Week 5 of the NFL season is in the books, meaning “Shop or Drop” is back, giving you expert advice on who to pick up and drop every week in your fantasy football league.
Waiver Wire additions
Roschon Johnson / D’Onta Foreman – RB – Chicago Bears – 41% and 7% rostered via Yahoo! Sports
Roschon Johnson was primed to step up as the RB1 after Khalil Herbert went down with a high-ankle sprain against Washington. Unfortunately for Johnson, he suffered a concussion in the same game. With the team playing last Thursday, Johnson will have an extra three days to try and pass concussion protocol. If this does not happen, D’Onta Foreman slides into the Bears’ starting running back role. Even if Johnson is ruled out next week, make sure to pick him up, as Herbert is likely to miss at least four weeks with a high ankle sprain.
Tyjae Spears – RB – Tennessee Titans – 26% rostered via Yahoo! Sports
Although Derrick Henry is still the go-to guy, Tyjae Spears is slowly creating a role for himself in Tennessee’s offense. The third round rookie rushed for 34 yards, caught four passes for 35 yards, and found the end zone in the loss to Indianapolis. Henry is only getting older, and the Titans will not be opposed to getting some fresh legs in the backfield. Spears would be a nice handcuff to have on your roster.
Curtis Samuel – WR – Washington Commanders – 17% rostered via Yahoo! Sports
Curtis Samuel is sneakily having a god year, averaging 12.3 fantasy points per game. The veteran receiver has scored a touchdown in his last two games while being targeted at least seven times. Although Washington struggled on primetime, Samuel still put up an efficient stat line. Once the offense gets back on track, expect even more production from Samuel moving forward.
Jonnu Smith – TE – Atlanta Falcons – 16% rostered via Yahoo! Sports
As crazy as it may sound, Jonnu Smith seems to be the TE1 in Atlanta. And yes, Kyle Pitts is still on the team. The former Titan and Patriot has caught six passes in each of his past two games. Against the Jaguars he went for 95 yards, and against the Texans, Smith went for 67 yards. This seems to be no fluke, as he is statistically a top-10 fantasy tight end this year over players such as Darren Waller, David Njoku, and Pat Freiermuth.
Josh Downs – WR – Indianapolis Colts – 9% rostered via Yahoo! Sports
Josh Downs had himself a respectable day, catching all six of his targets for 97 yards. The rookie receiver is averaging 6.6 targets per game throughout this early season. Even with Gardner Minshew taking over for an injured Anthony Richardson, Downs was still able to produce in this Colts offense. Minshew is no scrub, and he will have no problem getting the ball to Downs over the next few weeks.
Ka’imi Fairbairn – K – Houston Texans – 11% rostered via Yahoo! Sports
They say there is a first for everything. Well, this is the first time I am featuring a kicker on Shop or Drop. I have no choice but to, as Fairbairn is averaging three field goals and two PATs per game. Kickers are very inconsistent in fantasy football, but Fairbairn has been an exception so far.
Players to Drop
Jerick McKinnon – RB – Kansas City Chiefs
Jerick McKinnon was a fantasy football league winner last season. Unfortunately for the veteran half-back, this year has not been as fortunate for him. He has scored over 5.5 fantasy points just once this year, leaving Isiah Pacheco as the main man in Kansas City.
Matt Breida – RB – New York Giants
With the Giants having one of the worst offensive lines in the league, Breida is not expected to put up great numbers. Additionally, Saquon Barkley is due to make his return any week now, meaning Breida will fall back into the RB2 role in New York.
Cam Akers – RB – Minnesota Vikings
Cam Akers has had a very bumpy NFL career so far. Since being traded to Minnesota, he has yet to make an impact. Akers in his past two starts has only received five rushing attempts. Alexander Mattison remains as the workload back for this Vikings offense.
If you see some of these guys on your waiver wire, try and scoop them up. Although some players may not have a spot on your starting roster at the moment, injuries are bound to happen. When everyone else in your league is scrambling around looking for replacements, you will remember that you read “Shop and Drop”, and reinforcements are already sitting on your bench.
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