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Week 5 fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Tyjae Spears, Kyle Monangai, Miles Sanders in 2025. Read their waiver wire outlooks for fantasy football.
Week 5 offers fantasy managers a mix of opportunities and caution at the running back position. Injuries, inconsistent workloads, and limited depth have created openings for savvy waiver-wire adds, but not every back with a name carries reliable upside. Identifying who to target—and who to avoid—is key as bye weeks begin to impact lineups.
The Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears both present cautionary tales. Tyjae Spears is nearing a return from injury, but with Tony Pollard firmly entrenched as the lead back, his touches will likely be limited. Similarly, Chicago’s Kyle Monangai has seen consistent carries but has yet to show fantasy viability behind D'Andre Swift in a struggling rushing attack.
Conversely, some backs offer immediate value. Miles Sanders has flashed efficiency and big-play potential as a change-of-pace option behind Javonte Williams in Dallas’ high-powered offense. With the right matchups and upcoming bye weeks, managers should be ready to add Sanders while exercising patience with Spears and Monangai.
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Tyjae Spears Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups
Rostered: 31% of Leagues
Baller Move: Avoid for now
The Tennessee Titans’ offense has struggled early this season, with rookie quarterback Cameron Ward under heavy pressure and a one-dimensional running game. The team ranks 29th in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, and frequent negative game scripts have forced the offense into catch-up mode. Pollard has shouldered most of the workload but has averaged just 3.8 yards per carry, limiting flexibility in the backfield.
Third-year running back Spears is nearing a return from the high ankle sprain he suffered in the preseason. Spears has started his 21-day practice window and appears close to full health. Once active, he could provide balance to the offense, particularly as a change-of-pace option or in short-yardage situations.
Despite the positive outlook, Pollard is expected to remain the lead back, so Spears’ touches will likely be limited initially. Fantasy managers should view him as a speculative handcuff rather than a plug-and-play starter. With an unclear role and a team often playing from behind, Spears should remain on the waiver wire until his role is more defined.
Kyle Monangai Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups
Rostered: 9% of Leagues
Baller Move: Only add as a handcuff for Swift
Chicago Bears running back Monangai has seen consistent carries through the early part of the season, but so far, he has done little to inspire fantasy confidence. Monangai has carried the ball 17 times for 62 yards, while lead back Swift dominates the workload with 56 carries.
ICYMI last night, here's a look at Kyle Monangai's (@kylemonangai) first touch in the NFL.
NFL Knights👉https://t.co/OsCikF73ji pic.twitter.com/TQIyr8NO8x
— Rutgers Scarlet Knights | The Knight Report (@RutgersOn3) September 9, 2025
Monangai was one of a handful of rookie backs generating pre-season hype, but his limited touches and 3.6 yards-per-carry average have underwhelmed fantasy managers. The Bears’ rushing attack as a whole ranks just 25th in yards per carry, failing to complement their 11th-ranked passing offense.
While the team could use a spark in the ground game, Monangai has yet to show he can provide it. With Swift firmly in control of the backfield and no clear path to an expanded role, Monangai should be considered a low-upside option. Fantasy managers are better off looking elsewhere for running back depth or change-of-pace plays until he proves he can make a meaningful impact.
Miles Sanders Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups
Rostered: 6% of Leagues
Baller Move: Add in all formats
Sanders suffered a scare when he was forced to leave Sunday night’s game against the Packers, but he appears to have avoided serious injury. Sanders has been an effective change-of-pace option behind starter Williams, providing both rushing and receiving value.
sanders cashes it in for six!
📺: #NYGvsDAL on FOX
📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/RmDxAeCG4M pic.twitter.com/ashOEVa8sa— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 14, 2025
Through the early weeks, Sanders has totaled 117 yards on 20 carries, averaging an impressive 5.9 yards per attempt. He has also caught all eight of his targets in the passing game, showing reliability out of the backfield. The Cowboys' offense has been electric this season, leading the league in total yards, ranking first in passing, and 12th in rushing, which sets the stage for plenty of scoring opportunities.
With Dallas frequently engaged in high-scoring games, identifying the right pieces of their offense is key for fantasy managers. Sanders should be viewed as a must-add stash with big-play upside, particularly as bye weeks approach. He offers a valuable complement to Williams and could see expanded opportunities if injuries or game scripts shift in his favor.
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