Fantasy football waiver wire recommendations for Week 5 amid limited bye weeks
With only the Chiefs and Panthers on bye in Week 5, fantasy managers can consider several running backs, receivers, quarterbacks and defenses on the waiver wire, while some players are advised to be dropped.
Only two NFL teams—the Chiefs and Panthers—are on bye in Week 5, easing roster pressure for fantasy owners. The waiver market offers several potential pickups across positions.
Running backs receiving attention include Seattle's Emanuel Wilson, who is expected to see a larger workload after a teammate’s injury, and Philadelphia’s Will Shipley, who could become the Eagles’ lead back amid injuries to Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby. Miami’s Jaylen Wright remains a speculative add despite limited recent production, while New Orleans’ Kendre Miller and Arizona’s Tyler Allgeier are noted as handcuff options if starters miss time.
At wide receiver, Buffalo’s Keon Coleman is highlighted after a 100-yard game and the injury to DJ Moore, while Chargers’ Tre’ Harris may move ahead of Quentin Johnston on the depth chart. Kansas City’s Tyreek Hill is mentioned as a speculative future addition despite a severe knee injury.
Quarterback streaming suggestions focus on matchups: Jacoby Brissett (Arizona) against Detroit’s vulnerable pass defense, Kirk Cousins (Las Vegas) as a consistent option, and Deshaun Watson (Cleveland) for his dual-threat potential.
Tight ends with short-term upside include Cincinnati’s Mike Gesicki and Minnesota’s T.J. Hockenson, both benefiting from injuries to their teams’ primary receivers.
Defensive streaming candidates feature the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys, whose upcoming schedules present favorable matchups.
Kickers such as Chicago’s Cairo Santos and Buffalo’s Tyler Bass are recommended based on their teams’ scoring trends.
The analysis also advises dropping Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, Pittsburgh) and Darren Waller (TE, Carolina) due to limited target volume and upcoming bye weeks, while suggesting caution with players like Kenyon Sadiq and Rachaad White, who may have limited upside in the short term.