This week’s deep waiver wire list offers a great combination of long-term flex players and short-term plug-and-play options for fantasy managers dealing with injuries and bye-week issues.
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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets for Deep Leagues
Emari Demercado (RB – ARI) | 1% Rostered on Yahoo, 0% Rostered on ESPN
Emari Demercado will double dip in both shallow and deep waiver wire lists this week. His value in shallow leagues depends on the length of time missed for James Conner. But in deep leagues, Demercado is worth an add regardless of Conner’s status. Hitting on running back in deep leagues requires rostering handcuffs with the opportunity for a strong workload in the event the lead back suffers an injury. Since the start of last season, the Cardinals have typically given the bulk of carries to one back, Conner.
Keaontay Ingram has been sidelined with an injury and has failed to produce with his limited work. It’s very possible Demercardo earned the backup role with a strong performance of 10 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown. If Conner misses extended time, Demercado could be in line for a significant workload. If Conner plays in Week 6, Demercado is still worthy of a roster spot in deep leagues as a handcuff.
Jonathan Mingo (WR – CAR)| 8% Rostered on Yahoo, 8% Rostered on ESPN
Adam Thielen is the clear WR1 from the Panthers, and DJ Chark has had two strong games this season. Still, Jonathan Mingo is flying under the radar, and his production shouldn’t be overlooked. Few rookies immediately step into the level playing time that Mingo sees. Aside from the week he was injured mid-game, Mingo’s lowest snap count has been 86% of snaps. For comparison, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been in the 40-60% range. Jordan Addison has typically been in the 50-70% range. Quentin Johnston reached a season-high of 51% in Week 4. Mingo has had a fair amount of targets, but – due to offensive struggles and the dominance of Thielen – he’s yet to score a touchdown, and his yardage is minimal.
Despite the low fantasy scores, Mingo’s usage has been encouraging and he should see an increase in production as Bryce Young continues to develop. Thielen should remain the WR1 as long as he can manage the workload. But at age 33, if Thielen’s production hits a wall in the back half of the season, Mingo could step into a significant role.
Trenton Irwin (WR – CIN) | 0% Rostered on Yahoo, 0% Rostered on ESPN
The window of opportunity is short here, but Trenton Irwin’s strong Week 5 production could repeat if Tee Higgins cannot play in Week 6. The Bengals play Seattle in Week 6 before heading into a bye week. The Bengals could opt to give Higgins an extra week of recovery in tandem with the bye week and bring him back in Week 8.
In his absence, Irwin had eight receptions on 10 targets for 60 yards. If Joe Burrow‘s woes are truly behind him, the entire Cincinnati receiving corps could feast against a Seattle defense that has been very vulnerable against the pass. Iwvin is a flex option in all formats if Higgins is out this week.
Nelson Agholor (WR – BAL) | 1% Rostered on Yahoo, 1% Rostered on ESPN
Nelson Agholor offers both immediate and long-term value on the waiver wire this week. For the short-term, the Ravens face a Tennessee defense that has struggled against the pass, and Odell Beckham Jr. appeared to still be dealing with an injury during Sunday’s game. Agholor could be the third look for Lamar Jackson in Week 6 if Beckham Jr.’s injury continues.
Agholor has long-term value, as well. Rashod Bateman struggled in Week 5, playing just 39% of snaps and missing dropping multiple passes – including one would-be touchdown. The former first-round draft pick has yet to break out, and the Ravens simply can’t trust him after such critical mistakes. Agholor isn’t flashy, but he’s a reliable veteran, and the Ravens could turn to him as a pass-catching option for Jackson.
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