We have now reached the point of the NFL season where we need to begin to worry about bye weeks and how that affects our fantasy football lineups! It’s a scary thing to have to try and navigate — along with all of the injuries that have happened so far this year — but that’s the beauty of the fantasy football waiver wire!
It allows us to fill holes on our roster and put together the best possible lineup that we can week in and week out! With that in mind, here are my Week 5 waiver wire rankings.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer and Start/Sit Optimizer to help you make the right decision!
Who Should You Add in Fantasy Football?
1) Jameson Williams | DET | (WR)
2) Jaleel McLaughlin | DEN | (RB)
3) Michael Wilson | ARI | (WR)
4) Jeff Wilson Jr. | MIA | (RB)
5) Tyler Boyd | CIN | (WR)
6) Elijah Mitchell | SF | (RB)
7) Jonnu Smith | ATL | (TE)
8) Rico Dowdle | DAL | (RB)
9) Rashid Shaheed | NO | (WR)
10) Tyjae Spears | TEN | (RB)
11) Detroit Lions | DET | (DST)
12) C.J. Stroud | HOU | (QB)
13) Logan Thomas | WAS | (TE)
14) Greg Joseph | MIN | (K)
15) Curtis Samuel | WAS | (WR)
16) Quentin Johnston | LAC | (WR)
17) Jayden Reed | GB | (WR)
18) Justice Hill | BAL | (RB)
19) Terrace Marshall Jr. | CAR | (WR)
20) Jamaal Williams | NO | (RB)
21) Treylon Burks | TEN | (WR)
22) Marvin Mims Jr. | DEN | (WR)
23) Tank Bigsby | JAX | (RB)
24) Sam Howell | WAS | (QB)
25) Josh Downs | IND | (WR)
26) Green Bay Packers | GB | (DST)
27) DJ Chark Jr. | CAR | (WR)
28) Miami Dolphins | MIA | (DST)
29) Ezekiel Elliott | NE | (RB)
30) Denver Broncos | DEN | (DST)
31) Ka’imi Fairbairn | HOU | (K)
32) Dalton Schultz | HOU | (TE)
33) Matt Gay | IND | (K)
34) Chuba Hubbard | CAR | (RB)
35) Joshua Dobbs | ARI | (QB)
36) Washington Commanders | WAS | (DST)
37) Riley Patterson | DET | (K)
38) Indianapolis Colts | IND | (DST)
39) Bryce Young | CAR | (QB)
40) Ryan Tannehill | TEN | (QB)
41) Andrew Ogletree | IND | (TE)
42) Nick Folk | TEN | (K)
43) Zamir White | LV | (RB)
44) Kendrick Bourne | NE | (WR)
45) Anders Carlson | GB | (K)
46) Ronnie Rivers | LAR | (RB)
47) Odell Beckham Jr. | BAL | (WR)
48) Luke Musgrave | GB | (TE)
49) Mitch Trubisky | PIT | (QB)
50) Cade Otton | TB | (TE)
Top Players To Add in Week 5
Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions
Yes, we have absolutely no clue what Jameson Williams is going to be for fantasy football. He’s not a rookie, but he’s only reeled in one reception during his time in the NFL so far, and he’s missed significant time due to injury and a suspension for gambling.
MORE: Week 5 WR Waiver Wire Targets
However, the dynamic athlete is now back and ready to step into a starting role for one of the league’s better offenses. Detroit clearly had a plan for how to best utilize Williams when they sent away draft capital to move up and acquire him in the 2022 NFL Draft. Now that his suspension has been reduced, he should be on the field immediately here in Week 5.
It’s very rare that players with Williams’ potential and upside are sitting there on the waiver wire. With that being the case here in Week 5, he’s the top priority for me and someone that I’m willing to spend 15-20% of my FAAB on.
Michael Wilson, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Did we just witness a breakout performance here from Michael Wilson in Week 4 that’s an indication of things to come? While it’s very unsettling to buy into a player in this Arizona offense, Wilson has the talent to be a factor for fantasy football on a consistent basis.
Michael Wilson is going to make an immediate impact at the next level.
He's in the conversation for the best route runner in the 2023 NFL Draft.
(@mikewilllyy) pic.twitter.com/grxua1kwDl
— Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) February 9, 2023
While the offensive situation may hold him back from being a top-30 option week in and week out, the possibility that Kyler Murray returns to the field at some point this season is enough for me to go after Wilson on the waiver wire this week.
If he’s out there in your league, which there’s a pretty good chance that he is, Wilson’s a solid target to add as depth on your bench that could potentially turn into more than that.