In the space of four days, Latavius Murray has gone from practice squad player to Week 5 waiver wire target for fantasy football managers. With Murray heading to the Denver Broncos from the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad, how should fantasy managers view him this week as a potential target on the Week 5 waiver wire?
Should Latavius Murray Be a Week 5 Waiver Wire Target for Fantasy Managers?
Murray’s situation has evolved rapidly in the last few days. The Saints elevated him from the practice squad on Saturday and wound up with 11 rushing attempts, 57 rushing yards, and a touchdown. He added eight receiving yards on a single reception from his only targets. Murray saw an expanded role in the second half, going from playing a handful of snaps in the first half to playing more than 20 second-half snaps. He ran hard in his 2022 season debut and looked fresh.
Following the injury to Javonte Williams, the Broncos signed Murray from the Saints’ practice squad. Murray previously played for the Minnesota Vikings when current Broncos general manager George Paton was there. The RB will join up with the Broncos after flying back from London with the Saints.
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The Broncos have not released a new depth chart since they signed Murray, but the expectation is that he will initially slot in as the RB3 for Week 5. It will be tough for Murray to fly back from London over the weekend and then suit up for Denver on Thursday Night Football. Therefore, we could see Murray as a healthy inactive for Week 5, with Devine Ozigbo able to be elevated from the practice squad for game day.
The acquisition of Murray should be more about the long term for fantasy managers. Melvin Gordon has fumbled four times already this year, and Mike Boone has just 78 rushing attempts and 16 targets in his career. Murray has the opportunity to take on a major role in this offense over the coming weeks.
How Should Fantasy Managers Prioritize Murray on the Week 5 Waiver Wire?
How fantasy managers view Murray on the waiver wire largely depends on short-term needs. If you need a player to start Week 5, Murray is likely not the target to endorse. At RB, Raheem Mostert, Tyler Allgeier, Caleb Huntley, or even Boone have more immediate potential value. All of those have a greater chance to see 10-plus rushing attempts in Week 5 than Murray.
However, looking over the long haul, Murray has a real chance to be the lead back for this team. Gordon is once again listed on the Week 5 injury report with a neck injury, having been limited with it all last week. Neck injuries are tough for RBs, which could lead to him missing time during the season. Additionally, his fumbling issues have left him vulnerable in his role on the offense. Meanwhile, Boone has never played more than 82 offensive snaps or touched the ball more than 52 times in a single season.
Consequently, Murray is a player that fantasy managers should consider adding as a deeper bench option they can stash for the future. He looked solid in the Saints’ Week 4 game against the Vikings and earned a bigger role as the game went on. If he continues to play at that level in 2022, we could quickly see him handling a significant share of snaps for the Broncos in future weeks.