RB
Jacory Croskey-Merritt
RB
Christian Mccaffrey
WR
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
RB
Javonte Williams
QB
Matthew Stafford
Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season delivered several standout performances that shaped waiver wire decisions across the league. Running backs and quarterbacks dominated the scoring landscape, while a few surprising names emerged as potential league-winners for teams seeking depth at key positions.
The waiver wire priorities heading into Week 6 reflected a mix of established studs who finally broke through and secondary options who proved they could handle elevated workloads when opportunities presented themselves.
Dowdle posted a dominant rushing performance with 206 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 3 receptions, and 28 receiving yards to lead all players in Week 5 fantasy scoring. His efficient ground game established him as the clear focal point of Pittsburgh's offensive attack.
The running back had immediately become a priority waiver wire target following this breakout week. Teams that secured Dowdle were banking on consistent volume and the potential for additional touchdown opportunities in the weeks ahead.
Taylor showcased his ability to find the end zone with 3 rushing touchdowns on 66 rushing yards, adding 3 receptions for 20 receiving yards in a high-efficiency outing. His touchdown production was among the league's best performances of the week.
This explosive game made Taylor a significant waiver wire asset heading forward. Fantasy managers viewed his touchdown upside as a critical element for pushing deep into playoff schedules.
Egbuka caught 7 passes for 163 receiving yards and 1 touchdown in a clear breakout performance for Tampa Bay. His reception total and yardage output demonstrated he had become a primary target in the passing game.
The wide receiver's usage pattern made him an attractive waiver wire claim for teams seeking consistent volume at the position. His chemistry with the quarterback appeared to be strengthening week over week.
Williams delivered a dual-threat performance with 65 rushing yards, 8 receptions, 66 receiving yards, and 2 touchdowns. His involvement in both the ground and passing game highlighted his versatility for the Rams offense.
The running back's high touch count and red zone responsibilities made him one of the most desirable backs available on waivers. Fantasy rosters benefited greatly from securing his services early in the week.
Chase accumulated 6 receptions for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns in another elite performance from Cincinnati's star receiver. His ability to produce at an elite level remained consistent throughout the season.
While Chase was typically already rostered, his continued excellence reinforced his status as an untouchable asset in any active league. Trade discussions involving Chase often centered on acquiring him rather than moving him.
Stroud powered the Texans offense with 244 passing yards, 4 passing touchdowns, and 30 rushing yards. His four touchdown passes placed him among the week's top quarterback performances.
The young quarterback's consistency had established him as a reliable streaming option and potential league-winner for teams that prioritized the position early. His dual-threat capabilities added significant value to waiver wire claims.
Darnold distributed the ball effectively with 341 passing yards and 4 passing touchdowns for Seattle. His high yardage total alongside multiple scoring passes demonstrated the Seahawks were attacking downfield frequently.
Darnold emerged as a strong waiver wire target for quarterbacks throughout the fantasy community. His propensity for accumulating yardage and touchdowns made him valuable in various league formats.
Prescott guided Dallas with 237 passing yards, 4 passing touchdowns, and 28 rushing yards in another efficient performance. His touchdown production highlighted effective red zone management by the Cowboys.
The quarterback remained a popular waiver wire addition despite his already-solid reputation. Fantasy managers sought to capitalize on his consistent scoring output as the season progressed.
McCaffrey remained heavily involved in the 49ers offense with 57 rushing yards, 8 receptions, 82 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown. His continued high target share reflected his importance to San Francisco's game plan.
Despite being a star player, McCaffrey's availability on waivers represented a potential goldmine for teams that had lost him in earlier seasons. His touch volume made him a centerpiece of any contending roster.
Mahomes produced 318 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 60 rushing yards, and 1 rushing touchdown for the Chiefs. His rushing production added an extra dimension to his scoring profile.
The quarterback remained among the league's most sought-after assets on the waiver wire. Fantasy managers recognized his ability to deliver both pass and rush production in crucial moments.
Lawrence accounted for 221 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 54 rushing yards, and 2 rushing touchdowns in Jacksonville's offensive display. His rushing touchdown production was a notable contributor to his overall fantasy output.
The dual-threat quarterback appeared on multiple waiver wire wish lists for teams seeking streaming options at the position. His rushing upside differentiated him from traditional pocket passers.
Smith-Njigba caught 8 passes for 132 receiving yards and 1 touchdown as a consistent target for Seattle's passing attack. His reception total and yardage demonstrated he remained a focal point of the Seahawks offense.
The wide receiver became a priority waiver wire claim for teams seeking depth at the position. His target share and production suggested continued involvement in future weeks.
Croskey-Merritt rushed for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns while adding 2 receptions for 39 receiving yards. His touchdown production provided Washington with a reliable short-yardage option.
The running back emerged as a surprise waiver wire candidate following this strong performance. Teams sought to add him as a potential complement to their existing backfield rotation.
Williams carried the ball 135 times for 135 rushing yards, adding 1 reception for 4 yards and 1 receiving touchdown. His heavy workload positioned him as a consistent fantasy contributor.
The Dallas running back remained an attractive waiver wire option based on his consistent volume and touchdown upside. His role in the Cowboys offense appeared secure for the remainder of the season.
Mayfield threw for 379 passing yards and 2 passing touchdowns while adding 15 rushing yards. His high yardage total reflected an aggressive passing approach from Tampa Bay's offense.
The quarterback showed the capability to put up significant passing yardage in any given week. Fantasy managers viewed him as a reliable streaming choice during bye weeks and matchup-based situations.
Fields accumulated 283 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, and 26 rushing yards in his performance. His availability suggested potential backup quarterback value or trade flexibility for Kansas City.
The quarterback remained available on many waiver wires as a secondary option at the position. Teams seeking rushing production at the quarterback spot found value in his dual-threat ability.
Stafford orchestrated the Rams offense with 389 passing yards and 3 passing touchdowns. His high yardage output demonstrated an aggressive approach to moving the ball downfield consistently.
The veteran quarterback had established himself as a reliable streaming option for fantasy managers. His touchdown production and volume made him worthy of waiver wire attention in deeper leagues.
Nacua caught 10 passes for 85 receiving yards and 1 touchdown in a high-volume performance. His reception total highlighted his role as a consistent target in Los Angeles' passing attack.
The wide receiver's target volume made him an appealing waiver wire candidate for managers seeking consistent touches. His reliability as a receiver suggested continued fantasy relevance in upcoming weeks.
Barner hauled in 7 passes for 53 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns in a strong performance from Seattle's tight end position. His dual touchdown game made him one of the week's surprising breakout options.
This performance elevated Barner's waiver wire status significantly for teams seeking production at the thin tight end position. His red zone involvement suggested continued touchdown upside moving forward.
Bourne caught 10 passes for 142 receiving yards in a high-volume game for Arizona's passing attack. His reception and yardage totals positioned him as a primary target in the Cardinals offense.
The wide receiver's strong target share made him an attractive waiver wire claim for teams seeking wide receiver depth. His consistent touches suggested ongoing involvement in Arizona's game plan.
PlayCaller has maintained comprehensive historical performance data for all 2025 NFL season weeks at playcallerapp.com, allowing fantasy managers to review complete box scores and waiver wire trends throughout the year.
Get AI-powered waiver wire picks for your specific roster every week.
Start Free 7-Day TrialNo credit card. Cancel in under 10 seconds.