RADIO
In this space, we will highlight fantasy football waiver wire pickups at the wide receiver and defense positions for the 2013 fantasy football season and your fantasy football rosters. Let's win some leagues!
Before I talk about this week's recommendations, I'll recap my recommendations from last week. Keep in mind: the recommendations for offensive players take into account longevity and depth throughout the season, whereas the defensive choices are selected almost solely off of matchups. Last week, the defensive recommendations for standard leagues did well: Indianapolis (23 pts.) and Kansas City (13 pts.). This week, you'll notice a trend: start defenses vs. the Jets and the Jaguars. Until I see something from either of those offenses where they can hold on to the football, each of them represents a must-start opportunity for the opposing defense. For the offensive players, I'll continue to follow my guidelines and provide a list of players who don't meet all of them but MAY be available in your leagues waiver wire at the end of the article. This week's WR options are not overwhelming and I would steer away from picking them up unless you have to.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:
- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) rankings
- Quarterback (QB) rankings
- Tight end (TE) rankings
- Defense (D/ST) rankings
- Kicker (K) rankings
- FLEX rankings
- Dynasty rankings
Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 5 - 2013 Fantasy Football
Jerricho Cotchery, WR, PIT - Waiver Wire Pickup
BALLER MOVE: Continue monitoring (10+ teams)
ANALYSIS: I will say on record that I do not think that Cotchery is going to hold his position (slot receiver) over Markus Wheaton. However, until Wheaton gets the opportunity, Cotchery will continue to be the warm body for the Steelers. The Steelers defense has not been great this year, which has necessitated a lot more passing as they are playing from behind. In Week Four, Cotchery was the main beneficiary of that increased air attack, with five catches on six targets for 103 yards and a TD. Cotchery will regress, which is why I wouldn't recommend him in standard formats at this time.
Jerome Simpson, WR, TEN - Waiver Wire Pickup
BALLER MOVE: Add in Deeper Leagues (12+ teams PPR)
ANALYSIS: I can't believe I'm writing this, but I cannot deny that Matt Cassel has some chemistry with Simpson. Last week, Simpson saw 11 targets (seven catches for 124 yards), and I expect that Cassel will keep the starting QB position in Minnesota for the foreseeable future. I mentioned earlier in the season that I prefer Cordarrelle Patterson over Simpson, but Paterson just has not got the opportunity. Until Patterson gets the chance, Simpson will be an OK-but-not-great option for deeper PPR leagues.
Kendall Wright, WR, TEN - Waiver Wire Pickup
BALLER MOVE: Continue monitoring
ANALYSIS: At this point, this is a reminder to watch the Kenny Britt situation with the Titans. I have no idea what is going on with him, but it certainly seems like something is up. What's more, rumors are swirling that he might be traded. Whatever the case, I believe that this is a ripe opportunity for Wright to step in and show his abilities. Unfortunately, Locker will be out for a while, so Ryan Fitzpatrick will step in. This will hurt Wright's value, so I would continue to monitor this option. Wright has the skills... but will the timing and opportunity present itself for him to be viable fantasy football option? Only time will tell.
ATL, DEF - Waiver Wire Pickup
BALLER MOVE: Add in Standard Leagues (10+ teams)
ANALYSIS: In Week Four, the Falcons defense played terribly against the Patriots, but that won't deter me from recommending them this week. Why? They are playing the Jets, who feature a -11 give/take differential. Geno Smith has eight interceptions (averaging two per game) and is on pace to have 32 interceptions and 12 fumbles for the season. I don't see that he will make any improvements any time soon, and he will continue to play like a rookie. This will make the Falcons defense a strong bounceback option for Week Five and a great waiver pickup choice.
STL, DEF - Waiver Wire Pickup
BALLER MOVE: Add in Standard Leagues (10+ teams)
ANALYSIS: For three straight weeks, the STL defense has not played well for fantasy owners. However, this week they have a ripe opportunity when the horrible Jacksonville Jaguars-- dead last in offense in the NFL-- come into town. If you're looking for a nice streamer option, or if your defense is on a bye week, pick up the Rams and you'll reap some rewards.
Daryl Washington, IDP - LB, ARI - Waiver Wire Pickup
BALLER MOVE: Add Immediately (10+ teams IDP Leagues)
ANALYSIS: So far on the season, Washington hasn't seen a snap due to a four-game suspension. This makes him a ripe option to pick up for his return this week, as over the past two seasons he's been a beast with 202 tackles and 14 sacks! If Washington is available in your league, he's an extremely good IDP option.
My guidelines:
1. I will not repeat waiver selections. All mentioned players prior to week 4 will apply to the current waiver options and going forward.
2. I will only recommend players that are lower than 25% ownership in Yahoo! or ESPN leagues.Recommendations beyond these rules (above 25% ownership)-- add these WRs immediately if they are available in your leagues (in priority order):
Josh Gordon, WR, CLE
Kenbrell Thompkins, WR, NEW
Percy Harvin, WR, SEA
Golden Tate, WR, SEA
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, HOU
Emmanuel Sanders, WR, PIT
Marlon Brown, WR, BAL
Chris Givens, WR, STL
Vincent Brown, WR, SD
Ryan Broyles, WR, DET
Sidney Rice, WR, SEA
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Don’t forget to check back at RotoBaller.com this for up-to-date waiver wire pickups and fantasy football analysis. Good luck with your decisions in Week Five!
