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Injuries have decimated the NFL, which directly affects your dynasty rosters. The Week 5 waiver wire & FAAB guide is geared toward deep dynasty leagues, focusing on players currently under 50% rostership who could provide immediate production or emerge as valuable dynasty assets later in the season. These are the top adds for fantasy football in Week 5.
All rostership percentages are based on 12-team Super Flex Tight-End premium dynasty leagues. At the time of publication, each player featured was available in at least 50% of Sleeper dynasty leagues.
Week 5 Waiver Wire FAAB Guide
Below are our recommended FAAB bids for the top Week 4 waiver wire targets in 12-team Superflex dynasty leagues.
| Player | Pos | Team | Roster % | FAAB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyson Bagent | QB | CHI | 42% | 8-10% |
| Tyler Huntley | QB | BAL | 10% | 3-6% |
| Athan Kaliakmanis | QB | WAS | 1% | 3-6% |
| Austin Ekeler | RB | WAS | 27% | 3-5% |
| Tyler Goodson | RB | DAL | 11% | 3-5% |
| Travis Homer | RB | PIT | 4% | 1-2% |
| Samaje Perine | RB | CIN | 44% | 3-5% |
| Will Shipley | RB | PHI | 22% | 8-10% |
| Josh Cameron | WR | JAX | 32% | 2-4% |
| Efton Chism | WR | NE | 11% | 2-4% |
| Darius Cooper | WR | PHI | 11% | 3-5% |
| Dohnte Meyers | WR | CIN | 22% | 8-10% |
| Jalen Royals | WR | KC | 39% | 5-8% |
| Laquon Treadwell | WR | IND | 7% | 0-2% |
| Cody White | WR | LV | 7% | 3-5% |
| Zach Ertz | TE | PHI | 36% | 6-8% |
| Tyler Higbee | TE | LAR | 42% | 4-6% |
| Darnell Washington | TE | PIT | 31% | 2-4% |
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Week 5 Quarterback Waiver Wire Targets
Tyson Bagent | Chicago Bears | 42% Rostership | 8-10% FAAB
Chicago Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson gave Tyson Bagent the nod as the starting quarterback against the New York Jets while Caleb Williams is out with a hamstring injury, resulting in a Bears victory. Bagent ran the offense efficiently, throwing for 268 yards and 1 interception. Chicago has favorable upcoming matchups against the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons, if Williams continues to miss time.
Tyler Huntley | Baltimore Ravens | 10% Rostership | 3-6% FAAB
Lamar Jackson was seen limping into the locker room at the end of the first half. He returned to the sideline before the start of the second half but did not have his helmet. Tyler Huntley finished out the game. We have seen in the past that when Huntley is called into action, he can produce fantasy-relevant performances. Jackson’s injury situation is something to monitor throughout the week.
Athan Kaliakmanis | Washington Commanders | 1% Rostership | 3-6% FAAB
Marcus Mariota was ruled out for the remainder of Sunday’s game against the Colts in London after suffering a re-aggravation of the right MCL sprain he initially sustained in the Commanders preseason. With Jayden Daniels still recovering from his elbow dislocation, Athan Kaliakmanis is the next man up in Washington. Kaliakmanis was serviceable, finishing with 186 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, while also picking up 16 yards on the ground.
Week 5 Running Back Waiver Wire Targets
Austin Ekeler | Washington Commanders | 27% Rostership | 3-5% FAAB
After re-signing with the Washington Commanders last week, Austin Ekeler was active Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts in London with Rachaad White inactive. Ekeler had a decent statline rushing 4 times for 29 yards and also 1 reception on 2 targets for 11 yards. Ekeler has the chance to stay in the running back shuffle in Week 5 against the New York Giants with White unable to log a practice all week.
Tyler Goodson | Dallas Cowboys | 11% Rostership | 3-5% FAAB
It appears that Tyler Goodson is the RB2 in Dallas, seeing all the carries that didn’t go to Javonte Williams in Sunday’s win over the Houston Texans. Handcuffs are valuable, especially to clear bell-cow backs like Williams. Goodson needs to be rostered.
Travis Homer | Pittsburgh Steelers | 4% Rostership | 1-2% FAAB
With Rico Dowdle out for a second consecutive contest, Travis Homer was the RB2 for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Homer didn’t contribute much, appearing in just two of the Steelers’ 72 offensive snaps with Jaylen Warren as the bell-cow. However, as long as Dowdle is out of the lineup, Homer will serve as Warren’s backup.
Samaje Perine | Cincinnati Bengals | 44% Rostership 3-5% FAAB
Ugh! Samaje Perine is still under 50% rostership after being the clear handcuff to Chase Brown. I have discussed the importance of rostering handcuffs in previous waiver-wire articles. C’mon Nerds! Let’s try to cross the 50% threshold for Week 5 and get Perine off of this list.
Will Shipley | Philadelphia Eagles | 22% Rostership | 8-10% FAAB
The Philadelphia Eagles running back was decimated by injuries in Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Saquon Barkley suffered a hamstring injury, and then his backup, Tank Bigsby, also left the game in the fourth quarter. Both injuries need to be monitored, as Will Shipley might be thrust into a starting role in Week 6 against the tough Jacksonville Jaguars.
Week 5 Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Targets
Josh Cameron | Jacksonville Jaguars | 32% Rostership | 2-4% FAAB
Rookie Josh Cameron is a name getting some buzz. Cameron is part of a very crowded wide receiver room in Jacksonville, but should be a name to stash away on your taxi squad.
Efton Chism | New England Patriots | 11% Rostership | 2-4% FAAB
Mack Hollins left Sunday’s game with a calf injury. The New England Patriots are already without A.J. Brown. While Romeo Doubs and Hunter Henry benefited the most with Hollins’ departure, Efton Chism did have a role, catching 4 passes for 42 receiving yards and a touchdown on a very difficult catch. If Hollins misses time, Chism could be in line for more opportunities.
Darius Cooper | Philadelphia Eagles | 11% Rostership | 3-5% FAAB
Darius Cooper was thrust into an expanded role in the Philadelphia Eagles offense after Devonta Smith was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Cooper made the most of his opportunity, catching 2 touchdowns on 3 receptions for 38 receiving yards while leading the team in targets with 7.
Dohnte Meyers | Cincinnati Bengals | 22% Rostership | 8-10% FAAB
Dohnte Meyers‘ playing time increased with Andrei Iosivas placed on injured reserve. The Bengals receiving corps took multiple hits when Ja’Marr Chase left Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a concussion, and Tee Higgins suffered an abductor injury. In Week 5, Cincinnati has a favorable matchup against the Miami Dolphins, making Meyers a must-add on the waiver wire.
Jalen Royals | Kansas City Chiefs | 39% Rostership | 5-8% FAAB
Rashee Rice left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. Tyquan Thornton stepped up in a massive way, going for over 100 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, but unfortunately, he was carted off the field late in the fourth quarter with a gruesome foot injury. Jalen Royals has an opportunity to step up in the Chiefs offense.
Laquon Treadwell | Indianapolis Colts | 7% Rostership | 0-2% FAAB
With Alec Pierce on injured reserve and Keenan Allen unable to suit up in Week 4, Laquon Treadwell had a big bump in playing time. While the increased playing time didn’t turn into instant fantasy success, he should at least be considered rosterable until Allen and Pierce can return.
Cody White | Las Vegas Raiders | 7% Rostership | 3-5% FAAB
Cody White has been an unexpected bright spot during the Raiders’ 3-0 start to the season, contributing 3 touchdowns over the last 3 weeks. On Sunday, White saw a snap share increase with Jack Bech on injured reserve, seeing a season-high 4 targets. White is not a priority add yet, but should be rostered.
Week 5 Tight End Waiver Wire Targets
Zach Ertz | Philadelphia Eagles | 36% Rostership | 6-8% FAAB
Zach Ertz is back in Philadelphia, and it could not have come at a better time, as the Eagles offense has been decimated by injuries. With Eli Stowers and Dallas Goedert out with injuries, Ertz is a familiar face and a reliable target.
Tyler Higbee | Los Angeles Rams | 42% Rostership | 4-6% FAAB
With Terrance Ferguson on injured reserve and Colby Parkinson sidelined, Tyler Higbee finds himself atop the Los Angeles Rams tight end depth chart. On Sunday, Higbee caught 5 receptions on 6 targets for 67 receiving yards. The Rams’ passing offense is heavily concentrated on Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and the tight end position, making Higbee a viable option in tight-end premium leagues if Parkinson continues to miss time.
Darnell Washington | Pittsburgh Steelers | 31% Rostership | 2-4% FAAB
Darnell Washington finished Thursday night with 3 receptions on 5 targets for 27 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. What caught my attention was that Washington had three straight red-zone targets late in the game, showing their confidence in him as a red-zone threat. Sometimes at tight end, you are hoping for just a touchdown, and Washington gives you that opportunity.
Over 50% Rostered | Week 5 Fantasy Football
Other players who are great waiver wire additions but have over 50% rostership include: Kaytron Allen, Elic Ayomanor, Rashod Bateman, Tank Bigsby, Jacoby Brissett, Chris Brooks, Demond Claiborne, Keon Coleman, Kirk Cousins, Jalon Daniels, Isaiah Davis, DeMario Douglas, Evan Engram, Pat Freiermuth, Mike Gesicki, Najee Harris, Tre Harris, Gunnar Helm, Mack Hollins, Tory Horton, Justice Hill, Ted Hurst, Xavier Hutchinson, Kaleb Johnson, Michael Mayer, Seth McGowan, Keaton Mitchell, Jaylin Noel, Cade Otton, Eli Raridon, Kalif Raymond, Aaron Rodgers, Chris Rodriguez, Raheim Sanders, Deshaun Watson, Roman Wilson, Malik Willis, Emanuel Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Jaylen Wright
Week 5 Waiver Wire FAQ
Who is the best quarterback injury replacement for Week 5?
Tyson Bagent is the top quarterback replacement while Caleb Williams is sidelined. Tyler Huntley and Athan Kaliakmanis are deeper Superflex options if Lamar Jackson or Marcus Mariota miss time.
Which running back injury replacements should I target?
Will Shipley is the top running back injury replacement if Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby remain out. Tyler Goodson and Austin Ekeler are also worth adding in deeper dynasty leagues.
Who are the best wide receiver sleepers for Week 5?
Dohnte Meyers, Jalen Royals, and Darius Cooper are the best wide receiver sleepers this week because injuries have created clearer paths to snaps and targets.
Which tight ends are worth adding on the Week 5 waiver wire?
Zach Ertz is the top tight end add, followed by Tyler Higbee and Darnell Washington. All three have increased opportunity because of injuries or expanded roles.
Who are the best deep dynasty sleepers to stash in Week 5?
Efton Chism, Josh Cameron, Jalen Royals, and Dohnte Meyers are strong deep-league sleepers who could gain value if injuries ahead of them continue to create opportunities.
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