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
Fantasy Football waiver wire, Week 5: Wide Receivers
1. Corey Davis, Jets
I know what you’re thinking: how many Jets passing-game players are worth rostering? I’d say a handful. Zach Wilson, Elijah Moore, Garrett Wilson, Tyler Conklin, and Corey Davis are part of an offense in the top 5 for passing attempts made. They are all worthy of rostering in different formats.
Only rostered in 15.7% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, he’s had 5+ targets the last two weeks. More importantly, he had 7 targets in Week 4, Zach Wilson’s first week back. If those two continue to build chemistry, he is worth rostering in PPR formats.
2. Nico Collins, Texans
Collins is also a great talent on a not-so-great team. The Texans are the only team to not win a game through 4 weeks and are expected to be down in most if not all games moving forward. For fantasy football, that means garbage time.
Available in virtually 99% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, he has yet to score a touchdown, but he’s made big players. He hauled in 3 of his 5 targets for an impressive 82 yards in their game vs. the Chargers. He is a boom or just wide receiver worth stashing in deeper leagues, all formats.
3. Alec Pierce
Another rookie with the last name Pierce, the Colts’ second-round pick doesn’t have much competition for targets outside of Michael Pittman Jr. In Weeks 3 and 4 (full games) he has averaged 5.5 targets, 3.5 receptions, and 70.5 yards.
Available in virtually 99% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, Pierce has a veteran as a quarterback and a “QB whisperer” as a head coach. The team has playoff aspirations and will have to compete in a passing league if they want to do so. Pierce is worth stashing in PPR formats.
If he’s still there, Michael Gallup
If he’s recently become available, Darnell Mooney
Fantasy Football waiver wire, Week 5: Quarterbacks
1. Kenny Pickett, Steelers
In the Steelers game against the Jets, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin replaced Mitch Trubisky with Kenny Pickett as starting quarterback. On Tuesday, October 4th, Tomlin announced Kenny Pickett as the team’s starter moving forward. The 20th overall pick will now command an offense with weapons Dionte Johnson, Pat Freiermuth, Chase Claypool, and George Pickens.
Only rostered in 2.2% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, the rookie QB has immediate rushing and long pass upside. He may make mistakes early on, or even all season, but his playmaking upside could be worth the calculated risk. He is worth rostering in one-QB leagues and worth rostering and starting in two-QB leagues.
If he’s still available, Geno Smith
Fantasy Football waiver wire, Week 5: Tight Ends
1. Will Dissly
Will Dissly has the QB with the #1 completion percentage in the league passing to him in Geno Smith. The two have been building chemistry through 4 weeks, equating to 3 touchdowns in the last 4 games.
Only rostered in 1.7% of NFL.com fantasy leagues, Dissly is the tight end to own on the Seahawks: for whatever that is worth. He is currently a top 10 TE in all formats but is touchdown-dependent (think Hunter Henry, Patriots, 2021). He is worth a flier in all formats.
If he’s recently become available, Cole Kmet
If he’s still available, Hayden Hurst