Week 5: Snaps Impact & Targets Analysis

RB Terrance West, ---

Even though the Ravens lost, coach John Harbaugh learned West should be the starting running back. West turned 21 carries into 113 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. He also averaged 5.4 YPC, much better than Forsett's 3.4 YPC average.

He was on the field for 39 snaps, while Javorius (Buck) Allen was on the field for 24 snaps. Allen only recorded three carries, though, so West isn't in jeopardy of being stuck in a committee. He also had five red-zone rushing attempts in Week 4, while Allen only had one.

But West isn't going to add much value as a receiver. He didn't catch a single pass in Week 4, which means he has to get you a lot of points from his carries. But in Week 5, it should be easy for West to have a productive game. The defense for the Washington Redskins has allowed the second-most Fantasy points per game to backs this season.

West proved he's the back to own in Baltimore right now – but that could change once Kenneth Dixon returns to the fold.

RB Fozzy Whittaker, ---

Whittaker made my list for deep sleepers in Week 4, and he didn't disappoint. He qualified for my list because he was on the field more than Cameron Artis-Payne in Week 3, and he was targeted as a receiver six times, hauling in five of those targets for 35 receiving yards.

In Week 4, Whittaker was on the field for 41 snaps, while Artis-Payne was only on the field for just 19 snaps. And Whittaker didn't disappoint. He was targeted nine times as a receiver, and he caught all nine of his targets for 86 receiving yards.

Newton is dealing with a concussion, though, which means the offensive as a whole will be less effective with Derek Anderson running the show. But the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have allowed the second-most Fantasy points per game to wide receivers, which means Whittaker could be in for a big game if he keeps being used as a pass catcher.

If you're still struggling to find a running back for your RB2 spot or a flex position, I wouldn't be afraid of starting Whittaker until Jonathan Stewart returns. And even after he returns, there's no guarantee Stewart regains a starting role in this offense.

WR Brice Butler, ---

Cole Beasley led Dallas in receiving yards with 66, but he only caught three passes and was targeted just four times. Butler, in comparison, was targeted nine times. He posted a 5-41-1 stat line, and he finished with the second-most receptions on the team behind tight end Jason Witten (9).

Butler was also targeted twice in the red zone, hauling in one of those targets for a touchdown.

The 26-year old receiver has made deep sleeper lists since entering the league in 2013, as he's an incredible mix of size (6-foot-3, 220) and speed (4.36 40-yard dash). But even though his stats from Week 4 make you want to run out and grab him off of waivers, his upside is tied to whether or not Dez Bryant is on the field. In Week 3, for example, Butler was only on the field for 27 total snaps.

With Dez out of the lineup in Week 4, he was on the field for 62 snaps. If you have the room for Butler or own Bryant, it's worth adding him if Bryant misses an extended period. But as soon as Bryant returns, Butler will not be worth starting.

WR Robert Woods, HOU

Week 4 marked only the second time this season Tyrod Taylor has thrown for more than 119 yards, and LeSean McCoy is the focal point of the offense right now and in the foreseeable future. But when Taylor does have to throw the ball, those passes are going to go to Woods.

In Week 4 against the New England Patriots, Woods was targeted ten times, leading the team in targets. He caught seven of those targets and recorded 89 receiving yards on the day. His 2.27 Fantasy points per touch totals from this game isn't great, but he still sees enough volume to start as a WR3 or in a flex spot.

All three of Taylor's touchdown passes were in Week 2, though, so don't expect Woods to haul in a lot of touchdowns. His Fantasy value depends on the amount of receptions and receiving yards he records each game.

But receivers on the Bills have the 10th-easiest Fantasy Football schedule this year, which makes Woods an even more appealing start with Sammy Watkins possibly done for the 2016 season. If he's still on waivers for any reason in a PPR league, add him now to improve the depth of your roster.

TE Dwayne Allen, ---

Allen's average receiving yards per game through the first three games of the season is 37. That's a good indication of what to expect for the rest of the year. Against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he only caught two passes for 20 yards. Even Frank Gore had more targets (5) than Allen (4). His Week 4 stats didn't win anyone their matchup.

He was on the field for 61 snaps, but he just isn't producing enough as a receiver to start. Three rookies started on the offensive line in Week 4, which means Allen will be relied on heavily to protect Luck as a blocker.

Allen may still have relevant starts, but you should look at picking up another tight end if you were relying on Allen as your primary starter. If Henry Hunter or Cameron Brate are on waivers for any reason, add them to your roster and drop Allen or find another way to make room.

Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings