Gainwell tops the waiver targets with 67% roster status for Carter on the cusp; Darnold is the clear QB add after a strong game, while Bourne and Strange emerge as smart grab options with SF and JAX dealing with injuries. Carter, Strange and Bourne offer weekly floor with potential upside as the weeks roll on. Slayton and Pickens present upside with matchup considerations, and Gardner’s shadow adds context for Giants and Jets pass-catchers. The Chargers’ backfield remains murky, underscoring the value of late-week clarity.

James and Adam outline the week’s slate: two byes (Houston, Minnesota) and two Monday night games, which heightens waiver urgency. Gainwell’s steadiness in Philly’s offense stands out, while Darnold’s high-volume approach could lift the Panthers’ receivers. In Jacksonville, Strange’s role could grow, and Bourne’s SF-injury angle makes him a high-floor add. Overall, the message is clear: prioritize backs and QBs with clear paths and flexible WRs inadenched spots.

As always, thin rosters benefit from last-minute shifts; pay attention to midweek practice reports for inputs on backfields (Kamani Vidal, Kendre Miller) and tight end usage (Mason Taylor-type options).

Giants ride a run-first game plan to a win over the Chargers, grinding out 161 rushing yards on 42 attempts to keep Justin Herbert off the field and control the clock. A stifling pass rush, two interceptions, and a fourth-quarter sack helped seal it, while Dexter Lawrence anchored a defense that paired resistance at the line with tight coverage in the back end. Malik Neighbors’ injury creates a depth hole at receiver, forcing Darius Slayton, Wandell Robinson, Jaylen Hyatt, Theo Johnson, and Bo Collins to seize opportunities.

Facing New Orleans, New York must protect rookie QB Jackson Dart more than ever and decide whether to sustain the run-heavy approach or lean into more vertical throws. Edge runs and play-action should be part of the plan, even as questions linger about the run defense’s consistency on the edges. The Saints present a test for the offensive line and for the passing corps stepping up in Neighbors’ absence.

Week 5 waivers hinge on four byes and a rash of injuries. Rashad White emerges as the safe, high-floor RB for TB, with Woody Marks also primed to surge in Houston with Mixon and Chubb sidelined. Giants’ Darius Slayton, plus Darren Waller, offer short-term TE/WR firepower as Tyreek Hill’s absence looms. Kenneth Gainwell and Kendrick Miller surface as long-term handcuffs, while Chris Rodriguez anchors Washington’s backfield. A QB slate of Tua, Dart, Mariota, Darnold and Bryce Young adds week-to-week flavor to streaming decisions.

Dart’s first NFL start lit the Giants’ offense, turning a stagnant unit into a dynamic, multi-faceted attack with quick throws, designed runs, and a 15-yard TD that energized MetLife. He absorbed hits, battled through a hamstring tweak, and still delivered the kind of plays that scream franchise quarterback potential.

Malik Neighbors’ ACL scare compounds the challenge, but Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, and Theo Johnson stepped up, helping the rookie’s rhythm while Daboll’s faith in him hinted at a long-term plan. A late, pressure-filled defensive surge sealed New York’s first 2025 win and underscored why this debut matters for fantasy angles and real-life trajectory.