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.
- Wan’Dale Robinson (New York Giants) | 27.1%
- Allen Lazard (New York Jets) | 34.2%
- Xavier Legette (Carolina Panthers) | 25.0%
- Tre Tucker (Las Vegas Raiders) | 10.2%
- Dontayvion Wicks (Green Bay Packers) | 9.6%
- Andrei Iosivas (Cincinnati Bengals) | 7.1%
- Romeo Doubs (Green Bay Packers) | 25.1%
- Josh Downs (Indianapolis Colts) | 8.5%
- Tutu Atwell (Los Angeles Rams) | 7.0%
- Jordan Whittington (Los Angeles Rams) | 3.8%
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%
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:
- Week 5 In the Scope Targets (2024)
- Week 5 Shore Thing Sleepers (2024)
- Week 5 Fantasy Football Trade Targets (2024)
- Week 5 NFL DFS Picks & Lineup Advice (2024)
- Week 5 Fantasy Football Advice Mailbag (2024)
- NFL Week 5 PrizePicks Player Predictions (2024)
- Fantasy Football Whiplash! | Week 5 News & Notes (2024)