Key Takeaways
- Top waiver wire pickups for Week 5 include:
- RB Kareem Hunt (KC) - Likely to be the lead back with Pacheco injured
- RB Trey Sermon (IND) - Could start if Jonathan Taylor misses time
- WR Davante Adams (GB) - Worth adding with Christian Watson injured
- WR Xavier Legette (CAR) - Emerging as a top target for Panthers
- TE Tucker Kraft (GB) - Increased role with injuries to Packers pass catchers
- Mark Andrews' lack of production is concerning, but the hosts are split on whether to bench/drop him or remain patient
- Top QB streamers for Week 5: Joe Flacco (IND), Trevor Lawrence (JAX), Geno Smith (SEA)
- Devante Adams trade rumors are swirling - could significantly impact his fantasy value if traded
- Jonathan Taylor (ankle) and Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) injuries are worth monitoring closely
Introduction
In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright break down the top waiver wire pickups for Week 5, discuss disappointing players like Mark Andrews, analyze key injuries, and provide quarterback streaming options. With four teams on bye this week (Lions, Titans, Eagles, Chargers), the waiver wire takes on added importance for fantasy managers looking to fill roster holes.
Topics Discussed
Monday Night Football Recap (3:20)
The hosts recapped the Monday night doubleheader, focusing on the high-scoring Seahawks-Lions game:
- Geno Smith threw for nearly 400 yards and 2 TDs
- Kenneth Walker III had a huge game with 3 TDs
- Jared Goff set an NFL record by completing all 18 of his pass attempts
- All Lions offensive weapons (Gibbs, Montgomery, St. Brown, LaPorta) had strong fantasy performances
"Kenneth Walker looked unbelievably great. His double flip somersault over a defender was incredible." - Mike Wright
NFL News and Injury Updates (14:20)
The hosts provided updates on several key injuries and news items:
- Will Levis (TEN) - AC joint sprain, will start when healthy
- Jonathan Taylor (IND) - Mild ankle sprain, status uncertain for Week 5
- Christian McCaffrey (SF) - Dealing with Achilles tendinitis in both legs
- David Njoku (CLE) - Expected to practice this week
- Tank Dell (HOU) and Joe Mixon (CIN) - Both considered day-to-day
- Bijan Robinson (ATL) - Limited with hamstring injury
- Nick Chubb (CLE) - Practice window opened, could return later this season
"The Christian McCaffrey Achilles tendinitis news is concerning, but Kyle Shanahan downplayed it somewhat. Still worth monitoring closely." - Jason Moore
Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups (22:30)
The hosts discussed their top RB waiver wire targets for Week 5:
- Kareem Hunt (KC) - Top pickup with Pacheco injured, could be lead back rest of season
- Trey Sermon (IND) - Potential starter if Jonathan Taylor misses time
- Justice Hill (BAL) - Involved in passing game, but matchups are tough next 2 weeks
- Chase Brown (CIN) - Emerging as complement to Joe Mixon
- Rico Dowdle (DAL) - Increasing workload, but tough upcoming matchups
- Tyler Allgeier (ATL) - Could see expanded role if Bijan Robinson is limited
"Kareem Hunt is my number one pickup across all positions this week. He should see a heavy workload in Kansas City's offense." - Andy Holloway
Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickups (34:20)
Top WR waiver wire targets discussed:
- Davante Adams (GB) - Worth adding with Christian Watson injured
- Xavier Legette (CAR) - Emerging as top target for Panthers
- Josh Downs (IND) - Productive with Gardner Minshew at QB
- Darnell Mooney (CHI) - Consistent flex option in recent weeks
- Wan'Dale Robinson (NYG) - High target volume, especially in PPR leagues
- Jordan Whittington (HOU) - Rookie seeing increased snaps and targets
"Xavier Legette will be much cheaper than Davante Adams on waivers, but has similar upside. He's my #2 WR pickup behind Adams." - Mike Wright
Tight End Waiver Wire Pickups (50:25)
The hosts were less enthusiastic about TE waiver options, but mentioned a few names:
- Tucker Kraft (GB) - Increased role with Packers WR injuries
- Zach Ertz (ARI) - Consistent but low-upside option
- Juwan Johnson (NO) - Could emerge as Saints' top TE
- Pat Freiermuth (PIT) - Consistent target volume
- David Njoku (CLE) - Worth adding if available, expected back soon
"The tight end waiver wire is pretty barren. Tucker Kraft is probably the top upside play if you're desperate." - Jason Moore
Mark Andrews Discussion (53:20)
The hosts had an extended debate about what to do with struggling TE Mark Andrews:
- Andrews has posted 0 fantasy points in back-to-back weeks
- His snap counts and target share are way down from previous seasons
- Jason and Mike advocated for benching or potentially dropping Andrews
- Andy argued for patience given Andrews' talent and past production
"I can't imagine putting a zero into my lineup for three straight weeks. There's a high probability you get zero from Mark Andrews right now." - Jason Moore
"I don't want to start Mark Andrews, but of the waiver wire options available, there's not many I'd actually feel confident starting over him." - Andy Holloway
Quarterback Streamers (1:07:00)
The hosts provided their top QB streaming options for Week 5:
- Joe Flacco (IND) - Great matchup vs Jaguars if he starts
- Trevor Lawrence (JAX) - Facing a Colts defense giving up points to QBs
- Geno Smith (SEA) - QB6 on the season, good matchup vs Giants
"Joe Flacco is my top streamer if he gets the start. The Jaguars are giving up an extra 6.5 points to opposing QBs this season." - Jason Moore
Other Notable Discussion Points
- Devante Adams trade rumors are swirling - could significantly impact his fantasy value if traded
- The hosts debated whether to drop struggling players like Calvin Ridley, Garrett Wilson, and Brandon Aiyuk
- Defenses to target on waivers include Vikings, Seahawks, Broncos, and Patriots
- Patrick Mahomes' fantasy value is declining, but the hosts advised against dropping him outright
Conclusion
With four teams on bye in Week 5, the waiver wire takes on added importance for fantasy managers. Top priorities include RBs Kareem Hunt and Trey Sermon, WRs Davante Adams and Xavier Legette, and TE Tucker Kraft. The hosts were split on how to handle struggling TE Mark Andrews, with some advocating patience while others recommended benching or dropping him. Key injuries to monitor include Jonathan Taylor, Christian McCaffrey, and Bijan Robinson. Joe Flacco, Trevor Lawrence, and Geno Smith were highlighted as top QB streaming options. Overall, it's a crucial week for fantasy managers to be active on waivers to fill bye week holes and replace underperforming players.