It feels as if the fantasy football season just started, but somehow we’ve already reached the bye weeks.
Sharp fantasy managers generally have an edge when the bye weeks arrive, since they’ve often built deep, robust rosters that can withstand the absence of a key player or two.
But even the sharpest managers sometimes need a little pick-me-up from the waiver wire when the bye weeks hit.
The Falcons, Bears, Packers and Steelers are off this week, meaning studs such as Bijan Robinson, Josh Jacobs, Drake London, Rome Odunze, DK Metcalf and Tucker Kraft are off the table. And some of you will have to replace WR Malik Nabers, who tore his ACL in the Giants’ Week 4 win over the Chargers, and WR Tyreek Hill, who sustained a gruesome leg injury in the Dolphins’ Monday-night win over the Jets.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and hitch up our britches. We’ve got work to do.
- More Waiver Wire Pickups
- Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Week 5
Week 5 Waiver Grade: C+
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings
Note: Players chosen based upon having early-week consensus roster percent below 50%.
(Rostership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues; Recommended FAAB bids are based on a $100 budget.)
Running Backs
Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson
Woody Marks (RB – HOU): 30% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @BAL, BYE, @SEA
- True Value: $35
- Desperate Need: $50
- Budget-Minded: $25
Analysis: Woody Marks may have just taken over the Houston backfield. With 17 carries for 69 yards and a score to go along with four receptions, 50 yards and another score, Marks had a heck of a fantasy performance against the Titans in Week 4. With Nick Chubb only managing 47 yards on 13 carries, it’s clear who the more efficient back was. Coming into the league, Marks was touted as potentially the best pass-catching back in this class. For the Titans to have given him 17 carries in a game they were winning the entire time is a sign of good things to come. It’s essential to note that the Texans’ offensive line didn’t become functional overnight; however, Houston’s run blocking was competent against the Titans in Week 4. Next week, Marks faces a Ravens defense allowing the most yards and fantasy points to the running back position. We listed Marks as a stash last week. Hopefully, you already have him rostered. If not, this might be a time to bid heavily for what could be a weekly starter moving forward.
Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN): 32% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @ARI, @LV, NE
- True Value: $4
- Desperate Need: $6
- Budget-Minded: $2
Analysis: After starting the year on injured reserve (IR) with an ankle injury, Tyjae Spears is eligible to return for Week 5. Considering the Titans were just shut out by the formerly winless Texans, they could really use an offensive spark. Spears could be that spark. Tony Pollard has dominated the Titans’ backfield this season with 94% of Tennessee’s running back touches. Head coach Brian Callahan discussed the Titans’ potential use of a committee backfield this offseason. This is likely still the plan, but it was hard to execute when Julius Chestnut was the running back behind Pollard. There is a chance that a committee on one of the worst teams in the league could be a mess for fantasy, but there is also a chance Spears could eventually take over the backfield. Even though he has dominated touches, Pollard has not been very effective with them. Spears is one of the few widely available backs who has a path to consistent fantasy production as the season goes on.
Kenneth Gainwell (RB – PIT): 23% Rostered
- Next Opponents: BYE, CLE, @CIN
- True Value: $3
- Desperate Need: $5
- Budget-Minded: $2
Analysis: Every fantasy manager’s worst nightmare happened this weekend. Right before the early game in Dublin kicked off, Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was ruled out with a knee injury. This injury was not new, and he had been expected to play. In Warren’s absence, Kenneth Gainwell was Pittsburgh’s primary back in a tough matchup against the Vikings. Well, it was supposed to be tough. Gainwell popped off for 134 total yards and two scores. This week, the Steelers are heading into their bye, and it is expected that Warren will probably be healthy for Week 6. However, Gainwell has now proven he can carry the load if necessary. If Warren’s injury lingers, Gainwell could be in line for more work.
Kendre Miller (RB – NO): 5% Rostered
- Next Opponents: NYG, NE, @CHI
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $3
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: It seems like it’s been a long time since Kendre Miller was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. At the time, a lot of fantasy managers were intrigued by his overall skill set and early third-round draft capital. Since then, the Saints have changed coaches and offensive coordinators, leaving Miller behind. At least that’s what I thought. In Week 4, Miller had 11 carries for 65 yards and a score. Even though it was against an exploitable Bills run defense, it was interesting to see Miller get double-digit carries. Alvin Kamara still led the Saints’ backfield with 15 carries for 70 yards and four receptions for two yards. Miller’s increased touches may have been an outcome of this specific matchup rather than a sign of future usage. Either way, he is clearly the second back behind Kamara. With a fairly easy upcoming schedule, Miller might be worth rostering.
Ollie Gordon II (RB – MIA): 32% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @CAR, LAC, CLE
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $3
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: In Week 3, Ollie Gordon had an early goal-line touchdown against the Bills. Having a running back other than De’Von Achane handle short-yardage and goal-line situations is not unusual for the Dolphins. As highlighted by Raheem Mostert‘s 21-touchdown season in 2023, this offense can support two backs if it can get moving. Even with Jaylen Wright recently returning from injury, Gordon was allowed to be Miami’s No. 2 back and has seemingly taken over the role. The Dolphins played their best game of the season last week against the Bills. If they can keep up the momentum, Gordon’s role could be valuable for fantasy.
Isaiah Davis (TE – NYJ): 0% Rostered
- Next Opponents: DAL, DEN, CAR
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Jets RB Braelon Allen sustained a knee injury on Monday night that is reportedly a sprained MCL. If indeed that’s the case, Allen will most likely land on injured reserve, which makes Davis the lone backup to Breece Hall for at least month. A second-year running back from South Dakota State, Davis has played only 32 snaps this season and might not get enough snaps to be flex-worthy even with Allen out. But if anything were to happen to Hall, Davis would suddenly have significant fantasy value.
Running Back Stash Candidates
Blake Corum is starting to become a staple of the Rams’ offense. In Week 4, he had a career high in opportunities, with nine rushes and four targets. Kyren Williams is locked in as the team’s lead ball-carrier, but instead of Williams getting 90% of the work as he did in previous years, it’s more of a 65/35 split with Corum. We also saw Williams fumble against the Colts. Williams has had fumbling issues in the past, and additional fumbles could fast-track Corum to more touches.
Could Kyle Monangai be the Bears’ savior in the running game? D’Andre Swift has dominated the workload through four weeks despite lackluster production. Against the Raiders last week, Monangai had a few impressive rushes. Although he only had four carries for 18 yards, he picked up some physical yards. Rookies sometimes have a post-bye week surge, and with the Bears heading into their bye, Monangai may have more involvement the next time the Bears take the field.
Rachaad White has two paths to fantasy relevance. Throughout his NFL career, White has made his mark as a pass-catcher. Although that’s his specialty, we have also seen him carry the load as a rusher. The second path is if Bucky Irving misses time. Either way, with bye weeks starting up, White can be a Flex play in a pinch.
Wide Receivers
Written by Derek Brown
Elic Ayomanor (WR – TEN): 31% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @ARI, @LV, NE
- True Value: $6
- Desperate Need: $10
- Budget-Minded: $4
Analysis: In Weeks 2-3, Elic Ayomanor was the WR24 and WR27 in PPR scoring. He entered Week 4 with a 15.5% target share, a 24.6% air-yard share, a 15.6% first-read share (per Fantasy Points Data), 47 receiving yards per game and 1.74 yards per route run. He had two scores and two end-zone targets. In Week 4, Ayomanor led the Titans with a 26.9% target share and a modest 44 receiving yards. He is stepping up at the team’s No. 1 WR, as Calvin Ridley looks cooked. I’m not rushing to plug Ayomanor into a Flex spot against the Cardinals this week, but he has three nice matchups after that against Las Vegas, New England and Indianapolis that should land him in strong Flex territory.
Troy Franklin (WR – DEN): 32% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @PHI, @NYJ, NYG
- True Value: $6
- Desperate Need: $10
- Budget-Minded: $4
Analysis: Well, it’s about damn time, Sean Payton. Troy Franklin is a full-time player in the Denver offense. Entering Week 4, Franklin had a 73.8% route share, a 20% target share, a 26.8% air-yard share, 1.78 yards per route run (47 receiving yards per game), and a 22.7% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Against the Bengals, Franklin had an 80% route share (second in routes behind only Courtland Sutton, per PFF), a 19% target share, and 55 receiving yards. He led the team with eight targets. I don’t want to toss Franklin into a flex spot this week against the Eagles, but after that, he has juicy matchups coming up against the Jets, Giants, and Cowboys that all could put him in the WR3/flex category.
Jalen Coker (WR – CAR): 9% Rostered
- Next Opponents: MIA, DAL, @NYJ
- True Value: $4
- Desperate Need: $6
- Budget-Minded: $2
Analysis: Jalen Coker inches closer to returning to the lineup after beginning the season on IR. Now is the time to pick him up. Coker has a clear path to the No. 2 WR spot in a Carolina passing attack that desperately needs his presence. Xavier Legette is injured and, even when healthy, ineffective. Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders is also on the shelf. Carolina is hurting for pass-catchers in an offense that ranks third in neutral passing rate. Just as a PSA regarding Coker’s talent: In the six games last season in which he played at least 68% of the snaps and Bryce Young was the starting quarterback, Coker had an 18.3% target share, 55.7 receiving yards per game, 1.89 yards per route run and a 23.8% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. He averaged 11.4 PPR points per game with three top-36 weekly fantasy finishes (WR17, WR12, WR28). Coker could provide a boost to your fantasy squad just as the bye weeks are arriving.
Darius Slayton (WR – NYG): 2% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @NO, PHI, @DEN
- True Value: $3
- Desperate Need: $6
- Budget-Minded: $2
Analysis: With Malik Nabers done for the year with a torn ACL, Slayton will be elevated in the Giants’ passing attack. He has a nice matchup this week against the Saints and could provide flex value, but I’m not rushing to play him in the three games after that against the Eagles (twice) and the Broncos. Slayton entered Week 4 with a 6.4% target share, 0.81 yards per route run, and a 9.2% first-read share (per Fantasy Points Data). Here’s the upside case for Slayton, though. The schedule really opens up for Slayton after Week 9 with games against the Bears, Packers, Lions, Patriots, and Commanders. The Packers’ secondary is the only one among those defenses that I’m afraid of. Last year, when Nabers was out (Weeks 5-6), Slayton was fed volume with a 29.3% target share (11 targets per game), a 56.9% air-yard share, 2.49 yards per route run (89.5 receiving yards per game), and a 36.5% first-read share. I don’t think Slayton hits those marks, but that illustrates his “possible” upside. Slayton could be a volume-fueled WR3 moving forward.
Wan’Dale Robinson (WR – NYG): 49% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @NO, PHI, @DEN
- True Value: $2
- Desperate Need: $4
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: Entering Week 4, Wan’Dale Robinson had two red-zone targets this season. He had a 20% target share, averaging 74.3 receiving yards per game (2.28 yards per route run), with a 29.2% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Robinson had a quiet Week 4, with three grabs and 14 receiving yards against the Chargers, as Jaxson Dart only attempted 20 passes, but Robinson had a 25% target share and dropped a touchdown. Robinson should continue to provide viable Flex value moving forward, with the Giants’ passing volume flowing to Robinson and Darius Slayton now that Malik Nabers is done for the year with a torn ACL.
Romeo Doubs (WR – GB): 40% Rostered
- Next Opponents: BYE, CIN, @ARI
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Romeo Doubs just posted what probably will be his best game of the season. He smashed the Cowboys with six receptions, 58 receiving yards, and three scores. I would love to tell you to chase this monster game and that better days were ahead for Doubs, but I worry, like with every fantasy option for Green Bay outside of Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, and Tucker Kraft, that it’s fool’s gold. Doubs had eight targets, which amounted to only an 18.6% target share. The Packers’ passing attack feels like a weekly game of Russian roulette where you’ll likely be wrong more times than you’re right about which singular receiving option to start for the week. Let someone else chase the spotty production as Doubs and the Packers head into the bye week.
Malik Washington (WR – MIA): 4% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @CAR, LAC, @CLE
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Malik Washington has now been thrust into the Week 5 waiver wire action after the unfortunate injury to Tyreek Hill. Entering Week 4, Washington had a 12.4% target share with only 11.3 receiving yards per game, 0.49 yards per route run, and a 12.1% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. The Miami passing attack will be more consolidated without Hill. De’Von Achane will get a bump in the passing game, but the Dolphins will need one of Darren Waller or Malik Washington (or both) to step up. Washington could easily evolve into an interesting weekly flex play.
Marquise Brown (WR – KC): 44% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @JAX, DET, LV
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: In Weeks 2-3, Marquise Brown had a 16.7% target share and 21.3% first-read share, and he averaged 36 receiving yards and 1.20 yards per route run, per Fantasy Points Data. He leads the Chiefs with three red-zone targets. In Week 4, Brown finished with three receptions, 38 receiving yards and a score that saved his fantasy day. His underlying usage was frightening, though, as he had a 13.5% target share and played only 52% of the snaps with a 59.5% route share, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Brown is a volatile player moving forward, as his usage could be all over the map weekly with Xavier Worthy back in the lineup. He’s a pinch-your-nose-and-pray Flex option now.
Wide Receiver Stash Candidates
Luther Burden‘s playing time is slowly increasing. In Week 4, he played 28% of the snaps while running 11 routes and seeing two targets. The talent is there for Burden to emerge as a WR3/Flex this season if he can ever unseat Olamide Zaccheaus, but right now it looks like that is still a 2025 stretch run dream. Stash Burden if you have room.
Quarterbacks
Written by Ellis Bryn Johnson
Bryce Young (QB – CAR): 18% Rostered
- Next Opponents: MIA, DAL, @NYJ
- True Value: $4
- Desperate Need: $6
- Budget-Minded: $2
Analysis: Hear me out on this one. The Panthers have one of the easiest upcoming schedules for fantasy quarterbacks. Despite their offense flipping between functional and hard to watch, there should be better days ahead. A week removed from shutting out the Falcons and scoring 30 points, the Panthers lost 42-13 to the Patriots. Over their next three games, the Panthers go up against the defenses that have allowed the second-most, most and seventh-most fantasy points to the quarterback position. This stretch starts against a Miami team that is allowing an average of 26.3 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. If you are in quarterback purgatory, Bryce Young could be a great option for several weeks to come.
Jaxson Dart (QB – NYG): 23% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @NO, PHI, @DEN
- True Value: $3
- Desperate Need: $5
- Budget-Minded: $1
Analysis: What a debut for Jaxson Dart. Holding down the fort against a previously undefeated Chargers team is a heck of a challenge. Yet, Dart and company managed to come out victorious. What should have fantasy managers excited is that Dart was not afraid to run, especially in the red zone. He had 10 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Chargers. His next few games present some tricky matchups, but Dart is a good streaming option next week against the Saints. The Giants seem to have some swagger for the first time in a while. Dart could be a useful fantasy starter for the rest of the season, although his passing outlook is somewhat diminished by the loss of star wide receiver Malik Nabers to a torn ACL.
Sam Darnold (QB – SEA): 21% Rostered
- Next Opponents: TB, @JAX, HOU
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Seattle is rolling. The Seahawks have a well-balanced offense and a defense that can stifle the best. Through three quarters of their Week 4 game, the Seahawks dominated the Cardinals. This week, they have a fun matchup against the Buccaneers, who are allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to the quarterback position. Coming off a tough loss to the Eagles, the Bucs will be motivated to get back in the win column on the road. Mike Evans is likely out again, but with Chris Godwin back, the Tampa Bay offense is still one of the most potent in the league. Sam Darnold may be forced to keep up with a red-hot Baker Mayfield and could have a solid day for fantasy.
Tua Tagovailoa (QB – MIA): 24% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @CAR, LAC, @CLE
- True Value: $0
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: After looking like one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the league over the first two weeks of the season, the Dolphins played a tight game against the undefeated Bills in Week 3, then beat the Jets in Week 4. Tagovailoa has been held under 200 passing yards in each of his last two games, but he’s thrown two TD passes in each of his last three. A season-ending knee injury to Tyreek Hill slightly diminishes Tua’s outlook going forward. The upcoming schedule is decent for the Dolphins. However, the Panthers have quietly allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to the quarterback position.
Tight Ends
Written by Derek Brown
Mason Taylor (TE – NYJ): 6% Rostered
- Next Opponents: DAL, DEN, CAR
- True Value: $6
- Desperate Need: $10
- Budget-Minded: $4
Analysis: Mason Taylor began the season quietly, with only three targets and 25 receiving yards in his first two games. He has been a full-time player in each game, playing 78.3% of the snaps. In Week 3, he finally got more involved in the passing attack with a 13.9% target share, 18 receiving yards, 0.62 yards per route run, and a 12.5% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. Taylor dealt with an ankle injury in training camp and the preseason, so he could finally be inching closer to 100%, which would explain the expanded role in the last two games. Against the Dolphins in Week 4, Taylor had an 81% snap share, a 73.1% route share, a 25.9% target share (WOW!), and 65 receiving yards. Taylor looks like the clear number two option in the passing attack and a sneaky fantasy option who will flirt with TE1 value moving forward.
Darren Waller (TE – MIA): 8% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @CAR, LAC, @CLE
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Darren Waller made his 2025 debut against the Jets in Week 4. While he was a limited player in his first game back, he made his usage count. Waller had only a 27.5% snap share, a 35.7% route share, and a 16.6% target share (per PFF). Waller finished with three receptions, 27 receiving yards, and two scores. Waller’s playing time will rise as long as he can stay healthy, and with Tyreek Hill done for the season, he’ll be desperately needed in the Miami passing attack. Waller is an intriguing upside add who could round into a weekly TE1 as his playing time ramps up.
Theo Johnson (TE – NYG): 5% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @NO, PHI, @DEN
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Theo Johnson entered Week 4 with a 66.4% route share, a 9.1% target share, 0.58 yards per route run and a 7.7% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. His usage is about to get a bump with wide receiver Malik Nabers out for the season. In Week 4, Johnson had a 66.3% route share, a 25% target share, 17 receiving yards and a score. Johnson is a fringe streaming option at tight end this week against a Saints defense that has allowed the 14th-most fantasy points per game and 14th-most receiving yards to tight ends.
Dalton Schultz (TE – HOU): 19% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @BAL, BYE, @SEA
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Walking into Week 4, Dalton Schultz had a 67.3% route share with a 15.7% target share, 1.33 yards per route run and a 16.4% first-read share, per Fantasy Points Data. He had averaged 32 receiving yards a game. Against the Titans in Week 4, Schultz had an 87.5% route share and 21.4% target share, finishing with five receptions and 30 scoreless receiving yards. Schultz has been a steady source of eight PPR points over the last two games. Add a touchdown to either of those stat lines and he’s a TE1 for the week. That could easily happen in Week 5 against the Ravens, who have allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and seventh-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. If you need a streaming tight end option this week, Schultz is your guy.
Elijah Arroyo (TE – SEA): 2% Rostered
- Next Opponents: TB, @JAX, HOU
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: In Week 4, Elijah Arroyo hit season highs in route share (53.3%), target share (15.3%), air-yard share (23.1%) and first-read share (16.7%). The talented rookie is the upside swing that you should take at tight end if your weekly options are iffy. He has been stellar on a per-route basis with 1.86 yards per route run, per Fantasy Points Data. Arroyo will likely still have to contend with AJ Barner for snaps and routes, but if Arroyo’s role continues to grow, he could evolve into a fringe TE1. The Seattle passing attack is condensed, and while I don’t see it becoming a pass-first offense, the Seahawks could still bump up their weekly passing volume somewhat as we move through the season, which would benefit Arroyo greatly.
Brenton Strange (TE – JAX): 28% Rostered
- Next Opponents: KC, SEA, LAR
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Brenton Strange had a very Strange-esque stat line in Week 4. He finished with a 22.5% target share and 45 scoreless receiving yards. He has had at least four receptions and 45 receiving yards in three of four games. Strange hasn’t scored a touchdown this season. That will likely change at some point this season, but entering Week 4, he hadn’t seen a red-zone target. Strange is a snooze-worthy weekly streaming option that offers middling PPR production, but there’s not much of a ceiling here. Strange is basically the Chig Okonkwo of Jacksonville.
Defenses
Written by Pat Fitzmaurice
Cleveland Browns: 8% Rostered
- Next Opponents: MIN, @PIT, MIA
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Led by superhuman EDGE rusher Myles Garrett, the Browns have one of the NFL’s better defenses. Cleveland entered Week 4 ranked No. 1 in defensive DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average). The Browns have a favorable stretch of schedule coming up, starting with a Week 5 game against the Vikings in London. Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz threw two interceptions and took six sacks against the Steelers in Week 4. Wentz has taken nine sacks in his two starts in place of the injured J.J. McCarthy.
Arizona Cardinals: 17% Rostered
- Next Opponents: TEN, @IND, GB
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: The Arizona defense has been respectable thus far, notching 13 sacks and forcing four turnovers. But the real appeal here is a Week 5 matchup against the punchless Titans offense. Cam Ward has absorbed 17 sacks, thrown two interceptions and lost two fumbles in his first four NFL starts. Tennessee is averaging a scant 210.5 yards of offense per game.
New York Giants: 2% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @NO, PHI, @DEN
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: The Giants’ defense has streaming appeal in Week 5 thanks to a matchup against the Saints. Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler has done a decent job of avoiding negative plays for New Orleans, with only one interception and nine sacks. But the Saints’ offense has been toothless overall, averaging 16.5 points per game and 4.4 yards per play. The Giants’ pass rush is capable of bringing the heat with Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux and rookie Abdul Carter.
Indianapolis Colts: 22% Rostered
- Next Opponents: LV, ARI, @LAC
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: The Colts’ defense was roughed up by Matthew Stafford and the Rams in a 27-20 Week 4 loss, but the Colts’ defense has otherwise been respectable in 2025. The Colts are a playable option this week in a home matchup against Las Vegas. Raiders quarterback Geno Smith has already thrown seven interceptions and has been sacked 12 times.
Miami Dolphins: 4% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @CAR, LAC, @CLE
- True Value: $0
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: The Dolphins are by no means a good defensive team, but if you’re trying to pinch pennies and pick up a defense with a zero-dollar bid, Miami is an option. The Dolphins get a Week 5 matchup against an anemic Panthers offense averaging 18.8 points per game and 4.5 yards per play.
D/ST Stash Candidates
- New England Patriots
We generally think it’s a bad idea to carry two defenses, but this is a rare exception. The Patriots are not a good fantasy play in Week 5, when they take on the high-flying Bills. But after that, New England has a juicy three-week stretch of schedule with matchups against the New Orleans, Tennessee and Cleveland — arguably the three worst offenses in the league. If your league has deep benches, it might be worth paying a buck for the Patriots this week and then riding them deep into October.
Kickers
By Pat Fitzmaurice
Spencer Shrader (K – IND): 41% Rostered
- Next Opponents: LV, ARI, @LAC
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $2
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Spencer Shrader continues to be a points machine. He’s kicked multiple field goals in each of his first four games and is 13-of-14 on field goals and 12-of-12 on extra points. His next two games are in the dome at Lucas Oil Stadium. In Week 5, he goes up against the Raiders, who are giving up 24.8 points per game.
Chad Ryland (K – ARI): 9% Rostered
- Next Opponents: TEN, @IND, GB
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: The Titans are a good opponent to target if you’re streaming kickers, since Tennessee is allowing an average of 30 points per game. Chad Ryland is averaging 9.5 fantasy points per game, and he’s 8-of-10 on field goals and 8-of-8 on extra points.
Jason Myers (K – SEA): 4% Rostered
- Next Opponents: TB, @JAX, HOU
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: Jason Myers is among the leaders in kicker scoring, averaging 12 fantasy points per game. He’s 9-of-11 on field goals, with three makes of 50+ yards. In Week 5, Myers faces the Buccaneers at Lumen Field, where he’s gone 5-of-5 on field goals and 6-of-6 on extra-point attempts in his two home games this season.
Matt Gay (K – WSH): 17% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @LAC, CHI, @DAL
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: After going 3-of-6 on field goals over his first three games, Matt Gay was a perfect 4-of-4 against the Falcons in Week 4. One of his field goals on Sunday was a 52-yarder, and the other three were all longer than 40 yards. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels should be back from a knee injury soon, making the Washington offense potent.
Cam Little (K – JAX): 36% Rostered
- Next Opponents: KC, SEA, LAR
- True Value: $1
- Desperate Need: $1
- Budget-Minded: $0
Analysis: The Jaguars have scored at least 26 points in three of their first four games. Little is 9-of-11 on field goals and 9-of-9 on extra points.
Fool’s Gold
Zavier Scott got a little bit of run for the Vikings in Week 4 as the backup to Jordan Mason. Scott had six catches for 43 yards on eight targets and had a 16-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter of the Vikings’ 24-21 loss to the Steelers in Ireland. Don’t be bamboozled by the big target count. The Vikings fell into a deep hole in that game, forcing Carson Wentz to throw 46 passes as the Vikings tried to claw their way back into the game. Scott played 38.2% of the offensive snaps and had two carries for one yard. Jordan Mason is going to do the heavy lifting in the Minnesota backfield the next couple of weeks, and then Scott will lose his seat at the table when Aaron Jones returns from a hamstring injury.
With wide receiver Alec Pierce sidelined by a concussion in Week 4, Adonai Mitchell played 88.5% of the Colts’ offensive snaps and almost scored one of the best-looking touchdowns of the week. But after a long catch-and-run, Mitchell tried to one-hand the ball before crossing the goal line and fumbled it through the end zone. Mitchell’s combination of size and speed gives him an intriguing future, but he’ll go back to being Indy’s No. 4 receiver upon Pierce’s return.
With the Ravens in catch-up mode after falling into a deep hole against the Chiefs in Week 4, Justice Hill had a more productive day for the Ravens than Derrick Henry did, with 3-76-1 rushing and 5-41-1 receiving. Don’t chase the spike week. Hill had 12 total touches in the Ravens’ first three games and typically isn’t a big part of the Baltimore game plan.
Drop Recommendations
Droppable
- Malik Nabers (WR – NYG)
- Tyreek Hill (WR – MIA)
- Jonnu Smith (TE – PIT)
- Dylan Sampson (RB – CLE)
- Jerome Ford (RB – CLE)
- Cam Ward (QB – TEN)
Giants WR Malik Nabers tore his ACL in Week 4 and will miss the rest of the season. His loss is obviously a crushing blow for his fantasy stakeholders.
Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill sustained a gruesome-looking injury on Monday night, dislocating his knee and sustaining ligament damage. Hill is done for the year.
Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is using an inscrutable three-man tight end rotation that renders all the Pittsburgh tight ends unusable for fantasy. Feel free to drop Jonnu Smith (or, for that matter, Pat Freiermuth).
Browns running backs had 23 carries in Week 4, and Quinshon Judkins accounted for 21 of them. The Cleveland backfield belongs to Judkins. Barring injury, Dylan Sampson and Jerome Ford are unplayable, even in deep leagues.
Cam Ward, the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, has impressive tools, but the Titans’ offense is a hot mess right now. It’s going to take time (and perhaps a coaching change) for Ward’s raw talent to translate into fantasy value.
Droppable With a Chance of Regret
Christian Kirk has turned in games of 3-25-0 and 3-20-0 since returning from a hamstring injury. He’s averaging just 4.1 yards per target. It’s fair to wonder if Kirk is capable of providing Flex-worthiness on a team with a true alpha receiver in Nico Collins and a putrid offensive line that sometimes short-circuits the Houston passing game.
Browns quarterback Joe Flacco has been atrocious in his last three games. At age 40, he might be toast. Behind Flacco are rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The quarterback situation in Cleveland might render all Browns pass-catchers unusable in fantasy. David Njoku put up big numbers while playing with Flacco late in the 2023 season, but that was a different Flacco than the one we’re seeing now. It’s not unreasonable to cut Njoku.
Cedric Tillman could be a worthwhile fantasy asset with the right quarterback. But as noted above, Joe Flacco probably isn’t the right quarterback for the Browns anymore. Tillman also sustained a hamstring injury on Sunday. With the bye weeks arriving, you might not have the luxury of being able to hold Tillman.
Don’t Drop Yet
Ladd McConkey probably shouldn’t be on this list, because no clear-thinking fantasy manager would consider cutting McConkey despite his slow start. But some of you get angry and impatient and want to rage-cut players. We beg you: Do not rage-cut McConkey. His current numbers don’t match his prodigious talent. Things will get better.
Last week, we included Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the Droppable With a Chance of Regret category. We’ve reconsidered and believe you should try to hold Tracy while he recovers from a dislocated shoulder. Two reasons for that: (1) Cam Skattebo‘s ultra-physical style could jeopardize his health, and (2) the season-ending injury to Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers could mean a target redistribution that benefits Tracy. Keep Tracy on your roster if possible.
Isiah Pacheco has been a colossal disappointment to his investors, but a running back who gets something close to a half share of the running back workload in a pretty good offense can be a useful asset when the bye weeks kick in. Unless you’re absolutely flush at running back, hold Pacheco in case bye weeks and injuries conspire to trip you up.
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn
