Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Watch: Week Five

Week Five has four teams’ worth of fantasy starters sidelined with byes. This week, we will be without the services of Jacksonville, Kansas City, New Orleans, and Seattle. We are also dealing with a new wave of injuries, forcing owners to turn to the waiver wire to stay afloat. Here is a look at some of the best options available in at least 50% of leagues.

Hunter Henry (TE—SD): Henry was on this list last week and here he is again. The rookie TE had four receptions for 61 yards and a TD this past Sunday, awarding his owners immediately if they chose him as a streaming option. With Antonio Gates still sidelined, he looks like a solid bet at a thin TE position.
(ESPN: 32.5% owned, Yahoo: 30% owned)

Kenneth Dixon (RB—BAL): Yes, the Baltimore backfield is a committee situation right now, and that doesn’t bode well for any fantasy owner. But Dixon had a solid preseason and was a first-round selection, meaning he could take over the bulk of carries down the stretch (and through the fantasy playoffs). Baltimore also released fellow RB Justin Forsett earlier today. If you have the room on your bench, Dixon is worth a stash.
(ESPN: 21% owned, Yahoo: 25% owned)

Eddie Royal (WR—CHI): If Kevin White is sidelined for a while due to injury and Alshon Jeffrey continues to struggle with knee and hamstring issues, Royal could be in line for a big uptick in targets. The wideout had 111 yards and a TD in Sunday’s win over Detroit, and has found the end zone in three of four games this season (two receiving TDs, one punt return TD).
(ESPN: 9% owned, Yahoo: 13% owned)

Chris Hogan (WR—NE): While Julian Edelman remains the WR1 in New England, Hogan’s production is certainly in line for a boost with the return of Tom Brady from suspension. He had a no-show Week Four performance in the Patriots’ shutout loss, but was on the field for 93% of the offensive snaps. Hogan may not be an immediate start, but Brady will increase his value tremendously.
(ESPN: 31% owned, Yahoo: 24% owned)

Dwayne Washington (RB—DET): Washington has been splitting carries with Theo Riddick in Ameer Abdullah’s absence, but the rookie is setting himself apart as the better of the two backs. Washington seemed poised to receive more carries before an injury suffered against Chicago hampered his Week Four production. He is reportedly dealing with a sprained ankle/foot, but is hopeful to suit up this Sunday. When he returns, Washington should be in line for a hefty workload.
(ESPN: 34% owned, Yahoo: 38% owned)

Robert Woods (WR—BUF): Sammy Watkins is on IR, and Woods is now the number one guy in Buffalo. Last week, he amassed seven receptions for 89 yards against the stingy Patriots’ defense and should be in line for more success down the road. If you’re in need of a WR, Woods is worth a waiver claim, or at the very least, worth keeping an eye on.
(ESPN: 10% owned, Yahoo: 8% owned)

Carson Wentz (QB—PHI): Well-rested following his bye week, Wentz returns to face a lackluster Detroit defense in Week Five. He has five TDs and no INTs over his first three games, so if you’re without a QB because of the byes, or need a solid backup down the stretch, Wentz could be your guy.
(ESPN: 34% owned, Yahoo: 40% owned)

Deeper leagues may be struggling more with the waiver wire at this point. If your RB or TE options are as slim as they are in our BRB writers’ league, you might be better off trading if you can talk your league-mates into it.

Let’s discuss the options. With all of the injuries and byes, who is your top waiver wire target for Week Five? Did anyone not make this list that you think should be mentioned? And who are you dropping to snag your next sleeper?

On Thursday, you’ll get your weekly dose of Fantasy Flex for start and sit advice. If you have any roster questions before then, feel free to leave them in the comments section below! Happy roster-setting!

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