The fantasy football week is about to begin on Thursday night when the Cleveland Browns host the Buffalo Bills and with some team owners already looking forward to next season after bad starts, some waiver pickup options out there that could help includes names like Andre Ellington, Rashad Jennings, Le'Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount as well as Jonathan Franklin.
Ellington has consistently been moving up the depth chart for the Arizona Cardinals and with head coach Bruce Arians frustrated with the play of Rashard Mendenhall, he could have a big game in Week 5. Ellington has rushed for just 68 yards this season, but his carries and yardage have increased in each of the past two weeks and he has also been a factor in the passing game, making nine catches for over 100 yards.
Rashad Jennings is another solid option after Darren McFadden was injured, as he rushed for 45 yards in relief and his biggest production could come in the passing game, as he made eight catches for 71 yards against the Redskins. Any owners in PPR leagues with McFadden should snag Jennings ASAP.
The Green Bay Packers had a bye last week after losing in dramatic fashion to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3 and now that the team has had some time to rest, some players will be fresh and ready to go against the Lions in a divisional matchup, but one player that likely won't is James Starks.
According to CBS Sports, the Packers have ruled out Starks after he did not practice this week and it stems from him dealing with a knee injury suffered before the bye. The team is now going to rely on rookies Jonathan Franklin and Eddie Lacy going forward, as head coach Mike McCarthy said that Starks could be out for at least a couple of weeks. Lacy dealt with a concussion a couple weeks ago but appears to be doing better and Franklin comes in after rushing for 100 yards before the bye week.
Starks will be out after rushing for 134 yards this season with a touchdown and after rushing for 55 yards against the Bengals and 132 yards against the Redskins with a touchdown. Starks broke out and helped snap the streak of the Packers not having a 100 yard rusher and now the team has had two in the past two games and Franklin appears to be ready to carry more of the load. Franklin had a knee issue during the week but practiced this week, giving him a good chance to have a solid game against the Lions.
Franklin rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals and he also added three catches for 23 yards, giving him a chance to get even more touches. Lacy hasn't played since the Redskins game and as long as he shows no signs from the concussion, he will be in the mix on Sunday as well. The Packers want to run the ball more and having two young stars like Lacy and Franklin could help Aaron Rodgers open up the passing offense.
