2024 - Week 5 Waiver Wire

Another week down, another week closer to the ultimate goal... Here's our better-late-than-never Waiver Pickups to target this week!

1. Andy Dalton QB Carolina Panthers Big Red is back in action. The former starting QB has replaced Bryce Young and looked halfway decent in the last few games... which is an unfortunate upgrade over the 1st Overall pick from two years ago. Through two full weeks, Dalton has thrown 51 completions on 77 attempts for 539yds, 5TDs and one INT. For a guy who's career was supposed to taper off, he's putting up good numbers in a down year for QB's. Granted, it wasn't against top-notch defenses... but points are point.
   

2. Wan'Dale Robinson WR New York Giants He's still getting looks... and with the latest news of Malik Nabers trending towards OUT due to his concussion late in the game last week (he has yet to take any practice reps). If Nabers does get tagged out, Robinson will be in line to be the #1 for the week.
   

3. Jeremy McNichols RB Washington Commanders Ekeler sat out Week 4 with a concussion, so McNichols took over in a small capacity to help take the workload off BRobJr. Well that "small capacity" had a big impact... McNichols hauled in eight passes for 68yds and 2TDs while rushing once for six yards, logging 19.9pts against the Cardinals. The Commanders are going up against the Browns this week, who have a substantially better Run Defense - but if Ekeler sits again, McNichols will be seeing touches once again.
   

4. Tutu Atwell / Jordan Whittington WR Los Angeles Rams Both Atwell and Whittington are looking for their first TD of the season, but they're getting more looks each game. Through four contests, Whittington has 11 catches on 13 targets for 122yds. He's not breaking out yet, but Puka and Cooper are slated for another week on the sideline. Tutu Atwell's current line reads 15 targets with 11 catches for 223yds. Either one of these guys could be the Bye Week band-aid you are looking for.
   

5. Jalen Nailor / Mecole Hardmon WR Minnesota Vikings / Kansas City Chiefs Both Nailor and Hardmon are fighting uphill battles. Both guys are currently listed as WR3; Nailor behind Jefferson and Addison while Hardmon is behind Xavier Worthy and Skyy Moore. That doesn't take away the upside of these two - I don't feel the need to expand on what they can bring to the table on a good day. What concerns me is their floor... especially as WR3's. Injuries could absolutely influence their season output, but I don't expect them to climb the depth charts otherwise. Keep an eye on the health above these two, and they could be the reason you make the post-season.