Week 5 waiver wire pickups and players to stream

We have had some really exciting waiver wire weeks to start the 2023 season off, so we were due for a bit of a dud week. While there aren’t league winner-type pickups this week there are still players that can help you win weeks, especially with byes starting this week! 

Getting into these middle weeks it’s important to continue to add depth to your bench in case you have injuries or need trade pieces down the line. Also, this is a good time to start adding your number one running back’s handcuffs as you don’t want to be caught with your pants down if your starter gets hurt (running backs always get hurt, at least a couple of games a year). Below you’ll find some nice depth to round out your bench.  

Week 5 waiver wire pickups and players to stream

Pickup of the week – Jaleel McLaughlin (RB, DEN)

This doesn’t feel like adding Achane last week, but McLaughlin showed some nice plays on film that should lead to more playing time, no matter how long Javonte Williams is out. He gets the Jets on Sunday, which is not a great matchup, so temper expectations. Anytime you can get a potential starting running back in fantasy you take it though, don’t overspend but also make sure McLaughlin is rostered in all leagues. 

Week 5 waiver wire: Quarterbacks

Top pick – C.J. Stroud: Another week, another stat-stuffing day from Stroud. If you need a QB or even feel slightly nervous about your starter (Joe Burrow) pick up Stroud as a high-ceiling starter or replacement. 

Next – Zach Wilson: Call me crazy but if Stroud is picked up already and you need a spot starter this week you can look Wilson’s way. Coming off his best game Sunday night Wilson actually looked like he figured some things out in that second half and did enough to give the Jets a chance to win. Now onto the real reason you can start him this week, he plays the Broncos defense which just made Just Fields look like Joe Montana. You’d need to be desperate and a little crazy, but don’t be surprised when Wilson finishes the week as a top-12 QB.  

Stash – Matthew Stafford: Playing against the Eagles pass rush this week might not lead to the best production but with Cooper Kupp seemingly coming back soon it’s time to stash Stafford. With Kupp back Stafford can be a starting QB rest of the season.

Check to see if available – Mitch Trubisky would get the start if Pickett is out of action, he has the weapons to have a big day but is hard to trust. Sam Howell gets the Bears on a short week.

Week 5 waiver wire: Running back

Top pick – Jerick McKinnon: This is exactly the game you want McKinnon in, against a Vikings team that can’t stop anyone on defense but can actually keep up with the Chiefs offense.  With an over/under of 53 points expect McKinnon to have a lot of playing time and some nice fantasy production.

Next – Chuba Hubbard: While it might have been due to injury Chuba played more snaps than Miles Sanders on Sunday. If Chuba continues to take on more and more work he’s worth a stash in a barren running back waiver wire. It’s not a great matchup with the Lions this week so you’d need to be desperate to start him this week, but hold onto him to see if he continues to get starter reps. 

Stash – Latavius Murray: While his stats are minimal, he has taken over the #2 running back role in Buffalo, which is a very valuable spot if James Cook ever goes down. Throw him on your bench if you need RB depth

Check to see if available/others of note – Justice Hill/Gus Edwards both should be rostered. Ronnie Rivers looks to be the backup for the Rams now, monitor Kyrien Williams’s injury.

Week 5 waiver wire: Wide receivers

Top pick – Jameson Williams: With his suspension being reduced Williams is now cleared to practice and play with the Lions. While you can’t start Jameson this week without seeing him play, he should be stashed in every league as he has the potential to become a weekly WR starter. While his NFL has gotten off to a rough start (injuries and suspension) the former 1^st round pick has too much talent to ignore. Add him in the hope he can reach his potential with what has been a very impressive Lions offense so far this year.

Next – Michael Wilson: Wilson had the surprise breakout performance of week 4 with 7 catches for 76 yards and 2 touchdowns against a good 49ers defense. Arizona has another stingy defensive matchup against the Bengals this week but if you’re desperate at flex you can add Wilson to see if he can repeat his performance. 

Stash – Rashee Rice: The hope is that one of these Chiefs WRs can break out and become a reliable flex option, after 4 weeks my money is on Rice. While Andy Reid usually doesn’t like to trust rookie receivers with his complex offense the film shows that Rice is the most explosive and most consistently open WR the Chiefs have. Stash to see if Mahomes can turn Rice into a nice flex option.

Check to see if available/others of note – Marvin Mims Jr. should get way more playing time, stash him on your bench as he is a big play waiting to happen. Romeo Doubs had another solid game and is pushing into the starting flex category. Darnell Mooney finally looks healthy again and with Chase Claypool gone can finally be the Bears’ #2 WR full-time. 

Week 5 waiver wire: Tight ends

Top pick – Jake Ferguson: Fergy was in our stash section last week but after his best game of the year he’s a full-blown fantasy starting TE at this point (though that is a low bar). Dak looks to him early and often, including a lot in the red zone. With the defense losing Diggs for the year expect the Cowboys to be in more high-scoring games than expected, leading to more throwing production for Dak and Fergy.

Next – Cole Kmet: The Bears won’t get to play Denver every week but it was nice to see Kmet get used like a guy who got a huge contract. The Bears might have the worst defense in the league so they will always be chasing points which could lead to more Kmet production. Hopefully, the Bears offense turned a corner last week and Kmet can become a weekly TE starter. 

Stash – Luke Musgrave: Even with a very disappointing Thursday night football game (partly due to performance and then due to being knocked out with an injury) Musgrave is still a stash, especially if you don’t have a reliable starter you trust. I still think the breakout is coming, he just needs to get on the same page with Jordan Love.

Check to see if available/others of note – While not exciting Zach Ertz should see lots of targets now that he’s back healthy. Logan Thomas is back healthy and has been Sam Howell’s safety blanket, has a really nice schedule coming up starting with the Bears on Thursday. If you’re desperate Tyler Conklin gets the Broncos this week who just made Cole Kmet look like Travis Kelce. 

Week 5 waiver wire: Defense/Special Teams

Top pick – Lions D/ST: They dominated the Packers last week and now have had 10 days to prepare for the 0-4 Carolina Panthers. Aiden Hutchinson looks like the next great pass rusher, expect him and the Lions D to get a couple of turnovers for your fantasy team.

Next – Commanders D/ST: Getting the Bears on a short week coming off a devastating loss is a really nice match-up spot for this underperforming Commanders D. Hopefully you stashed from last week’s article. 

Stash – Dolphins D/ST – They have a very nice matchup against the turnover-prone Giants (who could get Saquon Barkley back though) and the 0-4 Panthers the next week. Grab them to start this week or stash for next week.

Check to see if available – Ravens D/ST: Will get either an injured Kenny Picket or Mitch Trubisky, pick them up if available. Patriots D/ST, Derrick Carr did not look healthy last week, that’s not good when facing a Bill Belichick defense. 

Week 5 waiver wire: Kickers

Top pick – Jake Elliot: Always my favorite kicker

Stash – Don’t ever stash a kicker, ever. 

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