The fourth week of the 2016 regular season is just about coming to a close with only the Monday Night Football game remaining. Most fantasy football leagues will run their waiver wire late Tuesday or early Wednesday, but we are here to help you get a jump on the best options to consider.
We will be ranking the top five players likely to be available in your league at each of the four major positions. Some weeks there might not be five good options available, but we’ll scour for the best we can find. Additionally, throughout the week, we will update each of these articles as ownership percentages change (via Yahoo!) and news arrives.
Editor's update: Carson Palmer has been ruled out. Drew Stanton will start in his place.
Waiver wire quarterback rankings, Week 5
1. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens (34 percent owned) - now 35 percent owned
Despite inconsistent performances Flacco continues to be a start-worthy quarterback based on his experience and his team’s matchups. In Week 4, Flacco passed for 298 yards, one touchdown and one interception, plus he added another touchdown on the ground. The Baltimore quarterback has yet to throw more than two touchdowns in a game this season, but the matchup against Washington in Week 5 may change that. With several quarterbacks on bye in Week 5, Flacco would be a worthy substitution.
2. Brian Hoyer, Chicago Bears (five percent owned) - now 10 percent owned
Hoyer has outperformed Jay Cutler since replacing him in Week 3, and with a timetable for Cutler’s return not yet finalized, Hoyer may continue to start. The Chicago quarterback threw for 302 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Bears’ win against the Lions. This performance was without Chicago’s star wide receiver, Alshon Jeffery. In addition the Bears have two favorable matchups against the Colts and Jaguars in Weeks 5 and 6. As long as Cutler is out, Hoyer is a great option who is available in the vast majority of leagues.
3. Case Keenum, Los Angeles Rams (two percent owned) - now three percent owned
It would appear that the offense in Los Angeles is finally coming together, and leading that charge is Keenum. In Week 4 the Rams quarterback threw for 266 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception against a very good Cardinals defense. While most likely not a permanent replacement for your team, Keenum has improved every week. He should be able to maintain that trend in Week 5 against the Bills and make for a suitable bye week substitute.
Others to consider depending on developing injuries:
Derek Anderson, Carolina Panthers (zero percent owned)
With Cam Newton exiting the game with a concussion, Anderson led the Panthers’ offense for the entirety of the fourth quarter. He threw for 172 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. While these numbers aren’t overly impressive, if Newton misses time as he recovers from a concussion, Anderson would be the starter in an offense with several weapons. Depending on Newton’s status as the week goes on, Anderson may be worth acquiring.
Drew Stanton, Arizona Cardinals (zero percent owned)
Stanton did not perform well after taking over for Carson Palmer against the Rams in Week 4. He threw for 37 yards and two interceptions in his time leading the Arizona offense. However, if Palmer is out in Week 5, Stanton will be the starter for a very capable Cardinals’ offense gifted with a good matchup against San Francisco.