The waiver wire is heating up heading into Week 5, with several players stepping into bigger roles thanks to injuries and breakout performances. Fantasy managers looking to gain an edge should move quickly before these names are gone in competitive leagues.
Best Waiver Wire Pickups For Fantasy Football Week 5
Jaxson Dart (QB, Giants)
Filling in under center, Dart
flashed dual-threat ability with 54 rushing yards and a score to go along with a solid passing performance. Still available in nearly 80% of ESPN leagues, he offers sneaky upside in superflex and deeper formats.
Sam Darnold (QB, Seahawks)
Once considered a bust, Darnold has quietly been effective for Seattle. He has completed over 70% of his passes and avoided turnovers in three of his four games, making him a streaming option against favorable secondaries.
Darius Slayton (WR, Giants)
With Malik Nabers lost for the year, Slayton has a clear path to more targets. His size and speed fit well to take over for Nabers in the
Giants offense. The expanded role could finally unlock the potential that made him a first-round pick.
Devin Singletary (RB, Giants)
Singletary’s snap count rose significantly in Week 4, and with uncertainty in the
Giants’ backfield, he has the chance to carve out a steady role. His versatility as a pass catcher only helps his appeal for fantasy owners.
Darren Waller (TE, Dolphins)
In his first game back since retirement, Waller stunned with three catches for 27 yards and two touchdowns on four targets. While the target volume was modest, his red-zone involvement immediately stood out. With Tyreek Hill reportedly suffering a season-ending knee injury, Miami could lean on Waller as a trusted veteran option.
Romeo Doubs (WR, Packers)
Doubs erupted for three touchdowns in Green Bay’s tie with Dallas, reminding fantasy managers of his knack for finding the end zone. With Christian Watson and Jayden Reed dealing with injuries, Doubs has become Jordan Love’s most trusted target. Even with a Week 5 bye, he’s worth stashing, as Green Bay’s upcoming opponents in the Bengals, Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers all rank in the bottom five against the pass.
Bottom Line
Week 5’s waiver wire isn’t just about filling injury gaps; it’s about finding players with paths to sustained value. Making the right claim now could be the difference between a playoff push and a midseason slump.
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