Home Articles Week 5 In the Scope Targets (2024)
Week 5 Waiver Wire Free Agent Stashes: Ja'Lynn Polk

Week 5 In the Scope Targets (2024)

by IBT Media Staff

As we enter Week 5 of the NFL season, the fantasy football waiver wire continues to be a key factor in building a successful roster. Smart managers know that finding value on the waiver wire can make all the difference, especially as injuries and bye weeks begin to take a toll. We’re here to help you stay ahead of the game with some under-the-radar pickups who could deliver meaningful production in the coming weeks.

Let’s get into our favorite finds on the Week 5 waiver wire that you can add before they go off.

Rostership percentages courtesy of ESPN Points Per Reception (PPR) redraft fantasy football leagues as of Tuesday, Oct. 1.

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Check Your Waivers: Mainstream Fantasy Football Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

As you’re reviewing the waiver wire for some less-rostered options, here are a few well-known names that might still be available in your league:

Quarterback

Running Backs

Wide Receivers

Tight End

In the Scope Targets: Top Fantasy Football Week 5 Free Agent Finds

Now, let’s get into the “In the Scope” picks, players you can pick up for nothing now and watch their value grow in the coming weeks.

JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, Kansas City Chiefs) | 7.2%

JuJu Smith-Schuster may be flying under the radar after a rough stint in New England, but it’s worth remembering that in 2022, he served in the Rashee Rice role for the Chiefs and finished as PPR WR27. The former fantasy standout is still only 27, and while he hasn’t replicated his dominant 2018 WR8 campaign, there’s a chance for a resurgence in Kansas City.

After Rice left the game last week, Smith-Schuster saw a 52% snap share. While he didn’t get any targets, he’s now in line to assume the slot role in this high-powered offense. The Chiefs play the Saints on Monday night and have struggled to contain slot receivers in recent weeks. The former USC Trojan could be a sneaky add for teams looking to add depth or a last-minute flex option.

Ja’Lynn Polk (WR, New England Patriots) | 15.6%

We highlighted Ja’Lynn Polk ahead of Week 1 and may have been ahead of our skis. However, he emerged this past week with a larger target share (21.9%) and route participation, stepping up as a reliable option in a struggling Patriots offense. While New England’s passing attack hasn’t been great, Polk’s growing role presents a low-cost opportunity for fantasy managers.

If rookie QB Drake Maye gets the nod, Polk could see an even bigger boost, as the two have built chemistry since rookie camp. With New England desperate for reliable pass-catchers, Polk could be a solid speculative stash, especially in deeper leagues.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB, Kansas City Chiefs) | 0.6%

Clyde Edwards-Helaire is eligible to return from Injured Reserve (IR) as early as this week, and while there’s no confirmation he’ll play yet, it’s worth grabbing him off free agency. The Chiefs’ backfield hasn’t been inspiring, and Isiah Pacheco is sidelined indefinitely following surgery on a fractured fibula. If Edwards-Helaire is even incrementally more effective, he could find himself in a timeshare with opportunities for meaningful touches alongside Kareem Hunt.

Although there is no currently return date for Edwards-Helaire either, he could step in and provide immediate short-term value at a bargain price when he is back. Consider stashing him now before his return is confirmed.

Check out all of our Week 5 fantasy football content:

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Thanks for reading our “In the Scope” targets to add after the Week 5 waiver wire run. Check out more of our fantasy football and other written content here at In-Between Media, or head over to our YouTube channel to get your fix via video.

*Photo Credit: Eric Canha – USA TODAY NETWORK*

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