Week four of the NFL season is in the books. As much as I hate to admit it, this is the honest truth: there simply isn’t a lot to get excited about on the waiver wire this week. If possible, it might be best to let it ride and not make a waiver claim until next week. With the news of some devastating injuries to star players, for a lot of managers, that simply isn’t possible. As is often the case, we must make the best of the situation. However, there is no reason to fear, as this fantasy football waiver additions for week five is here to help! Let’s get right to work and not waste another moment. For reference, all ownership percentages are provided by ESPN.

Top Running Back Waiver Additions

J.D. McKissic, Washington Commanders, 42.2% Owned

Most assuredly, J.D. McKissic is not available in a lot of fantasy leagues. Equally clear, however, is that there simply aren’t a lot of worthy running backs to recommend picking up this week. That being true, all fantasy managers needing running back help must look and see if McKissic is available. If so, problem solved, especially in PPR leagues.

Truthfully, McKissic has struggled running the ball for the most part but is just as adept as ever in catching it. In the game against Dallas, McKissic did break off a 33-yard run and caught three of four targets. A better indicator of McKissic’s ability is that in the previous two games, he racked up 13 catches.

It was tough sledding for the Commanders’ offense against the Dallas defense. The really good news, though, is the opponent that Washington has coming up in week five. That team is the Tennesse Titans.

The Titans are one of the worst defenses in the NFL, coming in ranked 25th in overall defense, 23rd in passing yards and 29th in rushing yards allowed per game.

Brian Robinson, Washington Commanders, 37% Owned

If recommending one Commander running back is crazy, how about a double down. That is exactly what is happening this week with Brian Robinson. In fact, he was featured in this season’s very waiver article. A lot of managers didn’t listen to that advice and remains available in a lot of leagues. Because of that a return appearance here is necessary. Robinson is eligible to come off the injured list this week and he looks to make an immediate impact.

Fellow teammate and supposed backfield leader Antonio Gibson has failed to meet expectations and is in real danger of being replaced. After an impressive first game of the season, Gibson hasn’t rushed for more than 48 yards or caught more than three passes in a game since. There is every chance that Robinson comes in and takes over when activated, as he looked very impressive in the preseason.

It is not every day that a potential RB1 can be claimed from the waiver wire. That is the case this week, however. If RB is a team need, make the plunge and claim Robinson this week.

Other Running Back Waiver Options: With the news of significant injuries to Cordarrelle Patterson and Javonte Williams, the following running backs go from worth a look to must claim: Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons, 16% owned and Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs, 10% owned.

Top Wide Receiver Waiver Additions

Greg Dortch, Arizona Cardinals, 21.4% Owned

Without question, Greg Dortch goes to the top of the wide receiver list on this fantasy football waiver additions for week five edition. That statement is true, even with the pending return of the suspended DeAndre Hopkins in a couple of weeks. Honestly, don’t look to Sunday’s game against the Panthers to find the evidence to prove anything you just read.

Dortch battled back issues all week and it showed against Carolina, as he caught only one pass six yards in the game. Look beyond that contest, though, and the evidence does emerge. In weeks one and three, Dortch came away with 16 catches in 19 targets for 143 yards. In week two, Dortch caught a touchdown pass.

Arizona has had all kinds of issues with the wide receiver core this season and if Dortch is healthy coming into week five, he should be heavily involved in the passing game. Ignore that week four disappearance and add Dortch this week.

Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cleveland Browns, 2.1% Owned

After disappearing from the planet in weeks two and three, Donovan Peoples-Jones returned to Earth in week four. In a game where top wideout Amari Cooper was almost completely blanketed, Peoples-Jones was targeted nine times. He turned those targets into five catches for 71 yards. Those number pretty much mirrored his week one performance of six catches in 11 targets for 60 yards.

Next up on the schedule is the Los Angeles Chargers. There are only two teams in the NFL giving up more points per game than the Chargers’ 27. However, their offense is explosive, and the Browns will more than likely have to keep up with them to have any hope of winning.

The Browns will be forced to throw the football. Peoples-Jones will certainly benefit from that game plan. Claiming him is a risky move, but one that has clear benefits.

Mack Hollins, Las Vegas Raiders, 15.8% Owned

After a spectacular week three, Mack Hollins fell from the sky in week four against the Broncos. Of course, when QB Derek Carr only has 188 yards passing, that tends to happen to any wide receiver not named Adams. An examination of week three clearly demonstrates what Hollins is capable of, however. He received 11 targets, catching eight for an eye-popping 158 yards. Without question, any manager in fantasy would take a WR that averaged 19.8 YPR. Best of all, Hollins added a touchdown.

In week four, Hollins caught three of five targets for 33 yards, a modest 11 YPR. Obviously, Hollins’ production will be tied to how long Hunter Renfrow remains sidelined with a concussion. Whatever happens with Renfrow this week, it is clear that 188 yards passing is not nearly enough to take down the Kansas City Chiefs, the next opponent on the Raider schedule.

Hollins has 25 targets on the season, only three away from his career high. Until it is proven that Renfrow is completely healed and productive, Hollins will remain an integral part of the Raider offense and has earned his place on this fantasy football waiver additions for week five edition.

Top Tight End Waiver Additions

Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints, 10.8% Owned

Quick question: when was the last time that a tight end was a waiver pickup recommendation coming off a game in which he caught no passes? I have no idea, either, but the number can’t be that high. However, there will be at least one this week with the selection of Taysom Hill.

In the game against the Vikings, Hill wasn’t even targeted. As befits Hill’s multi-dimensional game skills, though, he did rush five times for 21 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings in London. So far this season, Hill has run and caught the football. He probably isn’t far away from throwing it. There is constant movement on who is playing offensively for the Saints with players all over the field missing action.

It cannot be predicted what role Hill will play from one week to the next. What is important to know is that the Seahawks are up next on the schedule. This is a team that just allowed 45 points to the Detroit Lions. Tight end is thin, as usual, and Hill is is position to score big in fantasy this week. Add him if, there is a need.

Will Dissly, Seattle Seahawks, 1.6% Owned

Before the season began, Noah Fant was the lead tight end for Seattle. That concept can be forgotten, as quarterback Geno Smith clearly favors Will Dissly. With the exception of week two against the 49ers, Dissly has been very consistent so far this season. In the other three games, Dissly has a touchdown in each.

Further, he has scored 13, 12 and 13 fantasy points. True, those won’t light the world on fire, but will certainly do for a fantasy tight end. Even better, taking out the San Fransisco game, Dissly is averaging 11.8 YPR. Even with that game factored in, Dissly is 14th among tight ends in yards per reception.

As mentioned earlier, tight end is a shallow position and probably always will be. If a manager is dissatisfied with the player currently on the roster, Dissly is the answer to the problem.

Top Quarterback Waiver Additions

Teddy Bridgewater, Miami Dolphins, 0.2% Owned

Anyone that saw the scary injury that Tua Tagovailoa suffered on Thursday night against the Bengals, knows there is a good chance he may not play in week five against the Jets. That opens the door for Teddy Bridgewater to be the starter. Managers in two QB leagues will want to, at a minimum, stash Bridgewater in case Tua is out for any length of time. Bridgewater is a veteran quarterback that can keep the seat warm for as long as needed.

Additionally, he has some great offensive weapons at his disposal. These weapons are better than a ton of other starting quarterbacks could ever dream about. Bridgewater came into the game against Cincinnati after Tua was injured fared well, except for a late game interception. He completed 14-23 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown.  The Jets are a middle of the road team against the pass, and Bridgewater should be able to move the football against them.

Best of all, he will have a few extra days to prepare with the Dolphins coming off Thursday night’s game. To be sure, all of the worthy QBs are off the board in larger leagues. That is not the case with Bridgewater, however. He is available across all formats. Certainly, Tua managers will want to pick him up. Everyone else in large and two QB leagues will likewise want to act quickly and add Bridgewater to the roster.

Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans, 15.4% Owned

Often, a player’s opponent is a critical factor in selecting players off of the waiver wire. This week, the sun shines favorably on Ryan Tannehill. Next up for the Titans is the Washington Commanders. There just happens to be just five NFL defenses worse against the pass. Of course, most fantasy managers put Tannehill out to pasture after a particularly putrid performance against the Buffalo Bills.

However, as have many other players in the early going, Tannehill has resurrected himself in the weeks since that game. In his last two games, Tannehill has completed 70.4 and 80 percent of his passes. That will get the job done every time. Additionally, he has thrown for three TDs and one interception in those contests after throwing two against the Bills in week two.

Considering the defense Buffalo has, that can be forgiven. Please note that if needed, Tannehill is only a short-term answer, as his bye is week six. For the time being, however, he does get a recommendation this week on this fantasy football waiver additions for week five edition.

Zach Wilson, New York Jets, 8.9% Owned

As with Tannehill, the opponent is the biggest reason for a recommendation regarding Zach Wilson. The Miami Dolphins come to New York to face the Jets in week five. That is truly fortunate for Wilson, as the Dolphins are the worst team in the NFL in overall defense, as well as passing defense. The good news for Wilson and his fantasy managers is that he now has game action under his belt after making his season debut against the Steelers on Sunday.

To be sure, the situation didn’t look great for Wilson through three quarters. His interception in the second halted a scoring drive. Another led to a touchdown for the Steelers after halftime. However, Wilson came alive in the fourth, throwing a five-yard TD to cut Pittsburgh to just a three-point lead. To close out the game, Wilson marched the Jets down the field. Breece Hall capped the drive with the winning TD in the final minute.

For the game, Wilson finished 18 of 36 for 252 yards. Most bizarrely, he caught a two-yard scoring pass on a trick play in the second quarter. How many quarterbacks have a TD pass to their credit this season? Not many, no doubt. The Jets have some offensive weapons this season and Wilson will only get better going forward.

His ownership rate surely won’t stay below ten percent. Any issues at the quarterback position on a roster can be solved by Wilson, but only if he is picked out of the waiver pool without delay.

Other Quarterback to consider: Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks, 15.1% Owned. As a Seahawk fan, I was less than excited when Smith was named as the starting QB in the preseason. Four games in, however, it is time to eat crow, as Smith has been excellent. His game against the Lions was a thing of beauty. If the other quarterbacks on this list don’t thrill, turn to Smith. Unquestionably, he is the surprise thus far of the 2022 NFL season.

The Final Word

Thank you for joining me for this fantasy football waiver additions for week five edition! As always, I welcome any and all suggestions, comments and input from my readers. Let’s discuss! Follow me on twitter @kevin62wilsea. Please feel free to share this article. Tune in for the Belly Up Fantasy Live Preview Show every Sunday morning at 11 AM EST on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or BellyUpTV. Be sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy Sports for all the MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL happenings and the latest sports news!