Fantasy football managers are constantly searching for that perfect waiver wire pickup or streaming option that could turn their season around. Week 5 presents some intriguing quarterback options that might be sitting on your league’s waiver wire, each with compelling matchups and recent performances that warrant attention.
The key is identifying which signal-callers have the right combination of opportunity, talent, and favorable game script to deliver fantasy points when you need them most. Whether you’re dealing with bye weeks or looking to upgrade your current starter, these under-the-radar options could provide the spark your lineup desperately needs.
Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
Jaxson Dart’s debut start in the NFL could hardly have gone better. The rookie led the New York Giants to a 21-18 win over the previously undefeated Los Angeles Chargers, displaying impressive poise and leadership.
Dart completed 13 of 20 attempts for 111 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions, and added 54 yards and a further score on the ground. Dart’s ability to take off and gain valuable yardage when there was no one to throw to was a game-changer for the Giants, who even gave the rookie some designed runs.
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Dart’s performance saw him finish as the QB11 overall in Week 4, despite having played one of the league’s better defenses. He will be up against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5, who have allowed the third-most points (121) in the NFL so far.
Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Sam Darnold faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5. The Buccaneers have a bottom-half defense in points allowed (97). However, the Buccaneers have an impressive run defense and a loaded offense that could push the score against any defense, including the Seattle Seahawks.
Darnold will need to throw against Tampa Bay, and currently boasts the seventh-highest completion percentage in the NFL among qualifying quarterbacks (70%). The team’s new-look offense has taken shape after an offseason of upheaval, with several offensive weapons contributing in recent weeks.
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There are no signs that Darnold is set to take off in fantasy and become a weekly starter at the position. However, with so many quarterbacks already hit by injuries, and with bye weeks now upon us, last season’s QB9 overall is a solid rental.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is coming off a stellar performance in Week 4. Stafford topped 27 fantasy points for only the second time since 2021, in a 27-20 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, finishing as the QB2 on the week.
Stafford completed 29 of his 41 pass attempts for 375 yards and three touchdowns in the win, his most passing yards since 2020. He now heads into a Thursday Night Football matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, an opponent he has struggled against since his move to the West Coast.
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Since joining the Rams, Stafford has lost five of his eight games against the 49ers, and he threw just one touchdown in two games against them in 2024. Nevertheless, the veteran is second only to Dak Prescott in passing yards (1,114) in 2025, and his eight passing touchdowns are tied for third in the NFL.
