The bye weeks are here—and this is where contenders separate from pretenders. Depth matters. Decisions matter. Let’s dive into who’s rising and who can carry you through the chaos.
🔁Last Week Recap
QBs:
Tyrod Taylor got benched as Fields returned and exploded.
Kirk Cousins watched Penix rebound.
Jaxson Dart was solid but just lost Malik Nabers for the year—ouch.
RBs:
Jordan Mason underwhelmed.
Zavier Scott grabbed garbage time points.
Trey Benson and Ollie Gordon were just OK.
WRs / TEs:
Tyquan Thornton and Tre Tucker disappeared.
Luke McCaffrey showed flashes but didn’t break out.
Hunter Henry was the lone TE bright spot.
🧠 Week 5 Waiver Wire Targets
🔁Quarterbacks
Not a great week at the position—these are all speculative adds.
🔥 Cooper Rush (BAL) With Lamar Jackson exiting in Q3, Rush came in and held his own. If Lamar sits, Rush gets the start vs. Houston. Desperation play, but watch injury reports closely.
🔮 Dillon Gabriel (CLE) Joe Flacco looked rough. The Browns have to decide whether to roll with a first-round QB next year, and they’ll want to see what they have in Gabriel (and Shedeur Sanders). Dynasty managers: stash now.
🧊Andy Dalton (CAR) Bryce Young was QB29 last week. Sound familiar? Last year, Dalton replaced him midseason. It’s not far-fetched to see that happen again if Carolina continues to struggle.
Running Backs
Some real opportunity this week. Be aggressive.
🚨Rachaad White (TB) Bucky Irving got hurt, returned, and then had an MRI on his ankle. If he misses time, White is the next man up. Short-term start with high upside.
🔥 Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) Jaylen Warren was a surprise scratch, and Gainwell took full advantage—finishing as the RB2 on the week. If Warren is out again, you want this guy in your lineup.
📈Justice Hill (BAL) RB4 this week. If we’re watching the decline of Derrick Henry, Hill becomes a weekly flex option—especially with red zone touches.
🎯 Wide Receivers
🌟 Romeo Doubs (GB) Doubs dropped WR3 numbers and may still be sitting on waivers. Green Bay has a crowded WR room, but he’s the hot hand right now. Ride the wave.
💣 Darius Slayton (NYG) With Malik Nabers out, Slayton could reclaim his role as the deep threat. He’s not flashy, but during these bye weeks, he could win you a matchup with one big play.
🔁Jordan Addison (MIN) Back from suspension and already contributing. Expect consistent production, but note: Minnesota has a bye week after their second European game. Plan accordingly.
🎯 Tight Ends
🔥 Darren Waller (MIA) Surprise alert: Waller went off in Miami and could become this year’s Jonnu Smith for the Dolphins—especially with Tyreek Hill sidelined. If he’s somehow still on waivers, don’t wait.
📢 Final Word
These bye weeks are the ultimate test of roster depth and management. The managers who make the right calls now will be the ones playing deep into December.
Back next week with more breakout candidates and roster-saving pickups! #FantasyFootball #DynastyFootball #WaiverWire #Week5 #IDP #Superflex
