NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles
Oct 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby (8) reacts after a run against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Fantasy football managers head into the Week 5 waiver wire with Saquon Barkley, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and DJ Moore all hurt, the first bye weeks of the season arriving, and a veteran tight end catching all 13 of his targets in Minnesota.
T.J. Hockenson’s 13 catches came with Justin Jefferson (ankle) sidelined, and several players on this list posted season highs only because a star ahead of them missed time, so bid with each depth chart in mind.
MORE: Fantasy football PPR rankings for NFL Week 5: Puka Nacua is back!
Week 5 waiver wire strategy
Week 5 fantasy football waiver wire FAAB: Tank Bigsby, Keon Coleman top pickups
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) is helped off the field with an apparent injury | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Injuries drove most of this week’s changes again. Barkley (hamstring), Chase (concussion), Higgins (adductor), Moore (shoulder), Rashee Rice (hamstring) and Ladd McConkey (foot) all got hurt Sunday. Lamar Jackson (ankle) is also banged up in Baltimore, and Baker Mayfield (thumb) is projected to miss six to eight weeks in Tampa Bay.
Byes start in Week 5 with the Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers off, which adds pressure on rosters already thinned by injuries. A backup who could start for a month is worth more than a one-week box-score spike.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night, and the Philadelphia Eagles face the Jacksonville Jaguars in London at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, so those players lock early. The Buffalo Bills visit the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night, which gives you extra time on Moore’s shoulder.
Free agent acquisition budget (FAAB) recommendations are based on a $100 budget. My bids are conservative, so bid higher if you want to be aggressive on a player.
MORE: 3 NFL teams that should be worried after Week 4
Week 5 waiver wire quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas Raiders
Week 5 fantasy football waiver wire FAAB: Tank Bigsby, Keon Coleman top pickups
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs | David Brytus-Imagn Images
Opponent: at New England, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: vs. Kansas City, 31-of-52 for 365 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rostered: 22%
FAAB: $3
Cousins threw for 365 yards in the 30-27 loss, but 52 attempts drove that total. His second touchdown pass, a 20-yarder to Brock Bowers, came with 1:46 left, and he was intercepted on the next-to-last play of the game. The Raiders ran for just 72 yards, so the 38-year-old carried the offense. He has 11 touchdown passes and four interceptions for a 3-1 team. Cousins faces a New England team that just beat Buffalo, so he’s a two-quarterback starter and a bye-week fill-in rather than a weekly starter in one-quarterback leagues.
Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
Opponent: vs. Indianapolis, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: at Cleveland, 22-of-40 for 299 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
Rostered: 10%
FAAB: $2
Rodgers threw three touchdown passes for the second straight week in the 27-24 loss on Thursday night. Cleveland sacked him five times, and Grant Delpit intercepted his final heave. He also snuck in the game-tying two-point conversion before the Browns kicked a 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds left. The 42-year-old has thrown 39 or 40 passes in three of four games under coach Mike McCarthy. Indianapolis returns from London, and Rodgers is a solid stream for managers missing a Chiefs or Panthers quarterback.
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
Opponent: at Tennessee, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: vs. Dallas, 21-of-31 for 347 yards, 2 TD
Rostered: 58%
FAAB: $10
Stroud threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns with Nico Collins back from a hamstring strain. Both scores went to Collins, who caught seven passes for 118 yards, and Stroud also hit Jaylin Noel for 52 yards. Houston is 0-4, but it scored 61 points in the two games Collins played and 23 in the two he missed. Stroud has five touchdown passes and no interceptions. The Texans can’t run the ball, so he’ll keep throwing against a Tennessee team that’s also 0-4, which makes him a strong streamer.
Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals
Opponent: vs. Detroit, 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: at New York Giants, 21-of-35 for 166 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
Rostered: 16%
FAAB: $2
Brissett started fast but threw three interceptions in the 36-24 loss, including a 98-yard pick-six by Deonte Banks on the final play. He threw for only 90 yards in the second half, and he has scored fewer than 17 fantasy points in three of four games. Detroit allowed 32 points to Carolina on Sunday night, though, and Brissett still throws to Trey McBride and Michael Wilson. He’s a two-quarterback starter and a deep-league bye-week stream, but the turnovers lower his floor.
Jameis Winston, New York Giants
Opponent: at Washington, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: vs. Arizona, 18-of-29 for 250 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
Rostered: 4%
FAAB: $1
Winston threw three touchdown passes and two interceptions in the 36-24 win, and he took four sacks. Malik Nabers caught six passes for 112 yards and a score. Winston is 2-0 as a starter since Jaxson Dart’s season-ending knee injury. But New York traded a fifth-round pick for J.J. McCarthy, and Winston’s leash will shorten as the newly acquired quarterback learns the offense. Washington lost 30-13 to Indianapolis in London. The former Florida State star is a two-quarterback stream only because the job could change hands soon.
MORE: Josh Allen threw the game away against the Patriots
Week 5 waiver wire running backs
Tank Bigsby, Philadelphia Eagles
Week 5 fantasy football waiver wire FAAB: Tank Bigsby, Keon Coleman top pickups
Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby (8) runs with the ball against the Los Angeles Rams | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Opponent: at Jacksonville (London), 9:30 a.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: vs. Los Angeles Rams, 14 carries for 55 yards
Rostered: 28%
FAAB: $10
Barkley pulled up with a hamstring injury on his second carry against the Rams and didn’t return. Bigsby took over and ran 14 times for 55 yards, more than double Will Shipley’s six carries. But Bigsby also went to the sideline tent in the fourth quarter, and his injury hasn’t been disclosed. Barkley’s hamstring could keep him out at least one more game. The Eagles play in London, so their lineups lock early Sunday. If Bigsby’s injury is minor, he’s the top running back claim this week.
Emanuel Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
Opponent: vs. San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 21 carries for 81 yards, 1 TD, 3 catches for 39 yards, 1 TD
Rostered: 49%
FAAB: $6
Wilson made his first start with Jadarian Price on injured reserve and scored twice in the 30-23 win. He took a slip screen 23 yards for a touchdown and added an 8-yard scoring run. George Holani had just seven carries. Price is out through at least Week 7. But Zach Charbonnet is eligible to come off the physically unable to perform list, and the Seahawks are scheduled to meet with Joe Mixon. If Wilson is still available, he’s a flex starter now, though his workload could shrink within weeks.
Keaton Mitchell, Los Angeles Chargers
Opponent: vs. Denver, 4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: at Seattle, 10 carries for 39 yards, 5 catches on 6 targets for 24 yards
Rostered: 35%
FAAB: $4
Mitchell out-touched Omarion Hampton 15 to 11 in the 30-23 loss and led the Chargers with 10 carries. He also played 38% of the snaps to Hampton’s 32%. Hampton had a career-high 23 carries in Week 2 but lost a game-deciding fumble, and his role has shrunk since. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel pushed to add Mitchell this offseason. Kimani Vidal also scored, so this is a three-man committee on a 0-4 team. Mitchell’s six targets make him a flex option in points-per-reception leagues.
Will Shipley, Philadelphia Eagles
Opponent: at Jacksonville (London), 9:30 a.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: vs. Los Angeles Rams, 6 carries for 23 yards
Rostered: 1%
FAAB: $3
Shipley ran six times for 23 yards after Barkley went down, and he was the only healthy running back on the active roster after Bigsby left. He’s been used more in passing situations than Bigsby during his career, which could bring catches. If Bigsby’s injury lingers, Shipley would lead the backfield in London. If Bigsby plays, Shipley drops back to change-of-pace work. He’s a cheap speculative add for Barkley and Bigsby managers, and his value hinges on Bigsby’s practice reports this week.
Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks
Opponent: vs. San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, inactive (physically unable to perform list, knee)
Rostered: 61%
FAAB: $5
Charbonnet tore his ACL in January and opened the season on the physically unable to perform list. He returned to practice in a limited role last week and is eligible to be activated for Week 5. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald has long favored him. Price is on injured reserve through at least Week 7, so Charbonnet could split carries with Emanuel Wilson once he’s activated. He’s a stash this week rather than a starter, since Seattle could ease him back from the torn ACL.
MORE: Tank Bigsby or Will Shipley? Fantasy football waiver wire decision after Saquon Barkley injury
Week 5 waiver wire wide receivers
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills
Week 5 fantasy football waiver wire FAAB: Tank Bigsby, Keon Coleman top pickups
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) makes a diving catch during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Opponent: at Los Angeles Rams, 8:15 p.m. ET, Monday, Oct. 12
Week 4: vs. New England, 6 catches on 7 targets for 116 yards, 1 TD
Rostered: 4%
FAAB: $7
Coleman caught six of seven targets for 116 yards and a touchdown in the 29-26 loss. Moore aggravated his shoulder in the second quarter, and Coleman became Josh Allen’s top option, running a route on 77.8% of pass plays. Moore’s injury isn’t expected to be long-term right now. Coleman caught one pass in both Week 1 and Week 3, so his production has swung wildly. Still, he has 14 catches on 16 targets this season. The third-year receiver is a flex play if Moore sits and a bench piece if Moore returns.
Roman Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Opponent: vs. Indianapolis, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: at Cleveland, 3 catches for 74 yards, 1 TD
Rostered: 3%
FAAB: $1
Wilson caught a 12-yard touchdown on Pittsburgh’s opening drive and finished with 74 yards on three catches. He has drawn exactly six targets in all four games and has 134 yards and two touchdowns over the last two. But his target share was 16%, fourth on the team behind DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Germie Bernard. He hasn’t run more than 19 routes in either game Pittman has played. Wilson is a bye-week flex in deeper leagues, and his weekly floor is low.
Dohnte Meyers, Cincinnati Bengals
Opponent: at Miami, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: vs. Jacksonville, 7 catches on 9 targets for 82 yards
Rostered: 0%
FAAB: $5
Chase left in the first half with a concussion, and Higgins was diagnosed with an adductor injury late in the 22-17 loss. Meyers, an undrafted rookie, ran a route on 90.1% of pass plays and caught seven of nine targets for 82 yards. Andrei Iosivas (thumb) is on injured reserve. Cincinnati visits winless Miami before a Week 6 bye, so the Bengals could hold both stars out until Week 7. Meyers is a flex option if Chase and Higgins sit, but either one’s return would cut his targets.
Tyreek Hill, free agent
Opponent: Unsigned free agent
Week 4: Did not play
Rostered: 22%
FAAB: $1
Hill remains unsigned after Miami released him in February, but the Chiefs have reached out to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were among the players who backed a reunion. Hill is targeting a November return from the dislocated knee and torn ligaments he suffered in Week 4 last season, and he said in July he had “no power” in his left leg. Kansas City lost Rice (hamstring) and Tyquan Thornton (ankle) on Sunday. Hill is a stash only for managers with an open bench spot. I need to see him on a roster and actually producing before I commit, which means I’ll probably miss out unless I can get him for free off waivers.
Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins
Opponent: vs. Cincinnati, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: at Minnesota, 5 catches on 5 targets for 67 yards, 2 carries for 3 yards
Rostered: 31%
FAAB: $4
Washington caught all five targets for 67 yards in the 15-10 loss and led Miami in catches, yards and targets. Malik Willis threw just 17 passes, though, so volume is thin. The former Virginia receiver has 17 catches for 219 yards on 28 targets this season but no touchdowns. Caleb Douglas has missed two games with an ankle injury, which keeps Washington in a starting role. Cincinnati’s defense sacked Trevor Lawrence four times on Sunday. Washington fits deeper points-per-reception leagues, but Miami’s 0-4 offense caps his ceiling.
Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills
Opponent: at Los Angeles Rams, 8:15 p.m. ET, Monday, Oct. 12
Week 4: vs. New England, 7 catches on 8 targets for 82 yards, 1 fumble
Rostered: 42%
FAAB: $3
Shakir led Buffalo with eight targets and seven catches for a season-high 82 yards. He also lost a fumble when two Patriots defenders punched the ball out in the two-minute drill before halftime. He ran the most routes of any Bills receiver, so his role is steady if Moore misses time. But Coleman did more with the extra snaps, and Dalton Kincaid also competes for targets. The former Boise State receiver had 94 yards on eight catches over the first three games, so he’s only a deep-league depth add.
MORE: Chiefs need Tyreek Hill more than ever after unfortunate WR injuries
Week 5 waiver wire tight ends
T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
Week 5 fantasy football waiver wire FAAB: Tank Bigsby, Keon Coleman top pickups
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) makes a catch during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins | Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Opponent: at New Orleans, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: vs. Miami, 13 catches on 13 targets for 119 yards
Rostered: 29%
FAAB: $5
Hockenson caught all 13 of his targets for 119 yards in the 15-10 win, and he slid at the 1-yard line to help ice the game. That’s a 40% target share with Jefferson sidelined. Minnesota didn’t score a touchdown, and Kyler Murray’s offense struggled again. Coach Kevin O’Connell said Jefferson made “great progress” but didn’t commit to Week 5 at New Orleans. If Jefferson sits, Hockenson is a top-10 tight end. If Jefferson returns, Hockenson’s targets will fall back toward his normal share.
Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders
Opponent: at New England, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: vs. Kansas City, 8 catches on 9 targets for 82 yards
Rostered: 7%
FAAB: $2
Mayer caught eight of nine targets for 82 yards in the 30-27 loss while Bowers played through an illness. Mayer’s playing time hasn’t dropped since Bowers returned, and he ran a route on 78% of pass plays. He has scored double-digit fantasy points in each of the last two games with Bowers active. Ashton Jeanty also picked up an injury Sunday, and the Raiders’ run game stalled, so Cousins could keep throwing. Mayer is a streaming tight end this week, but Bowers remains Las Vegas’ top tight end.
Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals
Opponent: at Miami, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 11
Week 4: vs. Jacksonville, 3 catches on 5 targets for 40 yards, 1 TD
Rostered: 7%
FAAB: $1
Gesicki caught a third-quarter touchdown from Joe Burrow and finished with 40 yards on three catches. He has scored in three of four games and has 11 catches for 155 yards on 15 targets. He runs most of his routes from the slot, and that role could grow with Chase, Higgins, and Iosivas hurt and on injured reserve. Still, he’s averaging fewer than four targets per game, so his weekly floor depends on touchdowns. The former Penn State tight end is a streamer with added upside if both receivers sit.
Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams
Opponent: vs. Buffalo, 8:15 p.m. ET, Monday, Oct. 12
Week 4: at Philadelphia, 5 catches on 6 targets for 67 yards
Rostered: 2%
FAAB: $1
Higbee caught five of six targets for 67 yards in the 24-20 win in Philadelphia. Terrance Ferguson is on injured reserve with an ankle injury, and Colby Parkinson missed the game with shoulder and knee injuries, so the veteran played more snaps. He had eight catches for 62 yards and a touchdown against Denver the week before. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and coach Sean McVay have long trusted him. Higbee is a streamer for Monday night against Buffalo, but Ferguson’s return would end the bump in volume.
Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars
Strange caught seven of eight targets for 95 yards in the 22-17 win at Cincinnati. He ran a route on 88.9% of pass plays, the most of any Jaguars pass-catcher, and earned a 36.4% target share as Lawrence’s top option. The Bengals have struggled against tight ends this season, which helped. Philadelphia has been solid against the position, and Strange hasn’t produced like this consistently. He’s a streamer for the London game, but the matchup is much tougher than last week’s.
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