Fantasy Football Waiver Wire, Week 5: Priority pickups ahead of the byes

It only gets messier and more difficult in the weeks ahead, friends. The byes have arrived. Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay and Pittsburgh are out of the mix in Week 5. We are all about to make some uncomfortable cuts and questionable pickups. Welcome to the most challenging segment of your fantasy season.  

Each week around here, we offer a collection of recommended adds, all of them available in a majority of actively managed leagues. This week’s top priority is relatively clear…

RUNNING BACKS

Woody Marks, Houston Texans

37% rostered at Sleeper

Houston fans have been pleading to see more of Marks, and they finally got their wish — and, honestly, it was pretty spectacular. 

If you didn’t already have Marks stashed ahead of Sunday’s emphatic and unmistakable breakout, it’s really gonna cost you this week. We may have an empty-the-wallet situation on our hands. 

Marks carried a team-high 17 times for 69 yards and one touchdown against the Titans, adding four receptions for 50 yards and a second TD. It was simply a huge day for the USC rookie. He flashed legit bounce and elusiveness on the rushing score:

He also buried a man in pass protection, which is no small thing. 

Nick Chubb isn’t going away and Joe Mixon is still a potential complicating factor, but Marks made an awfully loud statement on Sunday. His versatility should make him less vulnerable to game-flow than most young backs. Go get him. 

FAAB: Desperate? Spend it all. 

Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints

7% rostered

Miller handled a season-high 11 carries against Buffalo, delivering 65 rushing yards and one of Sunday’s more impressive touchdowns:

That’s some serious balance right there. 

Miller has been more rumor than player to this point in his career, but he’s the clear understudy behind a veteran back who also happens to be the most obvious trade chip in the league. Alvin Kamara shouldn’t be a member of the Saints for much longer. If or when he’s dealt, Miller is headed for significant workloads, albeit in a less-than-ideal environment.