Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 5: Woody Marks, Jaxson Dart, Darius Slayton, and Brenton Strange Lead Must-Adds

Week 5 fantasy football waivers: Woody Marks, Jaxson Dart, Darius Slayton, and Brenton Strange headline the top bye-week replacements and breakout adds. With the Falcons, Bears, Packers, and Steelers all on bye, and injuries to stars like Malik Nabers, James Conner, and Najee Harris, there’s value on the wire for managers looking to stay ahead.

Quarterbacks

Jaxson Dart (Giants) – 23% rostered, FAAB: 6–8%

Dart made his NFL debut in Week 4 and immediately flashed fantasy relevance, rushing 10 times for 54 yards and a touchdown while adding 111 yards and a score through the air. His dual-threat profile puts him in the same fantasy archetype as Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson when it comes to rushing upside. With Malik Nabers out for the year, the Giants’ offense will lean more on Dart’s legs and his chemistry with Wan’Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton, giving him top-12 upside in the right matchups.

Jake Browning (Bengals) – 7% rostered, FAAB: 3–5%

Browning had a rough Week 4 vs. Minnesota, but his situation remains strong: Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins provide one of the best WR duos in football, and Cincinnati’s defense forces pass-heavy scripts. The Bengals face Detroit and Green Bay over the next two weeks, both bottom-10 against QBs. Browning projects as a high-volume QB2 streamer with potential QB1 spikes in shootouts.

Matthew Stafford (Rams) – 41% rostered, FAAB: 2–4%

Stafford turned back the clock in Week 4, posting 375 yards and 3 TDs against the Cardinals. He leads the NFL in passing yards but remains under-rostered due to a lack of rushing. Still, his weapons (Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua) make him a safe QB2 floor play, and his short-term schedule offers streaming value for bye-week managers.

Running Backs

Woody Marks (Texans) – 33% rostered, FAAB: 20–25%

Marks exploded in Week 4 with 21 touches for 119 yards and 2 TDs, out-producing Nick Chubb and showing why Houston is trusting him in high-leverage spots. The rookie has averaged 2.8 yards after contact per carry compared to Chubb’s 2.2, and he’s already carved out passing-down work. With a Ravens defense banged up up front, Marks has immediate Flex/RB2 appeal and could be a season-long starter.

Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers) – 36% rostered, FAAB: 8–10%

With Jaylen Warren scratched in Week 4, Gainwell dominated the backfield, racking up 134 total yards and 2 TDs. His 25 touches included six receptions, proving he can operate as a three-down back when needed. The Steelers are on bye this week, but Gainwell is one of the best stash-and-hold RBs available in case Warren’s knee issues linger.

Kendre Miller (Saints) – 6% rostered, FAAB: 3–5%

Miller logged 11 carries for 65 yards and a score against Buffalo, showing explosiveness the Saints have been missing behind Alvin Kamara. At just 23 years old, he’s already outproducing Kamara in yards after contact and explosive run rate. With New Orleans at 0-4, the team may give Miller more opportunities down the stretch, making him a smart long-term stash.

Wide Receivers

Darius Slayton (Giants) – 4% rostered, FAAB: 10–12%

With Malik Nabers done for the year, Slayton steps into the WR1 role in New York. He already led the team in receiving in Week 4 with 44 yards, and historically, he’s produced well when thrust into a featured role (179 yards and a TD in two Nabers-less games last year). Slayton’s volume floor skyrockets, making him the top WR add of Week 5.

Elic Ayomanor (Titans) – 31% rostered, FAAB: 6–8%

Ayomanor has seen his role expand each week and now owns a 26.9% target share in Tennessee’s offense. He’s averaging 47 yards per game with 2 TDs and is clearly outpacing Calvin Ridley in efficiency. With three favorable matchups ahead (LV, NE, IND), Ayomanor profiles as a strong Flex with WR3 upside.

Troy Franklin (Broncos) – 44% rostered, FAAB: 4–6%

Franklin is now a full-time player, running routes on nearly 74% of Denver’s snaps and commanding a 20% target share. While inconsistent, his speed and role make him a breakout candidate if Bo Nix finds more rhythm. With upcoming matchups vs. the Jets and Giants, Franklin is a stash-worthy WR3/Flex play.

Tight Ends

Brenton Strange (Jaguars) – 23% rostered, FAAB: 5–7%

Strange quietly ranks 15th among TEs in PPR scoring without even scoring a touchdown. He’s averaged 4+ catches and 45 yards in 3 of 4 games, giving him a solid floor. As Trevor Lawrence’s second-look option in Jacksonville, Strange is a safe TE1 streamer and one of the most reliable waiver options at the position.

Isaiah Likely (Ravens) – 13% rostered, FAAB: 3–5%

Likely returned from injury in Week 4, and while his usage was limited, his ceiling remains top-5 at the position. Baltimore has shown a willingness to involve him in 12 personnel, and with Mark Andrews slow out of the gate, Likely is worth stashing before the breakout comes.

Dalton Schultz (Texans) – 12% rostered, FAAB: 2–4%

Schultz has logged an 82% snap share over the past two weeks and remains a steady security blanket for Houston QBs. While his ceiling is capped, he’s averaged 8 PPR points in consecutive games. With the Ravens on deck, Schultz has short-term streaming appeal in 12-team leagues.