Washington’s rushing identity has become a season-long storyline. Through five games they lead the league in rushing yards and yards per carry, riding a rotating backfield but benefiting from Jayden Daniels’ threat as a dual‑threat. Jacory Croskey‑Merritt exploded for 111 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs and 39 receiving yards in Sunday’s win, offering fantasy managers a clear breakout path as Washington traded away Brian Robinson Jr. to the 49ers. A Monday night date with Chicago looms as a favorable next step for continued volume.

Daniels’ presence keeps defenders honest, creating extra lanes for the run game and opening play‑action opportunities. Croskey‑Merritt, nicknamed Bill in the locker room, has surged to the top of the pack with 6.6 YPC among qualified backs, signaling a potential weekly staple for fantasy rosters. Washington’s offense is now a must-watch for weekly lineups and DFS leverage.

Week 6 RB waiver priorities hinge on injuries, byes, and shifting backfields. Rico Dowdle leads the pack in Carolina after Week 5, with a clear path to lead-back work if Chuba Hubbard remains sidelined. Kendre Miller and Michael Carter chase steady roles with breakout potential in New Orleans and Arizona, respectively. Kyle Monangai and Kenneth Gainwell offer flexible depth behind surefire starters. In deeper leagues, Brashard Smith, Hassan Haskins, Kimani Vidal, Bhayshul Tuten, Tyjae Spears, and Jaydon Blue provide darts-throw upside. Handcuffs Tyler Allgeier, Blake Corum, Brian Robinson Jr. and Ollie Gordon II anchor deep rosters as insurance. Bye weeks in Week 6 (Houston, Minnesota) amplify the need for smart adds, with several teams juggling reshuffled rotations and injury news.

Expect the Panthers to lean on Dowdle if Hubbard sits, while Miller and Carter can help across Saints and Cardinals lineups. The Chargers backfield could fragment further if Omarion Hampton’s status remains uncertain, elevating Haskins and Vidal. Tuten, Spears, and Blue carry ceiling plays in two-back systems or as upside stashes in deeper leagues. The Waiver Wire scene remains volatile but fertile for savvy managers building depth and upside for Week 6 and beyond.