NFL Fantasy Waiver Wire Pickups – Week Five

Sep 29, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

As injuries and erratic play continue to shape rosters around the league, fresh faces continue to appear on the NFL Fantasy front.  Which names could lend a hand  from the waiver wire?

Justin Hunter – WR – Tennessee Titans

The rookie has made impact plays for his team over the past two weeks.  Whether that continues will depend on how much Tennessee Titans backup Ryan Fitzpatrick trusts him since Justin Hunter made his big plays with Jake Locker throwing him the ball.  Progress has been good, but it could slow down if Fitzpatrick prefers other receivers.

Heath Miller – TE – Pittsburgh Steelers

It may sound like a lost cause but in the world of NFL fantasy it doesn’t matter that the Pittsburgh Steelers are horrible.  Tight end Heath Miller is back to being a favorite target of Ben Roethlisberger after his nasty knee injury.  He had six receptions for 70 yards against Minnesota and figures to get better as the season progresses.

Alshon Jeffery – WR – Chicago Bears

After staying relatively quiet given expectations through the first few weeks, Alshon Jeffery became the go-to guy against the Detroit Lions.  His ability to make difficult catches is a big positive and he’s gaining the confidence of Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears every week.  The offense is still a work in progress but barring a health issue Jeffery is becoming a serious threat at receiver.

Brian Hoyer – QB – Cleveland Browns

Crazy it may sound, Brian Hoyer seems to thrive in the Rob Chudzinski offense, furthering the cries for him to finish the season over Brandon Weeden.  Indeed the Cleveland Browns are coming off two improbable victories in which Hoyer has thrown five touchdowns and for almost 600 yards.  Clearly the lessons from Tom Brady have rubbed off.

Kiko Alonso – LB – Buffalo Bills

For those NFL fantasy league that use individual defensive players instead of just the defenses in general, somebody must get a jump on Buffalo Bills rookie linebacker Kiko Alonso.  Through four weeks he has four interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble.  The young man can make plays all over the field and figures to only get better with experience.

Philip Rivers – QB – San Diego Chargers

A lot of people probably held off on drafting Philip Rivers until they saw what Mike McCoy could do with him for the San Diego Chargers.  It seems that skepticism wasn’t needed because Rivers is off to one of the best starts of his career.  He ranks 7th in the league in passing with 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions.  With the Oakland Raiders up next, he warrants serious consideration.