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 our top 10 players to consider adding from the fantasy football waiver wire for Week 5. And also be sure to check out our full waiver wire article for the week.

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Top Adds for Week 5

Jaleel McLaughlin (RB – 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.

Jameson Williams (WR – DET): 32% rostered

• Next Opponents: CAR, @TB, @BAL
• True value: $8
• Desperate need: $ 12
• Budget-minded: $ 6

Analysis: Assuming Williams is 100% healthy, he should be a starter in three-receiver sets in short order. Because of suspension and injury, we have not seen the talented former first-round pick on the field very often in his first two NFL seasons. His star might have dimmed for some because of the layoff, but the absence has made my heart grow fonder. Williams enters a thriving offensive ecosystem. Detroit is eighth in yards per game, seventh in explosive passing rate, and 12th in points per game. Williams should be the field stretcher tied to a quarterback who’s currently fifth in deep passing grade and second in deep adjusted completion rate (per PFF). Williams could be a difference-making addition.

C.J. Stroud (QB – HOU): 47% rostered

• Next Opponents: @ATL, NO, BYE
• True value: $10
• Desperate need: $16
• Budget-minded: $5

Analysis: The rookie from Ohio State hasn’t just been good in his first few career starts. Stroud has been magnificent and has gone so far as to elevate the talent around him. Stroud is QB13 in fantasy so far, rising in the rankings after a QB10 performance in which he passed for more than 300 yards for the second time in four games and tossed a pair of touchdowns for the third game in a row. Houston’s post-bye schedule is Charmin-soft, so Stroud is a Week 5 streamer with staying power in deeper leagues that start a single QB.

Luke Musgrave (TE – GB): 36% rostered

• Next Opponents: @LV, BYE, @DEN
• True value: $3
• Desperate need: $6
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Musgrave left Week 4 with a concussion, so toss that game’s stats in the trash. Entering Week 4, among 45 qualifying tight ends, Musgrave ranked 17th in yards per route run and 10th in yards after the catch per reception (per PFF). He has a 15.8% target share and 91% route participation. His three red zone targets rank eighth at the position. Everything about his usage screams top-12 upside tight end for the rest of the season. The only reason Musgrave remains available is because he has yet to have a blowup game. It’s coming. Grab him now.

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.