We’re already a quarter of the way through the 2025 NFL regular season. It might feel early, but it’s put up or shut up time for struggling fantasy football teams.
Unlike last week, there’s several enticing options available on the waiver wire. Maybe not the kind of players that can swing a championship, but you never know! For those in FAAB leagues, the biggest question is what amount to give up, and on who?
Here’s how much you should be willing to spend on some of Week 5’s most intriguing waiver wire selections.
Week 5 Fantasy Football FAAB Values
TE Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins
12-15% of FAAB budget
What a return for Darren Waller! The former Pro Bowler had an impressive season debut on Monday night, recording two toucdowns against the Jets. Granted, the tight end only accounted for three catches and 27 yards on the night. Still, a 17.7-point fantasy output is nothing to sneeze at. For a Dolphins team that needs redzone weapons, the 6’6″ target already has a major role.
A gruesome, season-ending injury to Tyreek Hill (knee) has left Miami without its top pass catcher. That means more work for some other Fins players, including Waller. The 33-year-old is no longer someone who should be expected to grab 5+ catches per game. However, he doesn’t need to be a statistical monster. Any tight end that serves as a top option in the passing game is immediately fantasy relevant. Even if you have someone to start over Waller, he’s worth paying up for.
WR Darius Slayton, New York Giants
8-10% of FAAB budget
Malik Nabers’ season-ending ACL tear threw a wrench in New York’s 21-18 victory over the Chargers. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart (more on him later) looked in control throughout the afternoon. Surprisingly, it was Darius Slayton who paced the Giants with three catches and 44 receiving yards. Although that’s not much to write home about, the veteran could see a major boost in production going forward.
It’s not as if Slayton is a bad player. If anything, the deep threat’s talents have been wasted for years on the Giants. Could Dart be the one to unlock hidden touchdown upside? I’m not willing to go that far yet. Regardless, fantasy managers don’t need a score every week for the 28-year-old to have value. Other than Wan’Dale Robinson, New York lacks quality receivers. Four to five receptions per game, with TD potential, feels like a reasonable goal for Slayton. Grab this underrated wideout before he delivers a solid stat line vs. the Saints in Week 5.
WR Jalen Tolbert, Dallas Cowboys
3-4% of FAAB budget
Jalen Tolbert’s performance on Sunday was a bit of a mixed bag. On paper, a four-catch, 61-yard performance is a respectable stat line. There’s also the added potential of an expanded role going forward with CeeDee Lamb (ankle) injured. Still, only hauling in four passes doesn’t sound as nice when you realize Dallas scored 40 points in an overtime tie. If not for a late 34-yard grab, the wideout would have had far less production.
Week 4’s numbers, while somewhat flukey, are still a promising sign for Tolbert. After all, the 26-year-old was on the field for 81% of Dallas’ snaps on offense. Only George Pickens garnered more playing time for the team at wide receiver. In addition, the Cowboys are that rare team with weekly shootout potential. With a secondary that couldn’t stop a nosebleed, Big D will often need to put up 30+ points. In deeper leagues, there’s plenty of appeal for Tolbert; that’s especially true for Lamb managers that need a flex option. As an under-the-radar pick, you could do worse.
Other names to consider
- Due to his rushing ability, Jaxson Dart warrants strong consideration for teams in need of a quarterback. Even as a rookie, his fantasy floor should be stable.
- 5% of FAAB budget
- Waller isn’t the only name in Miami worth monitoring. Hill’s injury should give second-year pro Malik Washington a major boost in playing time. The return specialist could carve out a nice role for himself going forward.
- 3-4% of FAAB budget
- Saints running back Kendre Miller received 11 carries on Sunday en route to 65 yards and a touchdown. Alvin Kamara remains the RB1 in New Orleans, but this is trending towards a 50/50 split.
- 2-3% of FAAB budget
