Roman Bruno

Content Contributor

Week 4 of the NFL season was full of fantasy football excitement, disappointment, and everything in between. There were also plenty of injuries, and fantasy teams are certainly looking to either find replacements or just upside bench depth. Here are 5 players on the fantasy radar as waiver wire pickups for Week 5 (percentages according to ESPN):

RB Tyler Allgeier (ATL) – 17% Rostered

With running back Cordarrelle Patterson being placed on the IR due to a knee injury, rookie Tyler Allgeier has a prime opportunity ahead of him. Allgeier and fellow teammate Caleb Huntley both did well in relief of Patterson. However, Allgeier was more productive in their Week 4 win against Cleveland, totally 10 touches for 104 yards. Allgeier will get the first look to lead the Falcons backfield, so he is a must add in fantasy. The rookie had a lot of traction in the pre-draft buildup, so he may already be rostered. However, he is available in most leagues, and he may be a fine FLEX play if he can win the starting role.

RB Mike Boone (DEN) – 0.1% Rostered

Boone will be expected to have a bigger role with the Broncos after the season-ending ACL injury to Javonte Williams. He did not get much action in Week 4, but he made the most of his opportunities (three rushes for 20 yards). Melvin Gordon will presumably be the starter, but he is no sure thing either due to his injury and fumbling concerns. The Broncos recently signed Latavius Murray from the Saints practice squad, but Boone should still be one of the top waiver wire pickups this week. Boone is worth the add for now, but it could potentially get murky in this Denver backfield.

RB Raheem Mostert (MIA) – 53% Rostered

Coming into the season, fantasy managers though Chase Edmonds was the Miami RB to own. However, Mostert has out-touched Edmonds in the past three games. In Week 4 against Cincinnati, Mostert had 15 carries for 69 yards. He has yet to find the endzone, but considering how often he is on the field, water will eventually find its level. Mostert has found success as a fantasy RB in previous years, and he is leading this Dolphins backfield by committee. He is also available in almost half of fantasy leagues. He will continue to produce and should be rostered on teams looking for RB depth.

WR Josh Reynolds (DET) – 11% Rostered

With DJ Chark and Amon-Ra St. Brown out against Seattle, Josh Reynolds had himself a day. He finished with seven catches for 81 yards and a touchdown. The Lions offense is producing no matter who is on the field. Jamaal Williams, who was a top pickup last week, exploded for over 100 yards with two scores. The chemistry between Reynolds and Jared Goff still looks strong, and Reynolds should be a statable option in Week 5 if St. Brown or Chark miss again. He will continue to be the Lions WR1 and a fantasy FLEX option if both are out. Watch out for the ‘praying mantis.’

QB Geno Smith (SEA) – 15% Rostered

Yes, Geno Smith was playing a tremendously bad Lions defense. However, it is his second consecutive game in a row with a fantastic fantasy performance. In those two games, Smith averaged 322.5 passing yards and 25.3 fantasy points. His upcoming schedule is not terrible either. He faces the New Orleans Saints in Week 5, which will be a challenge. After that, he gets the Cardinals twice, Chargers, and Giants. With bye weeks coming soon, Smith can be a very solid one-week replacement and potentially a rest of season rostered player. Smith is available in most leagues, and while it may not feel great, pull the trigger and get him on your team. He has the weapons around him for success, and he has proven to be one of the better QBs this season. What a whacky 2022.

Geno Smith has been outplaying Russell Wilson this season so far 😳 @brgridiron pic.twitter.com/m6MzjIf8yy

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 3, 2022

Honorable Waiver Wire Pickups: RB Latavius Murray (NO), RB Rachaad White (TB), RB Caleb Huntley (ATL), WR DeVante Parker (NE)

Photo Credit Brett Davis – USA TODAY Sports