X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

FAAB Auction Bidding - Week 5 Waiver Wire Targets

Welcome to Week 5 everyone. Believe it or not, but we are officially past the first quarter mark of the fantasy football season. Cherish it, folks! You'll start to see teams make trades as they get a grasp of their team's potential and handle bye weeks, so get ready for some weekday action. As for us, we've got a few backs and tight ends to consider, but it's relatively quiet FAAB week in comparison to weeks 1-4.

Once again, we have some injuries to report. Eric Decker (shoulder) sat out and may be out for even longer, while Cam Newton (concussion), Carson Palmer (concussion), Trevor Siemian (shoulder), Matt Forte (knee), Dwayne Washington (sprained ankle), and Kevin White (ankle) all left their respective games.

Let’s look around the league at who is worth a bid going into Week 5. Each price recommendation will be based on a $100 FAAB budget. Be sure to also check out our weekly waiver wire analysis columns, with in-depth analysis for all Week 5 options.

Editor's Note: Once you're done here, be sure to read about more Week 5 waiver wire recommendations, for all other positions. Just click on any link: ALL - RB - WR - TE - QB - DEF - CUTS

 

FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Running Backs

Bilal Powell (NYJ, RB) - $13-20

45% owned in Fleaflicker

There were no major injuries in Week 4, but if there is one major development to keep an eye on it is Matt Forte. He was seen riding a cart for X-rays on his knee after the game in a contest where the Jets inexplicably aired it out. But even before the injury, it was apparent the Jets were focused on getting Bilal Powell involved in the offense.

Last week marked the second straight week in which Powell saw 10 touches, including six catches for 54 yards on Sunday. He simply looked like the better back and will continue to take touches from Forte, injury or not. Sorry Forte owners, but he isn't seeing the 400 touches he was projected for after Week 2. Powell is the top add of the week and becomes a top 15 back should Forte miss time and still will carry PPR value going forward.

James White (NE, RB) - $6-12

26% owned in Fleaflicker

Week 5 can also be known as the start of the Patriots offense. Tom Brady returns in a cupcake matchup versus the lowly Browns and will be airing it out early and often. While LeGarrette Blount has done a fantastic job leading the offense through four games, the Patriots have always incorporated a scat back to their offense. Dion Lewis will handle those duties come Week 9, but until then White carries PPR value.

Wendell Smallwood (PHI, RB) – FAAB Bid: $4-7

22% owned in Fleaflicker

Smallwood was highlighted here last week so I'm not going to regurgitate myself, but here's your friendly reminder to snag him if he went unowned through his bye. Ryan Mathews is injury-prone and Darren Sproles is the pass-back. Buy buy buy.

Also Consider: Kenneth Dixon (BAL, RB) - $4-7, Alfred Morris (DAL, RB) - $1-2, Dwayne Washington (OAK, RB) - $1-2

 

FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Wide Receivers

We mentioned Steve Smith Sr. ($14-20) in Week 4 and he remains the No.1 target in leagues he's available. Cole Beasley ($10-15) would be our No. 2 target.

Michael Thomas (NO, WR) - FAAB Bid: $8-13

62% owned in Fleaflicker

It's not often you can find shares in the Saints offense this late into the season, but Thomas' rookie status combined with a Week 5 bye has made him available in too many leagues. Thomas led the team in targets (9) at San Diego and he caught four for 44 yards and a nice back-shoulder throw for a touchdown to spark the Saints comeback.

Teams are shadowing Brandin Cooks after his hot start to the year, and when combined with Coby Fleener's inconsistencies, there's a gap for production in the Saints offense. Make owners pay for dropping the rookie in his bye week (or the ultimate burn -- trade him back to his former team later in the season).

Eddie Royal (CHI, WR) - FAAB Bid: $7-12

24% owned in Fleaflicker

Last week I touted the Bears offense in this piece but left out the highest scoring player for Week 4. This is why I get paid the big bucks, people.

Royal caught all seven targets for 111 yards and a touchdown, including a 64-yard catch and run to jump start the second half. Royal has now scored in double digits for three of his four games and has solidified his role in the slot for the Bears offense. Throw in Kevin White (ankle) possibly missing up to four weeks and there is real PPR value here for Royal.

The Bears get the Colts soft secondary this week, a situation Brian Hoyer should be salivating over. Royal is a legit FLEX play in Week 5.

Sammie Coates (PIT, WR) - FAAB Bid: $4-7

33% owned in Fleaflicker

With the return of LeVeon Bell, the Steelers are comfortably the best fantasy offense in football. And while most shares of the Steelers offense have been scooped up, Coates remains available in 67% of leagues.

Coates saw eight targets on Sunday (2nd on team) and turned them into six catches for 79 yards. He failed to reach the endzone but the fact he is clearly ahead of Markus Wheaton is reason for optimism. Coates is an interesting FLEX play for Week 5 versus the Jets.

Also Consider: Kenny Stills (MIA, WR) - $2-4, Jeremy Kerley (SF, WR) - $1-2

 

FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Tight Ends

Zach Miller ($6-8) and Hunter Henry ($6-8) were our featured tight ends last week and they remain our first choices. Last week was the time to strike on tight ends in the FA market, but here's a few that may have been dumped.

Zach Ertz (PHI, TE) - FAAB Bid: $6-8

72% owned in Fleaflicker

Ertz (ribs) has not played since Week 1 when he posted an impressive six-for-58 line on seven targets, and owners may have cut bait due to the extended injury. Now is the time to make them pay. Ertz has been cleared to play and gets a cupcake matchup versus the Lions, who have allowed six touchdowns to tight ends this year. Coby Fleener and Jimmy Graham owners, look no further for your bye week replacement.

Martellus Bennett (NE, TE) - FAAB Bid: $5-7

77% owned in Fleaflicker

Another tight end that may have been cut loose by no fault of his own, Bennett welcomes back Tom Brady to a great matchup with the Browns. Bennett has been hot-cold to start the year (5 points in Weeks 1, 3 -- 25 points in Weeks 2, 4) but should see some consistency going forward. Rob Gronkowski (hamstring) is still playing hurt and with no clear No. 2 behind Julian Edelman, Bennett should be heavily involved in Week 5.

Also Consider: Jesse James (PIT, TE) - FAAB Bid: $1

 

FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Quarterbacks

If for some reason Carson Wentz ($8-12) is still sitting out there after his bye, this is your last chance.

Brian Hoyer (QB, CHC) - FAAB Bid: $1

7% owned in Fleaflicker

Quarterback is a dire situation currently so we're going back to the well with Hoyer. Hoyer rewarded us for our faith in Week 4 (302 yards, two touchdowns) and gets another great matchup with the Colts in Week 5. The Colts have allowed 382 passing yards per game (24th in NFL) and Hoyer should be in a shootout on Sunday.

Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB, NYJ) - FAAB Bid: $1

58% owned in Fleaflicker

If you need an example of being a good quarterback and being a good fantasy quarterback, look no further. Fitzpatrick is by all means a game manager at his best, but he continues to act like a gun-slinger. He has thrown it 40+ times the past two weeks (to not much success) against some tough defenses (Chiefs, Seahawks). Throw in Eric Decker and Matt Forte being injured and you might be questioning this play.

That said, the Steelers have allowed 394 passing yards per game, which is 27th in the league. As Forte is questionable to play, Bilal Powell will carry the load and he excels in the pass game. I except Fitzpatrick to be throwing it early and often in what I expect to be a shootout.

Also Consider: Paxton Lynch - $1-2

 

FAAB Waiver Wire Bids - Defense

Steelers D/ST - FAAB Bid: $1-3

Lost in the Steelers dominance on Sunday night was the play of their defense. The defense has now limited opposing teams to 16 points in three of their first four games, all with Ryan Shazier dinged up. While I anticipate a high-scoring game on Sunday, I also expect Fitzpatrick to commit 2+ turnovers, providing the Steelers with a safe floor in Week 5.

Packers D/ST - FAAB Bid: $1-3

The Packers are fresh off a bye and get a dysfunctional Giants offense at home that is without Rashad Jennings (ankle) and Odell Beckham Jr. (headcase). It's a short week for the Giants and the Packers will be plenty amped for a Sunday Night contest.

Bills D/ST - FAAB Bid: $1-3

Don't look now but the Bills defense is looking stout. Yes, they shut out rookie Jacoby Brisset, but the Bills 13 sacks are 2nd in the NFL and Marcell Darius has returned with a vengeance. Keep riding the bandwagon into Los Angeles versus Case Keenum, Bills Mafia.

 


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Josh Giddey2 hours ago

Questionable Thursday
Lonzo Ball2 hours ago

Likely Out For Second Straight Game
Ayo Dosunmu2 hours ago

Questionable To Play On Thursday
Ron Holland II2 hours ago

Battling An Illness, Questionable For Thursday
Isaiah Stewart2 hours ago

Tagged As Questionable For Thursday
Jalen Duren2 hours ago

Listed As Probable For Meeting With Kings
Keyonte George2 hours ago

Iffy For Thursday's Game
John Collins2 hours ago

Considered Questionable Thursday
Robert Williams III3 hours ago

Questionable For Thursday's Action
Cam Thomas3 hours ago

Remains Out Thursday
Tari Eason3 hours ago

Might Return To Action Thursday
Dillon Brooks3 hours ago

Misses Second Consecutive Game Thursday
Trey Murphy III3 hours ago

Listed As Questionable Thursday
Xavier Worthy7 hours ago

Has His Best Game In Christmas Day Win
Travis Kelce8 hours ago

Passes Tony Gonzalez In Week 17 Win
Patrick Mahomes8 hours ago

Dazzles In Christmas Day Win
Domantas Sabonis13 hours ago

Listed As Questionable For Thursday
Derrick Henry14 hours ago

Roasts The Texans On Christmas
Lamar Jackson14 hours ago

Collects Three Touchdowns Against Texans
James Conner14 hours ago

Limited In Practice Wednesday
Onyeka Okongwu14 hours ago

To Remain Sidelined Thursday
Tyrone Tracy Jr.14 hours ago

Listed As Non-Participant Wednesday
Derek Carr14 hours ago

Saints Estimate Derek Carr As DNP Wednesday
Alvin Kamara14 hours ago

Still Listed As DNP With Groin Injury
Anthony Davis14 hours ago

Will Not Return On Wednesday
Drake London14 hours ago

Estimated As Limited Wednesday
Tony Pollard14 hours ago

Estimated As Non-Participant Wednesday
Jamal Murray14 hours ago

Returns For Christmas Matchup
Tucker Kraft14 hours ago

Luke Musgrave Both Estimated As Limited Wednesday
Bogdan Bogdanovic14 hours ago

Tagged As Questionable For Thursday
Jaylen Waddle14 hours ago

Listed As DNP On Wednesday's Estimation
Trae Young14 hours ago

Listed As Questionable For Thursday's Game
Tyreek Hill15 hours ago

Estimated As Limited Participant Wednesday
Khris Middleton15 hours ago

Considered Probable For Thursday's Action
Tua Tagovailoa15 hours ago

Limited As Week 17 Prep Begins
Jerry Jeudy15 hours ago

Cedric Tillman Both Limited Wednesday
Damian Lillard15 hours ago

Questionable For Meeting With Nets
Jameis Winston15 hours ago

Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Jameis Winston Both Limited Wednesday
Kenneth Walker III19 hours ago

Ruled Out For Thursday Night Football
Isiah Pacheco20 hours ago

Questionable To Return On Wednesday
Zay Flowers21 hours ago

Officially Active, A Low-End WR2 For Christmas Game Against Texans
Kenneth Walker III2 days ago

Misses Another Practice
Adin Hill2 days ago

Sharp In Monday's Victory
Jiri Kulich2 days ago

Posts First Three-Point Outing Of The Season
Jonas Johansson2 days ago

Stops 36 Shots In Victory
Dylan Holloway2 days ago

Scores First Career Hat Trick
Jack Hughes2 days ago

Scores Twice In Monday's Victory
Sidney Crosby2 days ago

Ties Team Record With Four-Point Showing
Jake Neighbours3 days ago

Good To Go Versus Red Wings
Filip Gustavsson3 days ago

Returns To Work Monday
Sean Couturier3 days ago

Back For Battle Of Pennsylvania
Jake Walman3 days ago

Unavailable Monday
Zach Werenski3 days ago

Questionable For Monday's Action
Ivan Barbashev3 days ago

Nicolas Roy Remain Out Monday
Leo Carlsson3 days ago

Not Expected To Play On Monday
Andrew McCutchen3 days ago

Re-Signs With Pirates
Walker Buehler3 days ago

Red Sox Agree On One-Year Deal
Sean Manaea3 days ago

Returns To Mets On Three-Year Deal
Joc Pederson3 days ago

Agrees To Contract With Texas
Aliaksei Protas3 days ago

Scores Twice On Sunday
Clayton Keller3 days ago

Tallies Four Points On Sunday
Linus Ullmark3 days ago

Leaves Sunday's Game With Upper-Body Injury
Zach Hyman3 days ago

Extends Goal Streak To Six Games
Mikko Rantanen3 days ago

Tallies Two Helpers, Extends Point Streak To Nine Games
Kaapo Kakko3 days ago

Scores First Goal With Seattle
Nathaniel Lowe4 days ago

Traded To Washington
Linus Ullmark4 days ago

Red-Hot Ahead Of Meeting With Oilers
Pyotr Kochetkov4 days ago

Achieves Rare Feat In Sunday's Win
Jesús Luzardo4 days ago

Phillies Acquire Jesus Luzardo From Miami
Alex Bregman5 days ago

Mets Showing Interest In Alex Bregman
Carlos Santana5 days ago

Inks One-Year Contract With Cleveland
Josh Naylor5 days ago

Traded To Arizona
Paul Goldschmidt5 days ago

Agrees With Yankees On One-Year Deal
Chicago Cubs6 days ago

Roki Sasaki Meets With Cubs
Christian Walker6 days ago

Agrees To Three-Year Deal With Astros

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Breece Hall - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

TNF Fantasy Football Playoff Rankings for Week 17 - Thursday Updates for Ladd McConkey, Deebo Samuel, Breece Hall, Tyrone Tracy, Keenan Allen, DJ Moore

If you're nervous about your lineups heading into fantasy football championship action, use our Week 17 TNF fantasy football overall rankings for 2024 to guide your close calls and start-or-sit decisions. It's not time to overthink your start 'em, sit 'em calls. Let's find out where key Week 17 options like Ladd McConkey, Deebo Samuel, […]


DK Metcalf - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS and Betting Picks

TNF Fantasy Football FLEX Rankings (RB, WR, TE) - Week 17 Thursday Updates for DK Metcalf, Jerome Ford, Jakobi Meyers, Rico Dowdle, Khalil Shakir

To finalize your fantasy football championship lineups, use our Week 17 TNF fantasy football FLEX rankings for 2024. No teams are on a bye, which means there are many options to compare and consider for the upcoming slate. It's always difficult to compare similar players at different positions for your flex spot, but we're here […]


Jerome Ford - Fantasy Football Rankings, Waiver Wire Pickups, NFL Injury News

TNF Running Back Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 17 Thursday RB Updates for Jerome Ford, Rico Dowdle, Tyjae Spears, Tyrone Tracy, Rachaad White

With fantasy football championships on the line this week, many fantasy managers make the mistake of overthinking lineup calls. Our Week 17 TNF fantasy football running back rankings for 2024 are here to help you with start-sit calls. It's win-or-go-home time, so let's waste no time digging into the championship rankings to see where key […]


Malik Nabers - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL DFS Picks

TNF Wide Receiver Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 17 Thursday WR Updates for Tyreek Hill, Malik Nabers, Keenan Allen, Adam Thielen, Jalen McMillan

The time has come, and you're only one win away from hoisting up your league's championship trophy. When the fantasy football playoffs arrive, it's easy to make mistakes and overthink your lineup calls. We're here to help with our Week 17 TNF fantasy football wide receiver rankings for 2024. The fantasy football season concludes this […]


Chig Okonkwo - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

TNF Tight End Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 17 Thursday TE Updates for T.J. Hockenson, Jonnu Smith, Chig Okonkwo, David Njoku, Jake Ferguson

Only one win stands between you and a fantasy football championship. Our Week 17 TNF fantasy football tight end rankings will help you with tough start-or-sit calls at the challenging TE spot. Ahead of the critical Week 17 slate, let's navigate the rankings to see where key TEs like T.J. Hockenson, Jonnu Smith, Chig Okonkwo, […]


Sam Darnold - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL DFS Picks

TNF Quarterback Fantasy Football Rankings - Week 17 Thursday QB Updates for Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Anthony Richardson, Bo Nix, Jared Goff

It's officially championship week in fantasy football! Hopefully, your team got out to a strong start if you had players who played on Christmas. If not, a strong week from your quarterback can make up for it. Our Week 17 TNF fantasy football quarterback rankings for 2024 are here to assist your league-winning lineup calls. […]


Justin Jefferson - Fantasy Football Rankings, DFS Lineup Picks, NFL Injury News

Wide Receiver Sleepers, Risers, Breakouts for Fantasy Football - Targets, Air Yards, Snaps Trends for Week 17 (2024)

Wide Receiver Sleepers, Risers, Fantasy Football Breakouts - Targets, Air Yards, Snaps Trends Analysis For Week 17 by Kevin Tompkins Targets are paramount when it comes to evaluating pass-catchers for fantasy football. There are no air yards, receiving yards, receptions, or touchdowns without first earning a target. There’s a reason the biggest and most consistent […]


Video: Week 17 Must-Start Wide Receivers - 2024 Fantasy Football Playoff Streamers, Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Analysis

It's "Championship Week", which means if you're reading this, you are very likely fighting for a fantasy football title. Let us help with those "championship choices" by checking out our favorite 2024 fantasy football must-start wide receivers for Week 17! RotoBaller's Matt Donnelly discusses his top "Must Start" WRs that will have a fantasy football […]


James Conner - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Fantasy Football Injury Reports For Week 17 (Thursday Updates): James Conner, Jalen Hurts, Terry McLaurin, Kenneth Walker III, CeeDee Lamb, Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, J.K. Dobbins, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Drake London, Tyreek Hill, more

It's Week 17, and while most teams are eliminated from playoff contention in fantasy football by now, winning consolation bracket games still matters in many leagues, and lots of managers have multiple teams, some of which have made it to the end. The season is almost over, and while we'll likely miss having so much […]


Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL DFS Picks

NFL DFS Lineup Picks For FanDuel, DraftKings - Seahawks vs. Bears TNF Showdown (Week 17)

Welcome back, RotoBallers! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and made some dough on the Christmas slate. The grind doesn't stop, however, as we have a big game for the Seahawks as they are still fighting for a playoff spot. The Seattle Seahawks (8-7) travel to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears […]


Jalen McMillan - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

High-Powered Offenses: Players to Target in Week 17 Lineups Including Jalen McMillan, Khalil Shakir, Rachaad White, Dalton Kincaid, More

Hello, RotoBallers, and welcome to our column High-Powered Offenses for Week 17 of the 2024 fantasy football season. Below, you’ll find a recap of the last week's offenses to target, a sneak peek of the offenses to target, a breakdown of the methodology, a snapshot of each metric in a data table, a few key […]


David Njoku - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football Injury Reports for Tight Ends: Week 17 - Updates for Juwan Johnson, Tucker Kraft, David Njoku, Cade Otton

Happy holidays, everyone. Week 17 began with two Christmas Day games, with the Chiefs and Ravens both picking up easy wins. With contests scheduled for Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, it’s a good time to check on the health of some of the tight ends around the National Football League.   Being up-to-date on NFL injury […]


Khalil Shakir - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

WR/CB Matchups to Upgrade and Downgrade - Fantasy Football Week 17 (2024)

Welcome back to our WR/CB Matchups for Week 17 of the 2024 fantasy football season. Congrats to all of you who are still in the 2024 fantasy football playoffs and marching toward a championship! For those unfamiliar, this weekly series looks at fantasy football matchups for wide receivers versus the cornerbacks who are projected to […]