Pat Fitzmaurice | Mon, Sep 30th 2024, 7:05am EDT

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Pickups to Target, Stash & Drop (Week 5)

Paramedics, teachers, babysitters, mechanics, bartenders and many of the other people we rely on in life don’t have bye weeks.

Thank goodness.

NFL players do have bye weeks, unfortunately, adding stress to the task of managing a fantasy football team.

Yes, the bye weeks are upon us once again. The Lions, Chargers, Eagles and Titans all have Week 5 off. A lot of fantasy football teams are going to be short on firepower this week.

Perhaps you need some fantasy football waiver wire help to shore up your starting lineup.

We’re here to help. Let’s get started.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice

Week 5 Waiver Grade: C-

(Rostership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues, Recommended FAAB bids are based on a $100 budget.)

RUNNING BACKS

Written by Bo McBrayer

Kareem Hunt (KC): 35% rostered

Next Opponents: NO, BYE, @SF
True value: $11
Desperate Need: $15
Budget-minded: $6

Analysis: It’s slim pickings among the running backs available on waivers this week. I wasn’t sure how much action Kareem Hunt would get in the Kansas City backfield less than two weeks after he was signed on the heels of Isiah Pacheco‘s injury. The one certainty was that neither Samaje Perine nor rookie fullback Carson Steele was worth much FAAB last week. But it is time to add Hunt, who had 14 carries for 69 yards Sunday vs. the Chargers. He also brought in a couple of receptions, which was a part of his game when he was with the Chiefs earlier in his career. The Chiefs may have to lean on their running backs more heavily in the weeks to come in the wake of a knee injury to WR Rashee Rice. Hunt’s experience and versatility makes him a priority waiver add in this market.

Tank Bigsby (JAX): 11% rostered

Next Opponents: IND, @CHI, NE
True value: $10
Desperate Need: $14
Budget-minded: $6

Analysis: The Jags have a similar problem as their North Florida neighbors in Tampa Bay. Their established starting RB has struggled to gain yards on the ground. Travis Etienne also picked up a shoulder injury on Sunday, but it sure looked like he was simply pulled for Tank Bigsby in the first quarter. Bigsby ran the ball seven times for 90 yards Sunday against the Texans, including a 58-yard romp on which he was brought down inside the 5-yard line. Etienne returned and was fine, but Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson is on the hottest seat imaginable. A backfield timeshare with Etienne and Bigsby, along with satellite back Dare Ogunbowale, could very well be on the horizon. Bigsby is the only one of the three who has looked the part on an underperforming Jacksonville team.

Rico Dowdle (DAL): 48% rostered

Next Opponents: @PIT, DET, BYE
True value: $9
Desperate Need: $14
Budget-minded: $5

Analysis: The Dallas Cowboys do not have a running game. They couldn’t even muster a decent performance against the Giants last Thursday, but the box score scouts will see Rico Dowdle‘s receiving touchdown and run to add him on waivers. Go ahead, but don’t overspend, and keep expectations at ground level. Neither Dowdle nor Ezekiel Elliott has found any room behind a young and unproven offensive line, and head coach Mike McCarthy’s play calling has also been as predictable as ever. Dallas has two very tough run defenses upcoming before its Week 7 bye. Dowdle doesn’t have much upside, but a running back who’s averaging 10.8 touches a game will have some appeal now that the bye weeks are upon us.

Roschon Johnson (CHI): 28% rostered

Next Opponents: CAR, JAX, BYE
True value: $7
Desperate Need: $13
Budget-minded: $4

Analysis: The Bears are more than their top rookie picks at QB and WR. They are a good football team. The Chicago defense is forcing turnovers, and the running game hit its stride against the Rams on Sunday. D’Andre Swift broke loose for a long touchdown, but Roschon Johnson cashed in on a precious goal-line carry. Johnson might be the RB2 in Chicago, but in certain game scripts, he will act as the lead back. He has already supplanted Khalil Herbert as the clear No. 2. Swift is next to get a few more plays as a spectator.

Ty Chandler (MIN): 33% rostered

Next Opponents: NYJ, BYE, DET
True value: $6
Desperate Need: $12
Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: Ty Chandler is a premium handcuff option behind Aaron Jones, but the Vikings have featured Jones as a bona fide bell cow the last two weeks. Even a younger Jones didn’t hold up to that type of workload for very long. Chandler is a well-rounded player in a great offense. I expect his volume to increase substantially, especially if Jones wears down or misses time.

Trey Sermon (IND): 1% rostered

Next Opponents: @JAX, @TEN, MIA
True value: $2
Desperate Need: $8
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Break glass in case of emergency. Trey Sermon is the random ax left to collect dust until disaster strikes. Jonathan Taylor left Sunday’s game with an apparent ankle injury in the second half. Sermon stepped in with five carries for a meager eight yards. Early reports suggest that JT’s injury is not serious, but any missed time vaults Sermon into a prominent role. You’d have to be extremely desperate for depth to add him either way.

Stash Candidates:

The glimmer of hope we had for the Falcons’ offense hinged on how different we expected offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to be from former OC Arthur Smith. Bijan Robinson has been used more heavily so far, but Tyler Allgeier was much more of a hot hand in Week 4. Allgeier is decent, but he really only carries value as the next man up if Bijan misses game action.

Nick Chubb is one of the best RBs I’ve ever watched play football. His practice window to return from knee surgery is officially open, which means he’s someone to stash in an open IR spot in deeper leagues. Returning to form after such a gruesome injury might take some time, but Chubb would be a remarkable guy to plug in down the stretch and in the fantasy playoffs if he’s anything close to his vintage self.

Ray Davis has looked like a nice find for the Bills, who needed a physical runner to complement James Cook‘s skill set. I have him stashed virtually everywhere in case Cook misses any time. The Buffalo offense is prolific and constantly in scoring position. A powerful runner like Davis can also work the goal-line carries to spare Josh Allen from undue punishment.

The 49ers have the best running game scheme in the NFL. Christian McCaffrey still has no timetable to return from Achilles tendinitis, so the brunt of the work has gone to Jordan Mason. Mason has an extensive injury history himself, so stashing rookie Isaac Guerendo might be prudent. He isn’t much more than a straight-line bruiser with long speed, but in the Shanahan scheme, he’s good enough.

Neither Zamir White nor Alexander Mattison has done much this season. White has gained more yards, but Mattison has stumbled into the end zone a few times. Mattison is an intriguing stash as someone who could assume a quasi-starting role by outplaying White.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Written by Derek Brown

Dontayvion Wicks (GB): 14% rostered

Next Opponents: @LAR, ARI, HOU
True value: $7
Desperate Need: $11
Budget-minded: $4

Analysis: Christian Watson‘s ankle injury opened up the door for everyone’s offseason darling to explode in Week 4. Wicks led Green Bay with a 24% target share (13 targets) while snatching two touchdowns and rolling up 78 receiving yards. Wicks already proved that he has the talent to be a difference-maker for fantasy when given the opportunity. Last year, among 112 qualifying wide receivers, he ranked 43rd in separation, 17th in yards per route run and 44th in route win rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Wicks could compete weekly with Jayden Reed for the team lead in targets until Watson is back.

Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG): 26% rostered

Next Opponents: @SEA, CIN, PHI
True value: $6
Desperate Need: $9
Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: Robinson has been humming along as a PPR dynamo this season. He has a 25.5% target share, 1.67 yards per route run and a massive 26.5% first-read share in the Giants’ passing attack. Robinson might not be a sexy name, but you know what is sexy? Fantasy points, and Robinson is scoring them. Volume is king, baby. Robinson is seeing a heaping amount of it weekly. Seattle is a daunting matchup in Week 5, but after the Seahawks, Robinson gets advantageous matchups with Cincinnati and Philadelphia. Those two pass defenses have respectively allowed the 14th-most and third-most PPR points per target to slot receivers (per Fantasy Points Data).

Jerry Jeudy (CLE): 48% rostered

Next Opponents: @WAS, @PHI, CIN
True value: $5
Desperate Need: $8
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Jeudy continues to produce despite the lackluster quarterback play in Cleveland. He has drawn at least six targets in every game while eclipsing 70 receiving yards twice. His upcoming matchups against Washington, Philadelphia and Cincinnati are juicy. Washington and Philly entered Week 4 having allowed the most and the third-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. We have seen the Bengals secondary torched in recent weeks by Washington and Carolina. Jeudy has cemented himself as a weekly WR3.

Josh Downs (IND): 20% rostered

Next Opponents: @JAX, @TEN, MIA
True value: $4
Desperate Need: $7
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Well, so much for the concerns about Indy’s passing attack. Anthony Richardson started hot in Week 4 before injuring his hip. Joe Flacco did 2023 Flacco things after Richardson was lost for the week. He supported Downs and Michael Pittman solidly. Downs finished Week 4 with a 30% target share, 82 receiving yards and a score. Richardson might be back next week, but if he’s not, we should still feel great about Downs’ outlook against Jacksonville. The Jaguars have conceded the ninth-most PPR points per target to slot receivers (per Fantasy Points Data). Downs also has a solid matchup in Week 7 against the Dolphins, who have allowed the 13th-most PPR points per target to slot receivers.

Xavier Legette (CAR): 14% rostered

Next Opponents: @CHI, ATL, @WAS
True value: $4
Desperate Need: $6
Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Finally! With Adam Thielen felled by a hamstring injury, Legette finally got full run as a starter in the Panthers’ offense in Week 4. He responded nicely with a 25% target share, 66 receiving yards (1.78 yards per route run) and a score. The hyper-athletic rookie could use this game as a stepping stone. The talent is there for Legette to challenge Diontae Johnson for the team lead in targets weekly if he hits the ground running. He should be the team’s WR2 for the rest of the season if the coaching staff doesn’t continue to insist upon Jonathan Mingo getting a shot.

Darnell Mooney (ATL): 47% rostered

Next Opponents: TB, @CAR, SEA
True value: $2
Desperate Need: $4
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Mooney has been a consistent source of volume as a steady flex over the last three games. He has a strong 20.1% target share as the WR2 in the Falcons’ passing attack. Mooney has had at least 56 receiving yards in each of Atlanta’s last three games. Toss a touchdown on top of that production in any week, and Mooney is flirting with WR2 fantasy numbers. He should continue his hot streak over the next two weeks before hitting a brick wall with Seattle’s outside corners in Week 7.

Romeo Doubs (GB): 40% rostered

Next Opponents: @LAR, ARI, HOU
True value: $2
Desperate Need: $4
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Christian Watson‘s injury elevates everyone in the Packers’ passing attack for as long as he’s out. Green Bay’s WR position will remain a roulette wheel weekly depending on the corner and coverage matchups, but Doubs should remain heavily involved. In Jordan Love‘s two starts, Doubs has had a 17% target share while averaging 44.5 receiving yards. He has two beautiful matchups on deck against the hapless secondaries of the Rams and Cardinals, who have allowed the most and sixth-most PPR points per target, respectively, to perimeter wide receivers (per Fantasy Points Data).

Allen Lazard (NYJ): 36% rostered

Next Opponents: @MIN, BUF, @PIT
True value: $2
Desperate Need: $4
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Lazard has been a beneficiary of Garret Wilson getting shadow coverage and bracket treatment by opposing defenses. Lazard has scored three touchdowns in four games while seeing at least eight targets and producing 58 or more receiving yards in half of his games. As long as teams try this hard to take Wilson away, Lazard will see a bump in usage. His built-in rapport with Aaron Rodgers is paying off for fantasy GMs this season.

Jordan Whittington (LAR): 3% rostered

Next Opponents: GB, BYE, LV
True value: $2
Desperate Need: $4
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: Whittington acquitted himself well in his first game as a full-time starter. He drew a 27.5% target share with 62 receiving yards (2.0 yards per route run). Whittington led the Rams in targets (eight) while finishing second to only Tutu Atwell in receiving yards. Cooper Kupp could be back in the lineup within the next four games, which will hurt Whittington’s target share, but he should still be a full-time receiver in this offense until Puka Nacua comes back (which will take a bit longer). Whittington could develop into a solid weekly WR3 if he continues this type of production until Nacua is back.

Demarcus Robinson (LAR): 28% rostered

Next Opponents: GB, BYE, LV
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Robinson won’t be heavily sought after on waivers this week after his three targets, two receptions and 37 receiving yards against Chicago, but he offers the most consistent role in this Rams’ passing attack for the rest of the season. The Bears’ love of two-high coverage can be blamed for Robinson’s sleepy Week 5. His next two matchups are against the Packers and Raiders, who feature single-high at top-12 rates in the NFL (56.7-57.1%, per Fantasy Points Data). Against single-high, Robinson has a decent 16% target per route run rate and 1.64 yards per route run. While these aren’t eye-popping stats, he will remain a flex fixture for the rest of the season, as at least the WR3 for the Rams.

Tutu Atwell (LAR): 8% rostered

Next Opponents: GB, BYE, LV
True value: $0
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Atwell popped off in Week 4 with a team-leading 82 receiving yards while drawing a 20.6% target share. While I would love to tell you that this will continue, it was partially thanks to the Bears’ love of two-high coverage. Atwell’s next two matchups are against the Packers and Raiders, who feature single-high at top-12 rates in the NFL (56.7-57.1%, per Fantasy Points Data). Atwell is only relevant as a fantasy producer until Cooper Kupp comes back, and then he will likely be sent packing to the bench. Atwell could be a low-end flex against Green Bay and Las Vegas, but don’t bid on him unless you’re searching in desperation to fill a flex spot in a 14-team league.

Stash Candidates: none

QUARTERBACKS

Written by Bo McBrayer

Justin Fields (PIT): 31% rostered

Next Opponents: DAL, @LV, NYJ
True value: $9
Desperate Need: $14
Budget-minded: $5

Analysis: The good news is that a lot of you added Fields last week (or earlier) and enjoyed his first massive fantasy performance (33.98 points). There is still some concern that, with Pittsburgh suffering its first loss of the season Sunday against the Colts, Fields’ grasp on the starting job over an “injured” Russell Wilson might not be stable. When active, Fields is a weekly QB1. The next two games are also against suspect defenses, Dallas and Las Vegas. Scared money doesn’t make money, so I’m at the well with my ladle again.

Geno Smith (SEA): 44% rostered

Next Opponents: NYG, SF, @ATL
True value: $7
Desperate Need: $11
Budget-minded: $4

Analysis: You all know how much I love Geno Smith by now. Week 5 offers a date with the putrid Giants. Geno has weapons and a capable coaching staff. He is making big-time throws behind an improved and healthy offensive line. Streaming him could help you win fantasy championships this season, as it did in 2022.

Derek Carr (NO): 47% rostered

Next Opponents: @KC, TB, DEN
True value: $3
Desperate Need: $6
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: After throwing for six touchdowns through two weeks, Carr has come hurtling back to the pavement with only one in his last two games. Perfect. While some might toss him back into the waiver pond like an undersized trout, it’s good timing to stream him against the Chiefs and Buccaneers. Kansas City and Tampa Bay are each among the top-10 most favorable matchups for fantasy QB, thanks to having large leads early in games. Carr and new Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak look like a great match, especially when involving Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara more in the early-read sequences.

Andy Dalton (CAR): 14% rostered

Next Opponents: @CHI, ATL, @WAS
True value: $2
Desperate Need: $4
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: I’m not in love with Andy Dalton‘s next two matchups. Chicago and Atlanta have been stingy against the pass, but look to Week 7 for a sparkling clash with the abysmal Commanders secondary. It’s sort of funny to think about a streaming QB so far in advance, but savvy managers will definitely notice such a juicy spot. I would definitely pull the trigger if my starting QB is Dak Prescott, whose Cowboys have a bye in Week 7.

Joe Flacco (IND): 1% rostered

Next Opponents: @JAX, @TEN, MIA
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Joe Flacco has now tossed multiple touchdown passes in a league-high eight consecutive games. Colts starter Anthony Richardson was knocked out of Sunday’s game with a hip injury, and there is no word yet on its severity. Richardson managers might want to hedge by adding Flacco for a date with the porous Jaguars secondary, but don’t expect much in the way of ceiling from the former Super Bowl MVP.

Stash Candidates: none

Save those precious bench spots for skill players. You should only add a QB from waivers with the intention of starting them.

TIGHT ENDS

Written by Derek Brown

Tucker Kraft (GB): 4% rostered

Next Opponents: @LAR, ARI, HOU
True value: $6
Desperate Need: $9
Budget-minded: $3

Analysis: Kraft has firmly established himself as the Packers’ starting tight end. Jordan Love‘s whopping 54 passing attempts in Week 4 helped Kraft draw nine targets, but his 16.6% target share is still quite good for a tight end. Kraft finished with 53 receiving yards and a score while rocking an 86% snap share and an 89% route share. Kraft has kicked Luke Musgrave to the curb and has TE1 upside for the rest of the season. He is immediately streamable this week against a Rams defense that entered Week 4 having allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Erick All Jr. (CIN): 1% rostered

Next Opponents: BAL, @NYG, @CLE
True value: $3
Desperate Need: $5
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: All has seen his role in the Cincy offense increase weekly. In Week 4, he had a season-high 60% snap rate while drawing a 12.9% target share. The problem is that he did this with only a 32% route share, as he was blocking for a large portion of the game. But this could change quickly, as All’s calling card is his receiving upside. Picking up All now could pay huge dividends for the rest of the season as he continues to carve out more of a role weekly in this offense. The talent is there for him to develop into a fringe TE1 this season if he can punt Mike Gesicki to the bench.

Zach Ertz (WAS): 30% rostered

Next Opponents: CLE, @BAL, CAR
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Ertz continues to live on the fringe of TE1 status. In Week 4, he saw his snap share dip to 68%, but he retained a 100% route share and drew a 10% target share. The ceiling isn’t high with Ertz, but he’s been a consistent source of at least three receptions and 22 receiving yards in each game. If you add a touchdown to any of those stat lines, he’s a low-end TE1 in weekly scoring. While I wouldn’t remotely consider starting him in Week 5 against the Browns, Ertz is quite streamable against the Ravens and Panthers, who have allowed the second-most and fourth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. Ertz is a perfect asset for your team if your tight end has a Week 6 or Week 7 bye.

Taysom Hill (NO): 39% rostered

Next Opponents: @KC, TB, DEN
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Hill left the Saints’ Week 4 game against the Falcons with an injury. His fantasy day was already made at the time of his departure, though. Hill had six carries, 24 rushing yards, and two scores. Hill could miss some time, but when he returns, he will still be a weekly TE1 dice roll worthy of consideration.

Colby Parkinson (LAR): 26% rostered

Next Opponents: GB, BYE, LV
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The 2024 Cade Otton, aka Colby Parkinson, drew a 24.1% target share in Week 4, but he produced only 33 receiving yards. Parkinson won’t wow anyone with his efficiency metrics or box score output, but he can be a serviceable streamer when the conditions are right. Those are the exact conditions we have for Parkinson in Weeks 5 & 7. The Packers and Raiders have allowed the sixth-most and 12th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.

DEFENSES

Written by Pat Fitzmaurice

Denver Broncos: 16% rostered

Next Opponents: LV, LAC, @NO
True value: $2
Desperate Need: $3
Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: The Broncos’ defense has been unexpectedly tough so far, holding opponents to an average of 13.8 points a game and racking up 16 sacks. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s unit is a top-10 fantasy defense. The Broncos get an appealing Week 5 matchup against the Raiders, followed by a playable Week 6 matchup against the injury-riddled Chargers. In fact, you could continue to use the Broncos in Weeks 7 and 8 vs. the Saints and Panthers. This is a good week for streaming defenses, but it’s still worth going an extra buck on the Broncos when placing your FAAB bids.

Seattle Seahawks: 25% rostered

Next Opponents: NYG, SF, @ATL
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $2
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Daniel Jones has been turnover-prone for much of his NFL career, and the Seahawks will host Danny Dimes and the Giants this week. Jones has thrown three interceptions in his first four games and has been sacked nine times. The Seahawks ranked 11th in defensive fantasy scoring entering Week 4

New England Patriots: 3% rostered

Next Opponents: MIA, HOU, @JAX
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: This is not a star-studded New England defense, but the Patriots are no pushovers either, and they have an appealing home matchup against the Dolphins this week. Miami is trying to figure out a solution at quarterback while Tua Tagovailoa recovers from a concussion, with the recently signed Tyler Huntley getting his first start Monday night against the Titans. In 10 career starts (including playoffs), Huntley has thrown seven interceptions and absorbed 25 sacks.

Green Bay Packers: 31% rostered

Next Opponents: @LAR, ARI, HOU
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Green Bay has forced three turnovers in each of its first four games. The Packers have already recorded more interceptions (eight) than they had during the 2023 regular season, and Packers safety Xavier McKinney has intercepted a pass in each of his first four games with his new team. The Packers get a Week 5 matchup against the Rams, who have been hit hard with injuries at wide receiver and along their offensive line.

Washington Commanders: 1% rostered

Next Opponents: CLE, @BAL, CAR
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Washington’s defense went into Week 4 ranked 32nd in DVOA, but the Commanders turned in a strong performance in a 42-14 road win over the Cardinals on Sunday, holding Arizona to 296 yards of offense and sacking Kyler Murray four times. This week, the Commanders face a sputtering Browns offense that could muster only 241 yards Sunday against a Raiders defense that was missing star DE Maxx Crosby. Browns QB Deshaun Watson has already been sacked 19 times and has thrown three interceptions.

Las Vegas Raiders: 26% rostered

Next Opponents: @DEN, PIT, @LAR
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The Raiders entered Week 4 ranked dead last in defensive fantasy scoring, having accumulated just three points in their first three games. But streaming defenses is more about the opponent than the defense itself, and the Raiders get a Week 5 date with rookie QB Bo Nix and the Broncos. Nix has thrown four interceptions in his first four games, and the Broncos are averaging 15.5 points. One word of caution here: Regardless of matchup, the Raiders are still a low-level streaming option this week, and you probably shouldn’t bid on them unless there’s an indication early in the week that star DE Maxx Crosby will return in Week 5 after missing Week 4 with an ankle injury.

Jacksonville Jaguars: 4% rostered

Next Opponents: IND, @CHI, NE
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The Jacksonville defense hasn’t exactly been airtight this year, but the Jags are in play as a Week 5 streaming option if Anthony Richardson is forced to miss Week 5 with a hip injury and the Colts start Joe Flacco. Last year, Flacco was an interception machine, throwing 10 INTs in six starts for the Browns (playoffs included). Richardson has been interception-prone himself this season, though we don’t recommend using the Jacksonville defense if Richardson is able to face the Jags this week.

Stash Candidates: none

KICKERS

Written by Pat Fitzmaurice

Austin Seibert (WAS): 2% rostered

Next Opponents: CLE, @BAL, CAR
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The Washington offense is absolutely humming with rookie QB Jayden Daniels at the controls, giving Seibert a bevy of scoring opportunities. Since replacing Cade York as the Commanders’ kicker in Week 2, Seibert has converted 10-of-10 field goals and 9-of-9 extra points. If you neglected to draft Daniels, Brian Robinson Jr. or Terry McLaurin, here’s your chance to get in on the fun with the Commanders.

Jason Myers (SEA): 11% rostered

Next Opponents: NYG, SF, @ATL
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-minded: $-

Analysis: The Seattle offense has been consistent, putting up at least 23 points in each of its first three games heading into a Monday-night matchup against the Dolphins in Week 4. Myers is averaging 10 fantasy points per game, having made 6-of-7 field goals and 7-of-7 extra points. He’s a solid streaming option this week with a home game against the Giants.

Cairo Santos (CHI): 19% rostered

Next Opponents: CAR, JAX, BYE
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Santos gets an attractive Week 5 matchup against the Panthers. Carolina had given up the second-most fantasy points to kickers through the first three weeks of the season, then yielded two field goals and four extra points to Cincinnati’s Evan McPherson in Week 4. Santos has hit 6-of-7 field goals and 6-of-6 extra points this year.

Chris Boswell (PIT): 34% rostered

Next Opponents: DAL, @LV, NYJ
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: The Steelers’ offense hasn’t committed many turnovers but hasn’t scored a lot of touchdowns either. That’s a pretty good recipe for a kicker. Boswell has already booted 11 field goals and entered Week 4 trailing only the Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey in fantasy scoring among kickers. Matchups against Dallas and Las Vegas the next two weeks look agreeable.

Chase McLaughlin (TB): 5 rostered

Next Opponents: @ATL, @NO, BAL
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: McLaughlin is a perfect 7-of-7 on field goals this season, although a missed extra point Sunday against the Eagles marred his perfect record for the season. Aside from a Week 3 hiccup against Denver, the Buccaneers’ offense has been clicking. McLaughlin will be kicking indoors the next two weeks with divisional road games against the Falcons and Saints.

Blake Grupe (NO): 17% rostered

Next Opponents: @KC, TB, DEN
True value: $1
Desperate Need: $1
Budget-minded: $0

Analysis: Grupe ranked sixth in fantasy scoring among kickers heading into Week 4. He’s made 8-of-8 field goals and 13-of-14 extra points. Grupe gets a Week 5 matchup against the Chiefs, who are giving up 10.3 fantasy points per game to kickers.

Stash Candidates: none

FOOL’S GOLD

The Washington offense has become a lot of fun, and journeyman RB Jeremy McNichols got in on the merriment in Week 4, carrying eight times for 68 yards and two touchdowns in Washington’s 42-14 romp over Arizona. Alas, Austin Ekeler will return from a concussion in a week or two, pushing McNichols back down to No. 3 on the depth chart.

Speaking of the Commanders, Olamide Zaccheaus had a team-high 85 receiving yards in Washington’s win over Arizona. But don’t be fooled: Zaccheaus recorded six catches despite playing only 18 snaps and running 11 routes, per PFF’s Nathan Jahnke. Leave Zaccheaus on the waiver wire.

DROP RECOMMENDATIONS

Droppable:

Through four games, Gabe Davis has 9-121-0 on 21 targets. He’s no better than No. 3 in the Jaguars’ target pecking order behind WRs Brian Thomas Jr. and Christian Kirk, and Davis will slide down further once TE Evan Engram is back from injury. You can’t comfortably start Davis in fantasy, so there’s no point carrying him on your roster.

In a better offense, Antonio Gibson‘s role as a third-down back and handcuff might have value. In the lifeless New England offense, it does not.

Justin Herbert‘s passing yardage in his first four games: 144, 130, 125, 179. Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman will never be mistaken for Chargers coaching legend Don “Air” Coryell. Now that the Chargers are going on bye, this is a good time to ditch Herbert if you’re in a 1QB league. He’s still being rostered in 49% of Yahoo leagues.

Adam Thielen is still rostered in 17% of Yahoo leagues. There’s no reason to leave the light on for the 34-year-old Thielen, who’ll be out for weeks with a significant hamstring injury.

Droppable with a chance of regret:

Joe Mixon seemed close to returning from an ankle injury in Week 4, but the Texans opted to keep him on ice for another week. Mixon is likely to return in Week 5, relegating Cam Akers to backup duty. Akers was merely serviceable as a starter against the Jaguars on Sunday, carrying 13 times for 51 yards and no touchdowns, with no involvement as a pass catcher.

If you’re compelled to wave the white flag on Mark Andrews, sure, go ahead and drop him. This just isn’t getting any better. Maybe he’s still not fully over the ankle/leg injury he sustained last November. Or maybe he’s just not as essential to the Baltimore offense as he used to be. Whatever the case, Andrews’ fantasy value is in the tank, with few signs of impending recovery.

Deebo Samuel returned to action on Sunday after missing Week 3. While Deebo was away, Jennings erupted for 175 yards and three touchdowns against the Rams. With Deebo back, Jennings had 3-83-0 on six targets against the Patriots. The yardage total was impressive, but Jennings simply won’t be playable while fighting for whatever table scraps Deebo, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle leave for him.

Christian Watson is expected to miss multiple weeks with a high-ankle sprain. Considering that Watson hasn’t done much this season and will need to earn our trust upon his return before finding his way into our lineups, he’s expendable if you need to make some roster moves with the arrival of the bye weeks.

Don’t drop yet:

The Bears’ passing attack hasn’t kicked into gear yet, so Chicago’s mighty WR trio hasn’t provided much fantasy goodness yet. D.J. Moore certainly isn’t droppable, but some fantasy managers might be tempted to drop either Keenan Allen or Rome Odunze. Don’t do it yet. Chicago has some terrific passing-game matchups coming up. The Bears face the Jaguars this week. Then, after a Week 6 bye, Chicago gets Washington and Arizona. If some of your other receivers have byes, you might be happy to plug Allen or Odunze into your lineup considering the juicy matchups.

Yes, Kyle Pitts‘ intermittent production is maddening. But let’s face it: None of the tight ends available on waivers are clear upgrades over Pitts. I know you’re sick of hearing about Pitts’ potential, but that 1,000-yard rookie season really did happen. Grit your teeth and do your best not to spite-drop the inscrutable young tight end despite his inconsistency.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Pickups to Target, Stash & Drop (Week 5)

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice

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