Fantasy football strategy, rankings, and podcasts

It's the end of another exciting week of football which means it's time to put your claims in for available free agents in your fantasy league to strengthen your team. I'll be going over who I think are the top five picks for you to target this week so don't miss out on them. Good luck!

Note: %owned is based on Yahoo! leagues at the time of publication.

5) Dallas Cowboys DEF (DAL) - 7% owned - The Cowboys defense has a great situation this week coming off a bye and playing against a rookie quarterback in C.J. Beathard.

4) Darren McFadden (DAL) - 52% owned - A speculative grab assuming Elliott's suspension will stand for weeks 7 through 12 and also assuming McFadden would be the lead back over Alfred Morris in that situation (which I do). The reward feels worth the risk if you have the bench space to spare.

3) Nelson Agholor (PHI) - 55% owned - Agholor finally looks to be a key component of the Eagles offense in his third season as he almost has hit his yardage for all of the last season and has double the touchdowns he had last season. Look for another productive game against a mediocre Redskins pass defense this week.

2) Orleans Darkwa (NYG) - 11% owned - Darkwa impressed against a tough Denver defense last week rushing 21 times for 117 yards and looks to be the favorite for carries in the Giants backfield for the time being. There are still a lot of concerns with the Giants offense but Darkwa is a decent depth grab and bye week fill in if needed.

1) Sterling Shepard (NYG) - 52% owned - It's painfully clear the Giants need someone to step up as a number one receiver especially after there were only TWO catches from all Giants wide receivers last week. When he is back in the line up from his ankle injury he should have enough targets to maintain a safe floor.