Savvy fantasy football owners know that championships are not won on draft day but rather throughout the regular season through team management. The more value you add to your roster, the better you will fare in the playoffs. Waiver wire pickups and free agent adds are the easiest way to consistently improve your squad. Even if you have a low waiver priority (or a small FAAB budget) heading into Week 4, you can still make strong under-the-radar additions that will produce positive long-term results. That's why we've assembled this Week 5 waiver wire watchlist, which includes key handcuff RBs Dont'a Foreman, Chuba Hubbard, Brian Robinson Jr., and Gus Edwards, whose ownership levels will be rising soon.
With injuries already rearing their ugly heads, now is a perfect time to look ahead and try to find some value adds before they cost a valuable waiver claim. Making the most of every roster spot early in the season can pay off handsomely down the line. Maybe you just freed up a spot because one of your players became IR-eligible; maybe you recently dropped fringe veterans. Use the free space to invest in a potential lotto ticket — a player who you anticipate could see a spike in usage, opportunity to breakout, or a return from injury.
We've hit on a ton of look-ahead gold this season, including Carson Wentz, Dameon Pierce, Curtis Samuel, and Gerald Everett. Last week, we rode the Lions' Jared Goff to glory ahead of fades like Russell Wilson, we cashed in big-time on Khalil Herbert (who went from 46-percent owned last Thursday to 80 percent today), and we got ahead of the crowd with speedy Bills slot-man Isaiah McKenzie (who put up 17.7 half-PPR points in Week 3).
WEEK 4 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
It's also possible you're already looking to stream at QB, TE, or D/ST. While the majority of fantasy owners refrain from early-season streaming, the most savvy minds at least scour the free agent pool for potential upgrades. It's smart to plan ahead, peruse all available options schedule-wise, and get your first choice before other owners get in the mix the following week.
Some shallower leagues don't feature enough roster spots to really take advantage of "planning ahead," but for those in relatively deep leagues, our week-ahead watchlist will be a helpful resource all year long. Even though you won't pick up most of these players, it's worth watching their snap counts and target shares to file away for later.
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Watchlist
Reminder: This list was put together in the lead-in to Week 4, looking forward to the players who could be popular waiver-wire targets ahead of Week 5. If you have a roster spot to play with, these are free-agent options you could grab early to beat the waiver buzz.
All these players are below 50-percent ownership on Yahoo unless otherwise specified.
Week 5 Waiver Wire Watchlist: QB
Zach Wilson, Jets (9 percent rostered)
Wilson takes back over rightful ownership of the Jets' QB position this weekend after veteran Joe Flacco filled in for him while he nursed a knee injury. The second-year signal-caller is by no means an immediate start, but in deeper leagues (and certainly in two-QB leagues), he should be stashed. The Jets offense has already improved mightily since last season with the addition of rookie receiver Garrett Wilson and rookie back Breece Hall, and with Wilson's rapport with Elijah Moore, Gang Green could be halfway-decent sooner than later.
Jared Goff, Lions (39%)
Goff makes the list for the second consecutive week, as he continues to play well for the much-improved Lions. The veteran has made the most of his offensive weapons, namely wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown, with seven passing TDs and just two interceptions. The yardage has been there, too, as he has averaged a hair under 250 air yards per game. Many will drop Goff if St. Brown (ankle) and D'Andre Swift (ankle, shoulder) can't suit up this week. Capitalize on the hasty cuts. Detroit's next two opponents, the Patriots and Dolphins, have both been fairly generous to QBs.
POTENTIAL WEEK 5 QB STREAMERS: Jameis Winston, Saints (40%, vs. SEA); Ryan Tannehill, Titans (17%, @ WAS)
MORE POTENTIAL QB PICKUPS: Kenny Pickett, Steelers (5% — his time will come sooner than later).
WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kicker
Week 5 Waiver Wire Watchlist: RB
Brian Robinson Jr.*, Commanders (53 percent rostered)
We've been high on B-Rob since the preseason before he was unfortunately shot in a car-jacking/attempted robbery in D.C. He has recovered in remarkable fashion, already doing sideline activities at Commanders' practices. He's eligible to be activated from the IR as early as Week 5, and he should be owned in all leagues and formats. Antonio Gibson has played reasonably well, but overall he's underwhelmed with a 3.1 yards-per-carry average. Scoop Robinson up now because you probably won't find a back more worthy of your RB2 spot between now and next week. As soon as the masses realize he's being activated, bidding wars will ensue in the 47 percent of leagues where he's available. He might be eased into action, but it wouldn't be a shock to see him getting the bulk of the Commanders' carries by Week 6 or 7.
Gus Edwards*, Ravens (13%)
Similar to Robinson, Edwards (knee) will be available to to play starting in Week 5 if activated from the Ravens' PUP-list. He tore his ACL prior to the 2021 season, just weeks after starting RB JK Dobbins tore his ACL. Dobbins has been eased back into the Ravens' offense, which has been carried by early MVP candidate Lamar Jackson, stud tight end Mark Andrews, and the one-two receiving punch of Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay. Don't expect immediate return on investment with Gus Bus, but stash him just in case he pops in this run-heavy offense.
Dont'a Foreman, Panthers (9%)
With Christian McCaffrey (quad) once again dinged up, Foreman and Chuba Hubbard (9% rostered) are squarely in the crosshairs of fantasy owners. Right now, it's unclear who would get the bulk of the carries if CMC is out. Foreman played slightly more in Weeks 1 and 2 (13 and five percent of snaps compared to six and three percent, respectively), but it was Hubbard who received three carries and played more in Week 3 (11 percent of snaps compared to seven). Hubbard started 10 games for the Panthers last year but averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, prompting Carolina to sign Foreman this offseason. It's entirely possible this is an even split, but we slightly favor the more explosive Foreman at the moment. Both should be scooped up ahead of Carolina's Week 4 game against Arizona, and given McCaffrey's injury history, it's possible you could have a multi-week starter.
Jerick McKinnon, Chiefs (9%)
Believe it or not, McKinnon saw the same exact amount of carries as Chiefs lead back Clyde Edwards-Helaire last week (seven each). The speedy veteran even out-gained the younger CEH by 20 yards (CEH finished with zero rushing yards but did score a TD and haul in five catches for 39 yards). ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that Kansas City will go with more of a committee moving forward, likely using McKinnon more on passing downs and third downs. That's fantastic news for McKinnon believers, and he warrants ownership in any deep leagues. He should also be a priority add for anyone with Edwards-Helaire shares. The Chiefs face the Bucs, Raiders, Bills, and 49ers over the next month, which means a fair amount of dinking and dunking to evade blitzes.
MORE POTENTIAL RB PICKUPS: Raheem Mostert, Dolphins (50%); Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks (49%); Justice Hill, Ravens (2%); Jaylen Warren, Steelers (10%); Jordan Mason, 49ers (4%); Samaje Perine, Bengals (16%); Tyler Allgeier, Falcons (14%); Craig Reynolds, Lions (3%).
*IR eligible
WEEK 4 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kicker
Week 5 Waiver Wire Watchlist: WR
Michael Gallup, Cowboys (36 percent rostered)
Things seem to be looking up for Dallas since the disastrous Week 1 loss to the Bucs. Dak Prescott (thumb) is on track to return soon, Cooper Rush has filled in admirably, CeeDee Lamb has turned around a slow start, and the two-headed backfield monster of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard is as effective as ever. Now the Cowboys get WR2 Gallup back from a knee injury, just in time for a plus-matchup with the division-rival Commanders. If Gallup picks right up where he left off last season before his injury, he will sell like hotcakes on the FAAB market early next week. Stash him now.
Treylon Burks, Titans (42%)
The main return in the A.J. Brown draft-day trade, Burks has been a little bit of a rollercoaster early on in the season. Of course, so has the Titans offense on the whole! We recommend being patient, as he has tremendous strength, hands, and route-running ability -- not to mention very little competition outside of injury-prone veteran Robert Woods. Once Tennessee starts cooking, it will do whatever it can to get Burks the ball and let him make plays. Whether it's because of yards-after-the-catch or hauling in 50/50 balls for TDs, you'll want to be invested if and when his breakout occurs.
Jameson Williams, Lions (26%)
Here's another talented rookie receiver who should be rostered in way more leagues. Williams was a playmaking machine last year for Alabama, but he suffered a torn ACL in the Tide's national championship game back in January. If you have an open IR spot, grab this kid now while you still can! The Lions have top offensive weapons D'Andre Swift (ankle, shoulder) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) injured right now, and Jared Goff has been playing the best football of his career through three games. Williams can be activated as soon as next week, though it will probably be at least a month until we see him back on the field.
MORE POTENTIAL WR PICKUPS: DJ Chark, Lions (40%); Jarvis Landry, Saints (47%); Isaiah McKenzie, Bills (46%); George Pickens, Steelers (39%); Greg Dortch, Cardinals (29%); Zay Jones, Jaguars (29%); Mecole Hardman, Chiefs (28%); Josh Palmer, Chargers (27%); DeVante Parker, Patriots (27%); Mack Hollins, Raiders (25%); Rondale Moore, Cardinals (17%); Richie James Jr., Giants (12%); Van Jefferson*, Rams (5%); Josh Reynolds, Lions (2%)
WEEK 4 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings
Week 5 Waiver Wire Watchlist: TE
Tyler Conklin, Jets (39 percent owned)
Conklin has been one of the most heavily targeted tight ends through the first three weeks of the season, and he's turning the volume into everything but TDs. He has produced double-digit fantasy points in half-point PPR formats in each of the first three weeks, coming down with 18 catches and one TD so far. More red-zone production seems sure to come, especially with the Jets' TE-generous upcoming schedule (vs. MIA next week).
Hayden Hurst, Bengals (20%)
Hurst disappointed last week, but in Weeks 1 and 2, he hauled five-of-eight and five-of-seven targets, respectively. That will play in PPR leagues. A favorable matchup against Miami in Week 4 could lead to another big game, so grab him now before he faces the Ravens' league-worst pass defense next week.
Daniel Bellinger, Giants (2%)
This may seem super obscure, but Bellinger popped in prime time last week to the tune of four catches on five targets for 40 yards a week after scoring his first TD. Someone's gotta haul in catches from Daniel Jones! We like the sure-handed big man, at least as a wait-and-see potential lotto ticket.
POTENTIAL WEEK 5 TE STREAMERS: Hunter Henry, Patriots (37%, vs. DET); Albert Okwuegbunam, Broncos (37%, vs. Colts); Cameron Brate, Buccaneers (4%, vs. Falcons); Juwan Johnson, Saints (2%, vs. Seahawks)
WEEK 4 DFS: Best values | Best stacks
Week 5 Defense Streamers and Sleepers
Miami Dolphins (@ Jets in Week 5, 21 percent owned)
The Dolphins' D/ST has been up and down this year, but we know it’s talented and can show up in favorable matchups. Next week's matchup against the Jets certainly qualifies, especially since Miami will have extra time to prepare.
Tennessee Titans (@ Commanders, 9%)
Tennessee hasn’t shown us much this year, but in Week 5 it faces a Commanders’ offense that’s been one of the most generous to fantasy defenses all season. The Titans can work as a deep-league streamer if you need them.
Indianapolis Colts (@ Broncos, 38%)
The Colts have been a big disappointment in the early going, but with Shaquille Leonard (back) expected back and a matchup with an underachieving Broncos’ offense in Week 5, Indy has a chance to really start to turn things around. This is more of a bet on talent than the matchup, but it doesn’t hurt that Denver has struggled against decent D/STs this year.
Minnesota Vikings (vs. Bears, 22%)
We’re not thrilled about the Vikings being a week removed from a London game before facing the Bears in Week 5, but it’s a favorable matchup and they get them at home. Consider Minnesota a boom-or-bust streaming option.
