week against the Bills. He had four carries for 12 yards, and added five catches for 50 yards. Look for that type of workload to be more of the norm now that Brady’s back.
In the eight games after Dion Lewis’ injury last year, White averaged four catches for 45 yards and had four receiving touchdowns as Brady’s primary receiving back. He also added two rushing scores.
Sammie Coates – Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers
Coates has emerged as the clear No. 2 in the Steelers’ high-powered passing attack. Although he’s the only regular pass catcher who still hasn’t caught a touchdown this season, Ben Roethlisberger pretty clearly sees Coates as his most consistent deep threat. He’s caught a 40-plus-yard bomb in each of his first four games.
It just seems like a matter of time before Coates finds pay dirt, and it could just come in Week 5 against a Jets secondary which has already given up eight passing touchdowns and seven pass plays of 40-plus yards (most in the NFL).
Eddie Royal – Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears
Royal was expected to be third in the Bears’ wide receiver depth chart this season, but despite 14 fewer targets than Kevin White, he had more just one fewer catch (18 to 19), 54 more yards, and two more touchdowns than the supposed No. 2.
Royal starred in Chicago’s 17-14 win over Detroit. The veteran had 7 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. With White now placed on IR, Royal figures to see even more targets from Week 5 onwards.
Hunter Henry – Tight End, San Diego Chargers
Antonio Gates is finally back at practice, but even if he does play in Week 5 against the Raiders, it doesn’t seem like he’ll be at 100 percent. That likely means more snaps for Henry, who has taken full advantage of his playing time. He has nine catches (on 12 targets) for 133 yards and a touchdown. If he’s still on your league’s waiver wire, snap him up now.
Create a betting account now and score some points with these top fantasy sleepers this week.
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