The 2025 season is upon us. Are you ready? Hopefully, you’re in for a winning campaign. But those of us who play Dynasty know it’s a 365-day-a-year endeavor. So, this is the time to make pickups and stashes that could pay off this season. Week 5 is in the books. Below are some players worth seeking out moving forward. All roster percentages courtesy of Sleeper.
Quarterbacks
Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals
Roster Percentage: 14
About: Flacco is on his second team in 2025. After just a couple of days on the squad, he started on Sunday against the Packers in Green Bay. The Bengals didn’t win, but Flacco looked solid in throwing two touchdowns and taking just one sack. He’ll be better prepared for the Steelers in Week 7. You might have dropped him after the Browns benched him, but he’s worth a pickup, especially as the Bengals play the Jets in Week 8 when six teams are on a bye.
Tyrod Taylor, New York Jets
Roster Percentage: 0
About: When they start speculating about making a change on the Internet, or you get reports that the locker room is behind the backup quarterback, it’s never a good sign. Unless you can jump on the waivers and grab Taylor, because the 0-6 Jets are looking for a spark, and it seems like he might be it.
Running Backs
Bam Knight, Arizona Cardinals
Roster Percentage: 18
About: Knight is part of the answer to the Cardinals’ backfield riddle. While Michael Carter was the trendy pickup and continues to have a significant role, it’s Knight who has scored a touchdown two weeks in a row. He also led the Cardinals in carries in Week 6. He should be rostered.
Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Roster Percentage: 10
About: We already have word that Bucky Irving won’t play in Week 7. That’s his third missed game. While Rachaad White is the best option, Tucker is the second man into that backfield. He had a touchdown in Week 6, a reminder of his potential role. If you’re hurting at running back, he’s worth an add.
Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers
Roster Percentage: 45
About: From the Practice Squad to the starting lineup. Vidal rushed for more than 100 yards, adding three receptions and a passing touchdown in Week 6. He should be rostered everywhere and is a decent starting option against the Colts.
Wide Receivers
Tez Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Roster Percentage: 4
About: Emeka Egbuka, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Bucky Irving. That’s the list of injured skill position players for the Buccaneers. That forced Johnson, a rookie, into the lineup on Sunday. He caught a 45-yard bomb from Baker Mayfield for a touchdown. With the receiving group thin again against the high-powered Lions, Johnson could be a great pickup.
Zay Jones, Arizona Cardinals
Roster Percentage: 0
About: Who is the WR2 for the Cardinals? We want it to be Michael Wilson, but that hasn’t always panned out. Over the past two games, Jones has seen 11 targets and caught seven passes. It’s not a lock, but he’s in the mix. If you’re desperate, he could be worth a pickup.
Van Jefferson, Tennessee Titans
Roster Percentage: 0
About: The Titans are another tricky pass offense. Jefferson has thrived in thin groups before, and his six targets and four receptions in Week 6 certainly raise an eyebrow. This is a team in flux, with coach Brian Callahan fired Monday. Jefferson could be worth a pickup.
Chris Moore, Washington Commanders
Roster Percentage: 1
About: Is this about Moore or about the Commanders being light on skill position options? It’s hard to tell. But three receptions for 45 yards and a nifty touchdown catches my eye as we approach byemaggedon next week. He might be worth a stash.
Tight Ends
Oronde Gadsen II, Los Angeles Chargers
Roster Percentage: 4
About: Gadsen might have been a late pickup in rookie drafts. If not, he’s worth a stash. Week 6 was the second time he’s had seven or more targets. And he’s had targets and receptions in four straight games. He’s a part of this young Chargers’ passing attack. He’s worth a roster spot.
Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams
Roster Percentage: 3
About: Higbee isn’t the biggest name for the Rams, but he’s been a vital part of the offense for years. Now, with Puka Nacua banged up and Higbee getting healthier after a major knee injury, he’s a decent option for some volume. He picked up the slack on Sunday with four catches for 40 yards and a touchdown. He’s done it before, and he’ll do it again. He’s a stash.
Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders
Roster Percentage: 5
About: Mayer is never going to be TE1 for the Raiders, and he’s had his own injury issues, but he’s a good hedge against Brock Bowers’ ongoing knee issue. Mayer had five receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown. He also had four receptions when Bowers missed the latter part of Week 1. He’s a good pickup.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
