Each week I’ll provide you with a rundown by position of key
waiver wire adds. We’ll evaluate not just breakouts based
on past performance, but also who could deliver this week based
on a soft matchup. Stats will be provided based on a 12-team PPR
league, with players less than 75% (preferably less than 50%) ownership
being considered.
Note: This column will be updated tomorrow at the conclusion
of Week 5.
Gabriel made his rookie starting debut against a tough Vikings
defense overseas, and performed well despite a tight loss. He
threw for 2 TDs and 190 yards against the 3rd-toughest defense
against QBs, who had only allowed 3 passing TDs in the previous
four games. Up next he gets a much easier assignment, as the Steelers
have allowed the 3rd-most points to the position.
Young had a decent day in a win over the Dolphins, throwing 2
TDs and for almost 200 yards. Up next is another juicy matchup
against the Cowboys, who have allowed the most fantasy points
to opposing QBs.
Darnold is dealing as of late, putting up a 341-4-1 stat line
in a shootout loss to the Bucs. That's 9 TDs in the last
four games. He hopes to continue this hot streak against a Jaguars
team that has allowed the 8th-most points to opposing QBs.
Jaxson Dart, NYG @ NO: Dart had a nice day, throwing for 202-2-2
and rushing for 7-55-0 in a road loss to the Saints. It was a
solid fantasy output but managers were hoping for more against
a dismal defense. It will be a tough test on a short week against
the Eagles, but his rushing upside should offer a nice floor.
Dowdle got the start with Chuba Hubbard nursing a calf injury,
and went nuclear against the hapless Dolphins, rushing for 23-206-1
and chipping in 3 receptions for 28 yards. Up next is another
cupcake matchup against the Cowboys, who have allowed the 6th-most
points to opposing RBs.
Omarion Hampton is the workhorse, but was in a walking boot at
the end of the game after injuring his ankle. If he can't go,
Haskins and Vidal will likely split the work, but it could still
be a favorable assignment against a Dolphins team that was gashed
for 206 rushing yards by Rico Dowdle, plus another 22 yards on
4 carries for Trevor Etienne.
Carter dominated the RB work in a tough loss to the previously
winless Titans, rushing for 18-51-1 and going 5-5-22-0 receiving.
He wasn't hugely efficient, but getting 23 touches will
make anyone viable. He'll get another opportunity this week
against a tough Colts defense.
Gainwell got the start with Jaylen Warren being a late scratch
in Week 4, and exploded for 19-99-2 on the ground and 6-6-35-0
through the air. Warren may return this week, but if his knee
injury lingers, Gainwell will be the primary beneficiary. The
Browns have a tough rushing defense, but volume could make up
for it.
Woody Marks, HOU @ BAL: Marks disappointed against the league's
worst defense against RBs, rushing for 7-24-0 and not catching
his only target. Considering they were blowing out the Ravens
from the start, it was rough that they didn't run the ball
more (although they also pulled their starters early in the 4th
quarter). Hopefully, he'll see more work after the bye against
the Seahawks.
Bourne got the start with Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall both
out with injuries. He promptly destroyed the Rams with a 11-10-142-0
receiving line. Up next is a tougher test against the Bucs, but
a shootout is certainly on the table.
Flournoy had a great day in a blowout win over the Jets, going
for 9-6-114-0 as the WR2 as both CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin
were out. If one or both sit again, Flournoy (9 tgts) could be
called into action again.
Downs had a solid day, going for 8-6-54-0 in a blowout win over
the Raiders. Up next is a Cardinals team that has only given up
three TDs to WRs, but has given up the 4th-most receptions, so
Downs should be able to find success.
Tucker has shown a ceiling to go along with modest efforts like
this week putting up a 6-4–62-0 receiving line in a blowout
loss to the Colts. Up next is another positive matchup against
the Titans, who have given up the 5th-most points to WRs.
Ayomanor wasn't used much in a tight win over the Cardinals,
catching just 2-of-4 targets for 18 yards as Calvin Ridley dominated
all receiving categories. Better days should come this week against
a Raiders defense that has allowed the 4th-most fantasy points
to opposing WRs.
Taylor kept his hot streak going, leading the team in targets
and receptions against the Cowboys with a 12-9-67-0 stat line,
adding a 2-point conversion. He appears to be the clear No.2 receiving
option for this offense while Justin Fields is the QB, making
him a solid option this week in a tough matchup against the Broncos.
Engram had a slow start to the season, catching only 4 passes
in the first two games before missing Week 3. He's starting to
heat up of late, however, grabbing 4 of 6 targets for 33 yards
and a touchdown in a win over the defending champion Eagles. Up
next is a reeling Jets team that has given up 2 TDs in each of
the last two weeks to TEs (Darren Waller and Jake Ferguson).
Tonges has started to build some chemistry with Mac Jones with
George Kittle on IR, going for 11-7-41-1 in a win over the Rams.
That's back-to-back games with a TD (3 in five games). With Kittle
expected to be out again this week, Tonges should see solid work
versus a Bucs team that has given up 2 receiving TDs to tight
ends in back-to-back games (Dallas Goedert, AJ Barner).
Darius Slayton
and Wan'Dale
Robinson, NYG @ NO: Slayton ended up going 6-3-31-0 in a loss
to the Saints before leaving with a hamstring injury. Robinson
was the leading wide receiver with a 7-5-30-0 line. Robinson will
likely lead the team in receptions for the foreseeable future.
Jalen Tolbert,
DAL @ NYJ: Tolbert faceplanted in a blowout win over the Jets,
as he failed to catch his only target and was thoroughly outclassed
by Ryan Flournoy. He will be tough to trust against a stingy Panthers
defense.
Malik Washington,
MIA @ CAR: Washington was the only WR to see a target other than
Jaylen Waddle with Tyreek Hill out for the year, but somehow managed
0 yards on 4 (!) receptions. Bigger days should come, although
it might be tough this week against a tough Chargers defense.
TE Theo Johnson,
NYG @ NO: Johnson had a monster game for new starter Jaxson Dart,
putting up a 7-6-33-2 receiving line in a loss to the Saints.
With Darius Slayton potentially being out (in addition to Malik
Nabers), Johnson could be called on again against a tough Eagles
defense.
TE Darren Waller, MIA @ CAR: Waller followed up his brilliant
Week 4 with another great day against the Panthers, going 5-5-78-1
in a tough loss. Up next is a much tougher assignment against
the Chargers, although Tua Tagovailoa appears to trust him.
Defense/ Special Teams
Packers vs CIN
The Packers were on bye this week, and seemed to have been dropped
by many managers after their shootout tie with the Cowboys. They
should be able to get right this week as they face a Bengals team
that has allowed the most points to opposing defenses.
Rams @ BAL
The Rams have played solid defense despite not getting a ton
of turnovers or sacks. If the Ravens are without Lamar Jackson
again, the Rams should be able to take advantage. The Texans were
able to hold the Cooper Rush-led Ravens to 10 points while grabbing
3 interceptions in Week 5.
Patriots @ NO
The Patriots had a great defensive effort in a road win over
the division-rival Bills, getting a sack and 3 turnovers against
one of the league’s best offenses. Up next is a much easier
assignment versus the Saints, who have scored the 5th-fewest points
this year with Spencer Rattler at the helm.
Other D/ST to consider: Raiders vs TEN, Titans vs LV
Last week's waiver adds:
Cardinals vs TEN: The Cardinals got 2 sacks
and 2 turnovers against the previously winless Titans, but somehow
managed to still lose. They’ll try to bounce back against
the red-hot Colts this week.
Browns vs MIN: The Browns defense did all they
could to contain the Vikings, getting 3 sacks and 2 turnovers
in an overseas loss. Next up is a road game against the division
rival Steelers.
Colts vs LV: The Colts had a great day against
the Raiders, getting 4 sacks and 2 turnovers and holding them
to 6 points. Up next they get the Cardinals.
