Week 5 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Key Pickups and Injury Updates

Week 5 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Key Pickups and Injury Updates

We've reached that pivotal week in the fantasy football season where optimism wanes, and the waiver wire is starting to run thin. As we delve deeper into the details of Week 5, it’s important to discuss crucial injuries impacting player performances. While it’s tough to face these injury challenges, there are still some exciting pickups available this week, including players like Woody Marks and Elic Ayomanor.

If you’ve been following closely since the beginning of the season, you might already have a few players stashed away. For those checking in primarily for the “Worries” and “Power-Ups” sections, rest assured we’ve got you covered. Remember, any player mentioned must be under 60% rostered on Yahoo. Here’s a breakdown, listed in order of preference, focusing on potential upside over immediate replacement production.

Injury Updates and Worry Report

BYES: Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay, Pittsburgh

We start with our worry report, rated on a scale from 1 to 5, where more ducks signify greater concern.

Bengals: ♾️🦆 — The offensive line struggles without Joe Burrow, and it's uncertain how they will fare even if he returns.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, WAS: 🦆🦆🦆🦆 — Croskey-Merritt has been part of a full-blown committee and hasn’t seen significant touches.

Derrick Henry, RB, BAL: 🦆🦆 — Henry has experienced a drop in touches to a career-low average of 13.3 per game, raising concerns about his production.

Ladd McConkey, WR, LAC: 🦆🦆🦆 — Despite leading in routes, McConkey has been limited in targets and receptions, which diminishes his fantasy value.

Power-Up Players

On to our Power-Up section, where players are rated based on their potential excitement levels.

Quinshon Judkins, RB, CLE: 🍄🍄🍄 — Judkins has emerged as a bellcow back, showcasing his potential even in a losing effort.

Stefon Diggs, WR, NE: 🍄🍄 — Diggs has quickly become the No. 1 target in New England, making him a potential WR3/4 option.

Romeo Doubs, WR, GB: 🍄🍄🍄 — Doubs has solidified his role as the top wideout for the Packers, which increases his fantasy appeal.

Streaming Quarterbacks and Tight Ends

For those looking to stream players this week, here are some quarterback options:

Jaxson Dart, NYG at NO Jake Browning, CIN vs. DET Matthew Stafford, LAR vs. SF Tua Tagovailoa, MIA at CAR Sam Darnold, SEA vs. TB Bryce Young, CAR vs. MIA

For tight ends, consider streaming:

Harold Fannin, CLE Darren Waller, MIA Jake Tonges, SF Theo Johnson, NYG Brenton Strange, JAX Mason Taylor, NYJ

Waiver Wire Running Backs

Here are some running backs worth considering on the waiver wire:

Rachaad White, TB: If Bucky Irving misses time, White could see a significant uptick in touches. Woody Marks, HOU: Marks is establishing himself as a key player in the Texans’ backfield, with mid-RB2 potential. Tyjae Spears, TEN: Spears could carve out a more significant role as he returns from injury. Kendre Miller, NO: Miller is becoming a reliable option in a committee with Alvin Kamara.

Waiver Wire Wide Receivers

Consider these wide receivers for your fantasy team:

Elic Ayomanor, TEN: A potential breakout player worth monitoring. Romeo Doubs, GB: As mentioned earlier, Doubs is seeing consistent playing time. Wan’Dale Robinson, NYG: With recent injuries, Robinson could lead the Giants in targets.

Bait Loot: Players to Avoid

Lastly, here are some players to consider leaving on waivers:

Justice Hill, BAL: His role remains limited, even if Derrick Henry were to get hurt. Tutu Atwell, LAR: Despite a big play, his route participation is too low to warrant fantasy consideration.

As we navigate through Week 5, remember to assess your roster and make strategic moves based on these insights. Good luck with your fantasy football matchups!