Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Early pickups to consider going into Week 5
It's never too early to start thinking about the fantasy football waiver wire. We had our first Europe game of the season with the Steelers beating the Vikings in Dublin Sunday morning. There were a few notable performances - including Kenneth Gainwell and Zavier Scott - that will impact how we approach the wire this week. Head here for a full fantasy recap of the Minnesota-Pittsburgh bout.
Let's go over some players to consider adding for Week 5.
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Early Week 5 PickupsWoody Marks, RB, Texans (29% rostered on Yahoo)With Joe Mixon out, there were questions as to who would step up as the lead back for Houston this season. We're through four weeks and this could be the turning point. Nick Chubb had been leading the backfield by a wide margin in terms of snaps up until last week, when it was almost a clean split between him and Marks. This week, Marks was the much better back, and was rewarded. He had a huge Week 4 with over 21 touches (four catches) for 119 total yards and 2 TDs, good for 25.9 fantasy points.
Marks should be at the top of your waiver wire priority this week. He could take over this backfield and have RB2 upside the rest of the season.
Jaxson Dart, QB, Giants (23% rostered)Dart made his debut as an NFL starter in Week 4 vs. the Chargers and delivered a 21-18 upset win. It wasn't the prettiest debut by a rookie QB of all time, but it got the job done. Dart threw for 111 yards and a TD, and added a ton of value as a rusher with 10 carries for 54 yards and a score. He finished just shy of 20 fantasy points on the week. Dart will have QB streamer value so long as he continues to run the ball.
Unfortunately, the Giants lost WR Malik Nabers, who is reportedly feared to have suffered a torn ACL early in the win. With Nabers out, Dart's primary receivers are Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton. Rookie RB Cam Skattebo has played well with Tyrone Tracy Jr. out.
The Giants could lean more on Skattebo and Dart on the ground to lead the offense, which isn't bad for Dart's fantasy prospects. Robinson and Slayton will have FLEX value some weeks, given the type of snaps/target share the two could see.
Kendre Miller, RB, Saints (5% rostered)The Saints have made more of an effort the past two weeks to get lead back Alvin Kamara some rest. Well, at least they're trying to mix things up in the backfield. Last week, Miller saw 20 snaps to Kamara's 54. In Week 4 vs. the Bills, Miller was more effective on the ground, rushing 11 times for 65 yards and a score for 12.5 fantasy points. Kamara is always going to get his usual 15+ touches and most of the receiving work, but we could see Kellen Moore opt for more Miller on the ground. If that's the case, Miller has fantasy value as the clear backup to Kamara and someone who could see more goal-line touches.
We'll also mention a few backs on bye next week - Kenneth Gainwell (22%) and Tyler Allgeier (35%). Gainwell shone with Jaylen Warren out for the Dublin game in Week 4. Allgeier nearly matched Bijan Robinson in carries with 16, going for 51 yards and a score against the Commanders in Week 4. Both aren't bad stashes if you can afford to wait a week.