Week 5 Waiver Wire Adds | 2026 Fantasy Football Advice

Braelon Allen is a high-value handcuff to roster, as injuries to starting running backs like Kenneth Walker III or Christian McCaffrey can quickly create significant fantasy opportunities.

Brenton Strange is cited as evidence of the Bengals' defensive vulnerability against tight ends, with the source noting that any tight end playing them is likely to be open regardless of route participation.

Chris Bell has reached an 82% snap share, but the source advises patience. His deep-route profile struggled in a recent bad matchup where the quarterback had to release the ball quickly. He remains a stash candidate who may become more reliable after the team's upcoming bye week.

Christian McCaffrey is used as a reference point for a starting running back whose potential injury would make handcuff players highly valuable.

Colby Parkinson's injury status remains uncertain for the upcoming week, with the source indicating that updates are expected by Friday.

DJ Moore has suffered a setback with his shoulder injury, creating uncertainty regarding his availability for the upcoming week.

Dallas Goedert is likely to miss another game due to injury.

Dameon Pierce is currently on the practice squad and may be elevated, but the source expects his role to be minimal, noting that it is highly unlikely he or Jaden Blue will see significant volume like 15 rush attempts in Week 5.

Daniel Jones is a recommended target for defensive streaming; he has thrown an interception in every game this season and averages two sacks taken per game.

DeVonta Smith is not expected to play this week due to injury.

Greg Dulcich is a recommended streaming tight end option against the Bengals, who are described as a 'smash spot' for the position. While his offensive involvement has been low, the matchup creates high-end potential for targets.

Fantasy Football Advice recommends Isaac Tesla as a waiver target for deeper 12-team leagues; he has posted 66 and 95 receiving yards over the last two weeks. Although he has yet to score a touchdown, he maintains a consistent role in the red zone and benefits from playing in a high-volume passing offense.

Ja'Marr Chase is expected to miss the upcoming week due to a concussion; there is a broader concern that both he and Tee Higgins are dealing with multi-week injuries that may keep them sidelined.

Joe Mixon is a high-priority waiver target after signing with the Seahawks. His signing suggests the team is concerned about Jarian Price's injury timeline, giving Mixon a legitimate path to a significant role, potentially filling the void left by Kenneth Walker. He is considered a high-upside add despite his age and recent injury history.

Keaton Mitchell is a high-priority FAAB target due to his rapidly increasing touch counts (4, 6, 11, 15) and involvement in the passing game, including six targets in his most recent outing. He is currently the RB34 in half-PPR scoring and is one of only two top-45 running backs in points per game who remains available in over 60% of leagues.

Kenneth Walker III is on a bye in Week 5, which may force fantasy managers into desperation waiver wire moves for replacement running backs. He is also cited as a reference point for a starting running back whose potential injury would make handcuff players highly valuable.

Keon Coleman is a viable waiver wire add and potential flex option if DJ Moore is forced to miss time due to his shoulder injury.

Khalil Shakir is a viable waiver wire add and potential flex option if DJ Moore is forced to miss time due to his shoulder injury.

Ladd McConkey is currently injured again, which creates a significant opportunity for Tre Harris to see increased snaps and targets in the Chargers' passing attack.

Mike Gesicki is a top-tier tight end streaming option, projected as a top-five play if Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are both sidelined. Gesicki historically sees increased workload and production when Bengals star receivers are out.

Ollie Gordon is recommended as a handcuff running back to stash on fantasy rosters in case of injuries to starting running backs.

Rashee Rice has re-suffered a hamstring injury. The team's bye week provides him with necessary time for recovery.

Despite ranking 28th in half-PPR scoring, Roman Wilson is a fade; his production is unsustainable as it relies on explosive deep balls rather than consistent route running. He is playing less than 40% of snaps and is described as a 'poor man's Alec Pierce.'

Tank Bigsby is expected to miss 6 to 8 weeks following surgery. This long-term injury creates a significant vacancy in the backfield, opening up immediate opportunity for Will Shipley.

Tee Higgins is dealing with a multi-week injury, with the source noting a significant chance he will not play this week alongside Ja'Marr Chase.

Terrence Ferguson is confirmed to miss at least three more weeks due to injury.

There are rumors that Tony Pollard could be traded within the next month, as the Titans are not expected to re-sign him and are unlikely to win many games this season.

The source questions whether the Chiefs will continue to lean on Travis Kelce for 7-8 targets every single week for the remainder of the season.

Trey Harris is showing consistent production with three straight games of at least 53 receiving yards and a season-high 93% snap share; he has potential to earn more work from Quentin Johnston.

Tre Harris is a viable waiver add coming off three straight games with at least 53 receiving yards and a season-high 93% snap share. He is currently 32nd in receiving yards and is positioned to siphon workload from Quentin Johnston, who is struggling, and benefit from Ladd McConkey's recurring injury issues.

Tyjae Spears is a speculative waiver add; he is currently working through an injury, but his fantasy value would increase significantly if Tony Pollard is traded, as rumors suggest the Titans may move Pollard within the next month.

Tyler Allgeier is noted as one of only two top-45 running backs in points per game who is widely available on waiver wires, alongside Keaton Mitchell.

Tyquan Thornton is dealing with a long-term injury, and the source notes he has been ineffective as a receiver.

Tyreek Hill is a high-upside waiver target, likely to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs. While he may not play until Week 8-10, he is worth a 15% FAAB bid due to his established chemistry with Patrick Mahomes and the lack of reliable wide receiver production in Kansas City. He is considered a potential league-winner and is in the same general acquisition priority range as Joe Mixon.

Tyson Bagent is recommended as a streaming quarterback, as he is efficient through the air and faces a weak Packers defense. The source expresses confidence in Bagent as a viable starter for the remainder of the season while Caleb Williams is sidelined.

Will Shipley is the top waiver wire priority for Week 5 following injuries to Tank Bigsby and Saquon Barkley. He is a passing-down specialist locked into that role, ensuring significant snaps regardless of other backfield elevations. He is a viable spot start for the next few weeks, should be rostered in all leagues, and warrants a 25-30% FAAB bid for desperate managers. He also serves as a valuable handcuff for potential upside should other starters suffer injuries.

Xavier Worthy has been 'absolutely terrible' this season, but he remains rosterable simply because he is actively running routes in an offense that trusts its receivers.