Well Rush Nation, after an eventful first near quarter of the NFL Season, we now know a lot more about teams in the NFL. Which means, when it comes to looking at targets on this weeks Waiver Wire Week 5 NFL, we have a better idea of what to look for. Also make sure you look at previous Waiver Wire columns for stash plays.

However, this is the list of Waiver Wire Week 5 NFL Targets.

Quarterbacks

Sam Darnold- 18% owned vs. PHI Week 5

Sam Darnold returns to this column again. I am sure this will probably be the last time he will be under 30% owned. However, as he is there, we will continue to play him. He leads the entire NFL with 5 Rushing Touchdowns (that’s more than Henry, Cook, Kamara and CMC) and has recorded at least 300 yards passing and 2 Touchdowns minimum in each of his last 3 games. I expect this streak to continue vs. Philly this week.

Trey Lance- 19% Owned vs ARI Week 5

It looks like the time for Trey Lance is now. Jimmy suffered a calf injury vs the Seahawks, meaning Lance came in in the second half and accumulated 20 fantasy points in one half. This duel threat QB with a cannon arm will certainly accumulate fantasy points. It will be exciting what he produces if his second half cameo on Sunday is anything to go by. A real coup for this Waiver Wire Week 5 NFL. 

Running Backs

Damien Williams- 10.4% Owned @LV Week 5

Damien Williams was forced into the starting role due to an injury to David Montgomery late in the game vs Detroit on Sunday. Running 8 times late on for 55 yards and a Touchdown, plus adding 15 receiving yards was a useful cameo. However, if Montgomery is either limited, or cannot go, then expect Williams to pick up the full role. And that could be a huge volume role vs the Raiders in Week Five, and maybe even beyond that.

Kenneth Gainwell- 24.7% Owned @CAR Week 5

Kenneth Gainwell is looking like a true receiving threat out of the backfield for the Eagles. And, with Miles Sanders continuing to be ineffective, Gainwell is getting the meaningful carries in this offense also. Gainwell had 89 scrimmage yards and a TD on Sunday and he looks like an interesting option off of the Waiver Wire Week 5 NFL. Especially if you are shorthanded at RB.

Wide Receivers

A.J. Green- 27.2% Owned vs. SF Week 5

A.J Green got 6 targets for the 4th game in a row. He caught 5 of them for 67 yards and a Touchdown on Sunday. As this high volume passing attack continues to get it done, A.J. Green is showing that he still has some life in him as a receiver at this level. Long may it continue, as he was basically free in drafts and on early Waiver Wires.

Randall Cobb- 13.7% Owned @ CIN Week 5

Welcome back to Green Bay Randall Cobb. It’s no coincidence that the week Valdez-Scantling ends up on IR, Cobb plays the most snaps all season in the slot, and benefits with 2 Touchdowns. He will be a boom or bust play, and certainly not one to start every week. However, in certain match-ups, like potentially the one this week vs. the Bengals, it could be worth a upside play in your FLEX or DFS lineups.

Tight Ends

Dawson Knox- 19.3% Owned @KC Week 5

I received a few messages of thanks this morning after people listened and pickup, and started Knox this week. 8 targets 5 receptions and 2 Touchdowns. He also helped me win my Gameshow Match-up. Knox has scored in each of the last 3 games. And he is primed for more scores this week as he faces a shootout with the Chiefs.

Dalton Schultz- 20.9% Owned vs. NYG Week 5

Schultz has risen to the top of the depth chart at Tight End in Dallas. And, for the second week in a row, Schultz has found the End Zone. He got 7 targets in week 3, 6 targets in week 1 and 8 targets yesterday. As long as he continues to receive that volume, he will continue to knock on the door of TE1 relevance most weeks.

Kicker

Chase McLaughlin- 17.2% owned @LAC Week 5

McLaughlin continues to be a solid kicker in Fantasy Football terms. Despite a low scoring affair with the Vikings, he still returned 9 points. I would expect him to get more in a shootout with the Chargers on the West Coast in Week 5.

D/ST

Minnesota Vikings- 16.7% Owned vs DET Week 5

Tough streaming this week. However, the Vikings look the steal of the streaming picks this week off of Waiver Wire Week 5 NFL. The Lions are struggling to move the football down field. And, we all know Jared Goff is good for a turnover or two in a game, when faced with pressure. I expect the Vikings to make some plays on defense this week and grab a takeaway or two and condemn the Lions to their 5th loss of the season.

Don’t forget, all of my picks come from those owned under 30% on ESPN.com Fantasy Football. If you want to hear other suggestions, subscribe to the 5 Yard Rush Podcast and listen to the Waiver Wire Podcast for other suggestions.

Also, tune into listen to all our podcasts this week as we work with you to deliver a ship for you this season. However, until next week Rush Nation, where I will be back for Week Four picks, Keep Rushing!

– Murf (@Murf_NFL)