Week 5 of the 2025 Fantasy Football season is shaping up to be a crucial one for fantasy managers. With bye weeks impacting team lineups and significant injuries affecting key players, strategic waiver wire acquisitions are more important than ever. Navigating these challenges requires a keen understanding of player availability and potential impact.
This article provides comprehensive waiver wire recommendations for Week 5, focusing on PPR formats. We’ll highlight top targets at each position, offering insights to help you optimize your roster and secure crucial wins. Discover the players who can fill gaps, offer upside, and potentially become season-long contributors to your fantasy team.
Inside, you’ll find detailed analysis on wide receivers like Malik Washington and Romeo Doubs, running backs such as Woody Marks and Kenneth Gainwell, quarterbacks including Jaxson Dart, and tight ends like Darren Waller. Each recommendation is carefully assessed to provide actionable advice for your waiver wire decisions.
Week 5 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Wide Receivers
Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins: With Tyreek Hill sidelined, the Dolphins are expected to elevate Washington to the No. 2 WR role alongside Jaylen Waddle. Washington, now in his second season, has already seen five targets in two games. This increased opportunity makes him a valuable waiver target.
Washington offers solid receiving volume and elusiveness after the catch. He can be immediately inserted into lineups as a streamer or injury replacement.
Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers: Featured as a Week 4 start recommendation, Doubs capitalized with three TD receptions in Green Bay’s game against Dallas. As a preferred target for Jordan Love, Doubs has the potential to be a consistent TD threat. He caught eight TD passes in 2023, indicating his scoring upside.
Despite the Packers’ Week 5 bye, prioritizing Doubs as a free agent pickup is wise. He could very well remain the primary TD option in Green Bay’s passing attack.
Darius Slayton, New York Giants: With rookie QB Jaxson Dart needing reliable targets and Malik Nabers out for the season, Slayton steps up as a downfield threat. While Wan’Dale Robinson is also an option, Slayton’s big-play potential makes him an intriguing addition.
Luke McCaffrey, Washington Commanders: As Terry McLaurin is out and the Commanders’ ground game is inconsistent, McCaffrey could emerge as a playmaker. With TD receptions in each of the last two games, his fantasy output may increase further if Jayden Daniels returns soon.
Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans: Ayomanor has consistently drawn five or more targets in each game this season, including TD receptions in Weeks 2 and 3. Stashing Ayomanor could pay off as the Titans’ passing game improves.
Marvin Mims, Denver Broncos: While Denver’s WR targets are spread out, Mims is a worthy add for bye week usage or depth. His performance on Monday night, with six catches for 69 yards and a rushing TD, demonstrates his potential. The Broncos are reportedly looking to increase his involvement in the offense.
Other Week 5 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire WRs To Add: Matthew Golden, Troy Franklin, Jalen Tolbert, KaVonte Turpin, JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Week 5 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Running Backs
Woody Marks, Houston Texans: Since Arian Foster’s departure, the Texans have sought a reliable RB. With Joe Mixon injured, Woody Marks has emerged as a potential solution. After totaling 119 yards and two TDs against Tennessee in Week 4, Marks is expected to be a top waiver wire target.
Marks brings versatility as both a runner and pass-catcher, making him an appealing flex option or RB2 streamer.
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers: If Jaylen Warren remains sidelined after the Steelers’ Week 5 bye, Gainwell proved his worth in Week 4. He totaled 134 yards and two TDs, catching six passes. Rostering Warren means Gainwell should be a priority pickup.
Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints: Miller is beginning to establish a presence in the Saints’ offense. Sharing time with Alvin Kamara, he rushed for 65 yards and a TD on 11 carries in Week 4. Miller could provide a spark to New Orleans’ offense and function as a quality streamer.
Isaiah Davis, New York Jets: After Braelon Allen’s knee injury, Davis will serve as Breece Hall’s primary backup. His size and ability make him a valuable goal-line and short-yardage option, complementing Hall effectively.
Other RBs to consider adding in Fantasy Football Week 5: Chris Rodriguez Jr., Zavier Scott, Ollie Gordon II, Sean Tucker, Kyle Monangai, Emari Demercado, Blake Corum, Justice Hill.
Week 5 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Quarterbacks
Jaxson Dart, New York Giants: Dart secured his first NFL start in Week 4. Although Malik Nabers is out for the year, Dart’s mobility adds fantasy appeal. He rushed for 54 yards and a TD, showcasing his potential as a dual-threat QB.
Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks: Darnold has led the Seahawks to a three-game winning streak, passing for two TDs in two of those games. His improved decision-making and lack of interceptions make him a viable QB option.
Darnold offers a respectable QB option for teams needing a replacement due to injury. He can complement a strong roster with occasional high-quality fantasy performances.
Other Fantasy Football QBs to Add in NFL Week 5: Michael Penix Jr., Carson Wentz, Tua Tagovailoa, Dillon Gabriel.
Week 5 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Tight Ends
Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins: Waller made an impactful Dolphins debut in Week 4, catching two TD passes. After being out of NFL action for over a year, he immediately becomes a must-add at the tight end position. His role could increase with Hill’s absence.
Mason Taylor, New York Jets: Taylor, a rookie drafted in many leagues, caught five passes for 65 yards on Monday. With the Jets needing a reliable pass-catcher alongside Garrett Wilson, Taylor could fill that role. He is worth picking up after a solid Week 4 performance.
More TEs to add on waivers in Week 5: Theo Johnson, AJ Barner (two TD receptions in the last three games).
Week 5 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Defenses To Stream
Arizona Cardinals (vs. Tennessee), Indianapolis Colts (vs. Las Vegas), New York Giants (vs. New Orleans), Minnesota Vikings (vs. Cleveland).
Navigating the Week 5 waiver wire requires a strategic approach, given the bye weeks and injuries affecting fantasy rosters. Prioritizing players who can immediately contribute and offer long-term upside is crucial for success.
This article has provided a comprehensive list of waiver wire recommendations across all positions, including insights on Malik Washington, Romeo Doubs, Woody Marks, Kenneth Gainwell, Jaxson Dart, Darren Waller, and more. By carefully assessing your team’s needs and targeting the right players, you can navigate Week 5 with confidence and strengthen your chances of a fantasy football victory.
As you make your waiver wire decisions, consider each player’s potential impact, their role in their respective offenses, and their long-term viability. A well-informed approach to waiver wire acquisitions can transform your team and position you for a successful fantasy football season.
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