Fantasy Football Week 5 waiver wire pickups: Brian Robinson and more

In Week 4 of the NFL regular season, we saw a little bit of everything. We saw high-scoring games, low-scoring games, big plays, and big injuries. Some teams are establishing themselves and their identities. Other teams are still trying to figure things out with new players, coaching, and/or management acquisitions. As mentioned, NFL teams will have to figure out lineups with injuries. So will fantasy football teams. Luckily, there are some talented players available on the waiver wire.

Week 5 waivers have some players that could hold season-long value. Whether they’re filling in for an injured player (see Mike Boone) or getting thrown in to create a spark (see Kenny Pickett), they will surely take advantage of their opportunities.

Fantasy Football waiver wire, Week 5: Running backs

1. Brian Robinson, Commanders

After it appeared that the 2022 3rd round pick had won the starting running back job in Washington during the preseason, Brian Robinson was shot and not only lived but is miraculously coming back to action. Robinson was shot twice in a carjacking attempt and added to the non-football injury list. The future Comeback Player of the Year candidate has been cleared to return by doctors and will start practicing with the team Wednesday, October 5th.

Available in 57.2% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, Brian Robinson could revert to starting duties sooner rather than later. Current Commanders starting running back Antonio Gibson has been registering fewer snaps (64% in Week 1, 41% in Week 4) and recording fewer targets (8 targets in Week 1, 1 target in Week 3) every week. He is a priority add in all formats.

2. Mike Boone, Broncos

The Broncos’ second-year running back Javonte Williams suffered a torn ACL in Week 4 vs. the Raiders and will be out for the rest of the season. In his absence, the team turned to veteran backs Melvin Gordon and Mike Boone. On Monday, October 3rd, the Broncos also signed veteran back Latavius Murray from their practice squad.

Available in virtually 99% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, Boone out-snapped Gordon for the rest of the game (19 snaps to 10). Boone is the youngest of the three Broncos running backs (Boone: 27, Gordon: 29, Murray: 32) and has the pass-catching ability and elite speed. He is worth adding in PPR formats.

3. Rachaad White, Buccaneers

Another 2022 3rd-round pick, Rachaad White is the clear number two running back behind starter Leonard Fournette. He is an elite pass-catching back that has size, too. He is 215 pounds, and could be the “lightning” to Fournette’s “thunder.” If so, he could be viewed as more than just a handcuff.

Only rostered in 1.2% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, Rachaad White registered all of the goal-line snaps in the Buccaneers’ Week 4 loss to the Chiefs. He turned one of his three carries into a touchdown. He also recorded 5 receptions on 5 targets, adding 50 yards through the air. White is worth stashing in PPR formats, whether you own Fournette or not.

If he’s still available, Tyler Allgeier