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2026 season · Week 5 waivers · this week

Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups (2026): Malik Washington, Mack Hollins, Tyler Allgeier

Updated Tue, Oct 6, 2:39 PM ET

Permanent link: Week 5 article →Interactive rankings and FAAB →

Top 5 adds this week

  1. 1Malik Washington

    Malik Washington WR, Miami Dolphins

    AddInjury openingRostered 28%FAAB (12-team) 19% (13–25%)

    Why now: Caleb Douglas’ injury left 20% of the MIA targets up for grabs, and Malik Washington has absorbed 58% of it (target share 18% → 29%).

    Target share 18% → 29% after Caleb Douglas's injury; next 3: CIN (8th vs WR), BYE, @NYJ (2nd vs WR).

    Next 3: CINBYE@NYJ

    Projection this week: 10.6 PPR · 8.5 half · 6.4 standard · rest of season 11.1 PPR per game

    Best for: PPR leagues, Weekly starter

    0%50%100%W1W2W3W4
    Snap shareTarget share

    Data: nfl_waiver_rankingsnfl_ownership_dailynfl_usage_weeknfl_projection_rosnfl_projection_week · method

  2. 2Mack Hollins

    Mack Hollins WR, New England Patriots

    AddInjury openingRostered 13%FAAB (12-team) 15% (11–20%)

    Why now: A.J. Brown’s injury left 13% of the NE targets up for grabs, and Mack Hollins has absorbed 53% of it (target share 14% → 21%).

    Target share 14% → 21% after A.J. Brown's injury; next 3: LV, NYJ (2nd vs WR), @CHI (5th vs WR).

    Next 3: LVNYJ@CHI

    Projection this week: 11.2 PPR · 9.2 half · 7.2 standard · rest of season 10.5 PPR per game

    Best for: PPR leagues, Bye-week fill-in

    0%50%100%W1W2W3W4
    Snap shareTarget share

    Data: nfl_waiver_rankingsnfl_ownership_dailynfl_usage_weeknfl_projection_rosnfl_projection_week · method

  3. 3Tyler Allgeier

    Tyler Allgeier RB, Arizona Cardinals

    AddProjection valueRostered 28%FAAB (12-team) 14% (10–18%)

    Why now: Tyler Allgeier projects for 7.6 PPR points per game the rest of the way, more than the players usually left on 12-team waivers.

    Projects 7.6 points per game; next 3: DET, @LAR (2nd vs RB), DEN.

    Next 3: DET@LARDEN

    Projection this week: 8.4 PPR · 7.6 half · 6.8 standard · rest of season 7.6 PPR per game

    Best for: Bye-week fill-in

    0%50%100%W1W2W3W4
    Snap shareCarry share

    Data: nfl_waiver_rankingsnfl_ownership_dailynfl_usage_weeknfl_projection_rosnfl_projection_week · method

  4. 4Keon Coleman

    Keon Coleman WR, Buffalo Bills

    AddEfficiency spikeRostered 4%FAAB (12-team) 8% (6–10%)No. 13 most added

    Why now: The box score (+7.1 PPR points per game) ran ahead of Keon Coleman’s usage; expect some of it to come back.

    Projects 8.7 points per game (recent points up 7.1 on flat usage: regression risk); next 3: @LAR, @LV, BYE.

    Next 3: @LAR@LVBYE

    Projection this week: 9.6 PPR · 7.9 half · 6.2 standard · rest of season 8.7 PPR per game

    Best for: PPR leagues, TD-dependent, Bye-week fill-in

    0%50%100%W1W2W3W4
    Snap shareTarget share

    Data: nfl_waiver_rankingsnfl_ownership_dailynfl_usage_weeknfl_projection_rosnfl_projection_week · method

  5. 5Tre Harris

    Tre Harris WR, Los Angeles Chargers

    AddInjury openingRostered 6%FAAB (12-team) 6% (4–8%)

    Why now: With David Njoku out, Tre Harris’ target share jumped from 11% to 19% over the last two games.

    Target share 11% → 19% after David Njoku's injury; next 3: DEN (6th vs WR), @KC (7th vs WR), BYE.

    Next 3: DEN@KCBYE

    Projection this week: 8.0 PPR · 6.5 half · 5.0 standard · rest of season 8.3 PPR per game

    Best for: PPR leagues, Bye-week fill-in

    0%50%100%W1W2W3W4
    Snap shareTarget share

    Data: nfl_waiver_rankingsnfl_ownership_dailynfl_usage_weeknfl_projection_rosnfl_projection_week · method

Waiver pickups by position

QBs

  • Deshaun WatsonDeshaun WatsonCLEQBProjection valueRostered 9%FAAB 6% (4–8%)ROS/g 16.6 PPR · 16.6 half · 16.6 stdWeekly starter

    Deshaun Watson projects for 16.6 PPR points per game the rest of the way, more than the players usually left on 12-team waivers.

  • Tyson BagentTyson BagentCHIQBInjury openingRostered 1%FAAB $0ROS/g 9.0 PPR · 9.0 half · 9.0 stdBye-week fill-in

    Caleb Williams’ injury left 0% of the CHI snaps up for grabs, and Tyson Bagent has absorbed 92% of it (snap share 8% → 100%).

  • Athan KaliakmanisAthan KaliakmanisWASQBInjury openingRostered 0%FAAB $0ROS/g 7.2 PPR · 7.2 half · 7.2 stdBye-week fill-in

    Athan Kaliakmanis is the clearest beneficiary of Jayden Daniels’ absence: snap share 5% → 84%.

  • Jalon DanielsJalon DanielsTBQBRole changeRostered 2%FAAB $0ROS/g 8.1 PPR · 8.1 half · 8.1 stdBye-week fill-in

    Jalon Daniels’ role has grown: snap share 5% → 53%.

  • Jacoby BrissettJacoby BrissettARIQBProjection valueRostered 10%FAAB 1%ROS/g 15.8 PPR · 15.8 half · 15.8 stdBye-week fill-in

    Jacoby Brissett projects for 15.8 PPR points per game the rest of the way, more than the players usually left on 12-team waivers.

  • Malik WillisMalik WillisMIAQBRole changeRostered 11%FAAB $0ROS/g 13.1 PPR · 13.1 half · 13.1 stdBye-week fill-in

    The MIA staff is using Malik Willis more: 100% of snaps over the last two games against 53% before.

RBs

  • Tyler AllgeierTyler AllgeierARIRBProjection valueRostered 28%FAAB 14% (10–18%)ROS/g 7.6 PPR · 6.8 half · 6.2 stdBye-week fill-in

    Tyler Allgeier projects for 7.6 PPR points per game the rest of the way, more than the players usually left on 12-team waivers.

  • Brian RobinsonBrian RobinsonATLRBRole changeRostered 27%FAAB 8% (6–10%)ROS/g 6.0 PPR · 5.7 half · 5.5 stdBye-week fill-in

    The ATL staff is using Brian Robinson more: 35% of snaps over the last two games against 24% before.

  • George HolaniGeorge HolaniSEARBRole changeRostered 16%FAAB 7% (5–9%)ROS/g 5.9 PPR · 5.2 half · 4.6 stdBye-week fill-in

    George Holani’s role has grown: snap share 18% → 37% and carry share 12% → 19%.

  • Kendre MillerKendre MillerNORBProjection valueRostered 16%FAAB 5% (4–7%)ROS/g 5.3 PPR · 4.8 half · 4.3 stdBye-week fill-in

    Our rest-of-season projection has Kendre Miller at 5.3 PPR points per game over 12 games, 6 points above a 12-team replacement.

  • Keaton MitchellKeaton MitchellLACRBRole changeRostered 18%FAAB 3% (2–4%)ROS/g 4.9 PPR · 4.2 half · 3.5 stdBye-week fill-in

    More snaps (21% → 38%) and more carries (15% → 30%) point to a real role change for Keaton Mitchell, the kind that has held up best in our backtests.

  • Ty JohnsonTy JohnsonBUFRBProjection valueRostered 2%FAAB 4% (3–5%)ROS/g 5.1 PPR · 4.4 half · 3.6 stdBye-week fill-in

    Ty Johnson projects for 5.1 PPR points per game the rest of the way, more than the players usually left on 12-team waivers.

WRs

  • Malik WashingtonMalik WashingtonMIAWRInjury openingRostered 28%FAAB 19% (13–25%)ROS/g 11.1 PPR · 9.0 half · 7.0 stdPPR leaguesWeekly starter

    Caleb Douglas’ injury left 20% of the MIA targets up for grabs, and Malik Washington has absorbed 58% of it (target share 18% → 29%).

  • Mack HollinsMack HollinsNEWRInjury openingRostered 13%FAAB 15% (11–20%)ROS/g 10.5 PPR · 8.5 half · 6.5 stdPPR leaguesBye-week fill-in

    A.J. Brown’s injury left 13% of the NE targets up for grabs, and Mack Hollins has absorbed 53% of it (target share 14% → 21%).

  • Keon ColemanKeon ColemanBUFWREfficiency spikeRostered 4%FAAB 8% (6–10%)ROS/g 8.7 PPR · 7.1 half · 5.5 stdPPR leaguesTD-dependentBye-week fill-in

    The box score (+7.1 PPR points per game) ran ahead of Keon Coleman’s usage; expect some of it to come back.

  • Tre HarrisTre HarrisLACWRInjury openingRostered 6%FAAB 6% (4–8%)ROS/g 8.3 PPR · 6.8 half · 5.3 stdPPR leaguesBye-week fill-in

    With David Njoku out, Tre Harris’ target share jumped from 11% to 19% over the last two games.

  • Ryan FlournoyRyan FlournoyDALWRRole changeRostered 5%FAAB 3% (2–4%)ROS/g 7.4 PPR · 6.0 half · 4.7 stdPPR leaguesBye-week fill-in

    More snaps (55% → 70%) and more targets (13% → 16%) point to a real role change for Ryan Flournoy, the kind that has held up best in our backtests.

  • Rashod BatemanRashod BatemanBALWRProjection valueRostered 24%FAAB 5% (4–7%)ROS/g 7.9 PPR · 6.6 half · 5.2 stdBye-week fill-in

    Rashod Bateman projects for 7.9 PPR points per game the rest of the way, more than the players usually left on 12-team waivers.

TEs

  • Brenton StrangeBrenton StrangeJAXTEProjection valueRostered 17%FAAB 1%ROS/g 9.1 PPR · 7.3 half · 5.5 stdPPR leaguesBye-week fill-in

    Our rest-of-season projection has Brenton Strange at 9.1 PPR points per game over 12 games, 2 points above a 12-team replacement.

  • AJ BarnerAJ BarnerSEATERole changeRostered 8%FAAB 1%ROS/g 7.6 PPR · 6.3 half · 5.0 stdBye-week fill-in

    The SEA staff is using AJ Barner more: 91% of snaps over the last two games against 77% before.

  • Cade OttonCade OttonTBTEProjection valueRostered 3%FAAB 1%ROS/g 8.6 PPR · 6.8 half · 5.0 stdPPR leaguesBye-week fill-in

    Cade Otton projects for 8.6 PPR points per game the rest of the way, more than the players usually left on 12-team waivers.

  • Oronde Gadsden IIOronde Gadsden IILACTEInjury openingRostered 7%FAAB 1%ROS/g 7.9 PPR · 6.4 half · 4.9 stdPPR leaguesBye-week fill-in

    Oronde Gadsden II is the clearest beneficiary of David Njoku’s absence: target share 12% → 17%, snaps 50% → 56%.

  • Tyler HigbeeTyler HigbeeLARTERole changeRostered 2%FAAB $0ROS/g 6.4 PPR · 5.0 half · 3.6 stdPPR leaguesBye-week fill-in

    More snaps (42% → 68%) and more targets (8% → 17%) point to a real role change for Tyler Higbee, the kind that has held up best in our backtests.

Defenses

  • JAX D/STJAXDSTStreamerRostered 28%FAAB $0–1%Weekly starter

    JAX D/ST: 7.0 projected vs PHI (implied 18).

  • LV D/STLVDSTStreamerRostered 12%FAAB $0–1%Weekly starter

    LV D/ST: 6.4 projected vs NE (implied 24.5).

  • CIN D/STCINDSTStreamerRostered 18%FAAB $0–1%Weekly starter

    CIN D/ST: 6.4 projected vs MIA (implied 17.8).

Kickers

  • Cairo SantosCairo SantosCHIKStreamerRostered 29%FAAB $0–1%Weekly starter

    Cairo Santos: 8.7 projected: team total 24.3.

  • Chris BoswellChris BoswellPITKStreamerRostered 30%FAAB $0–1%Weekly starter

    Chris Boswell: 8.7 projected: team total 23.5.

  • Tyler BassTyler BassBUFKStreamerRostered 10%FAAB $0–1%Weekly starter

    Tyler Bass: 8.6 projected: team total 26, indoors.

Rankings by league type

Shallow (10-team)

Ten teams, so only players rostered in under 50% of ESPN leagues count as available. Shallow benches mean you can chase upside and cut bait quickly.

  1. 1.Malik Washington WR, MIA · 28% rostered · FAAB 9% (6–12%)

    Target share 18% → 29% after Caleb Douglas's injury; next 3: CIN (8th vs WR), BYE, @NYJ (2nd vs WR)

  2. 2.Mack Hollins WR, NE · 13% rostered · FAAB 7% (5–9%)

    Target share 14% → 21% after A.J. Brown's injury; next 3: LV, NYJ (2nd vs WR), @CHI (5th vs WR)

  3. 3.MarShawn Lloyd RB, GB · 49% rostered · FAAB 12% (8–16%)

    Target share 4% → 11% after a depth-chart promotion; next 3: CHI, DAL (31st vs RB), @DET

  4. 4.Tre Tucker WR, LV · 37% rostered · FAAB 10% (7–13%)

    Projects 11.6 points per game; next 3: @NE, BUF (32nd vs WR), LAR

  5. 5.Tyler Allgeier RB, ARI · 28% rostered · FAAB 8% (6–10%)

    Projects 7.6 points per game; next 3: DET, @LAR (2nd vs RB), DEN

  6. 6.Deshaun Watson QB, CLE · 9% rostered · FAAB 4% (3–5%)

    Projects 16.6 points per game; projected Week 5 starter (98% to start); next 3: @NYJ (4th vs QB), BAL, @TEN (7th vs QB)

  7. 7.Brian Robinson RB, ATL · 27% rostered · FAAB 4% (3–5%)

    Snap share 24% → 35%, carry share 22% → 32%: bigger role; next 3: BAL, CHI, SF (27th vs RB)

  8. 8.George Holani RB, SEA · 16% rostered · FAAB 3% (2–4%)

    Snap share 18% → 37%, carry share 12% → 19%: bigger role; next 3: SF (27th vs RB), @DEN, KC (6th vs RB)

  9. 9.Keon Coleman WR, BUF · 4% rostered · FAAB 2% (1–3%)

    Projects 8.7 points per game (recent points up 7.1 on flat usage: regression risk); next 3: @LAR, @LV, BYE

  10. 10.Kendre Miller RB, NO · 16% rostered · FAAB 1%

    Projects 5.3 points per game; next 3: MIN (1st vs RB), @NYG (26th vs RB), PIT (7th vs RB)

Standard (12-team)

Twelve teams, players rostered in under 35% of ESPN leagues. This is the default list the rest of the article uses.

  1. 1.Malik Washington WR, MIA · 28% rostered · FAAB 19% (13–25%)

    Target share 18% → 29% after Caleb Douglas's injury; next 3: CIN (8th vs WR), BYE, @NYJ (2nd vs WR)

  2. 2.Mack Hollins WR, NE · 13% rostered · FAAB 15% (11–20%)

    Target share 14% → 21% after A.J. Brown's injury; next 3: LV, NYJ (2nd vs WR), @CHI (5th vs WR)

  3. 3.Tyler Allgeier RB, ARI · 28% rostered · FAAB 14% (10–18%)

    Projects 7.6 points per game; next 3: DET, @LAR (2nd vs RB), DEN

  4. 4.Keon Coleman WR, BUF · 4% rostered · FAAB 8% (6–10%)

    Projects 8.7 points per game (recent points up 7.1 on flat usage: regression risk); next 3: @LAR, @LV, BYE

  5. 5.Tre Harris WR, LAC · 6% rostered · FAAB 6% (4–8%)

    Target share 11% → 19% after David Njoku's injury; next 3: DEN (6th vs WR), @KC (7th vs WR), BYE

  6. 6.Brian Robinson RB, ATL · 27% rostered · FAAB 8% (6–10%)

    Snap share 24% → 35%, carry share 22% → 32%: bigger role; next 3: BAL, CHI, SF (27th vs RB)

  7. 7.George Holani RB, SEA · 16% rostered · FAAB 7% (5–9%)

    Snap share 18% → 37%, carry share 12% → 19%: bigger role; next 3: SF (27th vs RB), @DEN, KC (6th vs RB)

  8. 8.Deshaun Watson QB, CLE · 9% rostered · FAAB 6% (4–8%)

    Projects 16.6 points per game; projected Week 5 starter (98% to start); next 3: @NYJ (4th vs QB), BAL, @TEN (7th vs QB)

  9. 9.Kendre Miller RB, NO · 16% rostered · FAAB 5% (4–7%)

    Projects 5.3 points per game; next 3: MIN (1st vs RB), @NYG (26th vs RB), PIT (7th vs RB)

  10. 10.Ryan Flournoy WR, DAL · 5% rostered · FAAB 3% (2–4%)

    Snap share 55% → 70%, target share 13% → 16%: bigger role; next 3: TB (3rd vs WR), @GB (28th vs WR), @PHI

Deep (14+ teams)

Fourteen-plus teams: only players rostered in under 10% of ESPN leagues, ranked on rest-of-season value over a deeper replacement level.

  1. 1.Keon Coleman WR, BUF · 4% rostered · FAAB 24% (17–31%)

    Projects 8.7 points per game (recent points up 7.1 on flat usage: regression risk); next 3: @LAR, @LV, BYE

  2. 2.Tre Harris WR, LAC · 6% rostered · FAAB 21% (15–27%)

    Target share 11% → 19% after David Njoku's injury; next 3: DEN (6th vs WR), @KC (7th vs WR), BYE

  3. 3.Ryan Flournoy WR, DAL · 5% rostered · FAAB 17% (12–22%)

    Snap share 55% → 70%, target share 13% → 16%: bigger role; next 3: TB (3rd vs WR), @GB (28th vs WR), @PHI

  4. 4.Tyquan Thornton WR, KC · 1% rostered · FAAB 16% (11–21%)

    Target share 7% → 19% at steady snaps; next 3: BYE, LAC, @SEA (1st vs WR)

  5. 5.Ted Hurst III WR, TB · 1% rostered · FAAB 16% (11–21%)

    Projects 7.3 points per game; next 3: @DAL (25th vs WR), PIT, @CAR

  6. 6.Malachi Fields WR, NYG · 7% rostered · FAAB 16% (11–21%)

    Projects 7.2 points per game; next 3: @WAS, NO, @HOU (30th vs WR)

  7. 7.Isaiah Williams WR, NYJ · 1% rostered · FAAB 14% (10–18%)

    Target share 9% → 13% after Adonai Mitchell's injury; next 3: CLE, @NE, MIA (4th vs WR)

  8. 8.Xavier Hutchinson WR, HOU · 5% rostered · FAAB 14% (10–18%)

    Projects 6.8 points per game; next 3: @TEN (26th vs WR), @JAX (27th vs WR), NYG

  9. 9.Ty Johnson RB, BUF · 2% rostered · FAAB 13% (9–17%)

    Projects 5.1 points per game; next 3: @LAR (2nd vs RB), @LV, BYE

  10. 10.Roman Wilson WR, PIT · 4% rostered · FAAB 12% (8–16%)

    Target share 9% → 17% at steady snaps; next 3: IND, @TB (3rd vs WR), @NO

Superflex / 2QB (12-team)

A second QB slot makes every starting quarterback valuable, so quarterbacks climb this list.

  1. 1.Deshaun Watson QB, CLE · 9% rostered · FAAB 46% (32–60%)

    Projects 16.6 points per game; projected Week 5 starter (98% to start); next 3: @NYJ (4th vs QB), BAL, @TEN (7th vs QB)

  2. 2.Jacoby Brissett QB, ARI · 10% rostered · FAAB 42% (29–55%)

    Projects 15.8 points per game; projected Week 5 starter (98% to start); next 3: DET (30th vs QB), @LAR (8th vs QB), DEN (6th vs QB)

  3. 3.Aaron Rodgers QB, PIT · 6% rostered · FAAB 37% (26–48%)

    Projects 15.0 points per game (recent points up 11.1 on flat usage: regression risk); projected Week 5 starter (98% to start); next 3: IND, @TB, @NO

  4. 4.Kirk Cousins QB, LV · 17% rostered · FAAB 39% (27–51%)

    Projects 15.3 points per game; projected Week 5 starter (98% to start); next 3: @NE (1st vs QB), BUF (29th vs QB), LAR (8th vs QB)

  5. 5.Jameis Winston QB, NYG · 3% rostered · FAAB 32% (22–42%)

    Snap share 52% → 100% after Jaxson Dart's injury; projected Week 5 starter (98% to start); next 3: @WAS (31st vs QB), NO, @HOU

  6. 6.Cam Ward QB, TEN · 6% rostered · FAAB 31% (22–40%)

    Projects 13.6 points per game; projected Week 5 starter (98% to start); next 3: HOU, @IND, CLE

  7. 7.Geno Smith QB, NYJ · 9% rostered · FAAB 31% (22–40%)

    Projects 13.7 points per game; projected Week 5 starter (98% to start); next 3: CLE, @NE (1st vs QB), MIA

  8. 8.Malik Willis QB, MIA · 11% rostered · FAAB 30% (21–39%)

    Snap share 53% → 100%: bigger role; projected Week 5 starter (98% to start); next 3: CIN (25th vs QB), BYE, @NYJ (4th vs QB)

Dynasty stashes (12-team)

Long-term stashes: youth, rookies and handcuffs with contingent value rank above this week’s points.

  1. 1.Emmett Johnson RB, KC · 20% rostered · FAAB 7% (5–9%)

    Handcuff to Kenneth Walker III; next 3: BYE, LAC, @SEA (8th vs RB)

  2. 2.Brian Robinson RB, ATL · 27% rostered · FAAB 14% (10–18%)

    Handcuff to Bijan Robinson; next 3: BAL, CHI, SF (27th vs RB)

  3. 3.Demond Claiborne RB, MIN · 1% rostered · FAAB $0

    Handcuff to Aaron Jones; next 3: @NO, BYE, IND

  4. 4.Seth McGowan RB, IND · 1% rostered · FAAB 6% (4–8%)

    Handcuff to Jonathan Taylor; next 3: @PIT (7th vs RB), TEN, @MIN (1st vs RB)

  5. 5.Mike Washington Jr. RB, LV · 21% rostered · FAAB 4% (3–5%)

    Handcuff to Ashton Jeanty; next 3: @NE, BUF (29th vs RB), LAR (2nd vs RB)

  6. 6.Kaelon Black RB, SF · 34% rostered · FAAB 5% (4–7%)

    Handcuff to Christian McCaffrey; next 3: @SEA (8th vs RB), WAS, @ATL

  7. 7.Ty Johnson RB, BUF · 2% rostered · FAAB 11% (8–14%)

    Handcuff to James Cook; next 3: @LAR (2nd vs RB), @LV, BYE

  8. 8.Sione Vaki RB, DET · 1% rostered · FAAB 2% (1–3%)

    Handcuff to Jahmyr Gibbs; next 3: @ARI, BYE, GB (25th vs RB)

TE premium (12-team)

Tight ends get +0.5 points per catch, so pass-catching tight ends gain ground.

  1. 1.Malik Washington WR, MIA · 28% rostered · FAAB 17% (12–22%)

    Target share 18% → 29% after Caleb Douglas's injury; next 3: CIN (8th vs WR), BYE, @NYJ (2nd vs WR)

  2. 2.Mack Hollins WR, NE · 13% rostered · FAAB 14% (10–18%)

    Target share 14% → 21% after A.J. Brown's injury; next 3: LV, NYJ (2nd vs WR), @CHI (5th vs WR)

  3. 3.Tyler Allgeier RB, ARI · 28% rostered · FAAB 14% (10–18%)

    Projects 7.6 points per game; next 3: DET, @LAR (2nd vs RB), DEN

  4. 4.Keon Coleman WR, BUF · 4% rostered · FAAB 7% (5–9%)

    Projects 8.7 points per game (recent points up 7.1 on flat usage: regression risk); next 3: @LAR, @LV, BYE

  5. 5.Brian Robinson RB, ATL · 27% rostered · FAAB 8% (6–10%)

    Snap share 24% → 35%, carry share 22% → 32%: bigger role; next 3: BAL, CHI, SF (27th vs RB)

  6. 6.George Holani RB, SEA · 16% rostered · FAAB 7% (5–9%)

    Snap share 18% → 37%, carry share 12% → 19%: bigger role; next 3: SF (27th vs RB), @DEN, KC (6th vs RB)

  7. 7.Deshaun Watson QB, CLE · 9% rostered · FAAB 6% (4–8%)

    Projects 16.6 points per game; projected Week 5 starter (98% to start); next 3: @NYJ (4th vs QB), BAL, @TEN (7th vs QB)

  8. 8.Tre Harris WR, LAC · 6% rostered · FAAB 5% (4–7%)

    Target share 11% → 19% after David Njoku's injury; next 3: DEN (6th vs WR), @KC (7th vs WR), BYE

FAAB bidding guide

Player10-team12-team14+ teamsSuperflex
MIAMalik Washington WR9% (6–12%)19% (13–25%)–18% (13–23%)
NEMack Hollins WR7% (5–9%)15% (11–20%)–14% (10–18%)
ARITyler Allgeier RB8% (6–10%)14% (10–18%)–13% (9–17%)
BUFKeon Coleman WR2% (1–3%)8% (6–10%)24% (17–31%)7% (5–9%)
LACTre Harris WR–6% (4–8%)21% (15–27%)5% (4–7%)
ATLBrian Robinson RB4% (3–5%)8% (6–10%)–7% (5–9%)
SEAGeorge Holani RB3% (2–4%)7% (5–9%)–6% (4–8%)
CLEDeshaun Watson QB4% (3–5%)6% (4–8%)11% (8–14%)46% (32–60%)
NOKendre Miller RB1%5% (4–7%)–3% (2–4%)
DALRyan Flournoy WR$03% (2–4%)17% (12–22%)1%
  • Bids are a share of your season budget, from each player’s rest-of-season points over the best player your league leaves on waivers, with diminishing returns so no single pickup is worth the whole budget.
  • Bid toward the top of the range in a competitive league or when you need the position; toward the bottom if your league bids passively or you are set there.
  • No one this week clears 20% of budget in a 12-team league (top bid 19%): a week to save FAAB unless you have an injury to cover.
  • A dash means the player is rostered above that league type’s availability cutoff.

Drop candidates

  • MIADe'Von Achane (RB, 49% rostered): De'Von Achane missed time (INJURY_RESERVE) and played little in the last two games.
  • JAXBrian Thomas Jr. (WR, 67% rostered): Brian Thomas Jr. is playing less (63% → 50% of snaps) and his target share fell 21% → 6%.
  • ATLKyle Pitts (TE, 77% rostered): Kyle Pitts’ snap share dropped 72% → 55% over the last two games.
  • HOUDalton Schultz (TE, 57% rostered): Dalton Schultz’s target share fell 20% → 10% at similar snaps.
  • TENTyjae Spears (RB, 40% rostered): Tyjae Spears’ target share fell 12% → 2% at similar snaps.
  • HOUWoody Marks (RB, 52% rostered): Woody Marks’ target share fell 7% → 4% at similar snaps.
  • NEHunter Henry (TE, 43% rostered): Hunter Henry’s snap share dropped 78% → 67% over the last two games.
  • LACQuentin Johnston (WR, 52% rostered): Quentin Johnston’s target share fell 18% → 12% at similar snaps.

DST and kicker streamers

Defenses, Week 5

  1. JAXJAX D/ST (28% rostered): 7.0 projected vs PHI: opponent implied for 18.0 points, 2.1 expected sacks
  2. LVLV D/ST (12% rostered): 6.4 projected @ NE: opponent implied for 24.5 points, 2.6 expected sacks
  3. CINCIN D/ST (18% rostered): 6.4 projected @ MIA: opponent implied for 17.8 points, 2.5 expected sacks
  4. DALDAL D/ST (6% rostered): 6.3 projected vs TB: opponent implied for 19.0 points, 2.3 expected sacks
  5. WASWAS D/ST (4% rostered): 6.1 projected vs NYG: opponent implied for 20.3 points, 2.5 expected sacks

Week 6 preview (Vegas only): lines open after this week’s games.

All defenses →

Kickers, Week 5

  1. MINWill Reichard (40% rostered): 8.8 projected @ NO: team implied for 22.0, indoors, 2.3 expected field goal tries
  2. CHICairo Santos (29% rostered): 8.7 projected @ GB: team implied for 24.3, 2.2 expected field goal tries
  3. CINEvan McPherson (49% rostered): 8.7 projected @ MIA: team implied for 24.8, 2.2 expected field goal tries
  4. PITChris Boswell (30% rostered): 8.7 projected vs IND: team implied for 23.5, 2.3 expected field goal tries
  5. BUFTyler Bass (10% rostered): 8.6 projected @ LAR: team implied for 26.0, indoors, 2.0 expected field goal tries

Week 6 preview (Vegas only): lines open after this week’s games.

All kickers →

Handcuffs and injury contingencies

  • DETSione Vaki (1% rostered): Backs up Jahmyr Gibbs. If Gibbs sits, about 60% of his 22.4 PPR points per game, 13.5, is the opening; Sione Vaki already has 8% of the carries.
  • ATLBrian Robinson (27% rostered): Backs up Bijan Robinson. If Robinson sits, about 60% of his 22.1 PPR points per game, 13.3, is the opening; Brian Robinson already has 30% of the carries.
  • KCEmmett Johnson (20% rostered): Backs up Kenneth Walker III. If Walker sits, about 60% of his 19.1 PPR points per game, 11.4, is the opening; Emmett Johnson already has 13% of the carries.
  • MINDemond Claiborne (1% rostered): Backs up Aaron Jones. If Jones sits, about 60% of his 18.4 PPR points per game, 11.1, is the opening; Demond Claiborne already has 9% of the carries.
  • SFKaelon Black (34% rostered): Backs up Christian McCaffrey. If McCaffrey sits, about 60% of his 18.1 PPR points per game, 10.9, is the opening; Kaelon Black already has 22% of the carries.
  • INDSeth McGowan (1% rostered): Backs up Jonathan Taylor. If Taylor sits, about 60% of his 17.6 PPR points per game, 10.6, is the opening; Seth McGowan already has 14% of the carries.

Last week’s picks: how they did

This is the first edition of the article, so there are no earlier picks to grade yet. Starting next week, this section scores every top add against what he actually did.

How this works

Rankings come from nfl_waiver_rankings (rest-of-season values from our projection model, nfl_projection_ros), rebuilt every Tuesday after Monday Night Football. A pickup’s score is its rest-of-season points over replacement for the league type, times the chance he is available (ESPN rostered %), plus a small bonus for rising usage.

Causes come from nfl_usage_week: snap, target and carry share over the last two games against a shrunk baseline. In 2024–25 backtests, role changes and depth chart promotions kept 50–80% of their gain the next week; usage rises at steady snaps kept about a quarter.

Streamers come from nfl_streamers. Our defense ranking is close to simply ranking opponents’ implied totals (Spearman 0.335 vs 0.322 in 2024–25); the kicker model adds about half a point per pick over the naive ranking. Next week’s preview uses Vegas lines only.

Every sentence is a template filled from these tables; no text is written by hand or by an AI model.

Sources: nflverse, ESPN rostered %, Fantasy Nerds add trendFull methodology

Frequently asked questions

Who is the best waiver pickup for Week 5?

Malik Washington (WR, MIA). Caleb Douglas’ injury left 20% of the MIA targets up for grabs, and Malik Washington has absorbed 58% of it (target share 18% → 29%). Suggested 12-team FAAB bid: 19% (13–25%) of budget.

How much FAAB should I bid?

Bids scale with rest-of-season points over replacement. This week’s top 12-team bid is 19% of budget; deeper leagues bid more for the same player because replacements are worse.

Who should I drop?

Players whose usage fell and who no longer project as 12-team starters, led by De'Von Achane, Brian Thomas Jr., Kyle Pitts. Short-term injuries are holds, not drops.

When is this article updated?

It is generated Tuesday morning after Monday Night Football and gets an update block on Wednesday after the first practice reports.