Running Backs: McLaughlin and Hubbard Shine

Now, let’s shift our focus to running backs—the lifeblood of many fantasy teams. We have a couple of intriguing options here.

Jaleel McLaughlin (Denver Broncos)
Jaleel McLaughlin is the name you need to remember. He’s an undrafted rookie for the Denver Broncos who stepped up when Javonte Williams went down with a hip injury. McLaughlin only sits at a 2% rostered rate on Yahoo, making him widely available.

In his recent outing, McLaughlin carried the ball seven times for 72 yards and scored a touchdown. He also caught three passes for 32 yards. This amounted to an impressive 19.4 fantasy points. With Madre P Ryan not being the primary replacement for Williams, McLaughlin is the guy to target on waivers, especially if Williams misses time.

Chuba Hubbard (Carolina Panthers)
Chuba Hubbard is another running back to consider, particularly if you need depth or have Miles Sanders on your roster. Hubbard has out-carried Sanders recently, and he’s sitting at a 25% rostered rate.

While Hubbard’s recent performance might not have been eye-popping, he’s a valuable addition for those looking to bolster their running back corps. Keep an eye on him, especially with a matchup against the Detroit Lions next week.

Wide Receivers: Emerging Stars

Now, let’s explore some wide receiver options, always a crucial position in fantasy football.

Michael Wilson (Arizona Cardinals)
Michael Wilson is a name that’s gaining traction. He’s a third-round pick out of Stanford playing for the Arizona Cardinals. Wilson was injured during his college career, but now he’s making a splash in the NFL.

In his recent breakout game, he recorded seven catches on seven targets for 76 yards and two touchdowns, totaling a whopping 26.6 fantasy points. With Rondell Moore in the mix, Wilson offers significant upside as the Cardinals continue their youth movement.

Tyler Boyd (Cincinnati Bengals)
Tyler Boyd is worth considering, especially with Tee Higgins dealing with a rib injury. Boyd could see an increased role in the Bengals’ offense. While his recent performance might not have been outstanding, he’s been consistently targeted, averaging eight targets over the last three weeks.

With Higgins’s uncertain status, Boyd is a player to keep an eye on, and he’s rostered in 37% of leagues.

Terence Marshall (Carolina Panthers)
Terence Marshall might be flying under the radar, but it’s time to pay attention. He’s rostered in a mere 0% of Yahoo leagues despite seeing 18 targets over his last two games. Marshall recently posted nine catches for 56 yards on 10 targets, equating to 14.6 fantasy points.

If you need a sneaky depth option at wide receiver, especially in PPR formats, consider adding Marshall. The Carolina Panthers face the Detroit Lions next week, which could be a favorable matchup.

Tight Ends: Zach Ertz Continues to Deliver

Finally, let’s delve into the tight end position, where Zach Ertz of the Arizona Cardinals remains a reliable option. Ertz is rostered in just 26% of leagues, making him widely available.

In his recent game, Ertz caught six passes for 53 yards, with many of them coming late in the game. He was targeted 10 times, resulting in 11.3 fantasy points. Ertz has had two games this year with at least 10 targets, showcasing his involvement in the offense.

With a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on the horizon, Ertz is a solid tight end option for fantasy managers dealing with injuries or bye weeks.

Wrapping Up
That wraps up our look at the Week 5 waiver wire options in 2023 Fantasy Football. Remember, fantasy success often hinges on seizing opportunities, and these waiver wire additions could be the key to victory in your league.

Stay tuned for more fantasy football insights right here on RotoBaller.com