Week 5 fantasy football waiver wire highlights key RB and WR pickups
Analyst Justin Boone recommends several low-ownership players, including RB Tank Bigsby and WR Dohnte Meyers, as top waiver-wire options for Week 5.
Justin Boone’s Week 5 waiver-wire guide highlights a handful of low-ownership players who could provide immediate value. Running back Tank Bigsby, who saw increased snaps after Saquon Barkley’s hamstring injury, is recommended for roster spots despite a late-game injury in the Eagles’ loss. The analyst also notes that deep-league managers might stash Will Shipley as a backup.
The Chargers’ backfield committee gave Keaton Mitchell the most touches, making him a potential RB3/flex upside pick, while Seattle’s Emanuel Wilson posted a 21-carry, 81-yard, one-touchdown performance and is projected as a low-end RB2 for the upcoming week.
At wide receiver, Miami’s Malik Washington remains available in about 70% of leagues and has averaged 55 yards per game, offering a solid WR3/flex option. Buffalo’s Keon Coleman produced a 116-yard, one-touchdown game after DJ Moore’s injury, positioning him as a viable backup should Moore miss time. Chargers’ Tre’ Harris has consistently exceeded 50 receiving yards in recent outings and could step into a WR3 role if Ladd McConkey remains sidelined.
The Bengals’ Dohnte Meyers saw nine targets and 82 yards after Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were listed as questionable, making him a noteworthy pickup ahead of the team’s Week 5 matchup.
Quarterback streaming suggestions include Jacoby Brissett, who faces a vulnerable Detroit secondary, and C.J. Stroud as the top available QB add. Tight end Mike Gesicki is projected as a TE1 for the week given the Bengals’ injuries to their top receivers.
Defensive and kicker recommendations round out the list, with the Bears defense and Jake Bates identified as the leading options in their categories.