FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: 5 Players To Stash Ahead of Week 5 (Ep. 1752)

Host: Lucas Wentzel
Release Date: October 4, 2025

Episode Overview

FantasyPros' Lucas Wentzel breaks down the top five fantasy football waiver wire stashes to target before Week 5. With a focus on under-the-radar players poised for increased opportunity, Lucas provides listeners with actionable recommendations to outmaneuver their league-mates and secure valuable assets ahead of the next waiver run.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Malik Washington (WR, Miami Dolphins)

Rostership: 34%

• Why Stash:
  Tyreek Hill's season-ending injury opens up volume in Miami’s receiving corps. Washington, despite underwhelming yardage so far, is uniquely positioned for a breakout due to his versatility and Miami’s need for explosive plays.
• Usage Notes:
  • Leads all WRs with 8 carries this season.
  • 6th among wideouts in yards after catch per reception.
  • Mike McDaniel designs manufactured touches for him—expect more with Hill gone.
• College Profile:
  • ACC and Virginia record: 1,400+ receiving yards (2023), 110 receptions, led the nation in forced missed tackles/attempt.
• Actionable Advice:
  Lucas, despite normally only highlighting sub-30% rostered players, breaks his rule because of Washington’s unique upside.
  "To me this should be much closer to 50%. If he is on your waiver wire in a deeper league especially, get him added—even in like a 12-man league, I really don't hate throwing Malik Washington at the end of your bench." (03:03)

2. Luther Burden (WR, Chicago Bears)

Rostership: 28%

• Why Stash:
  The rookie flashed big-play potential with a flea-flicker TD in Week 3 but has since seen a dip in playing time and production. Despite this, Burden’s per-route efficiency and underlying metrics indicate a high ceiling if his role grows after the Bears’ Week 5 bye.
• Metrics:
  • 26% target rate on routes run.
  • 3.19 yards per route run—3rd-best among WRs with 25+ routes.
  • Outproducing veteran WRs (e.g., D.J. Moore hasn’t been exceptional).
• Coaching Context:
  New OC Ben Johnson handpicked Burden in the draft, suggesting an investment in developing him.
• Actionable Advice:
  "It’s only a matter of time before Luther Burden unseats [Olamide] Zaccheaus as the WR3 in this Bears offense ... I want to stay well ahead of the curve on and keep Luther Burden stashed while your league mates are willing to throw in the towel on him." (04:56)

3. Kendre Miller (RB, New Orleans Saints)

Rostership: 26%

• Why Stash:
  His workload has grown steadily, with notable efficiency and a rising snap share amid trade rumors around Alvin Kamara.
• Usage Trends:
  • 11 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD in Week 4 (RB25 finish in PPR).
  • Snap share: 15% (Weeks 1-2), 27% (Week 3), 31% (Week 4).
  • Leads all RBs w/ 25+ carries in forced missed tackles/attempt for the year.
• Depth Chart Dynamics:
  Trade speculation around Kamara could dramatically elevate Miller’s role.
• Lucas’ Take:
  "I’m not here to communicate the fantasy demise of Alvin Kamara ... But you have to consider the upside for [Miller] to potentially lead this backfield should anything happen—whether it is a trade or an injury." (07:44)

4. Burchard Smith (RB, Kansas City Chiefs)

Rostership: 6%

• Why Stash:
  Chiefs’ uninspired veteran RBs create an opportunity for the electric rookie, especially after coaches stated a desire to increase his usage.
• Recent Trends:
  • Snap share spiked from 11% to 26% in Week 4.
  • 8 opportunities in Week 4 (close to Pacheco’s 10).
  • Pacheco had a similar slow rookie start before his breakout.
• Role Outlook:
  Smith’s pass-catching background (converted WR) and explosiveness make him a candidate for a larger role in a high-powered offense.
• Lucas’ Take:
  "At some point they have to look at this group of running backs and realize Berchard Smith just gives them the most juice ... They’re going to need to keep ramping up [his] usage if they want more juice out of this backfield." (09:17)

5. Isaiah Davis (RB, New York Jets)

Rostership: 5%

• Why Stash:
  Braylon Allen’s knee injury (potential IR stint) elevates Davis to the primary backup/change-of-pace role behind Breece Hall.
  He played 21 snaps to Allen’s 6 after the injury.
• Volume Outlook:
  • Could see 10-12 touches per game if the Jets limit Breece Hall.
  • Not a league-winner but offers crucial insurance and regular opportunity in deep leagues.
• Lucas’ Advice:
  "You’re stashing Isaiah Davis in case anything catastrophic happens to Breece Hall while Braylon Allen is out ... At the very least you’re going to get a handful of opportunities every single game and insurance on Breece Hall." (11:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Malik Washington’s upside:
  “I’m breaking the mold … because I do think Malik Washington really should be rostered in more than 34% of leagues.” (03:00)
• On early calls for Luther Burden:
  “I loved Luther Burden as a stash even before the season started because once we had that first spike week … I knew he was immediately going to be the headliner of every single waiver wire video.” (04:25)
• On boring KC veterans:
  “Even in a dominant win against a banged up Ravens team … Why are we giving Kareem Hunt these [carries] at this point, Andy Reid, Matt, what are we doing here?” (09:50)

Key Timestamps

• [02:00] - Malik Washington analysis & recommendation
• [04:25] - Luther Burden’s value despite disappointing last game
• [06:45] - Kendre Miller’s workload, efficiency, and Kamara trade speculation
• [09:05] - Burchard Smith's opportunity in Chiefs’ backfield
• [11:10] - Isaiah Davis as deep-league stash due to Jets RB injuries

Summary

Lucas Wentzel walks listeners through five high-upside waiver stashes for Week 5, providing context, advanced stats, and coaching insights for each. The recommendations are actionable, with clear explanations for each player’s potential value, especially in deeper leagues or as injury insurance. With notable quotes and a conversational tone, Wentzel ensures listeners don’t just know who to stash, but why—helping them stay a step ahead of the competition.

Action Step:
"Sprint to your waiver wire right now. See if any of these guys are available … there's a good chance they're available in yours as well." (12:27)