The NFL season is nearly 25 percent over, even though it seems like it just started. As such, if you haven't done so already, it's time to re-evaluate things based on what has happened after the first four weeks. I'm not encouraging you to throw your preseason predictions completely out the window (especially for teams that have already had a bye), but they carry far less weight then they did just a couple of weeks ago.
For me, one of the key aspects of this "re-evaluation" process is to take a fresh look at each team's upcoming schedules. Now that we know which teams are better than expected (Titans, Bills, Redskins) and which are worse (Rams, Lions), you can keep each team's schedule in mind as you decide which players to target and avoid in waivers and trades. With that in mind, here are my suggested waiver-wire pickups as we head into Week 5.
Kyle Orton, QB, Bears. Yes, Kyle Orton. But if you watched the first half of the Bears/Eagles game, you'd agree with my assessment that Orton at least resembled an NFL-caliber quarterback. More importantly, go check out the Bears' remaining schedule. Orton gets the Lions twice, the Rams, the Falcons, and the Saints, all of which are really nice matchups. Even the tough matchups -- the Vikings twice and the Titans -- aren't that horrible if you consider that those teams, especially the Vikings, are better against the run than the pass.
Laurence Maroney, RB, Patriots. I can't quibble with anyone who cut Maroney, at least in shallow formats. I'd claim him above everyone on this list except Lance Moore if available. Coming off their bye, we know that the Patriots are going to try to do something different. Could that include featuring Maroney, like they did at the end of last season? Maybe. Pick him up and give it a week or two to see. If Maroney keeps doing what he's been doing, you can always throw him back.
Ryan Torain, RB, Broncos. Everyone is talking about the Denver defense after their latest debacle against the Chiefs, and justifiably so. What jumps out at me just as much, though, is how the Broncos had to attempt five field goals. Passing is great (and so are Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall), but teams need balance on offense, especially in the red zone. The more the Broncos struggle to score touchdowns, the more that Torain's value increases, even as he sits on the bench recovering from his elbow injury.
Justin Fargas, RB, Raiders. Darren McFadden and Michael Bush have had a great opportunity to shine while Fargas has been out with a groin injury. While McFadden apologists will point out that he's been injured, the fact remains McFadden and Bush have not done enough to unseat Fargas as the starter once he returns. If Fargas is somehow available in your shallow league, go get him.
Mewelde Moore, RB, Steelers. With Willie Parker unlikely to play this week, Rashard Mendenhall out for the year, and Carey Davis having injured his ankle Monday night against the Ravens, it looks like Moore will start at running back this week against the Jaguars. He probably won't have much value beyond this week (since the Steelers have a bye next week, giving Parker another week to get healthy), but until we know more about the extent of Parker's injury, this could be Moore's chance to take the job and run with it. At worst, Moore looks like a decent one-week fill-in.
Steve Breaston, WR, Cardinals. Breaston's good game last week was looking like the ultimate fluke -- he was on the field far more than usual simply because the Cardinals were playing from behind all game against the Jets. But then Anquan Boldin got knocked unconscious. The Cardinals haven't talked about Boldin's chances of playing this week, but I suspect that they will give him a week to recover. If that's the case, Breaston will start against Buffalo and is worth a spot start if you need help at receiver.
Lance Moore, WR, Saints. Wow, where did that come from? This isn't rocket science -- just consider Moore this week's "no, duh" upgrade. If you are skeptical of Moore's chances to repeat last week's performance, consider that Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey are out at least a couple more weeks, and Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem look like little more than deep threats. Expecting two touchdowns every game is not realistic, but Moore will be worth starting at least until Colston and/or Shockey return.
Devin Hester, WR, Bears. I remain skeptical of Hester as a receiver, especially with Kyle Orton throwing to him. But what I said about Orton's schedule applies equally to Hester. I still think that Hester is a "feast or famine" player -- the type that will either score a long touchdown or do absolutely nothing. He looked good on Sunday night though, and this week he gets the Lions, which certainly helps his chances of a "feast" in Week 5.
Bobby Engram, WR, and Deion Branch, WR, Seahawks. I've mentioned Engram and Branch in prior articles, so I won't belabor the point. Just consider this a reminder that your window to obtain them cheaply is about to close.
Greg Olsen, TE, Bears. Did I mention that I like the Bears' schedule? Also, I thought Desmond Clark looked terrible against the Eagles, and that only helps Olsen's chances going forward.
Mark Stopa is a staff writer for Rotowire. Check out Rotowire.com for more information.
