Fantasy football managers are navigating a challenging Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season, with injuries and shifting workloads creating fresh opportunities on the waiver wire.
Analyses published October 9 point to New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston, Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley and Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell as names to monitor.
Wide receiver Dohnte Meyers also emerges as a potential option, though his value hinges on the availability of Cincinnati Bengals receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Winston's Downfield Upside Against Washington
According to NFL. com, Winston presents upside against the Washington Commanders, who have struggled to defend downfield passing attacks.
Washington ranks among the bottom three teams in success rate, completion percentage over expected and passer rating allowed on downfield throws.
Winston averages 9.3 air yards per attempt, ranking eighth in the league, while his 15.4% deep throw rate ranks third.
Washington has also surrendered 22.5 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, the third-highest figure in the NFL.
The Athletic's waiver analysis highlights Winston after he completed a performance worth 250 passing yards and three touchdowns, with two interceptions, finishing as the week's QB8.
His average depth of target increased from 7.5 yards in Weeks 2 and 3 to 11.5 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Shipley, Mitchell and Meyers Draw Attention
Philadelphia's Will Shipley is another priority for managers searching for running back replacements.
Fantasy Life recommends adding him following injuries to Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby, which could open opportunities in the Eagles' backfield.
The Athletic also identifies veteran Dameon Pierce as a possible addition after Philadelphia signed and elevated him.
Pierce, 26, has previously recorded a season with 1,104 scrimmage yards and could enter the running back rotation while the team manages its absences.
In Los Angeles, Keaton Mitchell has strengthened his case for a larger role alongside rookie Omarion Hampton.
NFL.
com's analysis found that the two running backs recorded identical totals of 49 snaps, 27 opportunities, 26 touches and one touchdown across their previous two games.
Mitchell produced 25.0 fantasy points over that span, compared with Hampton's 18.9.
Mitchell also recorded eight catches for 19 yards and a receiving touchdown, while Hampton had two receptions for eight yards, giving Mitchell an advantage in point-per-reception formats.
The Denver Broncos have allowed 0.93 fantasy points per running back touch, the fifth-highest rate in the league, according to NFL.
com.
That defensive trend could benefit Mitchell if his recent involvement continues.
Meyers' potential value is tied to Cincinnati's receiving injuries.
Yahoo Sports identifies him as a possible starting option after he recorded seven catches for 82 yards in Week 4.
If Chase and Higgins are unavailable, Meyers could receive a larger share of the passing workload.
NFL.
com also highlights Washington rookie receiver Jaylin Williams, whose role has grown amid injuries to Stefon Diggs and Terry McLaurin.
Williams recorded career highs of 41 snaps, 30 routes and eight targets in London, while quarterback Jayden Daniels is expected to return to the lineup.
For managers evaluating established players, Fantasy Life advises against selling Saquon Barkley at a reduced value despite his declining production and concerns surrounding Philadelphia's offense.
The analysis instead recommends holding him, while Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai and rookie receiver Carnell Tate emerge as potential trade considerations.
Yahoo Sports also recommends starting Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren, who accumulated 302 scrimmage yards and six receptions on 44 touches over two games while Rico Dowdle was sidelined.
Warren remains a potential starting option against Indianapolis, although Dowdle's availability could influence the workload distribution.
