The week is nearly wrapped up, and of course there were another round of injuries and surprising performances. As a result, fantasy managers will be on the lookout for wavier wire additions and replacement options for those injured over the weekend or just to bolster their lineup moving forward. Here are a few players to consider adding via the waiver wire this week. And here is all of our fantasy football waiver wire advice for Week 5.

• More Waiver Wire Picks
• Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
• Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
• Fantasy Football Trade Tools

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets

Sam Howell (WAS): 18% rostered

• Next Opponents: CHI, @ATL, @NYG
• True value: $10
• Desperate need: $17
• Budget-minded: $6

Analysis: Allow me to take a bow for begging you to stick with Sam Howell last week after a dreadful performance against mighty Buffalo. While some managers were petrified of what Howell would do against Philadelphia, I used him as a streamer on the cheap to the tune of nearly 20 fantasy points. Howell is a good player. His next three games line up nicely to catch a glimpse of the young Tarheel’s ceiling. Stream away!

Josh Downs (IND): 11% rostered

• Next Opponents: TEN, @JAX, CLE
• True value: $1
• Desperate need: $2
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Downs could be a decent flex play to consider over the next two weeks. Matchups with Roger McCreary (who has allowed a 68.4% catch rate and 86.5 passer rating on throws into his coverage) and Tre Herndon (76.9% catch rate and 140.9 passer rating, per PFF) should not strike fear in anyone’s heart. Downs is a stronger option in PPR formats with his low average depth of target, but he has been utilized in the red zone, so it’s not like he doesn’t have any touchdown equity in this offense.

Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN): 3% rostered

• Next Opponents: NYJ, @KC, GB
• True value: $13
• Desperate need: $21
• Budget-minded: $6

Analysis: The undrafted, undersized rookie from Youngstown State had an incredible preseason. He was pressed into action when Javonte Williams injured his hip in Denver’s Week 4 game against the Bears. McLaughlin turned his 10 touches into more than 100 scrimmage yards and cashed in with a receiving touchdown. Although it’s unclear how much time Williams will miss, there was no doubt who the better RB was between McLaughlin and Samaje Perine. I don’t expect many more surprise performers to make waves on waivers from the RB position, so I’ll pursue McLaughlin aggressively, even though the Broncos won’t get to play the Bears again.

Cade Otton (TB): 2% rostered

• Next Opponents: BYE, DET, ATL
• True value: $1
• Desperate need: $2
• Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Otton entered Week 4 with a 12.4% target share and 97% route participation. He is worthy of a pickup now to get ahead of the TE-streaming curve. In Weeks 6 and 7, he faces two defenses that have allowed the fifth- and fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. Otton could put up back-to-back TE1-worthy stat lines.

Successful In-Season Fantasy Football Management

Once your fantasy football team is drafted, the work is not over. Successful in-season management is crucial to a winning fantasy football season. Here are some tips to help you manage your team effectively throughout the season:

Stay up to date on player news
Keep track of player injuries, suspensions, and other news that may impact their performance. This will help you make informed decisions about which players to start each week.

Monitor the waiver wire
Keep an eye on the waiver wire and be ready to pick up players who may be undervalued or overlooked by other teams. This can provide valuable depth to your roster. Use our waiver wire assistant to view optimal lineups, waiver and trade suggestions, and league analysis.

Analyze matchups
Analyze the upcoming matchups for your players and opponents to determine which players to start in your lineup each week. Look for favorable matchups and take into account the strength of the opposing team’s defense.

Stay active in trades
Be open to trading players with other teams if it will benefit your team. Analyze the potential impact of a trade before making a decision and negotiate with other teams to find a mutually beneficial agreement.

Be prepared for bye weeks
Plan ahead for bye weeks by having backup players ready to fill in for your starters. Avoid having too many players with the same bye week, which can leave your team short-handed.

Don’t overreact to one bad week
Avoid overreacting to one bad week of performance by a player. Take a long-term view of their performance and evaluate their potential moving forward.

Continuously evaluate your roster
Continuously evaluate your roster throughout the season and make adjustments as needed. Be willing to drop underperforming players or make changes to your lineup if necessary.