As we hit the quarter pole (basically) of the NFL season, we are also one-third of the way through the fantasy football regular season. That means we are starting to get a good idea of who these players are in 2024 and whether or not they are going to get us to the fantasy playoffs. It’s time to make some tough decisions on who to keep and who to drop. Looking at the Week 5 waiver wire, there are still some decent options to help solidify your roster. But we also add a new wrinkle to setting your lineups: the NFL bye weeks.
Chances are, your team needs some help. Here are the top five options available on most waiver wires right now.
Week 5 Waiver Wire Additions
Sam Darnold, QB, Minnesota Vikings
Available in 45% of Yahoo leagues, 56% of ESPN leagues, and 38% of Sleeper leagues
It’s time to put some respect on Sam Darnold’s name. He is the QB5 in fantasy and should not be available in 50% of leagues. Through four games, Darnold is at 932 yards and 11 TDs. We’ve never seen Darnold play at this level, as his best career season is 3024 yards and 19 TDs. With weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor (another great waiver pickup), Aaron Jones, and, soon, T.J. Hockenson, there is no reason to doubt this play continues. Do note that after his Week 5 revenge game against the Jets, the Vikings do have a Week 6 bye, so you will need to plan ahead. However, as weekly top-10 play, Darnold should be rostered in every league ASAP.
FAAB Bid: 5-8%
Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Available in 64% of Yahoo leagues, 78% of ESPN leagues, and 63% of Sleeper leagues
The Chiefs’ injury situation continues to get more challenging. On top of losing Isiah Pacheco a few weeks ago, it now appears that Rashee Rice will miss significant time with a knee injury. When Pacheco went down, there was speculation about who would be the new lead back or if there would even be one. After Week 4, we might finally have an answer. In his first game back with Kansas City, Hunt handled 14 carries. When compared to five for Samaje Perine and two for Carson Steele, it appears Hunt is going to lead the pack. Hunt also added three targets, which could expand with the loss of Rice. The earliest we’ll see Pacheco back is November, meaning Hunt could see great volume for the next four weeks. The Chiefs do have a Week 6 bye, but Hunt is still a must-add. If Pacheco isn’t able to get back in the early part of his injury window, Hunt could be a league-winner. There aren’t many of those left on waivers, and Kareem Hunt is worth the rest of your FAAB.
FAAB Bid: 50-100%
Justice Hill, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Available in 86% of Yahoo leagues, 90% of ESPN leagues, and 72% of Sleeper leagues
Hill is FAR more valuable in PPR leagues but should not be ignored in any league. With a Week 14 bye, he is the perfect RB2 to fill in over the next few weeks for those backs with earlier bye weeks. Hill is the current RB27 in fantasy and is averaging 11 fantasy points per game. He also has a pretty safe floor, and he has never finished with fewer than five fantasy points in a game this season. The most important stat is that Hill sits at 18 targets through four games, sixth-most in the league. His usage in the passing game is consistent and valuable. When you throw in the value bump he’d see if Derrick Henry were to miss time, you might have one of the most important handcuffs in fantasy football right now.
FAAB Bid: 8-10%
Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants
Available in 74% of Yahoo leagues, 72% of ESPN leagues, and 55% of Sleeper leagues
Speaking of PPR value, let me re-introduce you to Wan’Dale Robinson. One of the many benefits of adding Malik Nabers is that Robinson is able to play the role the Giants drafted him for: a high-volume, high-efficiency slot WR. Think Jarvis Landry. Much like Justice Hill, you are chasing target volume here. Through four games, Robinson is the WR20 and has the fifth-most targets of any WR in football. While defenses focus on trying (and failing) to stop Nabers, Robinson is eating them up underneath. He is never going to get you a ton of yards, but in PPR formats, he’s not finished with fewer than 9.8 fantasy points in any game this season.
FAAB Bid: 10-15%
Xavier Legette, WR, Carolina Panthers
Available in 86% of Yahoo leagues, 75% of ESPN leagues, and 62% of Sleeper leagues
Legette did not do much to establish himself in the preseason. However, when Adam Thielen went to the IR and Andy Dalton took over at QB, all bets were off. Suddenly, the Panthers are a viable passing team. Diontae Johnson looks like a WR1, and Legette is finding success in the number-two role. In Week 4, Legette saw ten targets and scored the first touchdown of his career. The Panthers don’t go on bye until Week 11, so that is six more games of this Carolina offense playing from behind and likely throwing a lot. Thielen won’t be back until Week 8, at the earliest, but don’t count on a quick recovery from a 34-year-old wide receiver. Legette should see plenty of work and find the endzone a few more times between now and November.
FAAB Bid: 8-13%
Be sure you’re following Ryan on Twitter! Also, you can find Club Fantasy’s Week 5 rankings here and the rest of our Week 5 content here!