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Fantasy Football 2018: Waiver wire targets for Week 5

By Donnie Druin

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Linebacker Fred Warner #48 of the San Francisco 49ers can't stop running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers after a complete pass and short run into the end zone for a touch down in the second quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Linebacker Fred Warner #48 of the San Francisco 49ers can't stop running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers after a complete pass and short run into the end zone for a touch down in the second quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Linebacker Fred Warner #48 of the San Francisco 49ers can’t stop running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers after a complete pass and short run into the end zone for a touch down in the second quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Linebacker Fred Warner #48 of the San Francisco 49ers can’t stop running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers after a complete pass and short run into the end zone for a touch down in the second quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

Austin Ekeler, San Diego Chargers

2018 stat-line: 188 yards rushing on 28 carries, 13 receptions, 163 yards, 2 touchdowns
ESPN ownership: 58.4 percent

Admittedly so, I was hesitant to hop on the Austin Ekeler hype train. Sitting behind Melvin Gordon, I just didn’t think Ekeler would receive a lot of attention. Yet four weeks through the season, Ekeler has indeed carved a role for himself in the Chargers offense despite Gordon’s heavy usage. Ekeler has just one less reception than Tyreek Hill, while having just ten receiving yards less than Donte Moncrief.

While rushing attempts arrive seldom at seven attempts per game, Ekeler is more suited to take on receiving duties, where both of his touchdowns have come thus far. How Ekeler is barely owned in over half of leagues is questionable to say the least. Ekeler’s value is a bargain for his production off the waiver-wire, putting up 12+ points in 3-of-4 outings. Snatch Ekeler up and love  his low-risk high-reward potential.

T.J. Yeldon, Jacksonville Jaguars 

2018 stat-line: 205 yards on 49 carries, 1 rushing touchdown; 14 receptions, 125 yards, 2 receiving touchdowns
ESPN ownership: 46.8 percent

Yeldon has been the main benefit of Leonard Fournette’s injury bug, as Fournette has only registered 21 snaps through week three according to FantasyPros.com. Yeldon’s snap count? 118. In Fournette’s absence, Yeldon has managed to take control of the Jaguars backfield and scored twice against a tough Jets defense, while also adding 52 yards on the ground and three catches for 48 yards.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Fournette re-aggravated his hamstring and is expected to miss at least two more weeks with the same injury. Yeldon officially has the green light in fantasy football, playing against a friendly Chiefs defense in Week 5. Snatch Yeldon up if he isn’t taken already, and enjoy potential RB2 numbers in at least the next two weeks.

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