Fantasy Football Waiver Wire, Week 5: Tank Bigsby, Dohnte Meyers among top pickups

Every Monday during the season, Justin Boone breaks down the recommended waiver-wire pickups.

Roster percentages are generated from Yahoo leagues. Free-Agent Budget (FAB) amounts are based on a $100 salary cap. Only players rostered in less than 50% of leagues are considered.

Key injuries to consider

Saquon Barkley (hamstring
Tank Bigsby (undisclosed)
Ja’Marr Chase (concussion)

Bye weeks

Pickups by position

Top-10 overall pickups for Week 5

Keaton Mitchell, RB, Chargers
Malik Washington, WR, Dolphins
Emanuel Wilson, RB, Seahawks
Mike Washington Jr., RB, Raiders
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Cardinals
Tre’ Harris, WR, Chargers
Mike Gesicki, TE, Bengals
Jacoby Brissett, QB, Cardinals

Quarterbacks

Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals

Next Up	Rostered	FAB
vs. Lions	16%	$2

Brissett hasn’t picked up where he left off last season, when he was a top-10 fantasy quarterback on a per game basis over the final 12 games. Fortunately, a matchup with the banged-up Lions secondary is the perfect recipe for any passer.

Through four weeks, Detroit has allowed at least 20 fantasy points to every quarterback they’ve faced, including Tyler Shough (QB6 in Week 1), Josh Allen (QB1 in Week 2), Geno Smith (QB3 in Week 3) and Bryce Young (QB6 in Week 4 with only Monday Night Football remaining).

Brissett is an excellent streaming option this week, just be careful about expecting any long-term solutions from him. Arizona will take on the Broncos, Rams (twice), Seahawks and Chiefs in five of the next six outings. If Brissett struggles and continues to turn the ball over (three interceptions this week), the Cardinals will likely see what they have in rookie Carson Beck down the stretch.

C.J. Stroud is 58% rostered but would be the No. 1 QB add if available.

Sam Darnold is 53% rostered but would be the No. 2 QB add behind Stroud, if available.

Risky streaming options

Kirk Cousins at NE (22% rostered)
Aaron Rodgers vs. IND (10% rostered)
Malik Willis vs. CIN (26% rostered)
Deshaun Watson at NYJ (9% rostered)

Risky streaming options (if starter is out)

Tyson Bagent at GB (3% rostered)
Tyler Huntley at ATL (0% rostered)

Desperation streaming options

Michael Penix Jr. vs. BAL (8% rostered)
Jameis Winston at WAS (4% rostered)
Geno Smith vs. CLE (10% rostered)
Cam Ward vs. HOU (9% rostered)
Daniel Jones at PIT (23% rostered)

Desperation streaming options (if starter is out)

Jalon Daniels at DAL (2% rostered)
Athan Kaliakmanis vs. NYG (0% rostered)

Running Backs

Tank Bigsby/Will Shipley, Eagles

Next Up	Rostered	FAB
at JAX	28%/1%	$9/$1

The trainer’s room is a busy place in Philadelphia, with DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert ruled out for Week 4, and Saquon Barkley joining them on the sidelines during the game due to a hamstring injury.

Bigsby handled the majority of the work from that point on, totaling 55 yards on 14 carries in the loss with Shipley being the preferred passing-down back. To complicate the situation even more, Bigsby left the game late in the fourth quarter with an injury of his own and it was unclear whether he sat out the final minutes because he was hurt or due to the trailing game script.

The initial updates on Barkley suggest it’s not a serious injury, but any hamstring ailment can result in a missed game or two. For the time being, Bigsby needs to be rostered everywhere, even though the Jaguars’ run defense isn’t an ideal opponent for a spot start in Week 5.

Managers in deep leagues can consider stashing Shipley, in case Barkley and Bigsby can’t suit up next week.

Keaton Mitchell, Chargers

Next Up	Rostered	FAB
vs. DEN	35%	$9

Despite saving his fantasy day yet again with a touchdown, Omarion Hampton’s usage continues to trend in the wrong direction. This week, the three-man committee played nearly even snaps with Mitchell (26), Hampton (25) and Kimani Vidal (25) sharing the backfield.

Hampton still led the way in fantasy production by turning his 11 touches into 53 scrimmage yards and a score, but Mitchell saw the most volume overall with 15 touches and 63 yards. Even Vidal had a solid outing with 36 yards and a receiving TD on seven chances.

This type of deployment makes it difficult to project usage and stat lines for the Chargers backs on a weekly basis. However, it’s clear Mitchell is a favorite of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who reportedly pounded the table to add him in the offseason. Given Mitchell’s uptick in volume and gamebreaking speed, he should be picked up as an upside RB3/flex to see how this develops in the coming weeks.

Emanuel Wilson, Seahawks

Next Up	Rostered	FAB
vs. SF	49%	$7

With Jadarian Price being placed on injured reserve, Wilson became a priority add in the lead up to Week 4. He answered the call with 21 carries for 81 rushing yards and a touchdown, as well as another 39 yards and a receiving TD on three receptions.

That’s a better spot start than any fantasy manager could have hoped for and positions Wilson to be in the low-end RB2 mix for Week 5 as long as the situation doesn’t change.

Zach Charbonnet had his practice window opened last week and could presumably be activated at any time. I’m not expecting Charbonnet to play against the 49ers, but it’s possible. For now, I’m projecting one more start for Wilson before Charbonnet returns.

It’s also worth noting, veteran free agent Joe Mixon is reportedly visiting the Seahawks this week. It was long believed Mixon’s career was over due to a foot injury, but the 30-year-old is apparently attempting a comeback. He’s worth stashing in the deepest of leagues, just in case he gets an opportunity.

Woody Marks is 55% rostered but would be the No. 3 RB add behind Wilson and Bigsby, if available.

Best one-injury away backup RBs to stash

Mike Washington Jr. (35% rostered)
Kaelon Black (42% rostered)
Emmett Johnson (32% rostered)
Brian Robinson (30% rostered)

Flex options

Tyler Allgeier vs. DET (36% rostered)
Kendre Miller vs. MIN (14% rostered)

Risky flex options

Chris Rodriguez Jr. vs. PHI (37% rostered)
George Holani vs. SF (15% rostered)
Tyjae Spears vs. HOU (27% rostered)

Dart-throw flex options

Najee Harris at WAS (6% rostered)
Jaylen Wright vs. CIN (32% rostered)

Dart-throw flex options (if starter is out)

Austin Ekeler vs. NYG (3% rostered)

Upside stashes to roster

Kaleb Johnson (6% rostered)

Deep stashes

Kimani Vidal (1% rostered)
Sean Tucker (1% rostered)
Tyler Goodson (0% rostered)
Seth McGowan (1% rostered)

Upside rookie stashes

Nicholas Singleton (2% rostered)
Demond Claiborne (2% rostered)

Injured-reserve stashes

Jonah Coleman (33% rostered)
James Conner (6% rostered)

Wide Receivers

Malik Washington, Dolphins

Next Up	Rostered	FAB
vs. CIN	31%	$7

Washington has become a regular part of the waiver wire column, since he still remains available in almost 70% of leagues. That’s despite averaging 55 receiving yards per game through the opening month.

Now, the 25-year-old is coming off his best outing of the season with five catches and 67 yards against the Vikings. He’s also earned target shares of 28% and 29% over the last two weeks, which is especially important in Miami’s low-volume passing attack.

This isn’t a league-winning waiver wire pickup, but Washington can be a solid WR3/flex in your lineup as bye weeks begin.

Keon Coleman, Bills

Next Up	Rostered	FAB
vs. LAR	4%	$3

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen DJ Moore leave a game due to injury, only to have Coleman step up. The first time that occurred was in Week 2, when Coleman posted 63 yards and six receptions. On Sunday, the results were even better with Coleman catching six of his seven targets for 116 yards and a touchdown.

It’s a one-game sample, but this was the best version of Coleman I can remember watching as a Bills fan. He looked more crisp on his routes and was getting some snaps out of the slot.

Coleman’s path to being a star disappeared a long time ago, but he’s now shown us on two separate occasions that he can fill in when injuries require it. While there weren’t many silver linings to take away from this loss for Buffalo, Coleman’s performance was a positive step towards him being a more capable second or third option in the offense.

For fantasy, you’re picking him up in case Moore’s aggravation leads to missed time. I’ll update this article when we get an update on his status.

Tre’ Harris, Chargers

Next Up	Rostered	FAB
vs. DEN	9%	$3

Even before Ladd McConkey aggravated his foot injury, Harris had taken on a bigger role in the Chargers offense this year. The 24-year-old wideout has topped 50 yards in each of his last three games while playing 77% of the snaps on the year. That includes a season-high 93% snap share in Week 4 when McConkey left early.

Harris now has 13 catches for 209 yards on 21 targets through four games. He’s outproduced Quentin Johnston, who has just seven catches for 108 yards.

Investing in the Chargers’ passing attack might not seem that exciting given Justin Herbert’s struggles so far, but Harris is a low-risk pickup capable of returning fantasy WR3 value if McConkey sits out.

Dohnte Meyers, Bengals

Next Up	Rostered	FAB
at MIA	1%	$3

The Bengals lost both their star wideouts to injuries on Sunday. Ja’Marr Chase’s status is up in the air as he’ll try to clear concussion protocol this week. Meanwhile, Tee Higgins is dealing with an adductor injury that’s put him on the doubtful side to suit up in Week 5.

That allowed Meyers to see nine targets against the Jaguars, hauling in seven of them for 82 yards.

If I told you Joe Burrow’s potential No. 1 receiver might be available on the waiver wire right before a favorable matchup with the Dolphins, is that something you might be interested in?

Tyreek Hill, Free Agent

The market for Hill is reportedly heating up, with many people connecting the dots to his former team the Chiefs. Kansas City just lost Rashee Rice (short-term) and Tyquan Thornton (long-term) to injury, which creates a clear need at the position.

However, let’s make one thing clear: this is not prime Tyreek Hill. Even prior to suffering a torn ACL, left knee dislocation and multiple other torn ligaments, the 32-year-old was a declining player.

Even so, if he’s healthy and lands on a contender like the Chiefs, he could return fantasy WR3 value with some potential upside. This is still a stash and see situation, so don’t let your expectations run wild until we find out where he signs and whether he’s anywhere close to his past form.

Romeo Doubs is 57% rostered but would be the No. 1 WR add, if available.

Jakobi Meyers is 55% rostered but would be the No. 2 WR add behind Doubs, if available.

Jordyn Tyson is 51% rostered but can be added as an IR stash, if available.

WR4/flex options (if healthy)

Adonai Mitchell vs. CLE (29% rostered)

Flex options (if starter is out)

Khalil Shakir at LAR (42% rostered)

Flex options (if healthy)

Keenan Allen at PIT (37% rostered)

Risky flex options

Chris Bell vs. CIN (8% rostered)
Roman Wilson vs. IND (3% rostered)
Tre Tucker at NE (42% rostered)
Rashid Shaheed vs. SF (33% rostered)

Risky flex options (if healthy)

Mack Hollins vs. LV (12% rostered)

Risky flex options (if starter is out)

Darius Cooper at JAX (0% rostered)

Dart-throw flex options

Malachi Fields at WAS (7% rostered)
Kalif Raymond at GB (38% rostered)
Jaylin Noel at TEN (2% rostered)

Dart-throw flex options (if healthy)

Caleb Douglas vs. CIN (16% rostered)

Dart-throw flex options (if starter is out)

Isaiah Williams vs. CLE (2% rostered)
Treylon Burks vs. NYG (0% rostered)
Laquon Treadwell at PIT (0% rostered)
Mitch Tinsley at MIA (0% rostered)
Joshua Palmer at LAR (2% rostered)

Upside rookie stashes

Makai Lemon (49% rostered)
Antonio Williams (6% rostered)
Ja’Kobi Lane (9% rostered)
Ted Hurst III (2% rostered)

Deep stashes

Ryan Flournoy (8% rostered)
Tory Horton (0% rostered)
Isaac TeSlaa (3% rostered)
Josh Cameron (0% rostered)

Trade-deadline stashes

Jerry Jeudy (5% rostered)

Bye-week stashes

Jalen Royals (0% rostered)
Cyrus Allen (2% rostered)

Tight Ends

Mike Gesicki, Bengals

Next Up	Rostered	FAB
at MIA	7%	$3

With Ja’Marr Chase in concussion protocol and Tee Higgins unlikely to play in Week 5 due to his adductor injury, Gesicki is back in play as a fantasy starter.

In their absence, Gesicki found the end zone for the third time this season. He now has three solid stat lines in four games, with 5-78-1, 3-37-1 and 3-40-1.

This week also marks a revenge game for Gesicki against the Dolphins. In his last meeting with Miami, he scored a touchdown as well. If both Chase and Higgins are sidelined, Gesicki will be a fantasy TE1 this week. If Chase manages to play, Gesicki will still be a strong high-end TE2 streamer.

Kenyon Sadiq is 56% rostered but would be the No. 2 TE add behind Gesicki, if available.

Streaming options

TJ Hockenson at NO (29% rostered)

Risky streaming options

Hunter Henry vs. LV (48% rostered)
Brenton Strange vs. PHI (27% rostered)
Tyler Higbee vs. BUF (2% rostered)
Michael Mayer at NE (7% rostered)

Dart-throw streaming options

AJ Barner vs. SF (14% rostered)
Pat Freiermuth vs. IND (15% rostered)
Darnell Washington vs. IND (1% rostered)
Oronde Gadsden vs. DEN (10% rostered)
Chig Okonkwo vs. NYG (18% rostered)
Cade Otton at DAL (3% rostered)
Greg Dulcich vs. CIN (7% rostered)

Bye-week stashes

Darren Waller (33% rostered)

Week 5 streamers

Defense

Team	Next Up	Rostered
Bengals	at MIA	23%
Browns	at NYJ	14%
Giants	at WAS	5%
Cowboys	vs. TB	16%
Saints	vs. MIN	6%

Bears defense is 58% rostered but would be the No. 1 DST add, if available.

Jaguars defense is 54% rostered but would be the No. 2 DST add behind the Bears defense, if available.

Favorable upcoming schedules: Chiefs (49% rostered), Patriots (49% rostered), Saints (6% rostered)

Kickers

Player	Next Up	Rostered
Spencer Shrader	at PIT	46%
Harrison Mevis	vs. BUF	45%
Tyler Bass	at LAR	21%
Cairo Santos	at GB	35%

Jake Bates is 51% rostered but would be my No. 1 K add if available.

Drop candidates

Quarterbacks: Justin Herbert, Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield

Running Backs: Jadarian Price, MarShawn Lloyd, Jonathon Brooks

Wide Receivers: Courtland Sutton, Chris Godwin Jr., Michael Pittman Jr.

Tight Ends: Dalton Schultz, Jake Ferguson

Herbert has yet to reach 14 fantasy points in a single game this season. He’s also been held to 226 passing yards or less and hasn’t accounted for more than one touchdown in any outing. There are far better options at quarterback.
Kyler Murray wasn’t able to take advantage of the Dolphins matchup and hasn’t looked particularly good in his starts this season. He’s also not as effective as a runner, with 17 rushing yards being his season high.
Jadarian Price is on IR with a chest and rib injury, which will sideline him for the next month. When he returns, this backfield will look completely different with Zach Charbonnet eventually returning and the team flirting with free agents. At best, Price will be locked in a committee in the second half of the season, which limits his potential in Year 1.
With Nico Collins healthy, the Dalton Schultz PPR scam is over. The veteran tight end can be sent back to the waiver wire until injuries open a path to targets for him again.

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