Welcome to the Week 5 waiver wire, where I will be highlighting players that are available in less than 50-percent of leagues. These are the players you want to get on your team. There are mentions of radar guys as well. You shouldn’t pull the trigger now, but keep an eye on them. Percentages are based on ESPN leagues.
Week 5 Waiver Wire Quarterbacks
Trey Lance, SF (18-percent)
Trey Lance took over when Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a calf injury. Lance performed well even though he displayed typical rookie mistakes. By the end, Lance threw for 157-yards and two touchdowns. He also added yards on the ground with 41-yards. Keep an eye on Garoppolo; if he misses time, Lance will get the chance to take over permanently. The 49ers face the Cardinals in Week 5.
Sam Darnold, CAR (18.3-percent)
Sam Darnold didn’t have his best performance as he threw just as many touchdowns as he did interceptions (2). However, he also rushed for two touchdowns and 35-yards. Darnold has been using his legs much more in the Panthers RPO system, and the fantasy points are showing up for it. Darnold is a QB5 on the season and will face the Eagles in Week 5.
Others:
Daniel Jones (NYG), Jameis Winston (NO)
Week 5 Waiver Wire Running Backs
Damien Williams, CHI (10.2-percent)
Damien Williams should get more significant playing time since David Montgomery suffered a knee injury. It does not appear serious, but Wednesday will reveal the severity. Williams did well in place of Montgomery by rushing for 55-yards on eight carries. He also catches passes and catches two for 15-yards. Williams is a decent running back who can catch passes and will be the alpha until Montgomery returns. Keep in mind he suffered a thigh bruise in the game, and if he misses time, then-rookie Khalil Herbert will be the next man up. The Bears play the Raiders in Week 5.
Kenny Gainwell, PHI (24.6-percent)
Kenny Gainwell continues to put up flex option numbers even though he is behind Miles Sanders on the depth chart. Gainwell, being used in the passing game, was targeted eight times and caught six passes for 58-yards. He also had nearly half the number of carries than Sanders (3), which he turned into 31-yards and a score. At this point, Gainwell is the RB29, and Sanders is the RB33 on the season. The Eagles will play the Panthers in Week 5.
J.D. McKissic, WAS (49.1-percent)
By the time you read this, J.D. McKissic may be managed on 50% or more of rosters. McKissic caught five passes for 44-yards, including a touchdown, and added seven carries for 15-yards. McKissic now has two impressive weeks. Unfortunately, he also has had two poor-performing weeks. McKissic is the RB30 on the season and will face the Saints next week.
Others:
Malcolm Brown (MIA), Marlon Mack (IND), Samaje Perine (CIN)
Week 5 Waiver Wire Wide Receivers
AJ Green, ARI (27.2-percent)
AJ Green has shown that his playing days are not over. After languishing in Cincinnati with injuries and poor-performing quarterbacks, he has had three straight games with at least 13 fantasy points. In fact, he has seen an increase in points each week (5, 13, 16, 18). The Cardinals offense is full-go, and he makes an excellent addition to any fantasy team. Green is the WR30 on the season and will face San Francisco next week.
Emmanuel Sanders, BUF (45.1-percent)
Emmanuel Sanders has been successful with the Bills. He continues to roll with his five+ receptions and is clearly the number two receiver in Buffalo. Sanders has seen at least six targets in all four games this season. Allen and Sanders make a fantastic duo. Sanders is an excellent route runner, maintains top-end speed, and can get open. Sanders is the WR24 and will face the Chiefs next week.
Kalif Raymond, DET (0.6-percent)
Kalif Raymond has been solid the last two weeks. Raymond scored double-digit points against Baltimore and Chicago by catching nine passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns on 16 targets. His two scores came against Chicago. In his first two weeks, Raymond only had six targets to start the season. Keep in mind that Amon-Ra St. Brown and Quintez Cephus are also making noise for the Lions. Raymond is the WR44 and will face the Vikings next week.
Others:
Jamison Crowder (NYJ), Darnell Mooney (CHI), Kadarius Toney (NYG), Sammy Watkins (BAL), Rashod Bateman (BAL), TY Hilton (IND), Josh Gordon (KC), Tre’Quan Smith (NO)
Week 5 Waiver Wire Tight Ends
Tyler Conklin, MIN (23.4-percent)
In the last two weeks, Tyler Conklin has seen an increase in targets. He has had 14 total targets in the previous two weeks compared to the eight in the last first two contests. Conklin won’t be a starter for you each week, but he does demonstrate a good streaming option against the Lions in Week 5. Conklin is the TE13 on the season.
Dalton Schultz, DAL (21.6-percent)
Dalton Schultz has been exceptionally hot over the last two weeks. He has scored three touchdowns in the previous two contests and has six receptions in three of four games. It appears that he will face competition with fellow teammate Blake Jarwin, but Schultz is the TE1 on the depth chart. Schultz is the TE3 on the season and will face the Giants next week.
Others:
Hunter Henry (NE), Mo Alie-Cox (IND), CJ Uzomah (CIN), Maxx Williams (ARI)
Make sure to check out Mike on Twitter @RFLRedZone
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