5 Waiver Wire Pickups for Stashing in Week 5

Oct 4, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson (25) carries the ball past Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Cedric Thornton (72) in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

One quarter of the NFL season has already come and gone, and while some teams are forming a strong identity, plenty of others are just as confusing to analyze as they were in the preseason. But when there is so many moving pieces around the league, it’s important to try to look a few steps ahead and find the pieces that could potentially break out with great roles later in the season. Here are five players you can most likely pick up on your waiver wire who, while not necessarily giving you production immediately, could be very beneficial to stash in any sized league.

Next: Christine Michael

Oct 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Brandon Browner (39) and defensive end Bobby Richardson (78) tackle Dallas Cowboys running back Christine Michael (30) during the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Christine Michael, RB, Dallas Cowboys

The first guy I want to mention is a Michael, a player who I stashed for the past couple of weeks but stupidly dropped him right before this week happened. While he didn’t look great in his very limited action (getting tackled for a loss on a 3rd and 1), this was his first time playing football this season.

With Lance Dunbar out, Darren McFadden an injury waiting to happen, and Joseph Randle looking terrible after the first quarter in games, Michael should be able to capitalize and get a strong role in an offense that will only improve as the season progresses. I think he’s the most talented back on the Cowboys, and that’s an envious position to be in if you get the opportunity. Stash him on your bench if you have a free spot and he’s still on your waiver wire.

Next: Leonard Hankerson

Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Leonard Hankerson (85) runs past Houston Texans defensive back Rahim Moore (26) for a long catch and run in the third quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Leonard Hankerson, WR, Atlanta Falcons

In past waiver wire articles, I told you guys to get him. But considering he’s 1.2% owned in NFL.com leagues, there’s a really good chance that he’s still on your waiver wire. Go. Get. Him! He is the number two wide receiver by far over Roddy White, and showed what type of potential he has in that role this week against the Texans.

Will he outscore Julio Jones in fantasy by 10 points next week, or ever again? Probably not. But will he get enough targets in a high powered offense to warrant a start during the hell that is bye weeks? Absolutely.

Next: Roy Helu

Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Roy Helu (26) scores a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Roy Helu, RB, Oakland Raiders

This is a vindication pick for me. Living near D.C., I saw the incredible potential Roy Helu has in the backfield, and strongly believed that going to a new team would help him release that potential. Of course, he side-stepped to the Raiders, but still. After a hamstring injury shut him down for a few months, he made the most of his chances against the Bears in week 4, scoring a touchdown, catching both of his passes, and running for a healthy YPC of a little more than 4.

He’s .3% owned in NFL.com leagues, so he will be available on your waiver wire. If you need immediate help at running back, there might be better options like (eventual player looking for greener pastures away from the Redskins) Chris Thompson. But if you want a waiver wire stash who could become a Danny Woodhead type player by year’s end with a real role carved out of an improving offense, Roy Helu is your guy.

Next: Tyler Lockett

Oct 5, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) takes a pass reception up the field as he is pursued by Detroit Lions cornerback James Ihedigbo (32) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Lockett, like Jimmy Graham, is a receiver with tons of talent who is being stifled by an offense that is often too conservative for the weapons it possesses. It’s impossible to criticize them when they win so much, but still, from a selfish fantasy perspective, I really wish they’d do more.

Nevertheless, Tyler Lockett is a young receiver with so much promise that it’s worth stashing him on your bench in hopes that he can find consistency in a few weeks. If your league gives points for KR/PR yards and touchdowns, then you should own him already. But even if you don’t, I think there’s a chance that he’s a worthy fantasy option by the end of the year.

Next: Chris Thompson

Oct 4, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) reacts with running back Chris Thompson (25) after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at FedEx Field. Washington Redskins won 23 – 20. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Thompson, RB, Washington Redskins

The only thing I want less than a running back in a three-headed backfield is one in a Redskins three-headed backfield, but Chris Thompson has looked too impressive to ignore in the past two games, far outperforming both Matt Jones and Alfred Morris. I don’t know if I’d ever feel comfortable starting him, but if Morris or Jones get injured, this offense is surprisingly efficient when it comes to the run game, and they’re great at controlling the clock: two things that you want from your running back. He isn’t someone I’d dump tons of your FAAB budget on, but if you have a free spot and are looking for a deep waiver wire add, this guy could be worth the stash.

Good luck out there!

Next: Need Immediate Help? Check Out The Waiver Wire Adds For Week 5!

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