This is a pivotal week for fantasy owners as the first quarter of the NFL ends and bye weeks begin. One of the biggest unknowns in the NFL right now is the wide receiver. With big-name wideouts like Antonio Brown getting shut down in Week 4 and a laundry list of guys battling injuries, figuring out this position is tricky week-to-week. That being said, there is a lot of talent sitting on waivers. Without further ado, here are the top wide receivers owners can pick up right now and play right away.
Fantasy football, Week 5: Best players available at wide receiver in waivers, free agency
The highly-targeted wideouts have a ton of fantasy value and are sitting on waivers.
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Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams (47 percent)
Kupp has been one of Jared Goff’s favorite receivers all season. That has not always meant big fantasy numbers, however, Kupp is consistently getting six looks per game and has at least two games with over 60 yards receiving and a touchdown. This week, Kupp draws a good matchup playing in the slot against division rivals Seattle Seahawks. The legion of boom is thin in the middle and Kupp can have a big game as a result. He is a pickup and great flex start in any league.
Devin Funchess, Carolina Panthers (54 percent)
Funchess gave the Panthers offense and quarterback Cam Newton a much-needed jolt in the Week 4 win over New England. He caught seven passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns Sunday. Since losing TE Greg Olsen, Funchess has 11 catches on 19 targets for 128 yards and two touchdowns. He also leads the team in receiving yards and touchdowns so far this season. The Panthers take on Detroit in Week 5. That will be a tougher matchup for the Panther’s offense. However, as the top receiver in Carolina Funchess is worth the add especially in deep leagues.
Jaron Brown, Arizona Cardinals (42 percent)
Jaron Brown did not lose any playing time with the return of John Brown to the Arizona lineup. Playing 95 percent of the offensive snaps, the fifth year receiver caught eight passes on 12 targets for 105 yards in the overtime win over division rival San Francisco 49ers. He led all receivers in targets and receiving yards in the game. Since Week 2, Brown has had double-digit targets or a touchdown in every game. Brown is getting a lot of time and attention on the field. This week he draws the Philadelphia Eagles who happen to be the second-worst defense against the pass. Brown is the perfect waiver grab. He can start immediately and his ceiling should stay high for the remainder of the season.
