Early Waiver Wire Favorites - Week 5

I like to start this weekly article by detailing some crazy things that have been going on in the NFL. I can think of nothing crazier than the fact that there are 6 teams in the NFL with fewer wins than the Browns. Piggybacking off that, it’s also shocking that the Falcons are 1-4 while averaging 26.6 PPG. There has been a lot of drama between the players/coaches and the refs. The defending Super Bowl champions are 2-3. I could go on and on. But what I want to really focus on is some lesser known players that are making names for themselves on the fantasy gridiron, despite being owned in less than 20% of leagues. Here are my top-5 early waiver wire picks for week 5.

Keke Coutee – WR, Houston Texans

Owned in 19.6% of leagues

For the second straight week, Coutee has scored double-digit fantasy points in standard scoring leagues. He has a permanent role in the offense, and significantly outperformed Will Fuller. The Texans offense has a lot of big play ability, which makes Coutee a big play threat on any snap.

Alfred Blue – RB, Houston Texans

Owned 14.9% of leagues

Blue got the start on Sunday night in Miller’s absence and totaled more standard fantasy points than Miller has mustered up so far this year. Blue was a true workhorse, carrying the ball 20 times for 46 yards and catching 8 passes for 73 yards. Miller’s performances have been disappointing, so don’t be surprised if Blue starts to work himself into the game plan going forward.

Christian Kirk – WR, Arizona Cardinals

Owned in 11.4% of leagues

Kirk caught a 75-yard TD in Arizona’s first win of the season, and has now nearly doubled Larry Fitzgerald’s fantasy total. He’s clearly the most productive WR in the offense and his rapport with Rosen bodes well for his fantasy prospects going forward.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling – WR, Green Bay Packers

Owned in 3.2% of leagues

In the absence of Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison, MVS (as he will be called going forward) made his presence felt. He caught 7 passes for 68 yards and 1 TD. This kind of playmaking ability doesn’t just get thrown by the wayside, so expect him to be a part of the offense going forward.

David Moore – WR, Seattle Seahawks

Owned in .1% of leagues

David Moore flashed some real talent in Sunday’s showdown with the Rams, catching 3 passes for 38 yards and 2 TD’s. The Seahawks’ offense has lacked explosiveness so far this year, but expect Moore’s playmaking ability to get him more involved in the offense going forward.