Another week and even more injury news and fantasy controversies have risen. People, we are only a quarter of the way through the season and my fantasy football team consists of Dez Bryant, Ben Roethlisberger, Jordan Reed, and LeSean McCoy. Anybody want to trade me one of their players? I could certainly use the help this early in the season.

This article is not to inform you of the players that are guaranteed to score 25-plus points each week. These are the players that are expected to give you a solid 10-15 points, depending on the scoring of your league, when you need that quick filler and all the other known names are taken. For example, some of my picks, except for the first one, did pretty well last week, definitely exceeding my expectations. Cameron Artis-Payne (RB, CAR) – 25 rushing yards. I was close to the yardage, but he was missing the TD (It did not help his cause with Stewart on the field). Cecil Shorts (WR, HOU) – 87 yards and TD. Exceeded expectations with a little help from garbage time. Gary Barnidge (TE, CLE) – 75 yards and a TD. Who is this guy? He will not be a deep sleeper for much longer at this pace.

So, if your fantasy team is in need of a replacement and your opponents are as smart, or smarter, than you in fantasy wisdom, you may have to dig a little deeper. These are the players I recommend for your Week 5 matchup.

 

1) Anthony Dixon - RB, BUF @ TEN

Owned in 9% of Fleaflicker leagues

Similarly to last week, this pick is dependent on injuries. It is almost a given as of Thursday that both Karlos Williams (concussion) and LeSean McCoy (hamstring) will be sitting out on Sunday. The next back up is Boobie Dixon (and Daniel Herron, who was just signed).

Dixon has not seen the field much this season with Williams and McCoy ahead of him, but he has shown promise in his time with the Bills and previous years with the San Francisco 49ers. He does not have the speed that those ahead of him possess, but he has the power to make up for it. He only owns an approximate yard per carry of 3.4 for his career.

This is a touchdown-dependent pick in this week’s meeting with the Titans. His size and strength make him a valuable option in the redzone, especially close to the goal line. He will more than likely lose some work to Herron on third downs, but Boobie should lead the team in touches until the others come back healthy.

Prediction: 70 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown

 

2) Willie Snead - WR, NO @ PHI

Owned in 17% of Fleaflicker leagues

It is amazing that this guy is only owned in 17% of Fleaflicker leagues at this point of the season. Coming into the season, the Saints were expected to be very thin at WR, with the exception of Brandin Cooks. Marques Colston and Brandon Coleman were supposed to be the second and third options for Drew Brees. Colston has not done much all season and, with the exception of an opening-week TD, neither has Coleman.

The next man up is Snead. All he has done is produce three consecutive games with at least four receptions and 44 yards. Not bad for a player most of us have never heard of. This week, the Saints visit the Eagles in a game that may not include much usage for running backs outside of the passing game. I expect Snead to produce the best game of his young career and probably have some effect on the result of the game.

Prediction: 7+ receptions, 100 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown

 

3) Maxx Williams - TE, BAL vs. CLE

Owned in 15% of Fleaflicker leagues

This may have been a player that a lot of people took the chance in Week 4 after seeing the production fellow TE Crockett Gilmore was able to produce before he got hurt. Unfortunately, Williams was a dud (two catches, 17 yards).

Williams was the first tight end off the board in the 2015 NFL Draft for a reason. His size, speed and talent are a great recipe for success for his position. Nevertheless, the team was not able to utilize it last week because the game plan was all about the running game. While we should see more of the same this week against the Browns, the Ravens are missing their top target in Steve Smith Sr. who is out with a rib injury. This means there are plenty of targets left to go around. Look for Joe Flacco to utilize the middle of the field more this week and test the coverage with the size and speed of Williams.

Prediction: 4 receptions, 65 receiving yards

 

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