Week 5 of the NFL season brought unexpected shifts and emerging fantasy football prospects. As offenses reveal their personnel strategies, adjusting your waiver wire approach becomes crucial. Several players seized opportunities, making them potential game-changers for your fantasy team. This article highlights those standout performers, offering insights to give you an edge in Week 5 and beyond.
This week, players like Ryan Flournoy and Kendrick Bourne stepped up, showcasing their potential impact. We’ll delve into their performances, analyzing targets, usage, and future outlook. Identifying these breakout players early can provide a significant advantage in your fantasy league. Stay ahead of the competition by recognizing and acquiring these rising stars.
Read on to discover the Week 5 breakout players who should be on your radar. We’ll cover wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs, providing a comprehensive overview of potential waiver wire gems. Jamey Eisenberg’s in-depth waiver wire column will provide even more details on these players, so check that out as well!
Ryan Flournoy, WR, Cowboys
With CeeDee Lamb sidelined, opposing defenses are focusing on George Pickens. Dak Prescott, known for his post-snap reads, found Ryan Flournoy open in Week 5. Flournoy led Cowboys receivers with nine targets, resulting in six receptions for 114 yards. He also added two carries for 10 yards, showcasing his versatility.
Flournoy’s emergence offers a new dimension to the Cowboys’ offense. His ability to gain yards both as a receiver and a runner makes him a valuable asset. As defenses adjust to cover Pickens, Flournoy should continue to see opportunities. Keep an eye on his usage in the coming weeks to determine his long-term fantasy value.
Consider adding Flournoy to your roster if you need wide receiver depth. His performance in Week 5 suggests he could become a reliable target for Prescott. Monitor Lamb’s injury status to gauge Flournoy’s potential role in the offense.
Kendrick Bourne, WR, 49ers
Injuries plague the 49ers, but Kyle Shanahan’s system often elevates the next man up. Kendrick Bourne capitalized in Week 5, amassing 142 receiving yards and 10 receptions on 11 targets. With Mac Jones spreading the ball around, Bourne thrived in the short passing game.
Bourne’s fit in the 49ers’ offense is ideal, especially with injuries to Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings potentially extending into Week 6. George Kittle’s expected absence until Week 7 further solidifies Bourne’s role. He could be a consistent PPR producer, potentially a WR2/3, if the 49ers’ receivers remain sidelined.
If you need a PPR boost, Bourne is a worthwhile addition. His Week 5 performance indicates he can be a reliable target in the 49ers’ offense. Track the injury reports to determine his potential workload in the coming weeks.
Mason Taylor, TE, Jets
Jets coach Aaron Glenn emphasized getting rookie tight end Mason Taylor involved, and Week 5 reflected that. Taylor saw his highest target share in Week 4, and his role continued to grow in Week 5. He’s now Justin Fields’ No. 2 target in the passing game.
Taylor’s emergence as a primary target is significant for fantasy managers. In Week 5, he received a whopping 12 targets, converting them into nine receptions for 67 yards. His consistent involvement in the passing game makes him a valuable tight end option.
If you’re searching for a tight end, Taylor should be high on your list. His increasing role in the Jets’ offense suggests he could be a reliable fantasy contributor. Monitor his target share to ensure he remains a focal point of the passing game.
Theo Johnson, TE, Jets
With Malik Nabers on injured reserve, Theo Johnson stepped up for rookie Jaxson Dart. The Giants leaned on 12 personnel packages, using an extra tight end to compensate for Nabers’ absence. Johnson caught two touchdown passes from Dart in Week 5.
Johnson’s emergence as a red zone threat makes him an intriguing fantasy option. He was targeted seven times, catching six passes for 33 yards and two touchdowns. He’s quickly becoming Dart’s favorite target in the red zone.
Consider adding Johnson if you need tight end help, especially in touchdown-dependent leagues. His red zone role gives him significant upside. Monitor his usage to see if he maintains his prominent role in the offense.
Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Texans
The Texans drafted two wide receivers on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, but it was Xavier Hutchinson who helped C.J. Stroud deliver his best performance of the season. Hutchinson caught two touchdown passes in Week 5 on just three targets.
Hutchinson’s ability to find the end zone makes him a potential red zone threat. Although his target share is small, he could develop into a favorite for Stroud if defenses shade coverage over Nico Collins. His performance warrants attention.
If you’re looking for a boom-or-bust option, Hutchinson is worth considering. His touchdown-scoring potential gives him upside, but his limited target share makes him a risky play. Monitor his usage to determine his long-term value.
A.J. Barner, TE, Seahawks
Barner has seen his role grow in 2025 with Klint Kubiak as offensive coordinator. Kubiak favors 12 personnel and targets his tight ends off play action. Barner caught all seven of his targets for 53 yards and added two touchdowns in Week 5.
Barner’s emergence as a receiving threat is intriguing for fantasy managers. His perfect catch rate and two touchdowns indicate he’s a reliable target in the Seahawks’ offense. His role could continue to expand as the season progresses.
If you need tight end help, Barner is a worthwhile addition. His increasing role and touchdown-scoring ability give him significant upside. Monitor his usage to see if he maintains his prominent role in the offense.
Rashid Shaheed, WR, Saints
Shaheed has been on the brink of breaking free in Fantasy, and he finally delivered in Week 5 against the Giants. A long touchdown aided his stat line — four catches, 114 yards, and a score on five targets. As Spencer Rattler becomes more comfortable in Kellen Moore’s offense, Shaheed remains a big-play threat.
Shaheed’s big-play ability makes him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues. His Week 5 performance demonstrates his potential to deliver explosive plays. As Rattler continues to develop, Shaheed should remain a focal point of the Saints’ offense.
If you need a high-upside receiver, Shaheed is worth considering. His ability to score from anywhere on the field gives him significant potential. Monitor his target share to ensure he remains a key part of the Saints’ passing game.
Key Takeaways for Week 5 Breakout Players
Week 5 brought significant changes and new faces to the forefront of fantasy football. Players like Ryan Flournoy, Kendrick Bourne, and Mason Taylor emerged as potential waiver wire gems. Their performances suggest they could play crucial roles for their respective teams moving forward.
Adjusting your waiver wire strategy based on these developments is essential for fantasy success. Identifying and acquiring these breakout players early can give you a competitive edge. Stay informed and proactive to maximize your team’s potential.
Looking ahead, monitoring these players’ usage and injury reports will be crucial. Their long-term value will depend on their continued performance and the health of their teammates. Stay vigilant and adapt your strategy as needed to stay ahead of the curve.
Leave a Reply