NFL Waiver Wire: Week 5 Early Watch

This article posts every Sunday night. It's not expected to be a deep dive into the waiver-wire pool. Instead, we'll explore players who had atypical workload and/or opportunity on Sunday. We won't consider whether these players are available in most leagues. The hope is that you become aware of the short-term usage change. For detailed waiver-wire coverage, we'll have two weekly articles to set you up. On Tuesday, Kevin Payne will publish the top weekly pickups. Then on Wednesday, Dan Marcus will provide deep dives.

Quarterback

• C.J. Stroud is averaging more than 300 yards and two TDs in his last three games despite missing four offensive linemen.
• Mitch Trubisky took over Sunday when Kenny Pickett suffered a knee injury. He'll start if Pickett misses time.

Running Back

• With Javonte Williams suffering a hip injury, Jaleel McLaughlin led the Denver RBs with seven carries and three targets. He posted 104 yards and a TD against a bad Chicago defense. 
• Khalil Herbert led the Bears with 18 carries and five targets, which resulted in 122 yards and a score.
• Tyjae Spears averages five carries and 3.5 targets as Derrick Henry's backup.

Wide Receiver

• Tyler Boyd has 24 targets the last three games. Tee Higgins (ribs) could miss time, which could keep the targets high, but he hasn't had more than 52 yards in a game.
• When Mike Evans left the Bucs' game with a hamstring injury, Deven Thompkins had four targets and one rush, which resulted in 56 yards and a TD.
• Marvin Mims has at least 47 yards in three straight games, but he has exactly two targets in three of four games.
• With Chase Claypool inactive, Darnell Mooney was the clear No. 2 WR for Chicago, though it resulted in just four targets. He caught each of them for 51 yards.
• Michael Wilson has nine targets through three games, but with Arizona playing from behind, Wilson caught all seven targets and scored twice against the 49ers.
• Braxton Berrios caught all six targets for 43 yards and a TD with River Cracraft on IR.
• Terrace Marshall has 18 targets, 14 catches and 91 yards the last two games.
• Calvin Austin has had four to six targets in each game, but he's likely dependent on a big play for fantasy.
• Derius Davis had three rushes and two targets that turned into 67 yards in the Chargers' first game without Mike Williams.
• Deonte Harty has at least two catches in each game, though he's yet to top 15 yards in a game.

Tight End

• Jake Ferguson has seven targets in three of four games while also getting regular red-zone targets.
• Cole Kmet has at least six targets and 38 yards in three of four games. He scored twice against the Broncos.
• Zach Ertz has at least six catches and eight targets in three of four games.
• Jonnu Smith has 20 targets the last three games to 18 for Kyle Pitts. Smith has at least 37 yards in his last three games.
• Kylen Granson has at least four targets in each game this season, though he's yet to have a 40-yard game.