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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (6) makes a catch against New York Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Rich Storry-Imagn Images

Fantasy Football Week 5 Top Waiver Wire Adds

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Howe Fresh | Last updated Oct 1, 2025 9:01 AM ET

Week Four has decimated both NFL and fantasy football teams with a surge in high-profile injuries. It all started with Dallas Cowboys’ wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who left the game in Week Three and had to watch from the sidelines in Week Four. The trips to the hospital continued, with notable players such as wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Malik Nabers suffering season-ending injuries. Here are the three most promising pieces widely available on the waiver wire. All stats, rankings, and ownership numbers provided by Sleeper.

3) Miami Dolphins’ Wide Receiver Malik Washington

With last week’s season-ending injury to Hill, everybody slides up a level. This places Malik Washington as the de facto WR2, likely until the end of the season. His 6.17 fantasy points per game in PPR formats are sure to get a bump.

The Miami Dolphins play the Carolina Panthers this week, not the steepest test in the league. For teams hit by the injury bug, he’s a worthy depth piece to push the rest of your roster up. There’s only 5% ownership in a guy who should jump near double-digit fantasy performances.

2) New York Giants’ Wide Receiver Darius Slayton

The unfortunate injury to Nabers brings value to the waiver wire. Darius Slayton may be listed as WR2, but rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart fed him like the WR1 in his NFL debut last week. The only other receiver to consider on the team is the listed WR1, Wan’Dale Robinson. He’s got four receptions over his previous two games, and didn’t seem to click with the quarterback as well, albeit in the smallest of samples.

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (18) runs with the ball against Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Cam Hart (20) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium.Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The ceiling on any of the active New York Giants’ receivers is apparent, but the situation increased their value from waiver wire to starting flex. Despite being in the conversation as the team’s most talented receiver, he’s still owned in just 5% of leagues. The worst-case scenario is that he continues the steady floor he’s laid, which has a higher value than ownership indicates.

1) Houston Texans’ Running Back Woody Marks

Running back Woody Marks started the season behind Nick Chubb on the depth chart. His workload has increased, and he’s now getting more touches than his peer. Sleeper reports that head coach DeMeco Ryans is expected to increase his workload even more.

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (27) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium.Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

He brings increased value in PPR formats. While he had 17 touches and a rushing touchdown, he also accumulated 50 receiving yards and a TD through the air. Currently rostered in 37% of leagues, managers will want to jump on the opportunity before it’s too late. His popularity has increased 19%, but he’s still out there for the taking.

Click here for Tyreek Hill injury news.

End Of My Fantasy Football Rant

Injuries to top players are unfortunate, but they can also affect the entertainment of the league. That being said, fantasy leagues continue, and it’s too early to give up all hope. Get out there and squeeze the juice.

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This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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