Alex Collins (RB, BAL) - Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 9% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Baltimore Ravens running back Alex Collins picked up 82 yards on nine rushes in Week 3, mostly in the fourth quarter of a blowout loss in London. He was largely ignored in the fantasy community, even after John Harbaugh inserted him into the starting lineup against the Steelers, but he proved he was more than just a garbage time filler with another 82 yards on nine carries. Collins was a castoff in Seattle last season, but could fill an important role for a Ravens team looking for an infusion of life in its offense.

The volume isn't there yet and may take time, as Terrance West and Javorius Allen still loom. If Collins keeps making big plays and comes close to maintaining his league-high 8.2 Y/A, that shouldn't be a problem. The main problem is ball security. Collins has fumbled twice in three games (25 carries) after doing so twice in sparse duty with the Seahawks last year (31 carries). Collins exemplifies the boom-bust pick on the waiver wire. He could go on to be this year's version of Thomas Rawls from 2015, or he could be back on the street in a matter of weeks if he keeps coughing it up. If you're desperate for a running back (Dalvin Cook owners, raise your hand) or have the roster space for a high-upside stash, it might be wise to pay up for Collins now.