Jaylen Waddle, Xavier Worthy, And 4 More Must-Start Wide Receivers In Week 5

These six wide receivers — including Jaylen Waddle and Xavier Worthy — are must-start fantasy options for Week 5 lineups.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) leaves the field after losing to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

We have had a ton of big breakout games from wide receivers come out of nowhere this season. They have been tough to predict, but they have paid off big time if you started the right players at the right time. These are the wide receivers you need to start in Week 5.

George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys go on the road this week to take on the New York Jets, and Pickens will be matched up against Sauce Gardner. It turns out that is no longer something to fear. He's still a fine cornerback, but he is no longer a player to worry about if your fantasy wide receiver is going up against him. Gardner has been surpassed by many corners in the league, and he should no longer impact your start/sit decisions.  

Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) on the field in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

McMillan gets to play the Dolphins this week, who have the worst secondary in the NFL. The game will also be in Carolina, where the Panthers play significantly better. He should be in line for a monster game. We expect him to top 100 yards and find the end zone in this game. This will be his big breakout game of his rookie season.  

Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins

Unfortunately, Tyreek Hill went down with a devastating knee injury on Monday Night Football. His season is over, his time with the Dolphins is likely over, and the future of his career is in question. It was tough to see, and we hope he can get back on an NFL field one day. However, in his absence, Waddle will have to step up as the WR1 in Miami. He has always been capable, it just wasn't necessary with Hill across from him. Waddle should now be a weekly start. Malik Washington also becomes an intriguing option.  

Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) runs after making a catch during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Worthy returned to action in Week 4 and looked good. More importantly, he looked healthy and came out of the game without re-aggravating his shoulder injury. He led the team with eight targets, five receptions, and 83 yards, while also taking two carries for 38 yards. It is safe to put him back in your lineups. The matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars is great this week, but if you drafted him, he needs to be in your lineup for the next few games. Rashee Rice is looming over Worthy, and we don't know how things will change when he returns from suspension. 

Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants

Malik Nabers went down with a torn ACL on Sunday and will miss the remainder of the season. In his absence, Robinson is expected to lead the team in targets. With a strong matchup against the New Orleans Saints, you can start the Giants' new WR1 this week. Darius Slayton is also worth considering if you have been hit hard by injuries and byes heading into Week 5.   

Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions

The Lions get to beat up on the Cincinnati Bengals this week. Cincy can't stop anybody or anything, and it's the perfect matchup for Williams to create explosive plays. The Bengals can't cover Williams, and he's coming off a game in which he led the team with eight targets. He was running wide open on a few plays that Jared Goff just missed him in Week 4. They will clean that up and connect in Week 5.