Week 5 waiver wire snags

By: Josh Frey-Sam

I made my first trade of the season.

The deal got done Monday evening, shortly after Monday Night Football, in my league with other members of Winnipeg’s sports media.

I gave up Tony Pollard and Tee Higgins to acquire Courtland Sutton.

I was very high on Sutton before the season started — and remain that way — and it made a lot of sense for me to acquire him, so I was happy to be able to get that deal done.

I like the trade for both sides, but regardless of how it turns out, few things give you a shot of dopamine like completing a deal in fantasy football.

I’ve stayed afloat through the first month of the season. I’m 3-1 in three leagues, 2-2 in another pair of leagues, and I haven’t been chopped in my guillotine league. Oh, and I’m still alive in my survivor pool.

Believe it or not, writing for you guys has helped me. There’s something about laying out my thoughts on paper that has improved my thought process when it comes to the waiver wire and trades.

Speaking of the waiver wire, that’s what we’re here for today. The injuries continue to pile up and take out big names around the league, which has really brought the waiver wire to life.

Here are some of my favourite pick-ups this week:

RB Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers

Gainwell wouldn’t be a priority for me, owing to Pittsburgh being on a bye, but I would still put in a claim for him if I had room to stash him. Jaylen Warren was a late scratch from the lineup on Sunday, which thrust Gainwell into the lead role. He made good with the opportunity, racking up 134 total yards on 25 opportunities. Warren will likely be back after the bye, but if he isn’t, Gainwell could be a shrewd pick-up this week. Aaron Rodgers has shown he is willing to give plenty of receiving work to whoever is in the backfield.

RB Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints

Miller was a 2023 third-round pick who, for the first two seasons of his career, couldn’t stay healthy. He’s maintained a clean bill of health so far this season, and he’s shown what he can do when given the opportunity. Last week, he logged 11 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown against the Bills. He’s actually been a more efficient runner than Alvin Kamara, and what was most interesting about last week was that Miller had two rushing attempts to Kamara’s zero inside the 10. A changing of the guard in NOLA? Stay tuned.

RB Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are going to be without Lamar Jackson for this week and possibly next before hitting the bye. Those games will come against the Texans and the Rams. If you think it’s conceivable that the Ravens will be trailing in those games with Cooper Rush at the helm — and you need a short-term holdover at RB — I’d recommend looking at Justice Hill. Derek Henry dominates the backfield, but only when the game script allows. If the Ravens are trailing, Hill will be the guy and could get a lot of work in the passing game.

WR Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins

Tyreek Hill’s season — and maybe his career — is over after that gruesome knee injury on Monday night. While Jaylen Waddle takes over the lead role, look for Washington to step into that No. 2 slot. I like Washington, a 2024 sixth-round pick, a lot. He fits that typical burner profile that we’ve often seen in Mike McDaniels' offences. What gives me hope here is that during the pre-season, when Tyreek and Waddle played limited snaps, Tua often looked Washington’s way in the pass game. There’s a clear trust between him and the young receiver that should continue to blossom the remainder of the season.

WR Luke McCaffrey, Washington Commanders

Deep dive and under the radar. McCaffrey was one of my favourite deep sleepers entering this season, as I felt like he could emerge as a big-time weapon in this Commanders’ offence. Well, now he might have the opportunity to do that, with Terry McLaurin’s immediate future up in the air. I’m telling you now, I wouldn’t be surprised if McLaurin’s injury lingers and hinders him all season, which makes LMC an intriguing pick-up as Jayden Daniels returns from injury. LMC is behind Zach Ertz and Deebo Samuel for targets, but could work his way into the fold sooner than later. If you have the ability — and patience — to hold him, I say do it for a few weeks and see how it pans out.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh