Look, we’ve all been there. It’s Tuesday morning, you’re staring at a roster full of "Questionable" tags and underperforming veterans, and the panic starts to set in. You see that rookie running back who just put up 20 points on someone else's bench—or worse, on the waiver wire—and you want to dump your entire remaining budget to get him.
Stop.
The week 5 waiver wire faab cycle is arguably the most dangerous time for fantasy managers. By now, the "sure things" from the draft have either blossomed or busted. You’re desperate to fix your season, but overspending now can leave you broke when the true league-winners emerge in November.
Honestly, the biggest mistake I see is people bidding based on what happened on Sunday rather than what will happen in three weeks. We have to be smarter than that.
The Woody Marks Dilemma: Spend It All or Hold Firm?
The name on everyone's lips this week is Woody Marks. The Houston Texans rookie has been lurking for a while, but with Joe Mixon dealing with a lingering foot injury and the Houston backfield looking for a spark, Marks finally exploded in Week 4. He didn't just play; he looked like the best back on that roster.
If you’re sitting there with a 1-3 record and your RBs are a mess, Marks is the kind of player that changes your trajectory. But how much of your week 5 waiver wire faab is he actually worth?
Most experts are suggesting a massive chunk. We’re talking 30% to 40% of your total starting budget. In some aggressive leagues? You might see someone drop 75%. That feels like a lot for a rookie in a committee, even if Mixon remains sidelined.
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Here is the thing: Houston’s offense is high-volume. If Marks has truly taken the lead over the veterans, he's a potential RB2 for the rest of the season. If you need a starter right now, $35-$40 (out of $100) is the price of admission. If you're just looking for depth? Let someone else overpay.
The Backup Plan: Kenneth Gainwell and Kendre Miller
If you miss out on Marks—or if you're smart enough not to chase the hype—there are cheaper ways to bolster your backfield.
Kenneth Gainwell proved in Week 4 that he is more than just a "handcuff" for the Steelers while Jaylen Warren heals up. He put up over 130 scrimmage yards. With Pittsburgh on a bye in Week 5, many managers will overlook him. This is your chance. You can likely snag him for 15-20% of your FAAB while others are distracted by the shiny new toy in Houston.
Then there’s Kendre Miller in New Orleans. He finally looked healthy and explosive, averaging nearly six yards per carry against a tough defense. Alvin Kamara isn't getting any younger, and the Saints need a secondary option to keep him fresh. A small bid of 5-8% could net you a player whose role is only going to grow.
Navigating the Wide Receiver Chaos
The injury bug didn't just bite the running backs; it took a massive chunk out of the WR landscape too. Malik Nabers is out. Tyreek Hill is dealing with a QB mess in Miami. Terry McLaurin has been battling a quad issue.
This has opened a massive door for Darius Slayton of the New York Giants.
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Slayton is one of those players who feels like he's been on the waiver wire for a decade. He’s boring. He’s inconsistent. But with Nabers out, rookie QB Jaxson Dart has to throw the ball to someone. Slayton has historically been the "next man up" for the Giants, and in the two games he filled in for Nabers last year, he averaged 11 targets.
You don't need to break the bank for Slayton. Most managers are wary of the Giants' offense. A bid of 4-6% is usually enough to secure a guy who could realistically see 8-10 targets this week.
Other WR Targets to Consider
- Romeo Doubs (Packers): He’s on bye, which is a blessing for savvy bidders. He just had a three-TD game. If he was dropped because of the bye week, spend 10-12% to get him. Jordan Love clearly trusts him in the red zone.
- Elic Ayomanor (Titans): The Tennessee offense is... well, it's not great. But Ayomanor is drawing targets. He’s a "stash and hope" candidate. Spend 3-5% if you have a deep bench.
- Jalen Tolbert (Cowboys): With CeeDee Lamb dealing with a high ankle sprain, Tolbert is the WR2 in a pass-heavy offense. He played 82% of snaps last week. He's worth a 7-9% bid.
Is it Time to Trust a Rookie QB?
Jaxson Dart's first start for the Giants was surprisingly productive. He didn't just throw the ball; he ran for 54 yards and a score. In fantasy, a rushing floor is everything.
If you're in a Superflex league or your starter is Joe Burrow (who is out for the year) or Lamar Jackson (who has been banged up), Dart is a priority. In a 1-QB league, however, don't get carried away. He’s still a rookie. He’s going to make mistakes.
Bid 5% if you need a streamer. In Superflex? You might need to go as high as 15% because starting QBs are gold on the wire.
Tight End: The Position of Despair
Let's be real: Tight end is a disaster this year. If you don't have one of the top three guys, you're basically throwing a dart at the board every week.
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Hunter Henry has quietly become the TE2 on the season. That’s not a typo. He has three touchdowns in the last two weeks and is the primary safety valve for his QB. If he's available, he's worth 10% of your budget.
If you're looking for a deep sleeper, keep an eye on Mason Taylor for the Jets. Rookie tight ends usually struggle, but Taylor has been carving out a niche as a reliable short-yardage target. He’s a 2-3% bid at most, but he could provide a steady 8-point floor in PPR leagues.
How to Actually Win the Week 5 Waiver Wire FAAB
Winning your league isn't about getting the most players off waivers; it's about getting the right ones at the right price.
Don't bid in round numbers. Everyone bids $5, $10, or $20. Bid $6, $11, or $21. That extra dollar is often the difference between getting your guy and staring at a "claim unsuccessful" notification.
Check the drops. Managers get desperate during bye weeks. Look for players like Diontae Johnson or even struggling stars who might have been dropped in a moment of frustration. Sometimes the best "waiver" add isn't a free agent at all—it's someone else's mistake.
Keep 20% for the playoffs. There will be a massive injury in Week 10 or 11. There always is. If you spend everything now on a mediocre flex play, you won't be able to bid on the backup RB who suddenly becomes a top-10 play in December.
Your Next Steps for Tuesday Night
- Audit your roster's health: If you have more than two "Out" or "Doubtful" players, you must prioritize immediate starters over long-term stashes.
- Price out the "Must-Haves": If Woody Marks is your only path to a winning record, be prepared to spend 40%. If you're 4-0, sit back and let others deplete their funds.
- Place "Conditional" bids: Don't just bid on one player. Set up a chain. "If I don't get Marks for $36, try for Gainwell at $18."
- Wait for the 3:00 AM dump: Once waivers clear, many players become free agents. If you don't want to spend FAAB, wake up early and grab the leftovers for free.
Fantasy football is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't let one bad week—or one exciting rookie—blow your entire budget before the leaves even change color.