We all know that fantasy leagues are won on the weekly waiver wire. Several of last weeks key targets were solid in their week 4 matchups including Sterling Shepard as he notched 7 catches for 76 yards and his fellow New York Giant, Wayne Gallman, who more than filled in for the injured Saquan Barkley. Gallman put up 63 rushing yards on 18 carries to go along with 6 catches for 66 yards and a score from each as he figures to be a solid play this week as the featured back in what has been a surprisingly efficient Giant offense over the past couple weeks.
This weeks waiver wire targets include:
James Winston, QB Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What figures to be a tough matchup on the surface on the road in New Orleans, Bruce Arians has Winston playing lights out lately. He has racked up over 380 yards and 3 touchdowns in his past two games, the most recent against the defending NFC champs in the LA Rams. Most importantly for the Bucs QB is that he has kept his turnovers down. Available in 66% of ESPN leagues, Winston looks to be one of the better quarterbacks to snag now for favorable plays and bye week replacements for the rest of the season.
Jaylen Samuels, RB Pittsburgh Steelers
In young Mason Ruldolph's second career start, Mike Tomlin sure did make it easy for him. Alongside James Conner, Jaylen Samuels was a new and effective part of the new-look Pittsburgh offense. Tied for the team lead in touches Monday night, Samuels was all over the stat sheet. He was 3/3 for 31 yards throwing the ball thanks to a couple of little touch passes out of the wildcat, recorded 26 rushing yards on 10 carries, 1 of which took him into the end zone, and also reeled in 8 catches for 57 yards. Available in over 80% of ESPN leagues, Samuels seems to be a key part of this Steeler offense who looked as good as it has all year this week. At the very worst, Samuels is one of the best handcuffs in the league right now.
Ronald Jones II, RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The second year running back looks to finally be coming into his full potential. Jones is coming off of a week in which he more than doubled Payton Barber’s carries with 19 for 70 yards and a TD. Available in 52% of ESPN leagues, Jones figures to only get better in the upcoming future.
Cole Beasley, WR Buffalo Bills
Beasley has been quietly solid for the entirety of this young season. Available in nearly 80 % of ESPN leagues, he has caught at least 4 passes in each game and his been at or over 40 yards in each as well. He has at least 7 catches in every game since week 2 and has been shown and increase in targets in each week since as well. With a favorable schedule coming up, Beasley could be a key bye week replacement.
Diontae Johnson, WR Pittsburgh Steelers
The Toledo product look good in his first career start monday night. Overcoming an early fumble, Johnson (available in 94% of ESPN leagues) notched 6 catches for 77 yards and score against a porous Cincinnati defense. He looks to have the inside track to the number 2 guy in Pittsburgh, as he could be an enticing add in deep leagues.
Auden Tate, WR Cincinnati Bengals
After John Ross seems to be joining AJ Green on the injured list for the coming weeks, Tate’s stock is expected to be on the rise. Now opposite Tyler Boyd, someone has to catch passes is Zac Taylor’s offense against the vulnerable Arizona defense this week. Tate is available in over 99% of leagues.
Benjamin Watson, TE New England Patriots
Coming off of a suspension and solid season last year, Watson, available in nearly all of ESPN leagues, joins the high-powered Patriot offense in week 5. Tom Brady can and will throw it to any and everyone, so just maybe he finds a confidant in the best tight end he’s had since… Rob Gronkowski.
Chris Herndon, TE New York Jets
Also coming off of a suspension, Herndon should instantly become one of the best options for inexperienced Luke Falk. Although the Jets offense hasn't showed much promise, Herndon could be worth an add for a team desperate for a tight end with Sam Darnold scheduled back soon. He also is available in nearly all ESPN leagues.
Week 5 streaming options:
Andy Dalton vs Arizona Cardinals (31st against opposing QBs)
Jordan Howard vs New York Jets (23rd against the run)
Jameison Crowder vs Philadelphia Eagles (last against WRs)
Jared Cook vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (31st against TEs)
Jimmy Graham vs Dallas Cowboys (24th against TEs)
Titans D/ST vs Buffalo Bills
Eagles D/ST vs New York Jets