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In this space, we will highlight NFL running backs (RBs) that are recommended fantasy football waiver wire pickups to consider as candidates for Week Five of the 2013 fantasy football season, and your fantasy football rosters.
2013 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 5 Running Backs
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Roy Helu Jr. (RB, WAS):Baller Move: Stash in deeper leagues.
Analysis: Helu Jr. is worth a stab in the dark if you have or can safely make the space on your bench. He is also close to a must-add for Morris owners who wish to cover themselves. Alfred Morris left the Redskins' Week Four victory over Oakland with a rib injury. The Redskins front office has claimed it was just "bruised ribs," and Morris has a bye in Week Five to heal, but should the injury be more serious than initially indicated, or should Morris suffer any setbacks, Helu Jr. will undoubtedly carry the mail for the Skins. Roy ran for 41 yards and a TD on 13 carries, and added two catches for 43 yards stepping in for the injured Morris.
Rashad Jennings (RB, OAK):
Baller Move: Stash/Start (probably) in all leagues.
Analysis: Jennings will likely never get to take the trip to Honolulu for a Pro Bowl, but he could be a sneaky play in Week Five. With Darren McFadden suffering a hamstring injury and no timetable yet given for his recovery, it is a pretty safe bet that DMC will not play against a weak Chargers defense. Marcel Reece also went down in Week Four, leaving the game with a knee injury; it appears that he will also miss time. This leaves Jennings primed for 20+ touches against a Chargers run defense that isn't knocking anyone off their feet. If you are thin at RB or need someone to step up thanks to a bye week, Jennings could be enough to keep your head above water.
Andre Ellington (RB, ARI):
Baller Move: Stash in all leagues.
Analysis: Ellington's potential path to becoming the Cardinals' feature back is really coming into focus. Mendenhall continues to disappoint, with only 21 yards on 12 carries this past week. He dropped the ball both literally and figuratively, fumbling twice and dropping an easy catch. He also failed to hit the turf in-bounds with Arizona leading and trying to keep the clock ticking. One more game like that and Ellington, who put up 29 yards on just four carries, as well as 22 yards on three receptions, could become the back with a potential 20 touches each week. Alfonso Smith had no carries or receptions.
Mike Goodson (RB, NYJ):
Baller Move: Stash in deep leagues.
Analysis: Goodson's four-game suspension is now over. With Ivory sidelined indefinitely, Goodson will have a chance to show why many people believe he is the most talented and dynamic back on the Jets' roster. It would be crazy to start him immediately, but if you are weak out of the RB slots or are simply looking to use a bench spot on a gamble at potential trade value, Goodson could be a dice-roll that pays dividends. Owned in only about 1% of leagues, you can likely wait until free agency to pull the trigger on Goodson to save your waver priority if applicable. In a year with such a shallow reliable RB pool, Goodson could be lightning in a bottle in Rex Ryan's ground and pound game should he manage to show up Powell.
Danny Woodhead (RB, SD):
Baller Move: Stash in all PPR leagues, Start in deeper PPR leagues.
Analysis: I called for this same move last week, and with Woodhead still available in nearly 60% of leagues, it bears repeating. Woodhead continues to make the most of his opportunities, and as a result, his role should continue to increase. While Ryan Mathews performed better this week, managing 62 yards on 19 carries (3.26 YPC), but he still looks nothing like the 2011 Mathews that so many experts continue to predict he will return to. Woodhead's receptions dipped this week to "only" five catches for 52 yards. He added 32 yards on five carries (6.4 YPC). Oh, and did I forget to mention that two of Woodhead's catches were for a touchdown? Woodhead is now on pace for 1,000 yards, 88 catches, and eight touchdowns at the quarter-pole.
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