NFL Week 5 Fantasy Waiver Wire Pick Ups, Secure Your Roster, Then Take Risks

One 100-yard game against Oakland in Week Two, 98 yards in a win over the Tennessee Titans in 2010, as a rookie in 2009 he posted two games of 90-plus yards; and now a 12-catch 253 yard day in a loss to Arizona Sunday.

Miami receiver Brian Hartline has produced five major games in his four-year career, and the odds of him having a similar game like Sunday are slim to none.

Fantasy owners are quick to pull the trigger after such a monstrous day, but history must be taken into account. One upstart game does not give any player a permanent spot in your lineup, so it’s important to shore up your roster with proven talent and then take some risks.

Consider each of the below players and also each team on their bye in Week 5

Byes: Dallas, Detroit, Oakland, Tampa Bay

Heath Miller, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers

Many owners are picking up Buffalo’s Scott Chandler, but Miller has been a consistent target for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and has missed only four games in his eight-year career. He’s never scored more than six touchdowns in a season, but already has four this season under new Steelers’ offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh’s leading rusher for the past 3 seasons is back Sunday against the Eagles. Yes he’s returning from an ACL injury, and probably won’t repeat his dominant play from 2010 when he scored 13 touchdowns and gained 1,273 yards. But the Steelers desperately need him, as their best rushing game of the season was 43 yards by Jonathan Dwyer in Week One.

Brandon Bolden, RB, New England Patriots

Bolden will probably be a handcuff, as he gained most of his 137 yards in garbage time during New England’s blow out win. He’s still an excellent pick up to stash away for a later bye week, or if you are in a keeper league.

Kevin Kolb, QB, Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are 4-0 and Kolb is fresh off his first 300-yard game since Week One of last season. Arizona also has two top targets for Kolb in receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Roberts.

Greg Zuerlein, K, St. Louis Rams

The rookie hasn’t missed a single kick all season, and banged home a 60-yarder in the Rams win over Seattle Sunday.

Chicago Bears Defense or Minnesota Vikings Defense

Chicago earned five picks and a score against Dallas, and historically field one of the best defenses in the league. Minnesota throttled the Lions high-octane passing game, sacking quarterback Matthew Stafford five times and forced one fumble.

Either is suitable for the Week 5 byes, but long term, go with Chicago with their proven production.