The fantasy football schedule is into Week 5 and some sleepers and waiver wire players to check out include Ronnie Hillman, Christine Michael, Duke Johnson, Willie Snead, Anthony Dixon, Thomas Rawls, Richard Rodgers, Kamar Aiken, Tevin Coleman, Rueben Randle, Gary Barnidge and Leonard Hankerson for fantasy owners.
At the quarter mark of the season teams are starting to take shape and with injuries also playing a factor, players like Rueben Randle, Ronnie Hillman, Christine Michael, Thomas Rawls, Richard Rodgers and Leonard Hankerson have had the chance to step up. Victor Cruz has been out and that has allowed Randle to get things going over the past couple weeks, while Michael will now get a chance for the Cowboys with Lance Dunbar out for the season.
Hillman has stepped up with CJ Anderson struggling and dealing with injuries, while Rawls has come in for Marshawn Lynch while he has dealt with a hamstring issue. The Packers have been hit hard with injuries, but it has not messed with the team this season, as they are 4-0 to start. Richard Rodgers is coming in for Andrew Quarless, while James Jones has stepped up with Jordy Nelson out and Davante Adams banged up.
Tevin Coleman has been banged up and he is getting ready to return soon and could be a solid option behind Devonta Freeman. Freeman has taken over as the starter, but in deeper leagues Coleman is worth a look. The Bills are dealing with an injury to LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams has a concussion, which makes Anthony Dixon a starter option until the running backs can return healthy. Duke Johnson has been stepping up for the Browns and while Isaiah Crowell is the starter, Johnson has been solid as a receiver out of the backfield and is worth a look in PPR leagues.
The Saints have Willie Snead as a solid option, as he has moved up ahead of Brandon Coleman, who was a sleeper earlier in the season. Snead played over half the offensive snaps for the Saints last week and he comes in with 16 catches for 240 yards and is worth a look for fantasy owners. Marshawn Lynch is dealing with a hamstring injury and while he may return this week, the Seahawks likely will give Rawls some carries if Lynch is not 100 percent.
The injury to Steve Smith could keep the receiver out for a week or more and that could make Kamar Aiken a worthy pickup for at least one game. Aiken has 11 catches in four games and he had his best day last week with five catches for 77 yards and a TD. Steve Smith owners could use him as a replacement and in deeper leagues he could be a nice option. Leonard Hankerson has moved past Roddy White and is now the clear number two for the Falcons.
Michael is going to get a chance to step up for the Cowboys with Dunbar out and while he has not proven much in his time in Seattle for two years and now in Dallas, Michael could finally get the opportunity he has been looking for. For now Michael is only worth a look in deeper leagues.
Check here for more on fantasy football for Week 5, the best pickups and sleeper options for the upcoming games.