Fantasy: Waiver Wire - Week 5

Every Tuesday during the season, theScore's David P. Woods runs down his recommended waiver wire pickups.

Quarterback

Carson Wentz, Eagles

With his bye week behind him, Wentz will try to continue the ridiculously hot start to his career. If he does, it won't be long before he's an every-week fantasy starter.

Dak Prescott, Cowboys

With each win, it becomes increasingly likely Prescott will retain the starting job once Tony Romo is healthy. He should be owned in deeper fantasy leagues.

Running Back

Terrance West, Ravens

The Ravens benched Justin Forsett for Sunday's game, giving West the chance to show what he can do in a truly featured role. The returns were promising, with the third-year runner amassing 113 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Rookie Kenneth Dixon is expected to make his 2016 debut in the immediate future, and he could eat into West's role or even fully usurp him, but West should be viewed as a low-end RB2 for now. Make acquiring him your top priority on the waiver wire this week.

Kenneth Dixon, Ravens

The rookie is expected to make his pro debut this week after a knee injury sidelined him since training camp. What role he'll play in the Ravens' offense remains unclear. Had Terrance West not looked impressive Sunday, Dixon may have been handed a featured role. Now, he may have to battle for touches and prove he deserves West's job. Dixon remains a high-ceiling target, so scoop him up if he's still available in your league.

Bilal Powell, Jets

Matt Forte was spotted heading for X-rays following the Jets' Week 5 loss, though the severity of his injury is unclear. Powell looked good against a stout Seahawks defense and has arguably been more effective than Forte on a per-touch basis this season (though the sample size is small). Powell has low-end FLEX value in PPR leagues with upside if Forte misses time.

Orleans Darkwa, Giants

Darkwa started and handled 12 carries on Monday night against a tough Vikings defense, finishing with 48 yards and a touchdown. He has some upside, but it's apparent the Giants plan to stick with a committee approach.

Wendell Smallwood, Eagles

There are hints the Eagles plan to make Smallwood a much bigger part of their offense coming out of the bye. While a more likely scenario is the Eagles use a timeshare with Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles, Kenjon Barner, and Smallwood all sapping each other's fantasy value, the rookie is worth a speculative add.

Zach Zenner, Lions

Dwayne Washington injured his ankle Sunday and Theo Riddick was as ineffective as usual running between the tackles. It's possible Zenner could get some early-down work in the coming weeks.

Wide Receiver

Steve Smith Sr., Ravens

It's a deep week at wide receiver and there probably aren't any potential superstars on your waiver wire. The smart play this week is to submit multiple minimum bids, knowing you'll likely get at least one of the top five pass-catchers on the wire. But if you want to spend a little more and Smith is available, he's worth a bigger bid because he's a strong bet to provide stable week-to-week value moving forward. Joe Flacco targeted Smith 11 times in Week 4, with the result being eight catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. Smith's best days are behind him, but he certainly doesn't look like a 37-year-old coming off a torn Achilles.

Quincy Enunwa, Jets

Enunwa has a clearly established role in the Jets' offense with or without Eric Decker healthy, but with rumors that Decker will be out an extended period with a rotator cuff injury, Enunwa could have weekly WR3 value.

Jeremy Kerley, 49ers

Kerley's fantasy value lies primarily in PPR leagues, as he's not a threat to score many touchdowns (though he did cross the stripe in Week 4).

Eddie Royal, Bears

Kevin White has an ankle injury, which should only serve to further boost Royal's ascending fantasy value. Brian Hoyer looked Royal's way often in Week 4 and it resulted in seven catches for 111 yards and a touchdown for the veteran slot receiver.

Robert Woods, Bills

Sammy Watkins is on IR and likely won't return this season, making Woods the Bills' No. 1 receiver by default. That isn't worth much in fantasy leagues, but it's worth something.

Rishard Matthews, Titans

Matthews seems to have passed rookie Tajae Sharpe in the Titans' receiving pecking order, but you probably don't want to start any receivers from this passing game until Marcus Mariota starts playing better.

Sammie Coates, Steelers

Coates caught six passes in the Steelers' dismantling of the Chiefs on Sunday night, but there are still questions about whether he can be a consistent contributor in this potent offense. With Le'Veon Bell back in the mix, there will be fewer touches available.

Brian Quick, Rams

Was Quick's two-touchdown performance in Week 4 a fluke? Probably.

Brice Butler, Cowboys

Butler has the raw athletic gifts necessary to provide a reasonable facsimile of Dez Bryant while the latter is sidelined, but it remains to be seen whether he can consistently use his athleticism to his advantage. It's possible Bryant could be back on the field this week, so temper your expectations here.

Tight End

Zach Ertz, Eagles

Ertz hasn't played since Week 1 because of an injury and the Eagles' bye, but he is expected back in Week 5. His matchup against the Lions is juicy.

Cameron Brate, Buccaneers

Brate has been a focal point in the Buccaneers' offense since the team's release of Austin Seferian-Jenkins, catching 10 passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns in the past two games. Brate is limited athletically, but should continue to see plenty of looks.

Jacob Tamme, Falcons

Somewhat hilariously, Tamme managed only 3 yards on two catches in Week 4. But one of those catches was for a touchdown, so his final stat line helped the few fantasy owners who started him. Next up is a tough matchup against the Broncos' elite defense.