The Chargers are off to a brutal 0-4 start. Things won’t get much easier with division games against the Broncos and Chiefs over the next two weeks, followed by a bye week and then a matchup with the Rams. While the offense has struggled under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, at least one player has emerged as a promising fantasy option.
Second-year receiver Tre’ Harris has led the team in receiving in three straight games, so should he be one of the top names you’re looking for on the waiver wire for Week 5? Let’s dive in and look at Harris’s upside and whether he can help your fantasy team in the coming weeks.
I highlighted my top Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 5 on Sunday night, so if you need help at receiver or any position after the first four weeks of the season, there are strong options on most leagues’ waiver wires.
Tre’ Harris Trending Up
Harris was a second-round pick in the 2025 draft after starring at Ole Miss. He caught 30 passes on 43 targets as a rookie, scoring one touchdown and playing 48.9% of snaps. He was the team’s fourth receiver for most of the season behind Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and Keenan Allen. With Allen’s departure via free agency, Harris has moved up the depth chart this season and has been more effective.
Harris has played 77% of snaps this season and led all receivers with 93% of snaps played in Week 4 against the Seahawks. Harris hauled in three of his five targets for a team-high 60 yards. He had more targets than any other wide receiver, though tight end Oronde Gadsden II and Keaton Mitchell saw more looks.
Harris did get some of that work because McConkey left with a foot injury. McConkey was questionable coming into the matchup and aggravated the injury in the first half, putting his Week 5 availability in serious question and his long-term durability uncertain as well.
In Week 2, Harris had a 53-yard catch against the Raiders; even though it was his only reception, he still led the team in receiving yards. He followed that with six catches for 76 yards against the Bills in Week 3, showing he can be more than a big-play threat, though he still brings that skill set and upside.
Tre’ Harris Fantasy Football Outlook
While Harris has emerged as the team’s top receiver in the last few weeks, LA’s larger offensive struggles still hold him back. He does have long-term upside, though, and he can be a great pickup for down the road if you think Justin Herbert can shake off his early-season slump.
In Week 5, the Chargers draw Denver’s strong secondary, making Harris a high-risk FLEX option in most standard-sized leagues. It’s difficult to trust him as an immediate starter, but he is worth stashing for depth and upside, especially if Ladd McConkey misses time.
His short-term fantasy outlook makes him a fringe starter in most leagues, but he could grow into more as the season progresses and become a legitimate WR2 by the end of the month.
The Bottom Line: Add Tre’ Harris for Depth
If you need an immediate plug-and-play option, someone like Keon Coleman or Darius Cooper may make more sense to target off the waiver wire for Week 5. However, if you can take a longer look and play for further down the road, Harris is showing signs that he could be about to put together a true breakout season. He’s a great depth pickup now based on his recent production, and stashing him now is a good way to get ahead of the rush if he keeps posting strong numbers.