The NFL season is heading to Week 5 and fans are starting to see how the season is panning out. For those playing in fantasy leagues, it’s a pivotal time. Almost halfway through the regular season, here are some things that can help improve your squad.
Player to Drop: Jake Locker
Last week Titans quarterback Jake locker was taken out of the game with a shoulder injury and it doesn’t look like he’ll be back anytime soon. Whether Locker was a starter or a backup on your fantasy team, now is the time to drop him. Veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will be taking the reigns from here on out in Tennessee, and he might be a good pickup, especially considering the year he had last season. Locker will be a solid QB in the future, but he’s not going to be producing much this season.
Player to add: Brian Hartline
Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline is an emerging star and has become one of Ryan Tannehill’s favorite targets. He has 455 receiving yards already on the season and had a breakout game in week four with 12 catches for an incredible 253 yards. While owners can’t expect that kind of performance out of him every week, he could be a valuable asset going forward. If this Dolphin offense gets going, Hartline could be a dangerous threat in any league.
Player to keep: Rashard Mendenhall
Pittsburgh running back Rashard Mendenhall has been out all season with an injury, but will be coming back this week. His injury caused owners in many leagues to drop him, so he might actually be available. He’s proven over the years to be a consistent and productive back. It’ll probably be a while before he’s 100 percent, but when he does get back it just might be the spark needed to make the playoffs. Anyone who has him needs to keep him.
Player to watch: Cedric Benson
Green Bay has had a nonexistent running game for years, but Benson is beginning to change that. After a poor start in week one, he’s been more and more productive and is getting his fair share of receiving yards as well. The Packers brought Benson in to fix the running game and are showing their commitment by giving him more and more carries. If the current trend continues, he’ll be a must-start, especially down the stretch when it’s cold in Green Bay and throwing becomes more difficult.
Lucky to have: Robert Griffin III
Redskins’ quarterback RG3 is having an incredible rookie season thus far. He already has over 1,000 yards through the air and more than 250 yards on the ground. He’s dynamic, poised and skilled. Because he’s a rookie, he fell down the draft boards in many leagues. Those who picked him and anyone who intended to utilize him as a backup can sit back and smile. He’s turning out to be one of the top fantasy quarterbacks and anyone who took the risk to draft him is lucky to have done so.
Kevin Bingaman can be reached at [email protected]