After a slow start to the first few games on the slate, Week 5 of the Fantasy Football season kicked into high gear with more touchdowns in the early witching hour and final games. As we move forward into Week 6, it’s important to note several players who stood out in Week 5 and others who should be at the top of your priority waiver wire add list. But first, let’s look at a few players whose stock increased in Week 5. These players are back on track to become weekly winners and must-play players, and could also find themselves on playoff and championship winners’ lists.
Drake Maye, QB, Patriots
If you bought low on Maye, congratulations. Not only is he running again, but he’s also finding his way as a passer by relying on the vertical shots that made him an MVP candidate in 2025. Maye has adapted to his injuries on the offensive line better than any other quarterback facing similar numbers in 2026. After a massive Week 4 performance, Maye put even more Fantasy points on the board in Week 5 with 374 passing yards, four passing touchdowns. passing and 25 rushing yards (plus another). rushed score). He won your week.
Mike Evans, WR, 49ers
It was a slow start for the 49ers for Evans as he dealt with several injuries. Even now he’s playing with two broken ribs, but that can’t slow down the Hall of Fame receiver who fits Brock Purdy’s style perfectly. Evans looked out of control in Week 5 against a top-ranked Seahawks defense. He rushed for 113 yards on seven receptions with one touchdown and nearly scored a second touchdown. He also saw double-digit targets, and it’s no surprise that the 49ers offense perked up once they started designing the offense around him.
Isaiah Likely, TE, Giants
Likely continues to prove himself as one of the highest scoring free agent signings on any team in 2026. He was targeted 13 times and turned them into 11 receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns. This is likely a clear top six and weekly must-play player in all formats.
Christian Watson, WR, Packers
When Watson returned from injury last season, we saw a whole new role for him. He was finally all over the field and in the lineup, in different roles, and was no longer just being asked to win as a vertical receiver. However, that doesn’t mean he’s forgotten how to do it. He’s still one of the best in the NFL at winning vertically, and with years of established rapport with Jordan Love, we saw what that could mean in Week 5. Watson racked up eight targets, 143 receiving yards, six catches, and two touchdowns. He continues to be a top 10 WR buy of the 2026 Fantasy season and a likely league winner.
Early Week 6 Waiver Goals
Demario Douglas, WR, Patriots
All tides are rising with the Patriots offense if Drake Maye returns to playing MVP football. We’ll see if that holds up, but if it does, you’ll want to add Douglas now. In a season where regular receivers are extremely hard to find in Fantasy, Douglas’ role is an interesting one. He makes significant captures and discoveries in the red zone and confined areas. In Week 5, that meant two touchdowns and a top-12 finish.
Kyle Williams, WR, Patriots
On Beyond the Boxscore, Jacob and I kept mentioning how awesome Kyle Williams’ All-22 movie is. This has been the case since we saw his tape at Washington State and goes back to his rookie season in New England. All he does is play when given the chance. He caught three for 91 yards and an impressive rushing vertical touchdown in Week 5. The problem is opportunity. He didn’t have many. Maybe this is the wake-up call he needs.
Darius Cooper, WR, Eagles
Cooper continues to make big plays for an Eagles offense desperate for a spark without Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith. Cooper had a long touchdown on a nice connection with Jalen Hurts in Week 5. He finished with 71 yards and a touchdown on two receptions. It is a better complement in non-PPR formats.
Samaje Perine, RB, Bengals
Don’t look now, but it’s not the workhorse role the managers who drafted him had hoped for with Chase Brown. Perine had 14 carries in Week 5. He turned them into 68 yards, but more importantly, he was used in the red zone and scored a touchdown with two catches on two targets for 10 yards. Perine deserves to be added in all leagues.
Jaylin Noel, WR, Texans
The Marvin Harrison Jr. trade clouds Noel’s outlook, but the second-year receiver showed he’s capable of getting past coverage once again in Week 5. Noel scored a touchdown and caught a season-high five receptions. The talent is there and he constitutes a good reserve in the championship given the injury to Nico Collins.
Gn sports
