The fantasy season is about a third of the way done, and at this point playoff pictures should start taking shape. The draft may be the most important part of fantasy football, but often it's the waiver maneuvers during bye weeks that can make or break seasons. This week, the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins are on bye. If you're looking for replacements for Jacquizz Rodgers or Lamar Miller, here are five guys worth looking at. As usual, all data is taken from Yahoo! fantasy leagues.
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints (owned in 49 percent of leagues)
Thomas is unlikely to repeat his Week 5 performance, when he got 28 touches for 91 yards and two touchdowns, but he's proven that he can be an asset in New Orleans' high-octane offense and is a big upgrade over the injured Mark Ingram. He'll remain a boom-or-bust option, but PPR owners facing bye-week crunches should take a look.
Willis McGahee, Cleveland Browns (owned in 47 percent of leagues)
McGahee's burst is pretty much gone at age 31, but he's still the best option the Browns have in the backfield, and they should continue feeding him the rock with Brandon Weeden back under center. His heavy workload alone may be enough to sustain RB3 value in deep leagues.
Andre Ellington, Arizona Cardinals (owned in 23 percent of leagues)
The Cardinals have been easing in the rookie slowly, and he keeps rewarding them with production while Rashard Mendenhall struggles. Ellington and Mendenhall played an even number of snaps in Week 5. He brings much more to the table than Mendenhall does at this point. The big concern is the upcoming schedule -- the Cardinals face the 49ers and Seahawks over the next two weeks.
Zac Stacy, St. Louis Rams (owned in 18 percent of leagues)
The Rams have confirmed that Stacy will remain the starter, and he shouldn't stay on the waiver wire much longer. Stacy got the start in Week 5 and responded with 78 yards on 14 carries before leaving with a rib injury. He gave the Rams a much-needed spark in the running game, but will have tough matchups coming up against the Texans, Panthers and Seahawks.
Donald Brown, Indianapolis Colts (owned in 3 percent of leagues)
With Ahmad Bradshaw out indefinitely, Brown is now the main handcuff to Trent Richardson. He has never been big on talent, but he did vulture a touchdown in the Colts' win over the Seahawks and has shown more burst than Richardson so far. It's something to keep an eye on if Richardson continues to plod along at 3.1 yards per carry.
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