Fantasy Football: Week 5 Value Picks

Added on Oct 06, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

Welcome to the beginning of the bye weeks. Six teams will be kicking back on easy street this Sunday while the other 26 hit the field. Of course, this means many fantasy football owners will be left scrambling to fill out their starting lineups in the absence of stalwarts like Ray Rice, Tony Romo and Reggie Bush (just kidding). If you need a reach play, here are five worthy of consideration.

Alex Smith (vs. TB) – Smith hasn’t been a viable fantasy option since, well, never. However, coming off one of his best career outings (291 yards, 2 TDs) a week ago, the Niners quarterback gets a Bucs defense ranked 23rd against the pass. The same defense that allowed Curtis Painter to throw for 281 yards and a pair of long touchdowns on Monday night. If you’re hurting for help under center, Smith has a favorable matchup. Just temper your expectations. He’s still Alex Smith.

Joseph Addai (vs. KC) – Addai is averaging a career best 4.6 yards per carry in the first month of the season. He’s not a guarantee to find the end zone, but he faces a Chiefs defense yielding 129 yards on the ground per game. Fred Jackson, Jahvid Best, Ryan Mathews and Adrian Peterson have all eclipsed 80 total yards. So, if you’re a Ray Rice, Peyton Hillis, Felix Jones or Tim Hightower owner and Addai is sitting on your bench, plug him in and feel good about it.

Kevin Walter (vs. Oak) – This pick has more to do with Andre Johnson’s injury than Walter’s ability. Remove one flukey touchdown versus the Saints and Walter has been invisible thus far. Most fantasy “experts” will recommend Jacoby Jones instead, but he’s nursing a gimpy knee and has never lived up to the hype. The Texans will probably run wild with Arian Foster on the Raiders 28th ranked run defense. However, if you’re desperate for a wide receiver, Walter is a roll the dice option.

Scott Chandler (vs. PHI) – In case you hadn’t noticed, the Eagles defense is atrocious. In case you hadn’t noticed, the Eagles haven’t successfully covered a tight end in over a decade. Chandler has only 11 receptions, but four have gone for scores. His size and red zone prowess represents a major advantage over Philly’s small, slow linebackers. Don’t expect monster numbers, although anything is possible against an Eagles unit that has been gashed the last three weeks.

Titans D/ST (@ PIT) – Tennessee’s defense has been a pleasant surprise in 2011. They are allowing only 300 total yards per game and have recorded ten sacks and five interceptions. The Steelers enter the fray a beat up team. Ben Roethlisberger and Rashard Mendenhall are both battling injuries. In addition, the black and gold’s offensive line is an absolute mess. Start the Titans with confidence.