Week 5: Waiver Wire Pickups

Some players who have been mentioned in this space in the past, and who are still worth a waiver pickup include: QB Teddy Bridgewater, QB Kirk Cousins, RB Isaiah Crowell, RB Lorenzo Taliaferro, WR Stevie Johnson, WR Jordan Matthews, TE Travis Kelce, and TE Dwayne Allen. Check to see if any of these players are available in your league before consulting this list.

QB Blake Bortles, ---

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Bortles was named the Jaguars' starter after Week 3, and this Sunday versus the Chargers marked his first full game under center. He performed admirably against a tough San Diego defense, going 29-for-37 on throws for 253 yards, one touchdown and two picks. Bortles made plenty of mistakes, as expected, but he also made some nice plays, including a 44-yard pass to Allen Hurns that nearly resulted in a touchdown. With the Jaguars sure to be trailing in a lot of games this year, Bortles should see plenty of chances to practice his deep ball. Depending on the matchup, Bortles should be a decent bye-week replacement.

QB Mike Glennon, ---

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Buccaneers starting QB Josh McCown has a torn ligament in his hand and may be out up to six weeks. In his absence in Week 4, Glennon performed well against a strong Steelers pass defense. Glennon completed just 21 of 42 passes but racked up 302 yards and two touchdowns along with an interception. Glennon's accuracy could stand to improve, but the overall numbers speak for themselves. The fact that Glennon was able to lead the Bucs to their first win of the season should endear him to the coaching staff and possibly make him the permanent starter in Tampa Bay. He'll need a few more games to prove himself, but right now, Glennon looks like a solid bye-week fill-in.

RB Jerick McKinnon, ---

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For some time now, Vikings observers have been saying to keep an eye on McKinnon. On Sunday, we saw why. McKinnon took 19 touches for 152 total yards. McKinnon broke loose for a 55-yard run early in the game and nearly broke another long run before tripping. His speed and cutting ability are far superior to RB Matt Asiata, who owned the goal-line work and scored thrice. Going forward, look for a split between the two backs. Asiata will likely continue to get those valuable short-yardage carries, but McKinnon is the better athlete and has far more upside. After his breakout performance in Week 4, McKinnon should be owned in all leagues.

RB Antone Smith, ---

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Smith has just 13 touches so far in the 2014 season, but he's totaled an incredible 192 yards and three touchdowns with that work. Smith, 29, has been with the Falcons since 2009. He's broken out this year as a complement to power back Steven Jackson. It looks like the Falcons understand the talent Smith has as they've made an effort to put the ball in his hands at least a few times every game. He'll need more consistent volume to become a reliable fantasy starter – right now, he is entirely big-play dependent. But if the Falcons continue to give Smith touches, he could develop into a high-upside flex play.

WR Odell Beckham, MIA

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The Giants liked Beckham enough to make him the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. The injury trouble started soon after that as Beckham dealt with a hamstring injury that would plague him through OTAs, training camp and the Giants' first four regular-season games. But now the rookie is nearly recovered and hopes to make his debut in Week 5 against the Falcons. Beckham will likely start his career as the Giants' No. 3 WR behind Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle. But the Giants' new passing scheme has looked strong in the past two weeks, and it's possible that Beckham could have an immediate impact. He'll likely struggle for targets in the beginning, but Beckham has excellent hands, 4.4. speed, and a high ceiling. He's worth a flier for those owners who can afford the roster spot.