This week’s deep waiver wire list focuses less on players that can offer a quick plug-and-play solution, and more on players with the potential to offer strong long-term value.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets for Deep Leagues

Michael Wilson (WR – ARI) | 1% rostered in Yahoo, 1% rostered in ESPN

Michael Wilson had a breakout performance in Week 4, catching all 7 of his targets for 76 yards and 2 touchdowns. Wilson’s emergence comes as no surprise to fantasy managers in deeper leagues. He was a strong prospect, but skepticism around the Arizona offense kept his redraft roster percentage low. Aside from Week 1, the Cardinals’ offense has performed well and has multiple viable fantasy assets. Although Wilson’s targets were limited through the first several weeks, he has established himself as the clear WR3 and could potentially surpass Rondale Moore. Wilson’s talent should continue to shine through and it’s best to invest in the rookie immediately.

Jaleel McLaughlin (RB – DEN) | 1% rostered in Yahoo, 1% rostered in ESPN

Javonte Williams‘ injury is reportedly not severe. Regardless, McLaughlin should be one of the top adds in deep leagues. Prior to this week, McLaughlin established a role within the offense as a goal line back. He has likely earned additional trust from Sean Payton after his Week 4 performance, where he had 7 carries for 72 yards plus 3 receptions for 32 yards and 1 touchdown, a stark difference from Samaje Perine‘s 6 carries for 12 yards and 2 receptions for 23 yards. McLaughlin’s performance was better than any other Broncos back this season. It’s possible that his performance could earn him a larger role even with a healthy Williams, and Perine’s role has been reduced week-by-week. At the very least, McLaughlin potentially jumped Perine in the depth chart and has garnered high-value touches. The upcoming schedule is tough with the Jets and Chiefs up next, but if Williams is out, McLaughlin is likely the lead back.

Latavius Murray (RB – BUF) | 10% rostered in Yahoo, 4% rostered in ESPN

There was a lot of excitement around the potential for Damien Harris as the goal line back in Buffalo, but it’s been Latavius Murray who has gotten the goal line preference, and he appears to be the direct handcuff to James Cook. Even in a limited role, Murray is performing as a low-end RB3, high-end RB2. He has a low ceiling, but with goal line opportunities, he’s a realistic candidate for around 10 fantasy points on a weekly basis. The ceiling is too low for value in shallow leagues but as the bye weeks start to trickle in, those potential 10 fantasy points could offer a strong bye week fill in value for deep leagues.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (WR – TEN) | 1% rostered in Yahoo, 1% rostered in ESPN

In the absence of Treylon Burks, Westbrook-Ikhine stepped up to lead the Titans’ receiving corps with 5 receptions for 51 yards and 1 touchdown. Westbrook-Ikhene is the Titans’ WR3, but aside from one goose egg in Week 3, his production has been in line with both Burks and DeAndre Hopkins. The upside is limited, because the Titans are a run-first team. Tannehill has struggled and has yet to complete more than 20 passes. Westbrook-Ikhine’s floor is shaky, because it could be a zero-point outing. But his role on the team is solidified with a strong snap count and he could continue to be a deep league flex option for the season.

Ronnie Rivers (RB – LAR) | 1% rostered in Yahoo, 0% rostered in ESPN

Kyren Williams had an excellent day, but Rivers appeared to establish himself as the handcuff, earning 9 carries for 47 yards and 2 receptions for 10 yards. Zach Evans was, yet again, a healthy scratch, and Royce Freeman was elevated to the active roster but saw zero touches. Williams has performed extremely well as a top-10 back, but Rivers could see increased volume to help lessen the aggressive workload that Williams has seen since the departure of Cam Akers. Similar to Williams, Rivers is a second-year player that failed to establish himself in 2022. But he’s worth a stash to see if his production sticks and if he truly is Williams’ direct handcuff.

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