Alex Smith (QB, WAS) - Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 54% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith was dropped in some leagues heading into the bye week, meaning he’ll be out there in nearly half of Yahoo leagues for a Week 5 date with the Saints in New Orleans. New Orleans has generally been a favorable matchup for quarterbacks this season, and even though they held Eli Manning in check the Saints are a defense to target with quarterbacks. Smith has been serviceable so far this year, with only Week 2 against Indianapolis acting as a big disappointment. He was the number four quarterback last season, and we should see shades of that guy in Week 5. Smith and Washington haven’t been tested in a shootout through their first three games which is why Smith’s true fantasy ceiling hasn’t been reached yet.

After Week 5 the upcoming schedule isn’t great for Smith. He faces Carolina, Dallas, and the New York Giants over the next three weeks. After that he has a nice three game stretch starting in Week 10 against Atlanta. It’ll be Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Houston, which should be great for him. Smith is usable next week, then can be dropped or benched, and then should be picked back up prior to Week 10 for the game against Atlanta.