Fantasy Football Week 5: Top Waiver Wire Targets

← Back

 

October 1, 2025

The arrival of bye weeks in Week 5 marks a critical juncture for fantasy football managers. With the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Pittsburgh Steelers all taking the week off, waiver wire decisions become more crucial than ever. While long-term value remains important, finding the right one-week stopgaps can make or break your matchup. Here are the top waiver wire pickups to target ahead of Week 5.

Running Backs

Woody Marks, Houston Texans

Woody Marks emerged as Week 4's breakout star, rushing for 69 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries while adding four catches for 50 yards against the Tennessee Titans. This explosive performance came after the Texans averaged just 17.0 rush attempts per game by running backs through their 0-3 start.

The game script played a significant role in Marks' opportunity. Houston's early lead allowed them to lean heavily on the ground game, giving the rookie fourth-round pick more carries and targets than he'd received in the first three weeks combined. He's clearly established himself as the 1A option in the backfield.

This week's matchup against the Ravens is particularly promising. Baltimore has allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game in the NFL and just lost star defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike for the season. With Lamar Jackson questionable for Baltimore, Houston may find themselves in another positive game script situation.

The Texans want to run the ball frequently to protect C.J. Stroud from opposing pass rushes, and Marks appears to be their featured back moving forward. While he carries some risk with only one week of heavy production, he's the best plug-and-play option available on most waiver wires.

Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints

Miller represents a similar breakout to Marks, though his usage increase has been more gradual. The third-year running back has seen his carries climb from five in Weeks 1-2, to seven in Week 3, to 11 in Week 4. After spending his first two seasons in Dennis Allen's doghouse and battling various injuries, the former third-round pick is finally becoming a legitimate offensive factor.

Miller rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown against Buffalo, and notably received the only two rushing attempts by a running back inside the 10-yard line (though Alvin Kamara did have one target in the red zone). This week's matchup against the New York Giants is favorable, as New York has surrendered the third-most rushing yards per game this season.

The significant limitation for Miller is that Kamara remains firmly entrenched as the RB1 when healthy. Miller is at best the second option in a struggling offense, and Kamara will continue to dominate the target share among running backs. This caps Miller's upside considerably, making him only viable in favorable matchups.

Wide Receivers

Darius Slayton, New York Giants

Malik Nabers' season-ending injury has created a massive void in the Giants' receiving corps. While Wan'Dale Robinson has already commanded 27 targets through four games and should see increased opportunities, there's a limit to how many targets a slot receiver of his profile can handle.

Enter Darius Slayton, who caught three of four targets for 44 yards against the Chargers. Though his target volume has been modest this season, he ranks second among Giants receivers in snap count behind Nabers. The Giants demonstrated their faith in him by re-signing him to a three-year, $36 million contract in the offseason.

Slayton is the most likely candidate to absorb a significant portion of Nabers' vacated targets from quarterback Jaxson Dart. This gives him an appealing floor for a player widely available on waiver wires.

Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans

Despite managing only 44 yards on two catches against the Texans in Week 4, Ayomanor remains an intriguing waiver option. He received seven targets for the second consecutive week, and the Titans' offense has nowhere to go but up after a brutal early-season schedule.

This week's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals presents opportunity. While Arizona has been solid defensively overall, they can be exploited through the air. Ayomanor represents a high-upside long-shot for desperate managers seeking a potential breakout performance.

The rookie also holds significant long-term appeal as the Titans' offense finds its footing.

Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins

Tyreek Hill's devastating knee dislocation on Monday Night Football has created a significant opportunity in Miami's passing game. Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed Hill suffered multiple torn ligaments requiring surgery and an extended recovery period.

While Jaylen Waddle is the obvious candidate to assume a larger role, Hill, Waddle, and De'Von Achane have accounted for a staggering 67.5% of Tua Tagovailoa's targets this season (77 of 114 attempts). That volume has to be distributed somewhere.

Darren Waller made a splash in his comeback debut with two touchdowns, but Malik Washington - rostered in under 5% of leagues on most platforms - is positioned to capture some of Hill's target share. Unlike Hill's deep speed, Washington wins in the slot with shiftiness and route-running prowess.

The Week 5 matchup against Carolina is particularly enticing. The Panthers surrendered 42 points to New England last week, and Stefon Diggs dominated from the slot with six catches for 101 yards. Washington offers a risky but intriguing flex play with upside, especially for managers scrambling to replace Hill.

Tight End

Jake Tonges, San Francisco 49ers

Streaming tight ends during bye weeks is one of fantasy football's most frustrating exercises. With Tucker Kraft and Kyle Pitts on bye this week, many managers will be scouring the waiver wire hoping for a touchdown catch.

Tonges may be your best bet. In Brock Purdy's two starts this season, the tight end has secured six catches on eight targets with two touchdowns. While Purdy is dealing with toe soreness and missed Monday's practice, if he plays, Tonges could have significant opportunity.

The 49ers' injury situation enhances Tonges' appeal. Jauan Jennings is clearly not fully healthy and was on a snap count, Ricky Pearsall has a minor PCL sprain and might miss the game, and George Kittle is out for at least one more week. San Francisco may need to lean even more heavily on their tertiary options, including Tonges.

He's the definition of a stopgap option, but likely the best tight end available on most waiver wires this week.

Conclusion

Bye weeks force fantasy managers to make difficult decisions, balancing immediate needs against long-term roster construction. This week's waiver targets offer a mix of breakout candidates like Woody Marks and Kendre Miller, opportunity plays following injuries like Darius Slayton and Malik Washington, and desperation streamers like Jake Tonges.

The key is identifying which players fit your specific roster needs. If you need immediate production, prioritize Marks and Slayton. If you're looking for upside plays that could pay dividends beyond Week 5, consider stashing Ayomanor or Washington. And if you simply need a tight end to avoid a zero in your lineup, Tonges is your man.

As always, act quickly - the best waiver options disappear fast, especially during bye weeks when multiple managers are hunting for the same solutions.

Thanks to Stats Perform for the data

Photo: heavy.com

More information:24live.com