Week 5 of the NFL season starts a new chapter for fantasy football managers: bye weeks.
The teams on a bye include the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. There are plenty of prominent fantasy options on those teams, options you'll need to replace in your lineups.
Keep reading for our Week 5 waiver wire report.
Best fantasy waiver wire pickups for Week 5
Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans (30%)
We might've just witnessed the breakout game for Woody Marks. The rookie out of USC made a statement in the Texans' shutout win over the Titans.
Marks had 21 total touches for 119 scrimmage yards and 2 touchdowns. He was involved heavily in the passing game, and one of those TDs came through the air.
We knew Marks was carving a role for himself; after all, he was an RB stash before this game. However, Mark played like the RB1 and gets Baltimore next week, which allows the most fantasy points per game to the position. Woody Marks FAAB: 15%
Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants (49%)
With the unfortunate injury to Malik Nabers, which looks to be season-ending, Wan'Dale Robinson seemingly becomes the WR1 in a young Giants offense.
Robinson did not see an influx of targets even with Nabers going down in the 1st half. Robinson finished the game with 3 catches off of 5 targets, for just 14 yards receiving.
This was an odd game; the Giants controlled the entire way against the undefeated Chargers. The game script for the Giants should favor the passing attack.
However, we've seen Robinson be an explosive WR in this offense, specifically against Dallas in Week 2. There should be more volume coming, and he's a must-pick-up if available. Wan'Dale Robinson FAAB: 10%
Emari Demercado, RB, Arizona Cardinals (4%)
While Trey Benson severely outtouched Emari Demercado in Week 4, it's clear that Demercado will still be used as the RB2.
Demercado had 2 rushing attempts for 8 yards, but his fantasy points came from his receiving work. He caught 2 passes for 13 yards and a touchdown.
In Week 5, the Cardinals will face the Tennessee Titans, who have allowed the 3rd most PPR points per game to the RB position.
There should be plenty of work for Demercado to be a productive play, especially with bye weeks starting. Emari Demercado FAAB: 5%
Week 5 waiver wire streamers
These one-week plays will help navigate the Week 5 fantasy players on bye.
QB Fantasy Streaming Pickups
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (18%)
Young's fantasy performances have been up and down to start the season. In Week 5, Young will face the Miami Dolphins, who have allowed the second-most points per game to the QB position.
TE Fantasy Streaming Pickups
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (19%)
Schultz has been anything but flashy; however, the volume has been somewhat consistent. He'll take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5; they've allowed 15.9 fantasy points per game to the position.
Team Defense Fantasy Streaming Pickups
Arizona Cardinals D/ST (17%)
The Cardinals' defense has offered consistent fantasy output. They'll match up against Cam Ward and the struggling Tennessee offense in Week 5.
Kicker Fantasy Streaming Pickups
Matt Gay, Washington Commanders (17%)
Matt Gay had a rough start to the season, but picked it up in Week 3. In Week 5, he should find himself in a high-scoring game against the Chargers, which will make for plenty of opportunities.
Week 5 Fantasy Waiver Wire stashes and watch list
Quarterback waiver pickups to stash
- Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans (14%)
- Jake Browning, Cincinnati Bengals (13%)
Cam Ward has struggled, but he still provides value as a stash if he starts to figure things out. Jake Browning was atrocious in Week 3, but it was against the Vikings' tough defense. Browning has a much more favorable schedule upcoming.
Running Back waiver pickups to stash
- Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams (28%)
- Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints (4%)
Blake Corum and Kendre Miller continue to be more involved in their respective offenses.
Wide Receiver waiver pickups to stash
- Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans (16%)
- Kyle Williams, New England Patriots (3%)
- Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars (1%)
Jayden Higgins was all the buzz in the offseason, and now everyone has given up. There is still upside there. Parker Washington had 11 targets in Week 3, but Dyami Brown was injured. The Patriots are still in need of a WR to step up; Williams could absolutely be that guy.
Tight End waiver pickups to stash
- AJ Barner, Seattle Seahawks (1%)
- Jake Tonges, San Francisco 49ers (2%)
- Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins (5%)
Barner continues to show he's the TE1 in Seattle. If the volume increases, so will the production. Tonges becomes more interesting with Brock Purdy back and George Kittle still out. Waller will make his Dolphins debut in Week 4, the same offense that allowed Jonnu Smith to thrive.