Joe Serpico shares his top fantasy football waiver-wire pickups heading into Week 5.
C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans: Stroud was featured last week but still remains widely available in most fantasy leagues. The Texans aren’t afraid to let the No. 2 pick sling it, as he’s thrown it at least 30 times in all four games. He had his second 300-yard passing game against the Steelers on Sunday. He has yet to throw an interception in his young career and his fantasy numbers have gotten better each week. If you’ve been streaming at quarterback this season, there aren’t many better options. Houston is 2-2 to start the season, but they’re still one of the league’s worst rosters. They’ll be playing from behind in plenty of games and that will lead to great fantasy numbers for the rookie.
Josh Dobbs, QB, Arizona Cardinals: Call me a little crazy, but I’m keeping an eye on Dobbs as a possible streaming option moving forward. Let’s face it, we value mobile quarterbacks in fantasy and Dobbs run for more than 40 yards in his last three games. The Cardinals are designing run plays for him, and he’s been respectable as a passer. Arizona is another team that will be trailing many games and will throw it plenty. As long as the rushing volume continues, Dobbs can be fantasy relevant.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans: I’ve considered putting Spears in this piece throughout the season as it’s evident that the Titans want him on the field. He’s getting nearly 10 touches a game and the snap count between he and Derrick Henry is nearly a 50-50 split. He’s yet to have that breakout game, but it’s coming, and he’s more than just a handcuff.
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, Denver Broncos: Javonte Williams was forced to leave the Broncos’ game against the Bears with a hip injury, and it was McLaughlin who stepped up in his absence. Semaje Perine will likely be the starter if Williams misses time, but McLaughlin will see his share of work as well after racking up 104 yards and a score on his 10 touches.
Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers: I don’t understand the disrespect of Doubs by the fantasy community. He entered Week 4 as a top-10 fantasy receiver and is still rostered in less than 50 percent of leagues. Doubs had another solid effort on Thursday against the Lions, catching nine passes for 95 yards, and his 13 targets were tied for most in the league in Week 4. If you’re in one of the leagues where he’s inexcusably available, get him on your roster because this will be your last chance to do so.
Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions: The NFL made adjustments to its gambling policy last week and Williams is eligible to return to action this week as a result. The Lions are one of the league’s best offenses and Williams’ game-changing speed will make the entire unit better. He’ll likely be eased back into action, but the Lions have hit home runs on their recent draft picks and Williams is arguably the most talented of them all. Once he’s acclimated into the offense, he has WR2 potential.
Michael Wilson, WR, Arizona Cardinals: The rookie from Stanford has seen more action each week and scored his first two career touchdowns against a 49ers defense that is one of the NFL’s best. Rondale Moore only saw two targets this week as Wilson took on a larger role, and Wilson continues to make big plays when given the opportunity.
Cole Kmet, TE, Chicago Bears: He’s not available in many leagues, but there are some leagues where owners were frustrated with his early-season struggles and decided to move on. Kmet started off last year in similar fashion before becoming a focal point of the Bears’ offense and a fantasy-friendly tight end. The nine targets against the Broncos are encouraging after just two a week ago, and he’s one of Justin Fields’ favorite options in the red zone.