Week 5 Waiver Wire: MUST-ADD Pickups & Deep Sleepers

Adonai Mitchell should be added if he was dropped in any leagues, as his role was very strong to start the year and the Jets offense needs his help.

Antonio Williams is a recommended waiver add due to his consistent 70% plus route participation and target volume, despite the quarterback situation. He nearly scored an 87-yard touchdown in week four.

Austin Ekeler is a potential waiver add who could lead a two-man backfield while Rachaad White is out with a shoulder injury; he showed positives in his debut with four carries for 29 yards and two targets, and he may overtake Jakori Krosky Merritt for the lead role.

Bowers has recorded 20+ PPR points in back-to-back weeks and is utilized in an elite role compared to Jaxon Smith-Njigba playing tight end. His consistent production makes him a major boost for fantasy managers.

Caleb Williams is expected to return to the starting lineup very soon, which will impact the fantasy value of backup Tyson Bagent.

Chigoziem Okonkwo should be rostered in tight end premium formats due to promising snap rates and a strong connection with Jayden Daniels; he is a player to monitor in regular PPR formats.

Chris Bell is a viable long-term roster stash, especially after having a touchdown called back in recent action.

Colston Loveland had a breakout performance with nine targets, six catches, and 57 yards, providing 11.7 PPR points; he is showing potential for growth with Tyson Bagent at quarterback after being buried on depth charts early in the season.

Cyrus Allen is the top waiver wire add at wide receiver and the preferred younger wide receiver to target in Kansas City; he generated significant hype during the preseason and is expected to see a big opportunity.

Darius Cooper is a deep-league waiver target after recording two touchdowns on seven targets; while it could be a one-off, he is worth monitoring.

Darnell Washington is a deep-league consideration in tight end premium formats; he has seen back-to-back weeks with end-zone targets from Aaron Rodgers, though his fantasy outlook remains speculative.

Montgomery has been a disappointing fantasy asset, with the team increasingly shifting usage toward Woody Marks in the backfield.

Drake Maye is showing signs of a resurgence following a strong performance, leading to a more optimistic outlook for his fantasy value.

Emanuel Wilson has streaming viability and should be rostered everywhere; he filled in admirably with 21 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown, plus three catches for 39 yards, showing improved receiving usage.

Jacoby Brissett is coming off a poor performance against the Giants with only 166 passing yards and three interceptions, but remains a streaming candidate due to a favorable upcoming matchup against Detroit's defense.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is used as a stylistic comparison for the high-volume, versatile role Brock Bowers occupies within the Raiders' offense.

Daniels is a must-add for Superflex managers due to his high fantasy upside driven by rushing ability, evidenced by 55 rushing yards on eight carries; he has a favorable upcoming matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

Jaylen Warren has an elite role in the Steelers' pass-heavy offense, especially with Rico Dowdle currently banged up.

Jaylen Wright was badly outproduced by Olli Gordon, but he should still be rostered to see how the Miami backfield evolves, as he has been with the team longer and possesses speed.

Joe Mixon is a speculative free agent pickup following his visit to Seattle. While his current form is unknown, he is worth a minimal bid in deeper leagues given the potential for veteran running backs to provide short-term fantasy viability and his history as a strong fantasy asset.

Justice Hill is a strong handcuff option behind Derrick Henry; his ability to catch passes makes him a viable lineup consideration for random 15-18 point weeks.

Kendre Miller is a recommended waiver wire pickup with significant upside potential; the speaker expresses high optimism for his role and notes having personally added him to many rosters, expecting a larger role in the Saints' backfield while Travis Etienne is on IR.

Kenneth Walker III is described as arguably the most valuable pick of the year, especially given his ADP at the one-two turn, though he is on a bye this week.

Jackson left his recent game wearing a boot; while the injury does not appear severe, fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the week. In leagues where every quarterback is rostered, managers should consider adding Tyler Huntley as a de facto handcuff.

Malachi Fields is a viable depth piece to monitor as his usage increases, coming off a season-high 52 receiving yards and a touchdown in week four.

Malik Washington has an elite role with back-to-back weeks of 11+ PPR points and added rushing usage with four carries over the last two weeks; he should be rostered in most leagues.

MarShawn Lloyd may see increased touches in a passing-down role for the Green Bay Packers due to injuries in the backfield.

Michael Mayer is a valuable roster piece in tight end premium formats, especially following his strong performance; his production has notably improved alongside Brock Bowers, making him a priority add. He played a significant snap share in two-tight-end sets and is worth a small FAAB bid in standard PPR leagues as an insurance policy for Bowers owners.

Michael Penix Jr. is considered a viable superflex starter, with the source noting the offense is capable of scoring points and he has shown promise.

Mike Gesicki is a strong roster candidate in tight end premium formats, currently averaging 11.1 points per game; he is a recommended waiver add who consistently benefits from wide receiver absences and is expected to see an increased role if Ja'Marr Chase or Tee Higgins miss time.

Olli Gordon is a top waiver wire priority after dominating second-half production and usage in Week 4.

Pat Freiermuth is a viable streaming option in PPR leagues, averaging nearly 10 points per game with 19 targets on the season; he serves as a reliable floor play despite being somewhat touchdown-dependent.

Roman Wilson should be rostered in deep or wide receiver-heavy formats. He has recorded exactly six targets in four consecutive games and has posted 15+ PPR points in back-to-back weeks.

Barkley suffered a concerning hamstring injury that caused him to leave the game; his status for the upcoming week is uncertain, and there is significant concern regarding potential re-aggravation.

Bigsby is a priority waiver wire target who saw 14 carries for 55 yards after Barkley exited; he is a high-priority add, though managers should monitor his status after he left the game late with an abdomen issue.

Terry McLaurin missed week four due to injury, and his status for week five remains uncertain.

Travis Etienne is currently on the IR, which creates a larger opportunity for other players in the Jacksonville backfield.

Trey Harris is a priority waiver add with a growing role; the year-two wide receiver recorded three catches for 60 yards in week four and six catches for 76 yards in week three.

Tyler Goodson is an undervalued handcuff who is currently the next man in line behind Javonte Williams.

Tyler Higbee is a recommended add in tight end premium leagues, having recorded 13 catches on 17 targets over his last two games; his usage is bolstered by Tyler Ferguson being on the IR.

Tyreek Hill is a high-upside speculative add due to rumors of a potential reunion with the Chiefs; while reports suggest agents have discussed a return, the situation remains highly uncertain, but he is a cheap stash for those looking for massive upside.

Shipley is a recommended waiver add in all formats, especially for those rostering Tank Bigsby, due to his strong receiving profile from his time at Clemson and potential for pass-catching volume against a tough Jacksonville run defense.

Woody Marks is seeing increased usage in the Houston offense, specifically valued for his ability as a receiver out of the backfield, making him a player to watch in the Texans' backfield rotation.