CFB Waiver Wire: Players to Pick Up Week 5

Welcome back to the college football waiver wire watch. Throughout the college football season, I'll pick two guys from every conference who either caught my eye in the previous week or who have an upcoming favorable matchup. As always, I'll answer any questions or comments in the comments section below.

First, though, here are the players who came through last week and may still be available in your leagues:

Chris Marshall, WR, Arkansas (37.5 points)
Braden Atkinson, QB, Oregon State (26.8 points)
Scottre Humphrey, RB, New Mexico (25.4 points)
Kalieb Osborne, QB, UConn (25.0 points)
Justin Bowick, WR, Oklahoma State (16.3 points)
Pittsburgh D/ST (15.5 points)
Connor Walendzak, RB, Toledo (15.4 points)
Ajay Allen, RB, Western Kentucky (15.3 points)
Duke D/ST (12.0 points)
Michael Petro, K, UTSA (11.0 points)

70+ Club in Upcoming Slate: Here are the college games that have an Over/Under closest to the 70-point mark, which potentially means a plethora of fantasy points. Enjoy these barn burners and roster some players in these games if you can.

60.5 points - Louisville at NC State
59.5 points - Purdue at Illinois
59.5 points - Oregon State at Colorado State
59.5 points - Texas State at San Diego State
59.5 points - Alabama at Mississippi State

*Fantasy Points referenced are in DraftKings format for offensive positions. Defense and kickers are via Fantrax standard leagues.
**To qualify for recommendations, players must be rostered in fewer than 50 percent of Fantrax Leagues

AAC Waiver Wire Pickups

D.J. Crowther, RB, USF (9 Percent Rostered)

Crowther should be one of the hottest waiver-wire pickups in the country, posting back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances with four total touchdowns over his last two games. The Dartmouth transfer remains available in most leagues, and he has a favorable stretch of matchups ahead, giving him the potential to become a league-winning addition down the stretch.

Justin Stevenson, WR, North Texas (2 Percent Rostered)

Stevenson is ascending as a key weapon in the Mean Green passing attack, totaling 15 catches on 19 targets for 191 yards and a touchdown over his last two games. With North Texas facing Tulsa on Thursday night, in what projects as the highest-scoring AAC matchup of the week, the sophomore offers upside at a roster percentage that remains shockingly low.

Week 4 Rewind: East Carolina WR Jeremiah Melvin (*DNP - Back Injury) & North Texas QB Tayven Jackson (14.8 points - 16/18, 270 YDS, 1 TD)

ACC Waiver Wire Pickups

CJ Bailey, QB, NC State (47 Percent Rostered)

Bailey's turnover issues (three interceptions and two lost fumbles) have limited his consistency, but fantasy managers should be encouraged by NC State's recent involvement in high-scoring shootouts. With projected up-tempo matchups with Louisville and Wake Forest over the next two weeks, Bailey has the passing volume and upside to be a viable starter for managers looking to stream the quarterback position.

Keyjuan Brown, RB, Louisville (40 Percent Rostered)

Brown is coming off back-to-back games with double-digit carries and continues to carve out a meaningful role in one of the nation's most explosive offenses. While teammate Isaac Brown (96 percent rostered) garners most of the fantasy attention, Louisville's high-scoring style creates enough opportunities for multiple contributors, making Keyjuan a strong waiver-wire target before ACC play ramps up.

Week 4 Rewind: Stanford TE Benji Blackburn (2.9 points - 2/5 TAR, 9 YDS) & Clemson QB Tait Reynolds (5.1 points - 13/21, 108 YDS, 1 INT, 11 ATT, 28 YDS, 1 FL)

BIG 12 Waiver Wire Pickups

JC French, QB, Cincinnati (25 Percent Rostered)

French remains surprisingly overlooked despite leading Cincinnati to a 4-0 start that includes an impressive win over Kansas State. The dual-threat quarterback adds value with his legs, averaging roughly 10 rushing attempts per game, and heads into a potentially entertaining late-night matchup with Arizona that could provide plenty of fantasy scoring opportunities.

Aiden Flora, RB, Iowa State (40 Percent Rostered)

Flora ranks fifth among Big 12 running backs in fantasy points per game despite already facing a pair of challenging defenses in Iowa and Utah. With those matchups behind him and a more favorable stretch beginning against West Virginia this week, the Iowa State standout is well-positioned to build on an already impressive start to the season.

Week 4 Rewind: Oklahoma State WR Justin Bowick (16.3 points - 4/6 TAR, 63 YDS, 1 TD) & TCU TE Kari Ashley (8.3 points - 4/7 TAR, 43 YDS)

Big Ten Waiver Wire Pickups

JJ Buchanan, WR, Michigan (43 Percent Rostered)

Buchanan has been one of the most consistent receivers in fantasy, averaging 22.4 fantasy points per game while seeing at least six targets in every contest and nearly 100 receiving yards per game. His steady volume and proven production make him an appealing waiver addition ahead of a competitive matchup against Minnesota.

Colton Joseph, QB, Wisconsin (41 Percent Rostered)

Joseph is coming off the biggest win of the season, accounting for three total touchdowns (24.3 fantasy points) in Wisconsin's upset of Penn State. With a home matchup against Michigan State next week, he offers fantasy managers a high-upside streaming option who is gaining confidence and momentum at the right time. WR Tyrell Henry (27 percent rostered) is also in play again.

Week 4 Rewind: Maryland QB Malik Washington (1.5 points - 18/38, 142 YDS, 4 INT, 6 ATT, -2 YDS) & Wisconsin WR Tyrell Henry (3.4 points - 2/5 TAR, 14 YDS)

C-USA Waiver Wire Pickups

Ajay Allen, RB, Western Kentucky (48 Percent Rostered)

Allen added his first touchdown reception of his career last week and has been productive on the ground whenever he hasn't faced power-conference defenses like Georgia and Indiana. With Western Kentucky drawing New Mexico State this week, the veteran running back is set up for what could be his best fantasy performance of the season and remains available in far too many leagues.

Josiah Thomas, TE, New Mexico State (0 Percent Rostered)

Thomas is coming off his best performance of the season, turning five of seven targets into 90 receiving yards and showing signs of becoming a bigger part of the Aggies' offense. With New Mexico State facing Western Kentucky in what projects as the top fantasy environment in Conference USA this week, he's a deep sleeper worth targeting for managers searching for help at tight end.

Week 4 Rewind: Middle Tennessee QB Roman Gagliano (14.2 points - 18/28, 216 YDS, 2 TD, 4 ATT, -24 YDS) & Western Kentucky RB Ajay Allen (15.3 points - 8 ATT, 42 YDS, 1/1 TAR, 41 YDS, 1 TD)

MAC Waiver Wire Pickups

Adjatay Dabbs, WR, Toledo (46 Percent Rostered)

Dabbs has delivered double-digit fantasy points in all four games this season while establishing himself as Toledo's clear number one receiving option. With MAC play underway, his consistent volume and big-play ability give him a chance to dominate conference competition, making this likely the last week he'll qualify as a waiver-wire recommendation.

Broc Lowry, QB, Western Michigan (33 Percent Rostered)

Lowry ran into a nightmare matchup against Boise State last week, but fantasy managers shouldn't overreact to one rough outing against a powerhouse defense. A return to MAC play against Buffalo provides a much friendlier setup, making Lowry an intriguing waiver-wire target with bounce-back potential and streaming appeal this week.

Week 4 Rewind: Sacramento State WR Matt Coleman (7.2 points - 4/7 TAR, 42 YDS) & Toledo RB Connor Walendzak (15.4 points - 16 ATT, 61 YDS, 1 TD, 2/2 TAR, 13 YDS)

Mountain West Waiver Wire Pickups

Jabari Bates, RB, San Jose State (45 Percent Rostered)

Bates draws one of the most favorable matchups on the board this week against a Hawaii defense that has struggled to slow opposing offenses all season. With a history of handling a significant workload and the benefit of coming off a bye week with fresh legs, the senior running back is well-positioned to deliver strong fantasy production. WR Cooper Hoch (48 percent rostered) is also worth a look.

Matt Wagner, TE, Boise State (17 Percent Rostered)

Wagner erupted for 28.4 fantasy points in Boise State's blowout win over Western Michigan, hauling in all seven of this targets and finding the end zone twice. Tight end remains a volatile position, but Wagner's role in the passing game and growing connection with the Broncos' offense should make him a reliable fantasy option throughout conference play.

Week 4 Rewind: New Mexico RB Scottre Humphrey (25.4 points - 19 ATT, 104 YDS, 2 TD) & UNLV TE Keyan Burnett (0.0 points - 0/2 TAR)

PAC-12 Waiver Wire Pickups

Mel Brown, RB, Colorado State (15 Percent Rostered)

Brown is one of the most underrated running backs in the Pac-12, tied for the conference lead among running backs with 12 receptions while averaging a conference-best 9.11 yards per carry among players with at least 20 rushing attempts. If his workload continues to grow, his combination of efficiency and receiving production could make him a weekly fantasy starter rather than just a waiver-wire stash.

Eli Wood, WR, Utah State (9 Percent Rostered)

Wood leads the Pac-12 with 38 targets, and impressive feat considering the receiver talent spread throughout the conference. Late-night west coast games often fly under the radar for fantasy managers, but with at least nine targets in every game this season, the transfer receiver has the volume and consistency to remain a productive waiver-wire asset.

Week 4 Rewind: Oregon State QB Braden Atkinson (26.8 points - 24/34, 301 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INT, 2 ATT, 8 YDS) & Texas State RB/WR Davian Jackson (13.3 points - 16 ATT, 57 YDS, 1/1 TAR, 6 YDS, 1 TD)

SEC Waiver Wire Pickups

Chris Marshall, WR, Arkansas (33 Percent Rostered)

Arkansas may not be a great team overall, but Marshall's production has been elite for fantasy. Through four games, he's already racked up 28 catches for 441 yards and a touchdown, giving him the type of volume and yardage profile that translates into elite fantasy value regardless of team success. He's seen double-digit targets in every game this year.

Austin Simmons, QB, Missouri (41 Percent Rostered)

We've recommended Simmons before, but the case remains strong after he accounted for three touchdowns in Missouri's shootout with Mississippi State. With oddsmakers expecting another high-scoring game against Florida, Simmons offers streaming upside in an SEC landscape where quality waiver-wire quarterbacks are hard to find.

Week 4 Rewind: Florida QB Aaron Philo (19.2 points - 16/23, 196 YDS, 1 TD, 6 ATT, 14 YDS, 1 TD) & Arkansas WR Chris Marshall (37.5 points - 9/12 TAR, 195 YDS, 1 TD)

Sun Belt Waiver Wire Pickups

PJ Martin, RB, South Alabama (26 Percent Rostered)

Martin kept his touchdown streak alive even against a tough Kentucky defense and has quietly established a reliable workload, averaging 15.8 carries per game. After navigating a challenging non-conference schedule, the move into Sun Belt play should create more favorable opportunities, making Martin a strong waiver-wire target with consistent RB2 value.

Toby Payne, TE, Marshall (43 Percent Rostered)

Finding reliable production at tight end is always a challenge, which makes Payne's consistent usage in Marshall's passing game worth noting. Averaging 6.3 targets per game and serving as one of the Herd's top playmakers, Payne offers the type of volume that fantasy managers should prioritize at a notoriously thin position.

Week 4 Rewind: Southern Miss RB Steven Robinson (8.9 points - 16 ATT, 73 YDS, 1/1 TAR, 6 YDS) & Georgia Southern WR Josh Dallas (11.5 points - 7/8 TAR, 45 YDS)

INDEPENDENTS Waiver Wire Pickups

Micah Gilbert, WR, Notre Dame (14 Percent Rostered)

The independent ranks don't offer many appealing waiver-wire options this week, but Gilbert has been a bright spot in Notre Dame's passing attack. While the matchup against North Carolina isn't ideal, the junior's recent surge in production gives fantasy managers reason to believe his role and value will continue to grow.

Week 4 Rewind: Connecticut QB Kalieb Osborne (25.0 points - 17/32, 215 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT, 13 ATT, 84 YDS, 1 TD, 1 FL)

DEFENSE & KICKER RECOMMENDATIONS

Defense

North Dakota State (vs. Wyoming) - The Bison have been awesome in FBS and are available in 51 percent of leagues.

LSU (vs. McNeese State) - Don't really need to explain this one, rostered in just 42 percent of leagues.

Boise State (vs. Utah State) - The Broncos have been legit on the defensive side of the ball and are available in 94 percent of leagues.

Week 4 Rewind: Fresno State vs. Rice (3.0 points - 24 PA, 2 SK, 2 TA), Duke vs. W&M (12.0 points - 7 PA, 4 SK) & Pittsburgh vs. Bucknell (15.5 points - 0 PA, 1 SK)

Kicker

Morgan Suarez, James Madison - Suarez has been one of the best kickers in the nation at 11.8 fantasy points per game and is available nearly everywhere, rostered in just five percent of leagues.

Patrick Durkin, Florida - Durkin has double-digit fantasy performances in all four of his games. Available in 56 percent of leagues and viable as long as the Gators keep scoring.

Manaki Watanabe, Fresno State - Has already made seven field goals this year and is rostered in just 18 percent of leagues.

Week 4 Rewind: Miami Jake Weinberg (9.0 points - 1/1 FG, 6/6 XP), UTSA Michael Petro (11.0 points - 1/2 FG, 8/8 XP) & Mississippi State Kyle Ferrie (7.0 points - 1/1 FG, 4/4 XP)

SUMMARY & TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

Utilizing the two players for each conference above, here are my top recommendations for the week by position:

QB: Wisconsin Colton Joseph, NC State CJ Bailey, Western Michigan Broc Lowry

RB: South Alabama PJ Martin, SJSU Jabari Bates, USF D.J. Crowther

WR: Arkansas Chris Mitchell, Michigan JJ Buchanan, Toledo Adjatay Dabbs

TE: Boise State Matt Wagner, Marshall Toby Payne, NMST Josiah Thomas

D/ST: LSU (vs. McNeese), Boise State (vs. Utah State), North Dakota State (vs. Wyoming)

K: JMU Morgan Suarez, Florida Patrick Durkin, Fresno State Manaki Watanabe

Be sure to check out our college football custom rankings and our player rankings cheat sheet for up-to-date season-long rankings, as well as our college football weekly rankings to help guide your lineup decisions. During the season, our college football DFS optimizer and value report are powerful tools to help build DFS lineups on DraftKings and FanDuel.