Fantasy Football: Top 5 WR Sleepers for Emergency starts in week 5
Wide receiver is one of the most difficult to predict from week to week as matchups, players, targets, and opportunities fluctuate wildly from week-to-week. This week, there are several players who I think are in a situation to succeed. Even though these players aren’t week-in and week-out starters, they make nice sleeper plays at WR or flex if you are looking for help in Week 5.
Here are the top 5 sleeper options in the order I would start them for week 5:
1. Nate Washington-Tennessee Titans
Washington is coming off a pair of 100+ yard games and will try to continue to develope his rapport with new starter Ryan Fitzpatrick. Washington was the highest scoring WR in non-PPR leagues due to a pair of touchdowns and 105 yards last week against the Jets. This week the Titans host unbeaten Kansas City. The Chiefs defense isn’t as good as you’d expect at limiting opposing WR. They’ve allowed 20+ points to opposing receivers in each of the last three weeks in standard scoring formats.
2. Denarius Moore- Oakland Raiders
Moore will be glad to get Terrelle Pryor back under center Sunday Night as the Raiders host San Diego. In the last game Moore had Pryor as QB, he caught six passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. It was his second score of the season after scoring against Indianapolis in week 1. He should be able to find some room Sunday night as the Chargers allow the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing WR and have allowed five TD’s in the last three weeks to WR. Moore should be in for a solid late-night contribution if you are looking to find a flex option that pays off.
3. Jeremy Kerley-New York Jets
The Jets don’t have many other WR options with Stephen Hill and Santonio Holmes sidelined. Kerley caught a season-high four passes for a season-high 65 yards last week and should get even more looks Monday Night against the Falcons. Atlanta has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers meaning Kerley is worth a look if you need receiver help this week.
4. Terrance Williams-Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys rookie receiver is raw, to be sure, but he flashed his talent last week catching seven passes for 71 yards while playing 52 or the Cowboys’ 60 offensive plays. He had a costly fumble, but with Miles Austin still sidelined the Cowboys will give Williams plenty of run against the Broncos this week as they try to keep up with Peyton’s Broncos.
5. Tavon Austin-St. Louis Rams
The Rams have tried to get their rookie playmaker the ball as often as possible, but he hasn’t had much to show for it yet. He’s been targeted at least seven times in every game but hasn’t broken 50 yards receiving. Austin faces the Jaguars this week which could give him the chance for his breakout game. He’ll get plenty of chances, and it could be a brilliant pick if he breaks out this week. It’s definitely a roll of the dice, but it could pay off.
If you have any questions of who I’d start/sit on your roster for week 5, you can find me on twitter @ZT_Sports or drop the question in the comments at the bottom of the page. For information on other positions, starter rankings, and plenty of fantasy football goodness, check out our Fansided fantasy football page where there’s a treasure trove of information that can help you get the win this weekend.