Waiver Wire Pickups for Week Five

Darrin Reaves

Darrin Reaves was upgraded from the Panthers’ practice squad late last week because it appeared no running backs would be ready in time for Sunday’s game against the Ravens. Despite the fact that DeAngelo Williams was active, Reaves still played. He had 12 carries for 26 yard and caught three out of five passes thrown his way. Those are not great numbers, but nobody on the Panthers played well on Sunday. Ron Rivera can out Monday after the game and stated Reaves is going to start next week. This gives him some value. He is a very speculative pickup, but it could turn into a piece of fantasy gold.

Eddie Royal

Eddie Royal has caught four touchdowns in the last two weeks. He also had seven receptions for 105 yards on Sunday. Keep in mind, this same type of thing happened last season. Royal started the 2013 season very hot and then fell off once Keenan Allen emerged as Rivers’ go-to target. The Chargers have been forced to spread the ball around a bit more than last season because of their ever-thinning backfield. Royal is a strong flex play at this point and definitely worth having on the bench. Do not expect him to have another two score game this weekend, but a decent number of fantasy points could be in order.

Joe Flacco

Flacco might actually prove to have some fantasy football value this year.

Joe Flacco had a big game against the Carolina Panthers. Had he thrown for over 300 yards and three touchdowns against anyone else it would not have been so impressive. The Panthers have one of the best defenses in NFL and that shows this was no fluke. It also is not a fluke that Flacco is off to the best start of his entire career. So far he has already thrown for 1,055 yards. He also has not thrown more than one interception in any games this season. Flacco may turn out to be the Alex Smith of 2014. Smith was highly effective last year at not turning the ball over while putting up a consistent fantasy point total week in and week out. Flacco may not put up totals that will win your fantasy game, but he definitely will not be the reason you lose.

Lorenzo Taliaferro

Another Raven makes the list this week. Lorenzo Taliaferro showed that he can contribute in the offense. He was able to take 15 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers. He was used mostly as relief to starter Justin Forsett. More than likely this will not change heading into a week five matchup against the Indianapolis Colts; but the Ravens are definitely going to feed him more. Thus far, Forsett has not showed he capable of being an every down running back. Taliaferro could be the answer to that problem.

Odell Beckham

In fantasy football, it is always better to be a week too early than a week too late. This is the time to pick up Odell Beckham. He has finally reported to practice. He will be limited all week and more than likely will not play against the Falcons this weekend. However, Tom Coughlin has said there is a small chance. This means he will definitely be back by week six when the Giants take on Philadelphia Eagles.