There were five significant injuries in Week 4 as Rashee Rice (knee) and Christian Watson (ankle) were carted off the field in their respective games, as well as the Colts losing Anthony Richardson (hip) and Jonathan Taylor (ankle). Taysom Hill (ribs) was also injured for the Saints.
Rice could be lost for the season, and Watson could miss several weeks. Richardson and Taylor have a chance to play in Week 5 at Jacksonville, and Hill's status will be determined during the week since New Orleans next plays at Kansas City on Monday night.
The NFL injury list continues to grow this season, which is frustrating. To make matters worse, Week 5 starts the bye weeks with Detroit, Philadelphia, Tennessee, and the Chargers all off.
The waiver wire, as always, will be very important for Fantasy managers. And there could be players who might be able to fill in as starters right away.
Trevor Lawrence (62 percent rostered on CBS Sports), Deshaun Watson (55 percent), Andy Dalton (26 percent), and Joe Flacco (2 percent) might be your best options at quarterback, especially if Richardson is out. At running back, your best choices could be Kareem Hunt (53 percent), Justice Hill (43 percent), Tank Bigsby (25 percent) and Trey Sermon (6 percent).
The receivers likely are the best players available with Tutu Atwell (41 percent), Xavier Legette (31 percent), Wan'Dale Robinson (28 percent), Josh Downs (19 percent), Dontayvion Wicks (13 percent), and Jordan Whittington (11 percent) all potential starting options. And at tight end, we have some hopeful helpers in Tyler Conklin (55 percent), Cade Otton (9 percent), Tucker Kraft (5 percent), and Erick All (3 percent). Hill (42 percent) should also be added with the hope he can return in Week 5.
We'll break down all of these players below. And hopefully, they can help you if needed as waiver wire options for Week 5 and beyond.
Editor's note: For this waiver wire column, we are mainly looking at players rostered in less than 65 percent of CBS Sports leagues.
Week 5 Waivers
Quarterbacks
Injuries: Anthony Richardson (hip), Aaron Rodgers (leg), Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), Russell Wilson (calf), Will Levis (shoulder) and Skylar Thompson (ribs).
On a bye: Jalen Hurts, Jared Goff, Justin Herbert and Will Levis
Check to see if available in shallow leagues: Geno Smith (72 percent rostered), Justin Fields (70 percent), and Sam Darnold (67 percent). Smith passed for 395 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on Monday night against the Lions, along with 38 rushing yards. He gets a favorable matchup again in Week 5 against the Giants, who have allowed two quarterbacks in a row to score at least 20.5 Fantasy points. ... Fields has scored at least 20.4 Fantasy points in each of his past two games, including 33.9 points in Week 4 at the Colts. This week, he's facing a Dallas defense that is likely without its top pass rushers in Micah Parsons (ankle) and Demarcus Lawrence (foot), and I like Fields as a No. 1 quarterback in all leagues. ... Darnold has been the story of the season in Fantasy and reality since the Vikings are 4-0, and he's scored at least 23.9 Fantasy points in three games in a row. He has a tough matchup in Week 5 against the Jets and then a bye in Week 6, but Darnold should be considered a low-end starter in all leagues until he stumbles, which hopefully won't happen all year.
Drop candidates: Derek Carr (81 percent rostered), Justin Herbert (65 percent), and Matthew Stafford (55 percent). Carr scored at least 25.8 Fantasy points in each of his first two games against Carolina and Dallas and less than 10 points in each of his past two outings against Philadelphia and Atlanta. It will be tough to trust him in Week 5 at the Chiefs, so you can drop Carr in all one-quarterback leagues. ... Herbert is on a bye in Week 5 and has scored 15 Fantasy points or less in all four games this year. It's safe to drop him in all one-quarterback leagues. ... Stafford has yet to score even 17 Fantasy points in any game this year, and Cooper Kupp (ankle) remains out in Week 5 against the Rams, along with Puka Nacua (knee) still on injured reserve. Stafford is not worth rostering in one-quarterback leagues while he is without his top two receivers.
Add in this order:
Lawrence had his best game of the season in Week 4 at Houston with 18.7 Fantasy points, and now he has a favorable matchup in Week 5 against the Colts, who are No. 3 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. It's tough to trust Lawrence given his struggles all season -- he scored 13.3 Fantasy points or less in each of his first three games -- but this is a good week to consider him a sleeper in one-quarterback leagues. Lawrence is worth adding for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Watson has scored 15.4 Fantasy points or less in three of four games this season, including just 14.2 points at Las Vegas in Week 4. But he has the chance for a quality performance in Week 5 at Washington, given the matchup. The Commanders are No. 1 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, and hopefully, the Browns offensive line holds up enough to give Watson time to produce. He's worth adding in all one-quarterback leagues for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Dalton only scored 19.7 Fantasy points in Week 4 against Cincinnati after he had 30.6 points in his season debut against the Raiders in Week 3, and that's probably a good idea of what he can do for his ceiling and his floor. He has a tough matchup in Week 5 at Chicago, but Dalton is still worth using as a flier in all one-quarterback leagues. And he should be rostered in all Superflex and two-quarterback formats where he's still available. In those leagues, Dalton is worth 10-15 percent of your remaining FAB, and he's worth up to 5 percent in one-quarterback formats.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Flacco is worth adding in all Superflex and two-quarterback leagues, and potentially deep one-quarterback leagues as well, if Anthony Richardson (hip) can't play in Week 5 at Jacksonville. Flacco came on for Richardson in Week 4 against the Steelers and was 16-of-26 passing for 168 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Just like last year for the Browns, Flacco could be a solid replacement option for the Colts and Fantasy managers if needed. He's worth adding for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAB in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Jones only scored 9.5 Fantasy points in Week 4 against Dallas, but prior to that, he scored at least 22.3 Fantasy points in each of his previous two games against Washington and Cleveland. The Seahawks just allowed Jared Goff to score 31.2 Fantasy points in Week 4 and are beat up on defense, so hopefully, Jones can be useful in deeper leagues if needed. Just make sure Malik Nabers (concussion) is able to play in Week 5. Jones is worth adding for 1 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
This could be a good spot for Maye to make his first NFL start with a home game against the Dolphins in Week 5. It's no guarantee that will happen, but hopefully, the Patriots will turn to Maye soon, which would make him a potential bye-week replacement in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues. You should try to get him now before he's named the starter for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAB in those formats.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Running Backs
Injuries: Christian McCaffrey (calf), Bijan Robinson (hamstring), Jonathan Taylor (ankle), Nick Chubb (knee), Jonathon Brooks (knee), Raheem Mostert (chest), Joe Mixon (ankle), Isiah Pacheco (leg), Austin Ekeler (concussion), Jaylen Warren (knee) and MarShawn Lloyd (ankle).
Check to see if available in shallow leagues: Jonathon Brooks (85 percent rostered), Rico Dowdle (82 percent), Cam Akers (81 percent), Chase Brown (75 percent), Alexander Mattison (74 percent), and Tyjae Spears (65 percent). Brooks won't return from the NFI list in Week 5, but he's getting close to practicing for the Panthers. When healthy, he should become Carolina's best running back and a difference-maker for Fantasy managers to close the season. ... Dowdle just had his best Fantasy outing of the season in Week 4 at the Giants with 13.1 PPR points, and he's now played more than double the snaps of Ezekiel Elliott for the second week in a row. His schedule is brutal for the next two games against Pittsburgh and Detroit before a bye in Week 7, but Dowdle can soon become a flex option in all leagues if he continues to take over the Dallas backfield. ... Akers is only worth rostering if Mixon remains out.
The Texans have a great matchup in Week 5 against Buffalo, and Akers would be a flex if Mixon can't play. ... Brown played a season-high 40 percent of the snaps in Week 4 at Carolina, and he had his best game of the year with 23.2 PPR points with 17 total touches (two catches) for 92 total yards and two touchdowns. Zack Moss still played more snaps and performed well also with 17.8 PPR points, but Week 5 showed how much upside Brown has. He is a potential flex while playing in tandem with Moss, but Brown could be a star if Moss were to miss any time. ... Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said Monday that Mattison has earned more work and that he's "going to get it."
Zamir White has struggled, and Mattison just averaged 12 yards per carry in Week 4 against Cleveland. He also scored a touchdown in each of the first three games and scored at least 13.4 PPR points in two of those outings. Mattison could be a flex in all leagues if he becomes the starter in Las Vegas. ... Spears should still be added in all leagues even with the Titans on a bye in Week 5. He's scored at least 10.1 PPR points in each of his past two games, and he has two outings this season with four receptions. Spears can be a flex in PPR while working in tandem with Tony Pollard, and Spears would be a must-start option if Pollard were to miss any time.
Drop candidates: Zamir White (83 percent rostered), Ezekiel Elliott (72 percent), Gus Edwards (58 percent), and Blake Corum (45 percent). White is on the verge of losing his job to Mattison, and White has scored 6.8 PPR points or less in all four games this year. He hasn't caught a pass in two games or scored a touchdown all season, and he fumbled in Week 4 against Cleveland. The Raiders also have a tough upcoming schedule against Denver and Pittsburgh, which doesn't bode well for White turning things around. ... Elliott has eight, four, and six total touches in each of his past three games against New Orleans, Baltimore, and the Giants. He's getting outplayed by Dowdle, and it would be great if Dallas fully committed to him instead of Elliott. Fantasy managers can't use Elliott as long as he's stuck in this current role. ... Edwards is on a bye in Week 5, and he hasn't done much in his past two games with nine total touches for 28 total yards. As long as J.K. Dobbins is healthy, Edwards won't be worth using in any Fantasy leagues. ... Corum hasn't touched the ball on offense in three of four games this season. You can roster him as a potential handcuff for Kyren Williams, but there's no guarantee Corum would start if Williams missed any time because of Ronnie Rivers. At this point, Corum is only worth rostering in keeper and dynasty leagues.
Add in this order:
The Chiefs backfield is worth watching ahead of Week 5 against the Saints because Carson Steele likely fumbled away the starting job in Week 4 against the Chargers, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (17 percent rostered) is on track to return from the non-football illness list. With Isiah Pacheco (leg) on injured reserve, we don't know exactly what Andy Reid will do, but Hunt and Edwards-Helaire are worth rostering in all leagues. You might be able to drop Steele, as well as Samaje Perine (38 percent rostered), especially since Hunt played well in his 2024 debut in Week 4 with 14 carries for 69 yards and two catches for 16 yards on three targets. Edwards-Helaire might end up being the best option until Pacheco is back, but it could also be a mess. As of Tuesday morning, I would spend up to 15 percent of your remaining FAB on Hunt and 5-10 percent on Edwards-Helaire. Hopefully, one of these running backs emerges as the leader of the Chiefs backfield, and Hunt seems like the best bet after how he played against Los Angeles.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Hill now has two games this season with at least 11.5 PPR points, which were the two outings where he caught six passes. He just had six catches for 78 yards and a touchdown on six targets against Buffalo, and he also added four carries for 18 yards. With the way Baltimore's passing game has looked, Hill will continue to be a quality weapon for Lamar Jackson, and Hill can be a flex option in PPR, especially during the bye weeks. Hill's best games will likely come if Derrick Henry struggles and Baltimore is chasing points, but we also don't know what the Ravens would do if Henry ever missed any time. Keaton Mitchell (11 percent rostered) could be an option at some point, but it doesn't seem like he'll come off the PUP list in Week 5 now that he's eligible. Hill is worth adding in all leagues for 10-15 percent of your remaining FAB, with his value higher in PPR. And you can add Mitchell now for 1 percent of your FAB, especially if you can still stash him on IR.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Sermon would be the No. 1 running back to add this week if we find out Jonathan Taylor (ankle) is going to miss any time, but it sounds like he can play in Week 5 at Jacksonville. Still, this is clearly a situation to monitor since Sermon would be at least a flex if he's the starting running back for the Colts against the Jaguars. Tyler Goodson (1 percent rostered) would likely share work with Sermon, but Goodson only has one catch on the season and no carries. Sermon has at least two carries in every game this year and scored a touchdown in Week 3 against Chicago. After Taylor was hurt against Pittsburgh, Sermon had five carries for 8 yards. Sermon is worth adding for 10-15 percent of your remaining FAB, and Goodson is worth a flier in deeper leagues for 1 percent.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Allgeier had a strong game in Week 4 against New Orleans with eight carries for 60 yards and two catches for 20 yards on two targets. Bijan Robinson remains the best running back for the Falcons, but it's clear Allgeier is going to have a role and would be a lottery ticket if Robinson were to miss any time. Robinson is also dealing with a hamstring injury ahead of Thursday's game against Tampa Bay, and he had a shoulder issue prior to facing the Saints. If Robinson were to miss Week 5, then Allgeier would be the No. 1 running back to add, so keep an eye on the injury report. For now, Allgeier should be added in all leagues for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bigsby looked awesome in Week 4 at Houston with seven carries for 90 yards, and we'll see if he starts taking away more work from Travis Etienne. Bigsby doesn't have any catches or touchdowns this season, but his role could expand if he continues to play like he did against the Texans. And Bigsby would be a lottery ticket if Etienne were to miss any time due to injury. He's worth adding in all leagues for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
D'Andre Swift had his best game of the season in Week 4 against the Rams with 29.5 PPR points (he combined for 19.4 PPR points in his first three games), and we'll see what happens with Chicago's backfield moving forward. I still want to roster Johnson just in case Swift reverts back to how he performed in the first three weeks of the season or in case he gets hurt. Johnson had seven carries for 26 yards and a touchdown against the Rams, and he could still be a league winner if his role expanded. He's worth adding for up to 5 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Wright is currently the No. 2 running back on Miami's depth chart, with Raheem Mostert (chest) and Jeff Wilson (knee) banged up. Mostert could return in Week 5 at New England, but Wright is worth stashing in case Mostert remains out. If something were to happen to De'Von Achane, we could see Wright in an expanded role, which would make him at least a flex option in all leagues. He's worth adding for up to 5 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Wilson didn't do much in Week 4 against Minnesota, with eight carries for 27 yards and no catches on one target, but it's clear he has an established role in tandem with Josh Jacobs. And if that continues, especially in upcoming matchups against the Rams and Cardinals, Wilson could be considered a flex option in deeper leagues. Wilson also would be a potential starter in all leagues if Jacobs were to miss any time due to injury. Wilson is worth adding for up to 5 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Chandler only has 11 total touches in his past two games against Houston and Green Bay, but he's worth stashing in all leagues as a lottery ticket behind Aaron Jones. If Jones were to miss any time, then Chandler would be a potential starter in all formats. Chandler is worth adding for 1 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
For the second time in three games, Gibson scored at least 10.9 PPR points, and he might be worth using as a flex option in PPR even though he's the No. 2 running back in New England behind Rhamondre Stevenson. And if Stevenson were to miss any time due to injury, then Gibson would be at least a flex option in PPR. Gibson is worth adding for 1 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Austin Ekeler (concussion) was out in Week 4 at Arizona, and McNichols became the No. 2 running back for the Commanders behind Brian Robinson Jr. in that contest. McNichols ended up with eight carries for 68 yards and two touchdowns and caught one pass for 6 yards. If Ekeler is out again in Week 5 at Cleveland, then McNichols can be a flex option in deeper leagues, and he's worth adding for 1 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
It seems like Sean Payton really wants to use three running backs each game, but now he's down Tyler Badie (back) after he was injured in Week 4 at the Jets. Javonte Williams remains the best running back in Denver, but now maybe McLaughlin will get more touches if a third running back isn't used in Week 5 against the Raiders. McLaughlin has scored 8.4 PPR points or less in every game this season, but he can hopefully make an impact against Las Vegas in Week 5 and then become a factor to close the season. He's worth adding for 1 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
We know Dennis Allen isn't the biggest fan of Miller's based on his numerous comments about the second-year running back in training camp, but Miller could eventually have a prominent role for the Saints. He's eligible to return from IR in Week 5 after being out with a hamstring injury, and he will likely be No. 3 on the depth chart behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams. But should something happen to Kamara, we could see Miller getting more work than Williams since Miller is a more explosive running back. In deeper leagues, it's not a bad idea to stash Miller for 1 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Wide Receivers
Injuries: Rashee Rice (knee), Christian Watson (ankle), Mike Evans (knee), Malik Nabers (concussion), Davante Adams (hamstring), Puka Nacua (knee), Cooper Kupp (ankle), Demarcus Robinson (groin), A.J. Brown (hamstring), DeVonta Smith (concussion), Tank Dell (ribs) and Adam Thielen (hamstring)
Check to see if available in shallow leagues: Keenan Allen (77 percent rostered), Jakobi Meyers (76 percent), Jerry Jeudy (75 percent), Jordan Addison (75 percent), Darnell Mooney (73 percent) and Courtland Sutton (71 percent). Allen only had three catches for 19 yards on three targets against the Rams in Week 4 in his first game back from a two-game absence due to a heel injury, but hopefully, better days are ahead. He's worth stashing on your roster heading into Week 5 against Carolina. ... Meyers only had five catches for 49 yards in Week 4 against Cleveland, but he got 10 targets with Davante Adams (hamstring) out. We'll see if Adams can return in Week 5 at Denver, which is a brutal matchup because of Patrick Surtain, but Meyers might be the No. 1 receiver for the Raiders while Adams is hurt.
And there's the potential of the Raiders trading Adams at some point this season, which would only make Meyers more valuable as a Fantasy asset. ... Jeudy just had six catches for 72 yards on nine targets at the Raiders in Week 4, and he's now scored at least 11.5 PPR points in three of four games this season. He should be considered a No. 3 PPR receiver heading into Week 5 at the Commanders, who are No. 1 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers. ... Addison returned from his two-game absence with an ankle injury in Week 4 at Green Bay and caught three passes for 72 yards and a touchdown on four targets, while also adding a 7-yard rushing score.
Addison should be considered at least a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues with the way Sam Darnold has played this season, and hopefully, Addison will start to see more targets as the year goes on. ... Mooney had a down game in Week 4 against New Orleans with just 8.6 PPR points, but he scored at least 14.6 PPR points in each of his two previous games against the Eagles and Chiefs. He's averaging seven targets a game in his past three outings, and he should remain a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues heading into Week 5 against Tampa Bay. ... Sutton has at least nine targets in three of four games this season and he scored at least 13.8 PPR points in each of his past two games against Tampa Bay and the Jets. He should be considered a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues moving forward, especially in a plus matchup against Las Vegas in Week 5.
Drop candidates: Rashee Rice (99 percent rostered), Calvin Ridley (96 percent), Christian Watson (75 percent), DeAndre Hopkins (71 percent), Brandin Cooks (59 percent) and Demarcus Robinson (50 percent). As of Tuesday morning, we haven't got the official word yet, but it appears like Rice will miss significant time with his knee injury. Unless something changes, you can drop him in the majority of redraft leagues. ... Ridley and Hopkins are both worth dropping on their bye in Week 5. Ridley scored 24.7 PPR points in Week 2 against the Jets, but he's combined for 12.4 PPR points in his other three outings. And Hopkins scored 19.3 PPR points in Week 3 against Green Bay and combined for 8.8 PPR points in his other three games.
It's doubtful you'll ever feel comfortable starting Ridley or Hopkins while Will Levis is playing so poorly. ... Watson is going to miss several weeks with a high-ankle sprain, and he could go on injured reserve if you want to wait to stash him. But Watson is a drop candidate if he's going to be out for a significant amount of time. ... Cooks has become a complete non-factor since Week 1. In his past three games, he's combined for five catches for 51 yards and no touchdowns on 12 targets. There's little reason to hold him while he's producing at such a low rate. ... Robinson is dealing with a groin injury and has failed to produce with Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) out. Robinson has scored 8.2 PPR points or less in all four games this year, and the Rams have a bye in Week 6.
Add in this order:
With Christian Watson (ankle) expected to miss several weeks and potentially go on injured reserve, the door is now open for Wicks and Romeo Doubs (49 percent rostered) to have expanded roles alongside Jayden Reed. Watson was injured in Week 4 against Minnesota, and Wicks stepped up with five catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns on 13 targets. Last year, Wicks had four games with at least six targets, and he scored at least 15.7 PPR points in two of them while averaging 13.1 PPR points over that span. Doubs didn't perform as well against the Vikings, with four catches for 39 yards on eight targets, but he now has 15 targets in the two games where Jordan Love started, which is encouraging. Wicks is worth adding in all leagues for at least 15 percent of your remaining FAB, and Doubs is worth 5-10 percent. The Packers have a great upcoming schedule with matchups against the Rams, Cardinals, Texans, Jaguars, and Lions before their bye in Week 10.
| ||||||||||||||||||
In the Panthers' first game without Adam Thielen (hamstring) in Week 4 against Cincinnati, Legette was a star with six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. He's going to operate as the No. 2 receiver in Carolina behind Diontae Johnson, but Andy Dalton should continue to lean on Legette at least until Thielen returns -- and hopefully for the rest of the season. The Panthers have a tough matchup in Week 5 at Chicago, but Legette should be considered a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues. He's worth adding for at least 10-15 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Robinson just had 11 catches for 71 yards on 14 targets in Week 4 against Dallas, and that's his third game this season with at least eight targets and six catches. He's also scored at least 13.1 PPR points in each of his past two games and has just one game this season below 11.8 PPR points. He's only scored one touchdown and likely won't find the end zone on a regular basis, so his value is higher in PPR, but Robinson should now be considered a No. 3 PPR receiver heading into Week 5 at Seattle. He's worth adding for at least 10-15 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Cooper Kupp (ankle) isn't expected to play in Week 5, and Puka Nacua (knee) remains on injured reserve. Demarcus Robinson (groin) is now injured, and the Rams are down to Whittington and Tutu Atwell (41 percent) as the last remaining viable options in the passing game for Matthew Stafford. Whittington just had six catches for 62 yards on eight targets at Chicago in Week 4, and Atwell has consecutive games with at least 12.2 PPR points with eight catches for 175 yards on 11 targets over that span. I like Whittington better than Atwell in PPR, but both have potential to be No. 3 Fantasy receivers. And the Rams have a favorable matchup in Week 5 against Green Bay. Whittington and Atwell are both worth adding for at least 10 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Downs is clearly the No. 2 receiver for the Colts, and he would benefit tremendously if Joe Flacco starts in place of Anthony Richardson (hip) in Week 5 at Jacksonville. Downs just had eight catches for 82 yards and a touchdown on nine targets in Week 4 against Pittsburgh in the game where Richardson was injured. But even when Richardson is healthy, he should also continue to lean on Downs, and he has the potential to be a No. 3 PPR receiver, especially now during the bye weeks. Downs is worth adding for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Lazard has scored at least 10.8 PPR points in three of four games this season and has three touchdowns. I hope we start to see more from Mike Williams (31 percent rostered), who just had a season-high 10.7 PPR points in Week 4, and clearly Garrett Wilson. But Lazard and Williams could be potential No. 3 Fantasy receivers during the bye, with Lazard having a slight edge for now. And the Jets have a favorable matchup in Week 5 at Minnesota. Lazard is worth 5 percent of your remaining FAB, and Williams is worth 1 percent.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Tucker has stepped up in the past two games and could continue to have a prominent role with Davante Adams (hamstring) hurt. In his past two games against Carolina and Cleveland, Tucker has 15 targets for 12 catches, 135 yards, and a touchdown, and he also added a rushing touchdown in Week 4 against the Browns. Tucker has a tough matchup in Week 5 at Denver and then in Week 6 against Pittsburgh, but he could see an increase in value if the Raiders eventually trade Adams. Tucker is worth adding for 1 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Lockett has 17 targets in his past two games, and he's not going away despite DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba also having prominent roles. Now, Geno Smith just threw 56 passes in Week 4 at Detroit, so that helped Lockett get a season-high nine targets against Detroit. But with the bye weeks here and Lockett still heavily involved, he could be used as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in deeper leagues. Lockett is worth adding for 1 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Wilson had a bad game in a favorable matchup against Washington in Week 4 with three catches for 38 yards on seven targets, but he now has 16 targets in his past two games against the Lions and Commanders. That could coincide with Trey McBride (concussion) getting hurt, but Wilson is a talented player with a potentially prominent role in a good offense. He's worth stashing during the bye weeks for 1 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
The Chiefs have to replace Rashee Rice (knee), and we'll see if they bring someone in via trade or off the street. Xavier Worthy should have a prominent role at receiver, and clearly, Travis Kelce remains the top target in the passing game. But we'll see if guys like Watson and JuJu-Smith Schuster (3 percent rostered) can help Patrick Mahomes moving forward, and both are worth adding in deeper leagues. Watson played a season-high 69 percent of the snaps in Week 4 against the Chargers, but he has scored 4.7 PPR points or less in every game this year. And Smith-Schuster scored a touchdown in Week 3 at Atlanta, but he only has two catches on the season on four targets. Watson and Smith-Schuster are worth adding for 1 percent of your remaining FAB in deeper leagues.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Tight End
Injuries: George Kittle (ribs), Trey McBride (concussion), Evan Engram (hamstring), David Njoku (ankle), Taysom Hill (ribs) and T.J. Hockenson.
Check to see if available in shallow leagues: David Njoku (78 percent rostered), Evan Engram (75 percent), Pat Freiermuth (73 percent), and T.J. Hockenson (67 percent). Hopefully, we can get Njoku back in Week 5 at Washington after he's been out with an ankle injury, and he practiced last Thursday, which should indicate he's close. When healthy, Njoku will be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy tight end in all leagues. ... Engram has missed the past three games, but hopefully, he's close to a return, especially with a favorable matchup in Week 5 against the Colts. When healthy, Engram will be a low-end starter in all formats. ... Freiermuth scored his first touchdown of the season in Week 4 at the Colts with five catches for 57 yards on seven targets. He's scored at least 7.3 PPR points in three games in a row, and he has the potential to be a low-end starter in all leagues on a weekly basis. ... Hockenson could make his 2024 debut in Week 7 after Minnesota's bye in Week 6. When healthy, Hockenson can still be a low-end starter in all leagues, especially with how well Sam Darnold has played to open the season.
Drop candidates: Isaiah Likely (85 percent rostered), Mike Gesicki (83 percent), and Dalton Schultz (57 percent). I'm not ready to drop Mark Andrews yet, but Likely is droppable in most leagues. He scored 26.1 PPR points in Week 1, but he's since combined for 9.6 PPR points in his other three games. I'm hopeful Andrews and Likely start playing better soon, but Andrews is still worth holding out hope for given his history. ... Gesicki, in two games with Tee Higgins back, has combined for five catches for 38 yards and no touchdowns on six targets, and Gesicki is getting outplayed by rookie tight end Erick All. There's little reason to roster Gesicki while everyone is healthy for the Bengals. ... I thought Schultz had the chance to play well in Week 4 against Jacksonville with Tank Dell (ribs) out, and Schultz managed just three catches for 34 yards on five targets. Dell is expected to return in Week 5 against Buffalo, and Schultz can return to the waiver wire. He's now scored 6.4 PPR points or less in four games in a row.
Add in this order:
Kraft had a huge game in Week 4 against Minnesota with six catches for 53 yards and a touchdown in nine targets, and hopefully, that's a sign of things to come. He's been the top tight end for the Packers all season ahead of Luke Musgrave, and now Kraft is needed in Green Bay's offense with Christian Watson (ankle) out. Last season, Kraft had four games with at least six targets, and he scored at least 10 PPR points in three of them. I like Kraft as a No. 1 Fantasy tight end in Week 5 at the Rams, and he's worth adding for 10-15 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Hill could be out in Week 5 at Kansas City, so keep that in mind. He left Week 4 at the Falcons with a rib injury, and this is the second time this year he's dealt with an injury to his chest/ribs area. Prior to leaving the game against Atlanta, Hill had six carries for 24 yards and two touchdowns but wasn't targeted. If he plays against the Chiefs, he should be considered a low-end starter in all leagues, and he's worth adding for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAB. And, whether Hill plays or not, you can also look at Juwan Johnson (19 percent rostered) as a deep-league flier. The Chiefs are No. 1 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends, and hopefully, Johnson will be a weapon for Derek Carr in Week 5. Johnson is worth adding for 1 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Otton has 17 targets in his past two games against Denver and Philadelphia, and he has 13 catches over that span for 99 yards. He's scored at least 9.7 PPR points in each outing, and the Buccaneers could be without Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion) in Week 5 against Atlanta. That would make Otton the No. 3 target behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and this is a favorable matchup against the Falcons. Otton should be considered a low-end starter in all leagues, and he's worth adding for 5-10 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Conklin has 14 targets in his past two games against the Patriots and Broncos, and he has nine catches for 110 yards over that span. He should continue to be a factor for Aaron Rodgers moving forward, and Conklin has a favorable matchup in Week 5 at Minnesota. I like Conklin as a low-end starter in PPR, and he's worth adding for up to 5 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
All has four targets in each of his past three games against Kansas City, Washington, and Carolina, and he's caught all four passes in each outing. Now, he's been at 32 receiving yards or less in each contest with no touchdowns, but clearly, the Bengals are trying to involve their rookie tight end. Mike Gesicki will hopefully start to fade to give All more looks, and he's worth using as a low-end starter in deeper leagues. He's been a reliable weapon for Joe Burrow, and All is worth adding for 1 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
We'll see how the Chiefs plan to replace Rashee Rice (knee), and using Gray in tandem with Travis Kelce could be part of the plan. In Week 4 at the Chargers, Gray had a season-high four targets for four catches and 40 yards, and he could continue to stay in that range while Andy Reid figures out the receiver situation. In deeper leagues, Gray is worth adding for 1 percent of your remaining FAB.
| ||||||||||||||||||
DST streamers
Vikings (62 percent rostered) vs. NYJ
Broncos (27 percent rostered) vs. LV
Packers (65 percent rostered) at LAR
Patriots (13 percent rostered) vs. MIA
Seahawks (29 percent rostered) vs. NYG
Kicker streamers
Will Reichard (7 percent rostered) vs. NYJ
Jason Myers (71 percent rostered) vs. NYG
Chris Boswell (44 percent rostered) vs. DAL
Austin Seibert (7 percent rostered) vs. CLE
Greg Joseph (1 percent rostered) at SEA
Who should you start and sit this week? And which surprising quarterback could lead you to victory? Visit SportsLine now to get Week 5 Fantasy projections for every position, plus see which quarterback comes out of nowhere to crack the top 10, all from the model that has outperformed experts big-time.
