Week 5 Waiver Wire Targets | More Options For Fantasy Managers

Fantasy managers are going to have to dig a little deeper this week for waivers. A lot of the hotter names were scooped up from the wire last week. Texans running back Woody Marks was a player who made the list for Week 4, for example. Marks had a breakout game against the Tennessee Titans with 119 total yards and two touchdowns. Marks would also finish as the RB6 for Week 4. He could also see his role continue to grow as the season continues. Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart was also on Week 4’s list. His play against the Los Angeles Chargers will earn him more looks in Week 5.

Nevertheless, injuries have also played a role in increasing the number of players who get extra playing time. And the more options available, the better fantasy managers can prepare for the next week of fantasy football.

More Waiver Wire Targets

Bucky Irving is reportedly dealing with an ankle injury that required him to get an MRI. That’s never a good sign. Should more be made of it, Rachaad White would be the first choice to target off the waiver wire. Should Irving miss time, White should see an increase in snaps and targets out of the backfield. White is available in 52% of ESPN leagues. The latest update on Irving’s injury is that he’s been seeking second opinions. This is related to the foot sprain injury he suffered against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Bucs RB Bucky Irving is dealing with a foot sprain, per source. He was spotted today at practice on crutches and in a walking boot.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2025

The Bucs’ running back was seen in a boot and with crutches at practice. This situation doesn’t bode well for him to be available this week or beyond. Another player in the Bucs’ backfield that should also be in consideration for a waiver claim is Sean Tucker. Tucker has been in the background since Irving has come into the picture. That doesn’t mean he isn’t useful when given the opportunity. Who can forget his big game last season against the New Orleans Saints? In Week 6, Tucker ran all over the Saints, rushing for 136 yards and two total touchdowns.

Both may be available on the waiver wire for fantasy managers but the decision may be a tough one. The expectation here is that the Bucs’ roll with the “hot hand”.

The Chiefs need to get their run game going and rookie running back Brashard Smith might be the answer. The Chiefs’ run game has been horrible so far this season, with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt as the starters. Neither back has performed well heading into Week 5. According into head coach Andy Reid, offensive coordinator has been trying to get Smith more involved in the offense.

HC Reid on Brashard Smith, via @goldmctNFL:

"Matt Nagy is trying to increase Smith's reps every week and put him in a position where he can do some things."

— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) September 29, 2025

Smith was more involved in the passing game in Week 4. However, he saw just four targets in the game against the Baltimore Ravens. If Smith can lock down that third down role from Pacheco and Hunt, he could become a PPR darling. This could happen in an offense that should begin to click. With Xavier Worthy returning from a shoulder injury, Mahomes looked like his old self again. Mahomes tossed four touchdowns against the Ravens. He’ll have Rashee Rice back in just two more weeks.

Another wide receiver fantasy managers need to take a look at is Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington. With Tyreek Hill suffering a season-ending ACL injury against the New York Jets, Washington should see an increased workload. Jaylen Waddle now becomes the new WR1 with Hill gone. Washington slots into a WR2 role for the rest of the season. Washington is only rostered at 16%, per ESPN Fantasy.

If you’re looking for another option at wide receiver, the Cleveland Browns have a guy to look at. With Cedric Tillman and DeAndre Carter on injured reserve, rookie wide receiver Isaiah Bond is slated to get more work. Bond came in the game in Week 4, catching three passes for 58 yards on six targets. Bond will slide in as the WR2 next to Jerry Jeudy. The Browns are changing quarterbacks though, with Joe Flacco hitting the bench with rookie Dillon Gabriel getting the start. Bond is available at 96% on ESPN leagues. He is at least worth a stash play just in case more targets come his way.

The tight end position is always the hardest to sift through but there are some options out there. Darren Waller is available on the wire and should see more work with Tyreek Hill out for the season. Waller caught two touchdowns in his first game back after retiring. With Hill gone, more targets should be available for the returning tight end. Waller saw a 26.8% increase in roster percentage after Week 5’s first wave of waiver claims but is still rostered under 50% (37.1%).

With several teams are on bye this week and you need a tight end, Waller is an option. Teams on bye include Kyle Pitts, Cole Kmet, Tucker Kraft, and *insert whatever Steelers tight end here. Check your league’s waiver wire for him.

One more option at the tight end position to take a look at is Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor. Taylor saw more work in Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins. Seeing 81% of the snaps at the TE spot, Taylor went 5 of 7 for 65 yards against the Dolphins. What is notable is that the Jets don’t have a lot of receiving options behind WR Garrett Wilson. Currently, Wilson has 38 targets on the season. The next receiver behind him has just six targets. With that disparity, Taylor and Fields should continue to grow and connect as the season continues.

Don’t be surprised if you see Taylor’s name on another waiver wire report. Taylor is available at nearly 95% on ESPN leagues so if you’re willing to take the chance, he could be worth it.