Week 5 Exemption Wire Watch

We’re now in the fifth week, and the NFL season is officially past its first month. Whether you’re riding high after a Fantasy League win or feeling the burn after a tough loss, it’s that time again. You might be looking to tweak your roster before the upcoming games. That’s where we come in.

Here are some week 4 quarterbacks who might be worth picking up before week 5. We’re focusing on those available in around 60% of leagues. Just a heads up: bye weeks start this week, so it’s probably a good idea to rethink your lineup strategies for the next few weeks.

Bye Weeks for Week 5: Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers

Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams (40.9%)

Stafford had a strong showing in the Rams’ 27-20 win over the Colts, completing 29 of 41 passes for 375 yards and three touchdowns. His connection with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams showcased the potency of this passing offense. He scored 27.4 fantasy points, which was the second highest among quarterbacks that Sunday.

Despite some preseason worries about his back, Stafford has been quite effective this month, ranking second in the NFL for passing yards. As long as he keeps playing like this, he could serve as a solid fantasy option and is likely available in many leagues, especially with a Thursday night game coming up.

Upcoming Matchup: vs. San Francisco 49ers, 8:15 PM (Thursday night)

Sam Darnold, QB, Seattle Seahawks (18%)

Darnold seems to be fitting in well with the Seahawks, who currently stand at 3-1 after edging out the Arizona Cardinals 23-20. He went 18 for 26, racking up 242 yards and a touchdown, earning 16.1 fantasy points over the weekend.

While his numbers haven’t been jaw-dropping, he’s been reliable, sitting in the top half of the league for passing metrics. With bye weeks starting, Darnold could be a good option for managers in need of a quarterback without having to start from scratch.

Upcoming Matchup: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:05 PM

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars (35.3%)

Right now, the Jaguars have a solid record of 3-1 following a 26-21 win against the 49ers. Lawrence’s performance was steady, with a completion rate of 67.7% and no turnovers, which is an encouraging change from earlier in the season. He’s gradually gaining confidence, and that could lead to improved stats.

With the Jaguars currently forcing turnovers, this opens up scoring chances for quarterbacks, boosting Lawrence’s prospects for the coming weeks. Picking him up now could yield benefits down the line.

Upcoming Matchup: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 8:15 PM (Monday night)

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers (24.3%)

Rodgers is continuing his stint in Pittsburgh, helping to secure a 24-21 win against the Vikings, although it seemed more about the Vikings’ struggles than his own brilliance. He threw for 200 yards and a couple of touchdowns, with DK Metcalf especially shining with a 126-yard reception.

This week, Rodgers is on bye, so if you’re considering picking him up, he won’t be available for immediate use. However, if you find yourself needing quarterback help later in the season, he might just be waiting for you.