Week 5 Waiver Pickups

Who is Brian Hartline? Brian Hartline? Sure, you were one of the 4 percent who owned and started the Miami Dolphins wideout. I somehow missed that one. Andre Roberts and Michael Turner too. And of course, my fantasy foe Chris Johnson. Next, you’ll tell me the Baltimore Orioles clinched a playoff spot.

All these players had career days, or at least season-best. Likewise, these players were either on the bench, on the free-agent market, or in the doghouse. Setting a lineup is not easy! Sometimes it seems so obvious, your pet parakeet could do it. But these little surprises serve as gentle reminders as to why we play fantasy – because we love suffering.

Yes, we love the drama. Seriously. And I mean you – sports fans of any variety, and especially fantasy football fans. I’m talking to you, guys. I’ve heard you. You tell girls you hate drama, yet you manage three fantasy teams. Morons.

Cheers to a drama-free season! I don’t really mean that, of course. I secretly root for the Brian Hartlines of the world. Just not against me.

Here are this week’s waiver finds:

Brian Hartline, WR, Miami Dolphins – When you look back, you see the Ryan Tannehill-Hartline relationship was heating up, but just you didn’t know it would go this far – 12 receptions for 254 yards. In one game! I like Hartline going forward as a WR2. By the way, as a Texans fan, thank you, Brian, for waiting until Week 4 to emerge. Available in 74 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals – The Cincy QB has been under the radar this year, with the usual suspects getting the attention. Last week, he posted impressive numbers against the Jaguars, going 21-for-36 for 244 yards and two touchdowns. And let’s not forget he had three touchdowns week 3. Available in 36 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Ryan Williams, RB, Arizona Cardinals – Yep, saw his numbers – 13 carries for 26 yards. The matchups will get better, starting this week against the Rams. And remember Beanie Wells doesn’t return for at least six weeks. Don’t stop believing. Available in 37 percent of Yahoo! leagues. 

Owen Daniels, TE, Houston Texans – Without looking, tell me who leads the Texans in receptions. Yes, O.D. has been solid this year, working himself into the must-start tight end club. I’ve said this on the air many times – predicting the hot tight end is difficult, but you want a guy who is targeted near the end zone. As a team-leading target, pluck this guy off the wire. Available in 30 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers –If you’ve been palling around with Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer, consider expanding your circle of friends to include Rashard, who is desperately needed with the Pittsburgh running game in sad shape at 2.6 YPC. He’ll be a welcome addition to the Steelers and fantasy teams everywhere. Expected to assume the starting running back position. Available in 34 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Buffalo Bills – Surprisingly, the QB who leads the league in touchdown passes is widely available. Fitzpatrick posted massive numbers again on Sunday, going 22-of-39 for 350 yards and four touchdowns, giving him 12 on the year. This week he faces a durable San Francisco defense. Still expecting two touchdowns from the Amish Rifle. Available in 53 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Minnesota Vikings, DEF – Coming off a 23-point performance vs. Detroit is good. Facing a Tennessee Titans offense this week is even better. Are you salivating? More than a plug-and-play; the Vikings were strong against the 49ers too in Week 3. Available in 89 percent of Yahoo leagues.   

J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans – Most leagues don’t draft individual positions, including mine. Make him honorary captain. Your team will be better for it. 

Erin Skelley joins Texans Radio every week on SportsRadio 610. Follow her on Twitter @erinskelley. She’ll babble fantasy to anyone who will listen.