Waiver Wire Pickups Week 5
The deeper we get into the NFL season, the more vital depth on your fantasy football team will become. The injuries continue to pile up, and your team’s depth is bound to be tested. Making intelligent free-agent pickups is one of the best places to build depth. Each year, a few league-winning players are found on the waiver wire. As we head into Week 5, here are some players you should target.
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Quarterback
Justin Fields- Pittsburgh Steelers
When looking for an elite fantasy quarterback, you want to find someone who uses their legs often. Steelers quarterback Justin Fields has been hot of late and is entering fantasy relevance in 1QB leagues. On Sunday, Fields threw for 312 yards and one touchdown while adding 55 yards rushing and two rushing TDs. This was the first 300-yard passing game for Fields as he continues to improve as a quarterback in the Steelers’ offense. Fields will likely remain the starter if he plays well and the team wins. He faces a beat-up Cowboys defense in Week 5 and has a chance for another strong fantasy performance. In 1QB leagues, he is worth around 5% FAAB, but that goes up to around 15% in Superflex leagues.
Running Back
Rico Dowdle- Dallas Cowboys
It appears we finally have some clarity in the Dallas Cowboys’ backfield. Dowdle only played 25 snaps in the Cowboys’ Week 4 win, but he did see 12 touches. He also led the Cowboys in rush attempts (11) and yards per carry (4.2). The Cowboys have struggled running the ball, but it seems Dowdle is the lead back when they decide to hand it off. Outside of a possible practice squad elevation for Dalvin Cook, the Cowboys have few options at running back. Dowdle will be able to earn more opportunities over the coming weeks, so do not be afraid to spend around 10-15% of your FAAB.
Kareem Hunt- Kansas City Chiefs
With Isiah Pacheco lost for what could be the entire season, the Chiefs have been looking for a new running back to step up. In Week 4, that player was Kareem Hunt. The veteran was picked up from free agency the week prior and performed excellently in Week 4. He rushed 14 times for 69 yards and added two receptions for 16 yards. Hunt operated as the Chiefs’ RB1 and showed he still has some juice in his legs. He is worth 10-15% of your FAAB.
Wide Receiver
Dontayvion Wicks- Green Bay Packers
The Packers welcomed Jordan Love back into the lineup on Sunday, and he immediately improved the production of their passing game. Wicks was one of the many beneficiaries of the improved offense. Due to an injury to Christian Watson, Wicks stepped into a prominent role on Sunday, catching five passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Wicks played 76.3% of the snaps and should continue to be on the field plenty. He is the top waiver wire option at wide receiver this week. Spend around 12-18% FAAB on the young receiver.
Wan’Dale Robinson- New York Giants
If Wan’Dale Robinson is not yet owned in your fantasy league, change that this week. Robinson has become a focal point of the Giants’ offense. Against the Cowboys in Week 4, Robinson caught 11 passes on 14 targets for 71 yards. That was good enough for 18.1 fantasy points and his third double-digit fantasy point game this season. The Giants will likely be trailing in many games and have a negative game script. Malik Nabers will remain the WR1, but Robinson should continue to see ample work. He is a great flex option in PPR leagues until further notice. Spend around 15% FAAB on the slot receiver.
Tre Tucker- Las Vegas Raiders
There have been rumors about Davante Adams’ future in Las Vegas. The Raiders are a rebuilding team, and Adams wants to win now. Adams may get traded at some point this season. Last week, Adams sat out, and Tre Tucker took over a prominent role. He caught five passes on six targets for 41 yards and added one rush for three yards and a touchdown. This is now back-to-back weeks with a touchdown and back-to-back weeks with at least six touches. He is a stash as we wait and see what happens with Adams. You can probably land Tucker on waivers for as little as 5% of your FAAB.
Tight End
Tucker Kraft- Green Bay Packers
Nothing has been more frustrating in fantasy football than the tight end position. One of the top players at the position puts up a goose-egg each week. Most fantasy managers seek a tight end to contribute positive points each week. Tucker Kraft of the Green Bay Packers is one player who has done that. In Week 4, he had his best game of the season, catching six passes for 53 yards and one touchdown. He played 85.5% of the snaps and seemingly took the TE1 role from Luke Musgrave. Kraft seems to be the next tight end to target for fantasy managers struggling at the position.
Taysom Hill- New Orleans Saints
Maybe the best way to get production from your tight end is by not starting a traditional tight end. That would be the New Orleans Saints’ Swiss army knife, Taysom Hill. Hill scored 14.4 fantasy points in Week 4 despite not catching a pass. Hill rushed six times for 24 yards and two touchdowns. It appears the Saints want to use Hill around the goal line, and both of his rushing touchdowns came on carries from inside the five. If you are desperate for a tight end, give Hill a look and hope he remains a part of the ground game.
