Beat the Waiver Wire: Week 5

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Week 5 Byes:  Lions, Titans, Eagles, and Chargers 

As we head into Week 5, it is time for the bye weeks. This unfortunate reminder that fantasy managers can lose half their lineup in the blink of an eye forces you to stay liquid and step ahead of your league mates. 

Here are some players to consider picking up this week, if available, to get ahead of the other managers in your league. These players include potential bye-week fill-ins, players who are returning from injury, and defenses to look at in advance.

Beat the Waiver Wire: No-Brainers

In most leagues, these guys aren't available. But if you're one of the fortunate ones who sees them on the waiver wire, snap them up.

QB Caleb Williams, Chicago (61% rostered on Sleeper)

The Bears have a great schedule moving forward for quarterbacks and pass-catchers. Chicago goes on a bye in Week 7, but before that, they play Jacksonville in Week 6, which has allowed the second-highest passing yards per game through four weeks and the eighth-lowest total quarterback pressures.

RB Braelon Allen, NY Jets (62% rostered on Sleeper)

Braelon Allen’s snap percentage has slowly been increasing, as has his running back share. Last week, he had a 44% running back rush share compared to Breece Hall’s 56%. The Week 6 byes include a myriad of every-week starting backs, plus the chance of owning a potential league winner if Hall goes down makes Allen a solid pickup. The Jets face a Buffalo defense in Week 7 that has allowed the third most rushing yards per game, and if Allen looks decent again this week, he might be the big waiver wire darling.

WR Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas (65% rostered on Sleeper)

With Davante Adams requesting a trade, either Tucker or Meyers (or both) could become startable fantasy assets. As soon as Adams is dealt, expect their roster percentage to jump up, and either could be a spot start, especially in Week 7 against the Rams, who have allowed the highest passing yards per play over four weeks.

TE T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota (72% rostered on Sleeper)

If your league has IR spots, there is a strong chance Hockenson is gone, but if not, it was reported that the Vikings plan to open his 21-day practice window Friday, with the hopes of him returning soon. With the success of Sam Darnold and the dismal tight end landscape, he is a must-add.

TE David Njoku, Cleveland (77% rostered on Sleeper)

Another injured tight end eyeing a return is David Njoku. Again, already heavily rostered, but worth checking. He logged limited practice this week, which is promising. The Eagles and Bengals are not great matchups for tight ends, but the schedule opens up nicely afterward.

Beat the Waiver Wire: Quarterbacks

Joe Flacco, Indianapolis (8% rostered on Sleeper)

Flacco came in for an injured Anthony Richardson last week and threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Richardson is rumored to return this week, but managers know the chance of losing him to another injury is higher than most, and Flacco is more than competent. In addition, the Colts have a late Week 14 bye. Flacco could hold teams over during the tough weeks.