The Miami Dolphins (1-3) will visit the Carolina Panthers (1-3) in Week 5. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding TE Darren Waller.
Is Darren Waller Playing in Week 5?
Update: Darren Waller is officially active and playing this week.
Waller (hip) is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Panthers and will likely be a game-time decision. Waller (hip/rest) was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice
We’ll continue to monitor the Dolphins’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Darren Waller in Week 5?
Safe to say that I didn’t have “difference maker” and “Darren Waller” in the same sentence entering Monday night, but in his season debut, he turned 10 routes into four targets, three catches, and two touchdowns.
In the process, the man who was pursuing a rap career less than six months ago, now has as many top 4 PPR finishes at the position as Trey McBride and Brock Bowers combined.
Normally, I’d write off this performance. I’m not sure that I’m fully on board, but Miami is going to be in a passing script for much of the season, and they just lost Tyreek Hill (knee) for the remainder of 2022 at a minimum.
It’s not as if Waller has to overtake a crowded tight end room (Julian Hill and Tanner Conner have a total of five touches on 210 offensive snaps this season) and the target earners behind Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane aren’t exactly established high-proven options (Malik Washington and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine leading the way).
This is a good matchup, and if you add Waller (roughly 90% available across the industry), you get an extended run before having to navigate Miami’s bye. He’s not a must-add, I wouldn’t blame you for not wanting to invest in this offense, but he does crack my top 15 at the position this week: the power of a speculative role increase is enough at this position.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Cheat Sheet.
Waller’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 5
Waller is projected to score 9.0 fantasy points in PPR formats.
We project Waller to have 4 receptions for 44 yards and 0.2 touchdowns.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 5 Weather Impact: Dolphins at Panthers
The forecast for kickoff is 70 degrees Fahrenheit with 9 mph winds. These are ideal conditions for fantasy production.
