Introduction
Week 5 brings a unique set of challenges as the Buccaneers, Chargers, Browns, and Seahawks are on bye. The waiver wire is relatively scant compared to the first three weeks of the season. This should serve as a lesson for next year: being aggressive on the waiver wire early in the season is optimal. This week, we have one solid option at RB and WR, and if you're QB-needy (Sorry, Daniel Jones drafters), you're in luck.
Waiver Wire Targets
| Player | Team | Opp | Position | Suggested FAAB Budget | Rostered | Started | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaleel McLaughlin | DEN | NYJ | RB | 20-30% | 0.5 | 0.3 | 58,571 |
| Romeo Doubs | GB | @LV | WR | 20-30% | 24.4 | 19.0 | 37,309 |
| C.J. Stroud | HOU | @ATL | QB | 15-20% | 35.7 | 24.4 | 56,057 |
| Jake Ferguson | DAL | @SF | TE | 5-10% | 9.9 | 4.7 | 44,083 |
| Michael Wilson | ARI | CIN | WR | 5-10% | 0.4 | 0.2 | 52,238 |
| Joshua Dobbs | ARI | CIN | QB | 5-10% | 0.7 | 0.4 | 20,318 |
Player Insights
Jaleel McLaughlin
Jaleel McLaughlin stepped in for an injured Javonte Williams (Hip) and made an immediate impact. Given that Williams is coming off an ACL injury, the Broncos are likely to be conservative with him. McLaughlin scored a touchdown and rushed for over 100 yards. While Semaje Perine is expected to be involved in a 60-40 split if Javonte misses time, McLaughlin should be a solid flex play, especially for those dealing with bye weeks.
Romeo Doubs
Romeo Doubs has seen back-to-back games with 12+ targets, establishing himself as the clear #1 option for Green Bay. While Christian Watson's snaps are expected to increase as he gets healthier, Doubs remains a solid flex start, particularly for those navigating bye weeks.
Jake Ferguson
Jake Ferguson is getting plenty of looks in the Cowboys' offense, leading them in receiving with 7 targets for 77 yards against the Patriots. Given the scarcity at the tight-end position, picking up Ferguson offers a solid outlook moving forward.
C.J. Stroud and Joshua Dobbs
For those who missed out on a QB (e.g., Daniel Jones drafters), C.J. Stroud could be this year's breakout star. He's on a historic pace, trailing only Cam Newton in passing yards through the first four games as a rookie. The Texans' offense has been fantasy-friendly, making Stroud a strong pickup.
Joshua Dobbs has been a key factor in the Cardinals' respectable performances against top defenses. He's a solid streamer this week against a banged-up Cincinnati team.
Michael Wilson
Rookie Michael Wilson complements the speedy Marquise Brown well. With the Cardinals' schedule easing up, Wilson is a solid bench stash for those not feeling the bye week pressure.
Conclusion
Week 5's waiver wire may not be as rich as earlier weeks, but there are still valuable pickups to be had, especially for those navigating bye weeks. Whether you're looking for a solid flex play or a potential breakout QB, this week offers a range of options to bolster your roster.