Here are some players to consider picking up on waivers this week, if available, to get ahead of the other managers in your league. These players include potential bye-week fill-ins, players returning from injury, and defenses to consider in advance.
Week 5 Byes
Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears
Beat the Waiver Wire: No-Brainers
In most leagues, these guys aren't available. But if you're fortunate enough to see them on the waiver wire, grab them.
RB Woody Marks, Houston Texans (81% rostered on Sleeper)
He was first mentioned two weeks ago, so I hope you already grabbed Marks, who had his breakout game on Sunday, with 17 carries that went for 69 yards and one touchdown. He also had five targets that turned into 50 yards receiving and a touchdown. Head coach DeMeco Ryans just said Joe Mixon is not close to returning, and Marks has been the best Houston back for a mile. If you are lucky enough to still see him available in your league, grab him.
Beat the Waiver Wire: Quarterbacks
QB Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints (10% rostered on Sleeper)
We are entering the bye weeks, so you may want to consider some quarterbacks you haven't previously looked at, which is why I am mentioning Rattler. He is averaging 35 attempts a game to go along with 25 yards on the ground. The Saints have a five-game run of solid QB matchups coming up.
QB Jaxson Dart, New York Giants (51% rostered on Sleeper)
It may be too late to grab Dart after his debut on Sunday, but if you can grab him, he is worth an add to see if the performance stays consistent. His 54 yards on the ground and one rushing touchdown give a solid floor, and the Giants don't go on bye until Week 14, so you can use him to fill in for a while.
QB Cooper Rush, Baltimore Ravens (4% rostered on Sleeper)
Rush took over for starter Lamar Jackson on Sunday, due to a combination of a hamstring tweak and perhaps the game being slightly out of hand. Either way, we don't know the full extent of Jackson's injury, and even if he plays (which looks to be doubtful), we know how easily a hamstring can be reaggravated. Baltimore has a solid matchup against the Rams in Week 6.
Just a reminder to check your waiver wire for: Justin Fields (83%)