World-Herald fantasy football writer Cameron Carlow and staff writer Jake Anderson provide insight following Week 5′s NFL action.
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Until further notice
Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers: Owners may worry that he didn’t start last week over Jackie Battle, but after 18 total touches for 189 yards and a touchdown, how could coach Norv Turner not turn to Mathews? He’s a for-sure fantasy start this week against Denver.
Robert Meachem, WR, Chargers: The boom-or-bust receiver rewarded owners who have stuck by him this season by scoring twice against the Saints, his former team, and adding 67 yards receiving. Meachem is still too inconsistent to depend on each week with two previous weeks of zero catches. His trade value is high this week, so now is as good a time as any to collect on him.
Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers: Wallace had two receptions despite being targeted eight times against the Eagles. Still, expect a big week from Wallace with the Titans’ 25th-ranked passing defense on deck.
Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts: Wayne has easily become Andrew Luck’s favorite target — he was thrown to 20 times against the Packers. His 13 catches for 212 yards and a touchdown were not a fluke.
Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs: After rushing for 140 yards on 30 carries against the Ravens and with the quarterback struggles in Kansas City, Charles should be in everyone’s lineup from here on out. He’s the only good thing going for the Chiefs right now.
Michael Vick, QB, Eagles: Eleven turnovers and seven total touchdowns in five games? Yikes. Trade, trade, trade. There are much better options out there than Vick.
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos: Thomas has had over 100 yards receiving in three of five games this season and looks to be Peyton Manning’s favorite target. He’s a No. 1 fantasy receiver right now.
Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons: Gonzalez has found the fountain of youth with four touchdown receptions in five games. Expect Matt Ryan to keep looking his way in the red zone.
Stevan Ridley, RB, Patriots: With three 100-yard games and four touchdowns on the season, Ridley has become an every-week starter. He should continue to see significant carries, but if you’re deep at running back, Ridley’s trade value is at an all-time high.
Key injuries
Robert Griffin III, QB, Redskins: The surprise of the fantasy world sustained a concussion against the Falcons but hopes to play against the Vikings. Keep an eye on his status, but even if he does start, the Vikings defense has been stellar this season. Use him only if you don’t have a solid No. 2.
>> Also: Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears; Cedric Benson, RB, Packers; Jermichael Finley, TE, Packers; Jimmy Graham, TE, Saints; Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs; Andre Brown, RB, Giants; Ryan Williams, RB, Cardinals.
Waiver wire
James Starks, RB, Packers: With Benson’s injury, Starks may win the starting job. It’s tough to tell if Starks or Alex Green will get the majority of the workload in Benson’s absence, but Starks played a significant role in the offense last season. Starks and Green should go quick in most leagues, so take your pick.
Bilal Powell, RB, Jets: Powell hasn’t seen a ton of carries — yet. Starter Shonn Greene continues to disappoint, and Powell’s 3.9 yards per carry is much more promising than Greene’s 2.9. Expect Powell’s role to increase each week.
>> Also: William Powell, RB, Cardinals; LaRod Stephens-Howling, RB, Cardinals; Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Raiders; Sam Bradford, QB, Rams.
