Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 5 (Fantasy Football)

Week 4 had yet another round of injuries to our studs like Jonathan Taylor and Javonte Williams that have left fantasy managers scrambling. Make sure you tune into the podcast for Andy, Mike, and Jason’s takes on the available players, who you should target, and who you can drop to make room on your team.

Get a full breakdown from The Fantasy Footballers on today’s show: Week 5 Waivers

Wide Receivers

There is a regime change in Pittsburgh with rookie QB Kenny Pickett taking over for Mitchell Trubisky. With that swap comes changes to the surrounding pieces, but there was no denying the new life that was breathed into the Steelers when Mike Tomlin made the switch. Fellow rookie, George Pickens, saw an increase in receptions from a combined five between Weeks 1-3 to six in Week 4 for 102 yards. Pickens has high upside with Pickett at the helm who isn’t afraid to chuck the football when he can. Have caution, they have a slew of tough matchups moving forward including Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Miami, and Philadelphia.

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Welcome back to the NFL, Michael Gallup. Although he only saw three targets from Cooper Rush, he turned those looks into two receptions for a touchdown and 24 yards. It’s likely he can get even more work as he eases his way back into the offense and when Dak Prescott returns to action.

Get a full breakdown from The Fantasy Footballers on today’s show: Week 5 Waivers

Running Backs

It will be tough sledding for Williams’ managers who lost their early-round draft pick for the season. The Broncos made a sneaky move and picked up Latavius Murray from the Saints. While no one from free agency can replace Williams, Murray has a knack for finding the end zone and his situation in the offense should give him plenty of opportunity to get touches. Mike Boone is another option to see work, especially with Melvin Gordon banged up and suffering from fumbling issues. Both players are not rostered in Sleeper and will be readily available.

Tyler Allgeier is another available running back rostered in only 32% of Sleeper leagues. He saw a second straight game of ten rush attempts and put up his best yards yet with 84. He has yet to find the end zone, but his three attempts in the red zone in Week 4 are promising for future production.

Get a full breakdown from The Fantasy Footballers on today’s show: Week 5 Waivers

Tight Ends

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Team	Player	Rost %	Upcoming Schedule
CLE	David Njoku	65%	LAC / NE / @ BAL / CIN
GB	Robert Tonyan	40%	NYG / NYJ / @ WAS / @ BUF
CIN	Hayden Hurst	30%	@ BAL / @ NO / ATL / @ CLE
NYJ	Tyler Conklin	53%	MIA / @ GB / @ DEN / NE

There are possibly a few options at tight end if you are in need or (heaven forbid) are streaming the position. First, check to see if David Njoku is on the waiver wire. He is rostered in 65% of leagues, but you never know. He had a season-high ten targets for nine receptions, 89 yards, and a touchdown in Week 3 against the Steelers and had an additional seven for five receptions and 73 yards against the Falcons.

It was a weird week for Robert Tonyan and the Packers who nearly lost to third-string QB Bailey Zappe and the Patriots. Even though his targets haven’t lit up the page, Aaron Rodgers is looking his way in the end zone. He had only two targets and two receptions for 20 yards but did score in Week 4.

Perhaps the most readily available option is the Bengals’ Hayden Hurst. He has seen anywhere between two to eight targets and Joe Burrow has been looking his way to get out of trouble from his terrible offensive line. When the O-Line played much better in Week 4, Hurst benefitted from a touchdown on four targets, three receptions, and 27 yards. He is only 30% rostered, but also has to compete with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd for targets so his upside is limited.

Get a full breakdown from The Fantasy Footballers on today’s show: Week 5 Waivers

Team DEF/ST

QB Streamers

Get a full breakdown from The Fantasy Footballers on today’s show: Week 5 Waivers