Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 5 (Fantasy Football)

“It’s not about how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” That iconic line from Rocky captures the exact mindset you will need as we enter Week 5. Perhaps you feel like you completely botched your draft, or injuries have devastated your roster. Sitting on the ropes at 1-3 or even 0-4, it is tempting to throw in the towel and think you’re down for the count. But the season is still young, and this week is all about redemption.

Just like Rocky, it is not over until the final bell. Your next waiver wire pickup could be the turning point of your season; the spark that ignites an epic comeback and kickstarts a much-needed winning streak. The time is now to lace up your boxing gloves, make your move, and fight for your season. Without further ado, here are the top waiver wire pickups that you will want in your corner to help deliver a knockout punch in Week 5.

• Complete Waiver Wire Rankings
• Weekly Waivers Episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast

Running Backs

Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs – Carson Steele? Samaje Perine? Kareem Hunt? These were the names being debated just two weeks ago as we entered Week 3. Steele, who had shown early promise the week prior to Sunday’s win over the Chargers, quickly faltered. An early fumble limited his opportunities and what once seemed like his breakout moment ended with him crumbling, looking more like Carson Styrofoam. With Steele sidelined after the fumble, the door opened for a veteran to step up in the backfield.

While Perine capitalized with a touchdown, it was Hunt who truly stole the spotlight. Averaging nearly five yards per carry, Hunt turned 14 attempts into 69 yards and added 16 receiving yards on two catches from three targets. The backfield situation is still a bit uncertain, but Hunt’s familiarity with the offense and his strong performance on Sunday put him in a favorable position moving forward. Kansas City, despite their perfect record, has faced significant injuries, including the recent loss of Rashee Rice. With their star wide receiver sidelined for the foreseeable future, the Chiefs may turn to the run game more frequently. If Hunt continues to dominate the backfield touches, he could emerge as a reliable weekly starter in fantasy leagues, especially in such a high-powered offense. With a tough matchup against the Saints looming before a Week 6 bye, Hunt is a priority waiver pickup in all leagues.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire is also expected to return from the non-football illness list this week, injecting some uncertainty into the backfield. Although Hunt is still likely to handle the bulk of the touches, Edwards-Helaire is an intriguing speculative add in deeper leagues. Keeping an eye on how this situation evolves could be key for those looking to bolster their running back depth.

Recommended FAAB: 5-20%.

Rico Dowdle, RB, Dallas Cowboys – The Fantasy Hitman and I were among the stronger advocates for taking a late-round flier on Rico Dowdle in fantasy drafts this offseason, considering his bargain draft price and the opportunity to emerge as the lead back in Dallas. After Week 1, it seemed like that gamble flopped, with Ezekiel Elliott dominating the workload. However, since then, the hope for Dowdle has resurfaced, and he has been steadily chipping away at securing a larger role, brick by brick.

Featured in the last two editions of this article after contributing to the receiving game against tough defenses, all eyes were on the journeyman back in what appeared to be a favorable matchup against the New York Giants on Thursday night. Despite his two-game streak of five targets per game ending, Dowdle quietly delivered his best performance of the season. He carried the ball 11 times for 46 yards and caught his lone target for a 15-yard touchdown, where he showcased his ability to rack up yards after the catch. This marks the third consecutive game where he has averaged over four yards per carry while outproducing Elliott in both opportunities and production.

If Dowdle continues to see more touches on the ground and through the air, it is reasonable to expect an even greater breakout fantasy performance soon. That said, even if he has technically taken over as the lead back in Dallas, the role may not be as glamorous as it sounds. To complicate matters, his next two matchups are against the formidable rushing defenses of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions, with a Week 7 bye looming. While any running back leading their team in opportunities should be rostered in all leagues, it is important to temper expectations with the tough schedule ahead.

Recommended FAAB: 0-15%.

Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals – If you were watching the Bengals vs. Panthers game on Sunday, two things stood out: mediocre defensive play across the board and that every time Chase Brown touched the ball, he looked like he was shot out of a cannon. While Brown was a popular sleeper pick for a breakout season over the summer, his early season outlook seemed limited to backup duties and special teams work behind free-agent acquisition Zack Moss. His involvement was minimal in the first three weeks, but he flashed his potential in Week 3 against Washington, turning seven carries into 62 yards, showing he brings a dynamic element to this offense that was missing. The question of whether this would lead to more opportunities was answered in Week 4. Brown saw the most touches of his career, turning 15 carries into 80 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching two of three targets for 12 yards. Though his receiving usage has yet to result in big gains, this marks his third game with three targets this season.

Even with his breakout, Brown was out-touched by Moss, who had 19 touches compared to Brown’s 17. However, Brown outperformed him in yards and touchdowns. Moss, while less efficient in this game, has still been effective this season, particularly in the passing game. The Bengals’ backfield appears to be more of a timeshare than initially expected, with Brown providing the lightning to Moss’s thunder. This could give Brown flex consideration most weeks due to his big-play potential, though expectations should be tempered as the Bengals face a tough Week 5 matchup against the Ravens’ formidable defense.

Recommended FAAB: 0-15%.

Justice Hill, RB, Baltimore Ravens – While it might prove to be the demise of Mark Andrews’ value in fantasy football, the Baltimore Ravens have leaned heavily on the run game this season. The ageless Derrick Henry continues to defy Father Time and play at an elite level, but it is his backfield partner Justice Hill who is quietly off to the best start to a season of his career. Although Hill’s rushing opportunities have been modest, his involvement in the passing game is significant. 

In Week 5’s dominant win over the Bills, Hill ran the ball four times for 18 yards while catching all six of his targets for 78 yards and a touchdown. This marks the second time this season that Hill has posted at least six receptions and over 50 receiving yards. While his usage has been somewhat inconsistent, the high number of targets makes him a viable flex option or bye-week filler, especially in PPR leagues. Looking ahead, Hill has a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5, providing an opportunity to build on his strong start.

Recommended FAAB: 0-15%.

Trey Sermon, RB, Indianapolis Colts – Trey Sermon has not done much to warrant high waiver priority this season, but he suddenly becomes an intriguing pickup this week. Aside from a touchdown in Week 3, Sermon’s production has been almost nonexistent, yet he is clearly positioned as the next man up in the Indianapolis backfield if Jonathan Taylor misses any time. Taylor suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 4’s win over the Steelers, which, though considered minor, could sideline him. If that happens, Sermon would step into the lead role for Week 5, and with a favorable matchup against the Jaguars on deck, he is definitely worth adding even if it is just for a potential one-week start.

Recommended FAAB: 0-15%.

Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons – Tyler Allgeier showed promise in his rookie season, finishing as the RB27 and establishing himself as one of the more exciting young backs. However, the Falcons used a first-round pick on Bijan Robinson the following year, a dynamic talent many thought would fully dominate the backfield. While Robinson has taken on a significant role, Allgeier still carved out a solid spot last year, finishing as the RB34.

This season, his workload has not been heavy, but he has been productive when called upon. In Week 4’s win over the Saints, Allgeier ran for 60 yards on eight carries, outpacing Robinson in carries by one. He is averaging 6.24 yards per carry, which ranks among the league’s best, though his current usage limits his fantasy relevance. With Robinson nursing a hamstring injury that may limit his availability in Week 5, Allgeier could be in line for a much larger workload. If Robinson is sidelined, Allgeier would be a must-start in a favorable matchup against the Buccaneers. As of now, Allgeier is more of a speculative pickup, but one worth prioritizing if Robinson continues to be limited in practice.

Recommended FAAB: 0-15%.

Tank Bigsby, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars – After a promising season debut, Tank Bigsby struggled to replicate his early success, delivering minimal impact in the weeks that followed. Fortunately, the sophomore back got back on track in Week 4, putting together the best performance of his young career. Despite limited opportunities, Bigsby made the most of his touches, rushing seven times for 90 yards, averaging nearly 13 yards per carry. His performance was highlighted by a 58-yard run, the longest play of the day for the Jaguars.

While his overall usage remains modest, Bigsby has yet to average fewer than 4.5 yards per carry in any game this season. Meanwhile, Jacksonville’s starter, Travis Etienne, continues to disappoint, with no finish better than RB20 through four weeks. Etienne also dealt with a shoulder injury in Week 4, a development that should be monitored closely. If Bigsby continues to chip away at Etienne’s workload, his efficiency suggests he could emerge as a valuable fantasy asset if given sufficient volume. Should Etienne miss time, Bigsby would become a top waiver priority and a must-start option at the position. Even in his current role, he is worth a speculative pickup as the Jaguars head into a favorable Week 5 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

• Complete Waiver Wire Rankings

Wide Receivers

Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Green Bay Packers – If you follow fantasy football accounts on Twitter (X), you have probably noticed the unwavering hype surrounding Dontayvion Wicks this offseason. Despite the buzz, I was initially skeptical about Wicks having a breakout year, given Green Bay’s deep wide receiver room, headlined by Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson. However, the possibility of injuries creating an opening for Wicks was always on the table. In Week 4, that opportunity finally came to life for fantasy managers eager to see Wicks in an expanded role.

With Christian Watson sidelined for much of the game due to an ankle injury, Wicks took full advantage of his increased usage during Sunday’s loss to Minnesota. He caught five of 13 targets for 78 yards and two touchdowns, making a compelling case for more involvement going forward. Despite limited action earlier in the season, Wicks now has three touchdowns, establishing himself as a consistent red-zone threat. With Watson expected to miss time, Wicks has a prime opportunity to carve out a larger role in the offense. Now that Jordan Love is back under center and finding his rhythm post-injury, Wicks is positioned for a potential breakout campaign. His tantalizing upside as a fantasy asset makes him a must-add in all formats, and he is set up for another strong performance in Week 5 against a vulnerable Rams secondary.

If Romeo Doubs is available on your league’s waiver wire, he should also be a high-priority pickup. While he may have been overshadowed by Reed and Wicks in Week 4, Doubs’ established chemistry with Jordan Love makes him an intriguing option moving forward.

Recommended FAAB: 10-25%.

Xavier Legette, WR, Carolina Panthers – It has been remarkable to watch Andy Dalton breathe new life into a Carolina offense that appeared doomed before he took over as starting quarterback. While much of the attention has shifted to Diontae Johnson’s impressive play with Dalton under center, Week 4 offered another key development worth noting. After a quiet start to his rookie season, Xavier Legette showed signs of breaking out, catching six of 10 targets for 66 yards and a touchdown in the Panthers’ loss to the Bengals.

Johnson will likely remain the clear WR1, but Adam Thielen’s recent injury opened the door for Legette to step in as the WR2 in an unexpectedly productive offense. Legette’s combination of size and speed makes him a physical threat, comparable to DK Metcalf when he gets up to full speed. Though he has not yet proven to be anywhere close to Metcalf’s level as a player, this performance revealed some of his untapped potential. He will look to build on this momentum in a Week 5 matchup against the Chicago Bears.

For more information on this exciting rookie, check out the rookie profile I wrote on him this offseason!

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants – The unfortunate truth is that few of us will ever feel the kind of love and affection that Daniel Jones has for targeting his fun-sized slot receiver, Wan’Dale Robinson. While Robinson’s aDOT remains remarkably low, his key role in the offense has become undeniable. With over eight targets in three of four games this season, Thursday night saw him reach a season-high, catching 11 of 14 targets for 71 yards. However, his overwhelming target share almost became a hindrance to the team, as many of his receptions were so short that they failed to convert key first downs or scoring opportunities. 

Robinson is now averaging 9.5 targets per game, which makes him worthy of flex consideration in most leagues, especially in PPR formats where his volume is extremely valuable. As defenses struggle to cover Malik Nabers, their focus should continue to open up opportunities for Robinson moving forward. His next chance to pad his target numbers comes in a Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts – The only thing keeping me from placing Josh Downs higher on this week’s waiver priority is the expectation that Anthony Richardson will be fine after his Week 4 hip injury against the Steelers. In Richardson’s absence, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco took over, fresh off a strong finish to last season with the Cleveland Browns. In his first action with Indianapolis, Flacco seamlessly elevated the fantasy production of Colts wide receivers, many of whom had struggled early on in a low-passing-volume offense.

After a modest Week 3 return from injury, sophomore wideout Josh Downs made a statement in Week 4, catching eight of nine targets for 82 yards and a touchdown. However, nearly all of that production came with Flacco at the helm. Michael Pittman also had his first standout performance of the season after a rough start, but it has been difficult to trust him with Richardson under center. While the Colts faced a tough schedule early on, the road ahead looks more favorable, which could ease things for Richardson and the offense. Even so, unless Richardson increases his passing volume and accuracy, trusting any of the Colts’ receiving options remains a gamble most weeks. If Richardson misses time and Flacco starts again, Downs becomes a highly intriguing Week 5 option against the Jaguars. Regardless of starting quarterback, Downs still offers value as a solid depth piece on most fantasy benches.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

Tre Tucker, WR, Las Vegas Raiders – Tre Tucker‘s continued production may hinge on Davante Adams‘ availability, but he has certainly made a mark over the last two games. After finishing as the WR8 in Week 3 with seven receptions on nine targets for 96 yards and a touchdown, Tucker followed up with another strong performance in Week 4. In Sunday’s win over the Browns, he caught five of six targets for 41 yards and scored a three-yard touchdown on his lone rushing attempt. The second-year wide receiver garnered attention during the preseason and is now capitalizing on increased opportunities in Adams’ absence. While the timeline for Adams’ return remains uncertain, Tucker is poised to continue his momentum in a Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos.

Recommended FAAB: 0-0%.

Jordan Whittington & Tutu Atwell, WRs, Los Angeles Rams – Sixth-round pick Jordan Whittington made waves this summer with standout preseason performances, sparking lofty (and crazy) comparisons to Puka Nacua, the Rams’ unexpected breakout star from last season. Despite the hype, Whittington saw limited action early in the season, even after injuries sidelined Nacua and Cooper Kupp. However, Week 4 brought a turning point. Whittington was on the field for 97% of the offensive snaps, leading the team in targets and finishing second in receiving yards behind Tutu Atwell. He hauled in six of eight targets for 62 yards in the Rams’ narrow loss to the Bears.

While Tutu Atwell remains a potential boom-or-bust flex option, Whittington’s increased involvement suggests he could carve out a larger role moving forward, especially with Nacua out indefinitely and Kupp still nearing a return. Though it may be risky to start him right away, Whittington is an intriguing speculative pickup heading into Week 5, where he will look to build on his breakout against the Green Bay Packers.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%.

• Complete Waiver Wire Rankings

Tight Ends

Tucker Kraft, TE, Green Bay Packers – While Luke Musgrave was initially seen as the future at tight end for the Green Bay Packers, it was fellow rookie Tucker Kraft who had the more productive season last year, as Musgrave dealt with injuries. Despite being the later-round draft pick, Kraft has now emerged as the team’s starting tight end and has impressed early this season. With that said, while his snap count has remained high, his production has been limited by the absence of Jordan Love at quarterback to begin the year.

In Love’s return in Week 5, Kraft wasted no time showcasing his potential. He recorded the most productive game of his career, catching six of nine targets for 53 yards and a touchdown. It is evident that the team favors Kraft over Musgrave, and barring any injuries, this situation seems unlikely to change. With Love back, Christian Watson sidelined, and Kraft’s role continuing to expand, he should be a priority pickup this week for anyone in need of tight end help. Kraft will look to build on his breakout performance in a favorable Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

Recommended FAAB: 0-0%.

Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints – Despite dealing with a rib injury in Week 4’s loss to the Falcons, along with a previous chest injury that sidelined him in Week 3, Taysom Hill still turned in an impressive fantasy performance. Playing just 20% of the Saints’ offensive snaps, Hill made the most of his opportunities, rushing six times for 24 yards and two touchdowns. It is clear that as long as Dennis Allen is coaching the Saints, Hill will continue to be a focal point in the offense when he is available.

While his availability for Week 5 is still uncertain, Hill’s upside makes him an intriguing fantasy option. With many top tight ends underperforming this season, Hill’s potential for explosive plays is far more appealing than the consistent disappointment we have seen from countless players at the position. If Hill can play in Week 5, he will face the Kansas City Chiefs, where the Saints might need to get creative to keep up with the reigning champs. Given his role in the offense, Hill remains a boom-or-bust option worth considering.

Recommended FAAB: 0-0%.

• Complete Waiver Wire Rankings

Quarterbacks

Team DEF/ST

• Complete Waiver Wire Rankings
• Weekly Waivers Episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast

Final Thoughts

This fantasy football season feels like a true boxing match. Every week, it seems like another star player suffers a major injury, leaving teams scrambling for answers. But the key to success is not defined by how many hits you take. It is instead defined by how many times you can get back up after being knocked down. When a player goes down, it opens the door for someone else to step up. The waiver wire is your path to finding those replacements, helping you stabilize your team and keep it afloat.

Even if you feel like you are currently hanging on by a thread, do not throw in the towel just yet. Stay in the fight. Sometimes, all it takes is one waiver wire pickup to give your team the boost it needs to survive another week and turn things around. Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up. The road may be tough, but persistence can lead you to victory despite the obstacles. Keep swinging into Week 5, you never know when you’ll land that game-changing punch.