Most of this was written before the injury updates on 10/1, but if they are available, these four running backs are the top priority on the waiver wire (even the backups if you have bench spots) for Week 5.
*This was written before the Injury Updates to Bucky Irving (Week-to-Week) and Trey Benson (IR).
That includes Emari Demercado (3rd Down Receiving Back) and Michael Carter (Projected Starter) for the Arizona Cardinals, and likely starter Rachaad White, along with Sean Tucker (split back) for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
If you started Kenneth Gainwell with the surprise Jaylen Warren announcement before the Dublin game, you likely won your week or profited in some way. Stashing the week before and following all the injury news gives you a leg up on the competition, allowing you to beat the waiver wire a week ahead.
With kickoff looming, it’s time to make those final roster tweaks. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, bye weeks, or just looking for upside, here are some last-minute waiver wire adds who could make a difference in Week 5.
Running Backs to Add for Week 5
Chuba Hubbard is day-to-day with a calf injury, something he was dealing with last week, as he saw less usage as the Carolina Panthers’ starting back. If he is out against the Miami Dolphins, expect Rico Dowdle to get the workload, as he was already gaining more carries every week. I would stash till gameday to see if Hubbard does suit up or not, Dowdle does have a decent matchup on a struggling offense.
While it could be coach speak, rookie Brashard Smith has seen increased usage for the Kansas City Chiefs as their third down and receiving back. This is behind veteran Kareem Hunt, who hasn’t done much with his usage as a plodder, and Isaiah Pacheco, who is losing snaps every game and seeing limited time.
Smith could turn into a volume receiving back that has a safe floor as a fantasy start in PPR. Till then, it is wise to stash and wait for the breakout when it happens, like these other rookie backs.
Rico Dowdle (vs. Miami Dolphins): ESPN- 15.2%, Sleeper- 20%, Yahoo- 18%
Honorable Mention: Brashard Smith (@ Jacksonville) ESPN- 2.6%, Sleeper- 9%, Yahoo- 5%
Wide Receivers to Add for Week 5
If both Darius Slayton and Marvin Mims aren’t available, look for Malik Washington (Miami Dolphins) or Isaiah Bond (Cleveland Browns). However, both Slayton and Mims will be volatile flex players that can boom or bust as starters/ valuable rotation players that can hit big on any given week.
While Wan’Dale Robinson will be the top target for Jaxson Dart, if Brian Daboll lets the kid throw deep, Slayton is the guy. Washington becomes the receiver two for the Dolphins, as Miami loses Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle takes over as the top target for Tua Tagovailoa.
Mims has a similar archetype to waiver adds from previous weeks, like Troy Franklin and Tre Tucker. Cleveland rookie receiver Bond replaces Cedric Tillman (now on IR), but rookie Dillon Gabriel takes over veteran Joe Flacco at quarterback for the Browns, so it’s unclear who he will favor in this offense against a tough Minnesota Vikings defense.
Darius Slayton (@ New Orleans Saints): ESPN- 17.2%, Sleeper- 8%, Yahoo- 9% (10/1)
Honorable Mention: Marvin Mims (@ Philadelphia Eagles ): ESPN- 22.9%, Sleeper- 32%, Yahoo- 24% (10/1)
Tight Ends to Stream for Week 5
The Baltimore Ravens are a smash mashup for opposing offenses, especially with their injuries at linebacker, as Dalton Schultz has had consistent target volume the last two weeks and can score a touchdown for the Houston Texans. Rookie Mason Taylor is in a similar boat with a good matchup with the Dallas Cowboys, as he has seen good volume the last two weeks for the New York Jets, and Justin Fields has targeted him more often recently.
Dalton Schultz (@ Baltimore Ravens): ESPN- 14.4%, Sleeper- %, Yahoo- 19% (10/1)
Honorable Mention: Mason Taylor (vs. Dallas Cowboys ): ESPN- 4.4%, Sleeper- %, Yahoo- 6% (10/1)
Quarterbacks to Stream for Week 5
Rookie Dart’s rushing floor gives him fantasy appeal on the New York Giants, especially if he can throw it against this porous New Orleans Saints defense. Sam Darnold hasn’t been a ceiling fantasy play with the Seattle Seahawks, but if you need 15 points, he could get you that against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad that is dealing with many injuries. It will depend on the game script and how effectively they can run on a tough run defense.
Jaxson Dart (@ New Orleans Saints ): ESPN-29.8%, Sleeper- 16%, Yahoo- 25% (10/1)
Honorable Mention: Sam Darnold (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers): ESPN- 11.4%, Sleeper- 27%, Yahoo- 22% (10/1)
Defenses to Stream for Week 5
Even if the Miami Dolphins’ defense isn’t great, Bryce Young is prone to turnovers with injuries to Carolina Panthers skill position starters. The same can be said for Spencer Rattler, going against a ferocious Giants pass rush. A defense I would stash for next week is the Las Vegas Raiders, as they are going against the Tennessee Titans in Week 6, while they play the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5, another defense worth streaming if available.
New York Giants (@ New Orleans Saints): ESPN- 13.9%, Sleeper- 5%, Yahoo- 5% (10/1)
Miami Dolphins (@ Carolina Panthers): ESPN- 3.1%, Sleeper- 6%, Yahoo- 5% (10/1)
