FFT Express - Beat the Waiver Wire! MUST-STASH Players Before Week 5 (10/09 Fantasy Football Podcast)

This episode of Fantasy Football Today Express is a rapid-fire, position-by-position waiver guide built around the Week 6 bye for Cincinnati, Detroit, Miami, and Minnesota. Dave Richard, running the list opposite co-host Adam, frames the central argument around planning two weeks ahead: grab stashes now for Week 6 bye coverage before injured starters return, while also flagging a handful of players who can start immediately in Week 5.

The arguments

The Chiefs defense is a buy-low stash, not a drop. Dave argues that most leaguemates have already cut Kansas City's DST after a rough stretch, but they draw the Chargers in Week 6, a unit that has allowed at least 13 fantasy points to three of four defenses faced. He tells managers to grab it immediately while it's sitting unowned.

Three veteran QBs are legitimate bye-week replacements, not just streamers. Dave calls Jameis Winston (vs. Saints in Week 6), Kirk Cousins (vs. Bills), and Aaron Rodgers (vs. Bucs, then Saints) "slam dunk must-start" options for anyone needing a Week 6 fill-in for Burrow, Goff, or Murray, and says all three remain viable the following week too. He separately flags Kyler Murray as a stash worth a roster spot given a plus three-game stretch after Minnesota's bye (Colts, at Lions, Bills) — but only if Justin Jefferson is healthy, since Murray's two games so far have come without a fully available Jefferson.

Running back depth is thin, so bench stashes matter even without big-name upside. Dave reiterates Keaton Mitchell (62% rostered) as a repeat recommendation, noting he produces double-digit PPR points and will see plenty of work in game-script-driven Chargers matchups. He adds Green Bay's Chris Brooks as his "sneaky stash," pointing to Brooks leading Packers backs in first-quarter snaps before an in-game injury, plus a favorable Dallas-Detroit-Carolina stretch if Josh Jacobs stays out. Will Shipley and Damien Pierce get a lukewarm mention as rostered-at-62%-but-not-exciting options, and Austin Ekeler, Najee Harris, and Tyrone Tracy round out deep-league handcuff targets.

Tyreek Hill is the top receiver stash by a wide margin. Dave urges managers to double-check his status and grab him over anything else at receiver, including Chris Brooks, simply because the format rewards waiting on his practice news. Beyond Hill, he runs through Bills (Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman), Steelers (Roman Wilson), and Chargers (Keenan Allen) names tied to DJ Moore's and Michael Pittman's absences — preferring Shakir over Coleman due to matchup concerns if Moore sits, and calling Wilson the best bet of the group since he's reportedly passed Pittman on Pittsburgh's depth chart.

Injury-driven WR streamers exist in Washington and Cincinnati, but only short-term. Dave likes Commanders receiver Antonio Williams as a low-end No. 2 option if both Terry McLaurin and Stephon Diggs sit, citing an eight-target game last week, but says to cut him the moment Washington's starters return. He's similarly intrigued by Bengals receiver Dante Myers (near-70% catch rate, 25% explosive-play rate) as a one-week play only if both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins miss the Miami game, with no long-term value attached.

At tight end, Tyler Higbee is the top target once Hawkinson and Kosicki are off the board. Dave notes both players already carry rosterships above 55%, so he pivots to Higbee (80% available), pointing to his rapport with Matthew Stafford and a plus matchup against a weak Bills defense, projecting a four-to-five catch, 50-60 yard floor with touchdown upside. He flags Higbee as a two-week play given a following matchup against Arizona.

What it means for your roster

• Priority waiver claim: Grab the Chiefs DST now, even if you already cut them — Week 6 matchup with the Chargers is the target.
• Bye-week QB insurance: Stash Winston, Cousins, or Rodgers if you roster Burrow, Goff, or Murray; all three are usable Week 5 and Week 6.
• Speculative stash: Kyler Murray is worth a bench spot in deeper leagues given his post-bye schedule, contingent on Jefferson's health.
• RB depth moves: Add Chris Brooks in shallow-to-medium leagues as a sneaky stash behind an uncertain Jacobs timeline; keep Keaton Mitchell rostered for his floor.
• WR priority order: Chase Tyreek Hill over any other available receiver; if he's gone, target Khalil Shakir or Roman Wilson for DJ Moore/Pittman injury coverage.
• One-week streamers only: Use Antonio Williams or Dante Myers for Week 5 if the relevant starters (McLaurin/Diggs, Chase/Higgins) are out, but don't hold them once those players return.
• TE replacement plan: If you start Hawkinson or La'Porta and they're on bye in Week 6, grab Tyler Higbee now as the top available streaming option.