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Geno Smith A Sneaky Waiver-Wire Target For Week 5
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith threw for just 119 passing yards and one touchdown in Week 4, totaling under 8.8 PPR fantasy points just a week after dominating with 26.0 points. Smith's 14th season as an NFL QB has been a bumpy road, as at times he's looked like one of the NFL's better QBs and at other times like one of its worst. But he was missing his WR2, Adonai Mitchell (thumb) in Week 4. Mitchell is expected to be back in Week 5, and he was a huge part of the offense when he played. Having another legitimate threat as a separator across from WR Garrett Wilson, the team's WR1, helped the passing offense be much more productive, it seems. Week 4 also was a very odd game script for the Jets, as Smith attempted just 15 passes, of which he completed nine. His 7.9 yards per pass attempt was a very solid mark, it's just that he wasn't throwing the ball much. He attempted 41 and 37 passes in his previous two games, and a return to that volume at that efficiency rate would help him finish nicely in fantasy football. In deeper leagues, especially those with two quarterback spots or one superflex spot, Smith is a priority add if he's available on waivers.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
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Tyler Goodson A Deep-League Waiver Option As Handcuff
Dallas Cowboys running back Tyler Goodson hasn't been very involved in his team's offense this season, even though he's the clear RB2 behind starter Javonte Williams. Cowboys RB Malik Davis (hip) was set for that role, but was placed on season-ending injured reserve, clearing the path for Goodson to be second on the depth chart. Williams rushed for three touchdowns and caught five passes in Week 4 in a narrow win over the Houston Texans. Goodson saw just three rushes and one target in the contest. Williams is the workhorse back for the team, but if he were to get injured, Goodson would be in line for a big role that would vault him into starting conversation. The Cowboys run game has been inefficient this season, but the return of their best run-blocking offensive lineman, Tyler Smith (thumb), is imminent. He was cleared to return to practice on Monday after offseason thumb surgery, and will give a big boost to the Cowboys endeavors on the ground. Were Williams to get hurt, Goodson would be set up in a productive offense with a good offensive line and a quarterback that's happy to feed significant targets to players in the backfield, making the former Indianapolis Colt a solid waiver wire addition in deeper leagues or as a pure handcuff add in standard leagues ahead of Week 5.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Malik Willis a Potential Waiver Add If Dropped In Deep Two-QB Leagues
The last fantasy performance from Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis may convince fantasy managers in two-QB and superflex leagues with lots of teams to drop him. If that happens, it could be a good idea to pick him up off waivers if available. In these leagues, every QB with a starting job should be rostered, at the bare minimum. Miami's receiving corps is struggling with injuries right now -- WRs Caleb Douglas (ankle) and Chris Bell (knee) are dealing with separate ailments, and Douglas didn't play in Week 4. Willis' fantasy point total of 2.5 points was dismal, and he was worse than many replacement-level players at other positions, even in those leagues. But he performed better when Douglas was healthy, and the rookie wideout could be the key to getting the offense going. Willis should be avoided in all 1QB formats, but in deep superflex leagues, he should be universally rostered. The Vikings defense shut him down well in his last game, but better days should be ahead.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Sean Tucker A Deep-League Waiver Add, Should Be More Involved In Offense
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker got his first touches of the 2026 NFL Season in Week 4, when he carried the ball three times for 10 yards and a touchdown. He only played five percent of his team's offensive snaps, and is still clearly the RB3 behind RB1 Bucky Irving and RB2 Kenneth Gainwell. Tucker likely won't carve out a significant standalone role for himself any time soon, as Tampa Bay has had him for years and still opted to sign Gainwell, who played for the Steelers last season. However, an injury to Irving would probably result in Tucker handling the majority of the team's carries. Gainwell is a pass-catching specialist with a nice pass-blocking acumen, but has never been a team's primary rusher aside from in cases of injury. Tucker's PPR upside will likely always be capped by his lack of pass-catching pedigree and Gainwell's talent in that area even in case of an Irving injury. In standard leagues and deep leagues, though, it's encouraging to see that Tucker hasn't been completely phased out of the offense, and that he's likely the next man up on early downs if Irving gets hurt. Tucker is also the heaviest back of the three, so more goal-line touches may be in the near future for him.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Seth McGowan A Waiver Target As Handcuff RB For Colts
Indianapolis Colts running back Seth McGowan appears to have fully wrested control of his team's RB2 job away from DJ Giddens, the other RB on the roster aside from starter Jonathan Taylor. Giddens dealt with a knee injury in Week 2, but was a healthy scratch for Week 3, as the coaching staff decided to make Taylor and McGowan the team's active running backs. There is essentially zero chance that McGowan will push the coaching staff to hand him more touches at the expense of Taylor, who's one of the best backs in the league. But the rookie would step into a large role if Taylor got injured, meaning he should be added by fantasy managers who want to handcuff Taylor and in deeper leagues where all RB2s are rostered. McGowan is a nice lottery ticket in an offense that was highly productive last season before quarterback Daniel Jones tore his Achilles tendon. He's been active and starting for the first four games, but likely still needs time to heal. McGowan could see 20 or more touches in games that Taylor misses. He carried the ball six times for 31 yards and caught one of his two targets for seven yards in a dominant win over the Washington Commanders in Week 4 while Giddens sat on the sideline, so it's obvious McGowan is the target to pickup off waivers.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Lamar Jackson Could Miss Multiple Games with Ankle Injury
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is "unlikely" to play in his team's Week 5 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons and could end up missing multiple games, per ESPN's Ian Rapoport. Jackson suffered a sprained ankle right before halftime of Baltimore's Week 4 win over the Tennessee Titans, which kept him from playing in the second half and now appears likely to lead to additional missed time. It's a tough blow for Jackson, who has recorded 967 passing yards and six touchdowns to go along with 144 rushing yards and a score across three-plus games in 2026. With Jackson sidelined, experienced backup quarterback Tyler Huntley will take over under center for Baltimore. Huntley appeared in five games (two starts) for the Ravens in 2025, throwing for 426 yards and two touchdowns. For as long as Jackson is unable to play, fantasy managers should likely downgrade expectations for Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers and running back Derrick Henry.
Source: ESPN - Ian Rapoport
Source: ESPN - Ian Rapoport
Jameis Winston A Must-Add Waiver Quarterback For Week 5
New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston assumed the role of starter after the season-ending injury to Giants QB1 Jaxson Dart in Week 2. Winston struggled the next week, but racked up 20 PPR fantasy points (in four-point passing TD PPR leagues) by throwing three touchdowns and 250 passing yards. He also tossed two picks, but he's a gunslinger that isn't afraid of pushing the ball deep even if it means turning it over. In 2QB leagues where he's not rostered, he's an absolute top priority on waivers and an every-week starter for the rest of the season. In 1QB leagues, he's also an excellent player to add, as he has top-8 upside at the QB position due to his raw productiveness. He's a talent elevator, but having wide receiver Malik Nabers to throw to certainly helps his passing output. A game with the porous Washington Commanders pass defense is coming up, and Winston will be a good start to make in all leagues for that contest. He can be vulnerable to poor games against tough defenses, but he absolutely should be rostered in all leagues with 12 or more teams and those with superflex spots that allow a second QB in their starting lineups.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Sam Darnold Could Be a Top Quarterback Streamer in Week 5
Since returning from the hip injury that knocked him out of his team's season opener, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has completed 65.7% of his pass attempts for 547 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. Darnold was not forced to throw much in Seattle's Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers after the Seahawks opened up a big lead early in the game. However, the 29-year-old proved he can put up huge numbers when the game script calls for it, throwing for 379 yards and four touchdowns in Seattle's Week 3 loss to the Washington Commanders. In Week 5, the Seahawks could be forced into another high-scoring affair with the San Francisco 49ers. Particularly in deeper league formats, Darnold carries waiver-wire appeal as a quarterback streamer heading into Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cyrus Allen An Intriguing Deep-League Waiver Option For Week 5
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cyrus Allen could see more playing time in the coming weeks due to two of the Chiefs top receivers suffering injuries in Week 4. WR Tyquan Thornton (ankle) suffered a season-ending ankle dislocation, and WR Rashee Rice (hamstring) picked up a hamstring issue. Rice will return, but it's unclear when. If he doesn't play in Week 6, we could see a significant uptick in Allen's usage. Thornton's absence will bump him up the depth chart anyway, which could potentially force the Chiefs to start throwing him the ball more. Allen has just two targets and zero catches through four games this season. He's a late-round rookie pick, so that's not much of a surprise. He flashed in training camp, though, and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is known for incorporating his rookies into the offense very slowly. In leagues with 14 or more teams, Allen is a nice speculative stash, though his upside will likely be very limited, especially if KC signs a free agent veteran like WR Tyreek Hill.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Chase McLaughlin Misses Practice With Groin/Hip Injuries
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin (groin, hip) was added to the Week 5 injury report on Tuesday after missing practice due to groin and hip injuries, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. It is unclear how serious McLaughlin's injury is, but especially on a short week, a mid-week downgrade is not a good sign. The Buccaneers play the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football to kick off Week 5 action. If the 30-year-old veteran's injury is serious enough to keep him from kicking this week, the Buccaneers will likely make a move to add a kicker quickly. McLaughlin has been a top-10 fantasy kicker through the first four weeks, but he was limited to just two points in the Week 4 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the first game without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb). McLaughlin's short-term fantasy value has taken a big hit with Mayfield injured, and he is expected to miss at least two more games. Fantasy managers should be looking elsewhere at the kicker position, even if McLaughlin is able to play on Thursday.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Jaylen Wright Still Worth Stashing Despite Quiet Week 4?
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright disappointed fantasy managers in his team's first game since losing star back De'Von Achane (knee) to a season-ending knee injury, recording just seven rushing yards on five carries in a Week 4 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Wright was significantly outperformed by fellow Dolphins back Ollie Gordon II, who racked up 100 rushing yards and a touchdown on nine carries. Going forward, Wright may end up playing a secondary role to Gordon II in the Miami backfield. However, Wright may have another chance to make an impact in an easier matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5. Even if Gordon II takes over as the lead back, Wright carries some fantasy value as a handcuff option. In deeper league formats, Wright could still be worth stashing off the waiver wire heading into Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Najee Harris Has Emerged as the Clear Handcuff to Roster in New York
Across three games so far in 2026, New York Giants running back Najee Harris has recorded 22 carries for 88 yards and has yet to earn a single target as a receiver out of the backfield. Harris' path to consistent production in New York is blocked by the presence of Giants RB1 Cam Skattebo. As long as Skattebo remains healthy, he profiles as a three-down workhorse who should see the majority of the Giants' high-value touches. However, Skattebo's physical running style could eventually result in him getting injured. Harris appears to have established himself as the clear RB2 in New York, as fellow reserve running backs Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary have combined for just two touches over the last two weeks. In deeper league formats, fantasy managers may want to consider targeting Harris on the waiver wire for his handcuff upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Makai Lemon Still Carries Waiver-Wire Intrigue Despite Week 4 Dud
Across the first four games of his NFL career, Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon has recorded just 10 catches for 65 yards on 15 targets. With Eagles wideout DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) both sidelined in Week 4, Lemon looked to have a golden opportunity to assert himself. However, the 22-year-old recorded just three catches for 27 yards in Philadelphia's Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. On the bright side, Lemon saw a season-high six targets and was on the field for a season-high 74% of the Eagles' offensive snaps. Lemon missed a significant chunk of training camp with a hamstring injury, which could explain his slow start to the year. Given the injuries to Smith and Goedert, Lemon could continue to see his role scaled up and remains a worthy waiver wire stash in most fantasy formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Lane Johnson Retires From NFL Effective Immediately
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson has announced his retirement from the NFL, effective immediately. Johnson confirmed the decision Tuesday in a statement, saying he had wanted to play one final season but realized after considerable reflection that his personal and family priorities had changed. The 36-year-old specifically cited the need to focus on his mental health and spend more time with his children and family. Johnson started Philadelphia's first three games this season before missing Sunday's loss to the Rams for personal reasons. His career ends after 14 seasons with the Eagles, 171 starts, six Pro Bowl selections, two first-team All-Pro honors, and two Super Bowl championships. Rookie Markel Bell started at right tackle in Johnson's absence Sunday and is the most obvious in-house option as Philadelphia adjusts to losing one of the defining players of its offensive line.
Source: Lane Johnson
Source: Lane Johnson
Kyler Murray Remains a Deep-League Add Despite Underwhelming Start
Since returning from the concussion that knocked him out of his team's season opener, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray has thrown for 415 yards, one touchdown, and one interception across two games. Murray has not quite gotten going as a rusher yet either, recording 33 rushing yards on eight carries. While the 29-year-old's production has not been particularly useful for fantasy managers just yet, there's some reason to believe better days could be ahead. For one, Murray has barely shared the field with star Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson (ankle), who could return in the team's Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Murray could also start using his legs more as he gets further removed from the concussion. In his last fully healthy season in 2024, Murray recorded 572 rushing yards and five touchdowns over 17 games. In deeper league formats, Murray remains a viable quarterback streamer for fantasy managers heading into Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pat Freiermuth Still Only a Deep-League Streaming Option
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has scored twice in four games, but the weekly volume still makes him tough to push as anything more than a deeper-league option. He has 14 catches for 125 yards on 19 targets, with either four or five targets in every game. Darnell Washington has been right there with him, though, drawing 13 targets and turning them into 119 yards and a touchdown. That split has kept Freiermuth from separating himself even when he finds the end zone, as he did on a three-catch, 17-yard night against Cleveland. Pittsburgh gets Indianapolis in Week 5, and Freiermuth is at least usable for managers digging through the bottom of the tight end pool. RotoBaller ranks him TE20 for the week and lists him as an add in 14-team leagues. That is the right range. He is a deep-league streamer, not someone fantasy managers in standard 10- or 12-team formats need to prioritize.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Brooks Going for More Tests on his Ankle
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that the team is getting more tests done on running back Chris Brooks' ankle after he injured it in the Week 4 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, according to Weston Hodkiewicz of the team's official website. Brooks finished Sunday's game with only four carries for 30 yards while catching his only target for a five-yard gain. Kaleb Johnson had a team-high eight carries for 42 yards, while MarShawn Lloyd had seven rushing attempts for 13 yards and caught five passes for 36 yards through the air. Brooks' status is firmly up in the air for the team's Week 5 tilt this weekend against the division-rival Chicago Bears. The 26-year-old has had a bigger role in Green Bay's backfield through the first four games of 2026 with Josh Jacobs still on the commissioner's exempt list, but his role alongside Johnson and Lloyd has not been significant enough to produce standalone fantasy value. Both Johnson and Lloyd will be more attractive as flex options for fantasy managers this week if Brooks is not cleared to play against Chicago.
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
Dillon Gabriel Eligible to Return to Practice
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (back) is eligible to return to practice after spending the first four games on injured reserve. Daniel Oyefusi reported Tuesday that Cleveland has opened Gabriel's 21-day practice window, giving the Browns three weeks to activate him to the 53-man roster or leave him on injured reserve for the rest of the season. Gabriel's back issue surfaced after the preseason finale against New England, when he completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns. He was placed on injured reserve at roster cutdown with a designation to return. Cleveland currently has Deshaun Watson atop the depth chart, followed by Shedeur Sanders and rookie Taylen Green, so Gabriel's return creates more of a roster decision than an immediate fantasy opportunity.
Source: Daniel Oyefusi
Source: Daniel Oyefusi
Jauan Jennings Not a Priority Waiver Add for Week 5
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings got exactly the kind of opportunity fantasy managers were waiting for in Week 4, and almost nothing came of it. Justin Jefferson (ankle) was out, Kyler Murray attempted 37 passes, and Jennings finished with one catch for eight yards. T.J. Hockenson caught 13 passes for 119 yards and Jordan Addison added four catches for 52, which says plenty about where Jennings currently sits in this passing game. He now has only two receptions for nine yards in three appearances since joining Minnesota. Jefferson's status for Week 5 against New Orleans is still worth tracking, but even another absence would not make Jennings easy to trust after what happened Sunday. The Vikings also head into their bye immediately after this matchup. RotoBaller has Jennings down at WR74 in its early Week 5 half-PPR rankings. He is not a priority waiver add in standard leagues and is better left for deeper formats where managers can afford to wait for his role to change.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hunter Henry Back on the Streaming Radar for Week 5
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry had been pretty quiet to open the season, but Week 4 was at least a reminder that he can still matter when the Patriots need him. The veteran tight end caught all five of his targets for 62 yards against Buffalo after totaling just 71 yards over the first three weeks. New England is also a little thin right now. A.J. Brown (ankle) is still on injured reserve, and Mack Hollins left Sunday's game with a calf injury. That does not suddenly make Henry a priority waiver claim, especially with no touchdowns through four games, but the matchup with Las Vegas puts him back in play for anyone scrambling at tight end. RotoBaller has Henry at TE14 for Week 5 and recommends him as an add in 12-team leagues. He makes more sense as a short-term streamer than someone fantasy managers need to hold onto once better options become available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Darius Cooper Has a Window to Stay Involved
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper made the most of his expanded opportunity in Week 4, catching three of seven targets for 33 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams. He was on the field for 90% of Philadelphia's offensive snaps, a major jump with DeVonta Smith sidelined by a hamstring injury. Cooper now has three touchdowns over his last three games, although the five catches for 59 yards on the season show why fantasy managers should keep expectations reasonable. The immediate appeal depends heavily on Smith's availability. If Smith misses another game, Cooper should again have a path to significant snaps when Philadelphia faces Jacksonville in Week 5. RotoBaller currently ranks him 42nd among all waiver options and recommends adding him in 12-team leagues. Cooper is worth a short-term claim, but his role could shrink quickly once the Eagles get healthier.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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