Week 5 brings the first byes of the year and our first overseas game. Gee, great, let’s thin out the tight end wasteland even more. At least we can wake up Sunday morning and watch football from dawn to dusk … man, I love fall! Where’s my pumpkin-spiced latte and hoodie? It’s Week 5 lineup setting time!
Recommended DFS lineups
*Note: Both FanDuel and Fanball include the Sunday night game on their Main Slate. DraftKings doesn’t include them, so the pricing is listed as N/A.
DK Lineup: QB Joe Flacco ($5.5k), RB Derrick Henry ($7.8k), RB D’Andre Swift ($5.7k), WR Michael Pittman Jr. ($6.0k), WR Amari Cooper ($6.2k), WR Wan’Dale Robinson ($5.6k), TE Mike Gesicki ($3.4k), FLEX Kenneth Walker III ($6.8k), DST New England Patriots ($2.9k)
FD Lineup: QB Justin Fields ($7.6k), RB Derrick Henry ($9.2k), RB D’Andre Swift ($6.4k), WR Amari Cooper ($6.2k), WR Michael Pittman Jr. ($6.1k), WR Christian Kirk ($6.1k), TE Jake Ferguson ($6.2k), FLEX Kenneth Walker III ($7.4k), DST Las Vegas Raiders ($4.3k)
FB Lineup: QB Jordan Love ($6.3k), RB Derrick Henry ($8.0k) RB Jordan Mason ($6.8k), WR Jayden Reed ($6.3k), WR Amari Cooper ($5.6k), WR/TE Wan’Dale Robinson ($4.2k), TE George Kittle ($5.4k), FLEX Kenneth Walker III ($6.0k), SUPERFLEX Justin Fields ($6.0k)
*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x value, Green = Greater than 3x value.
| Quarterback | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Allen | $7,700 | $9,300 |
| Lamar Jackson | $7,500 | $8,800 |
| C.J. Stroud | $7,200 | $8,400 |
| Jayden Daniels | $6,800 | $8,700 |
| Dak Prescott | N/A | $8,000 |
| Justin Fields | N/A | $7,600 |
| Kyler Murray | $6,700 | $7,500 |
| Jordan Love | $6,500 | $8,200 |
| Joe Burrow | $6,400 | $7,800 |
| Brock Purdy | $6,200 | $7,700 |
| Anthony Richardson | $6,000 | $7,300 |
| Geno Smith | $5,900 | $7,400 |
| Caleb Williams | $5,800 | $7,200 |
| Trevor Lawrence | $5,700 | $7,000 |
| Tyler Huntley | $5,600 | $6,800 |
| Joe Flacco | $5,500 | $6,800 |
| Matthew Stafford | $5,500 | $6,700 |
| Andy Dalton | $5,400 | $7,100 |
| Deshaun Watson | $5,300 | $6,900 |
| Daniel Jones | $5,200 | $6,700 |
| Gardner Minshew II | $5,100 | $6,600 |
| Bo Nix | $5,000 | $6,600 |
| Jacoby Brissett | $4,900 | $6,500 |
Quarterback
Weekly strategy – Jordan Love, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Fields are the best high-priced options. Joe Burrow is the top pivot, and he should have lower ownership. I love saving money at QB this week with Joe Flacco, presuming Anthony Richardson (oblique) is out. Andy Dalton and Deshaun Watson make nice punt options.
Fantasy four-pack
Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ CIN ($7,500 DK, $8,800 FD) Cincinnati has allowed seven total QB scores over their last three games. Plus, Jackson has averaged 77 rushing yards per game on the ground.
Josh Allen, Bills @ HOU ($7,700 DK, $9,300 FD) Allen was skunked last week, but he still ranks third among QBs with nine total TDs. Houston has allowed multiple TDs to opposing QBs in three of four games.
Jordan Love, Packers @ LAR ($6,500 DK, $8,200 FD) Only two teams have allowed more passing TDs than the Rams. Meanwhile, Love returned last week and showed no rust by throwing for 389-4 against a tougher Minnesota defense. You should stack Love with Jayden Reed and maybe Tucker Kraft.
Justin Fields, Steelers vs. DAL (N/A DK, $7,600 FD) Dallas cannot stop anyone on the ground. Fields should emulate Lamar Jackson, who just ran for 87-1 against the Cowboys last week. Any passing stats are gravy.
Sleepers
Joe Flacco, Colts @ JAX ($5,500 DK, $6,800 FD) Anthony Richardson (oblique) is questionable at best for this weekend. I am certain that the Colts WRs hope that he is out. If Richardson misses this game, consider Flacco, Josh Downs, and Michael Pittman Jr. elite discount plays. If Richardson does play, swap out Flacco for Andy Dalton or Deshaun Watson, and pivot away from Michael Pittman.
Deshaun Watson, Browns @ WAS ($5,300 DK, $6,900 FD) Trusting Watson is not something I want to do most weeks. That said, I would trust Uncle Rico and Shane Falco to put up stellar passing numbers against this sievelike defense. Watson’s passing numbers have been mediocre this year, but he is averaging nearly 30 rushing yards per game. Plus, he may get David Njoku (ankle) back this week.
| Running back | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Derrick Henry | $7,800 | $9,200 |
| Jonathan Taylor | $7,700 | $8,500 |
| Kyren Williams | $7,600 | $8,400 |
| Jordan Mason | $7,400 | $8,700 |
| De’Von Achane | $7,200 | $7,800 |
| James Cook | $7,000 | $8,200 |
| Joe Mixon | $6,900 | $8,000 |
| Kenneth Walker III | $6,800 | $7,400 |
| Travis Etienne Jr. | $6,700 | $7,200 |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | $6,600 | $7,700 |
| James Conner | $6,500 | $7,900 |
| Josh Jacobs | $6,400 | $7,000 |
| Najee Harris | N/A | $6,500 |
| Zach Charbonnet | $6,400 | $6,100 |
| Devin Singletary | $6,300 | $6,200 |
| Rico Dowdle | N/A | $6,000 |
| Raheem Mostert | $6,200 | $5,700 |
| Chuba Hubbard | $6,100 | $6,800 |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | $6,000 | $6,700 |
| Zack Moss | $6,000 | $6,600 |
| Tank Bigsby | $5,900 | $5,800 |
| Jerome Ford | $5,800 | $6,300 |
| D’Andre Swift | $5,700 | $6,400 |
| Trey Sermon | $5,700 | $5,900 |
| Austin Ekeler | $5,600 | $6,000 |
| Chase Brown | $5,600 | $6,100 |
| Cam Akers | $5,500 | $6,200 |
| Justice Hill | $5,300 | $5,900 |
| Alexander Mattison | $5,200 | $5,800 |
| Javonte Williams | $5,200 | $5,900 |
| Ezekiel Elliott | N/A | $5,600 |
| Antonio Gibson | $5,100 | $5,400 |
| Zamir White | $5,100 | $5,500 |
| Dameon Pierce | $5,000 | $5,300 |
| Miles Sanders | $4,900 | $5,300 |
| Roschon Johnson | $4,900 | $5,800 |
| Jaylen Warren | N/A | $5,200 |
| Dare Ogunbowale | $4,800 | $5,000 |
| Jeremy McLaughlin | $4,600 | $5,500 |
| Ty Johnson | $4,300 | $5,200 |
| D’Onta Foreman | $4,200 | $5,100 |
| Cordarrelle Patterson | N/A | $5,000 |
Running back
Weekly strategy – Derrick Henry and Jordan Mason are the only sure things up top. You must roster at least one of these two. Kyren Williams is the only possible pivot. Kenneth Walker III, D’Andre Swift, and Josh Jacobs are my favorite RB2 options. You can also take a shot at Najee Harris and Chuba Hubbard. If Johnathan Taylor (ankle) is out, you can punt with Trey Sermon. Only Sermon and Javonte Williams are in consideration for this role.
Fantasy four-pack
Derrick Henry, Ravens @ CIN ($7,800 DK, $9,200 FD) Coming off a gutting of Buffalo, Henry is now up to six total TDs. He is also averaging over 190 total yards per game in his last two contests. Cincy is allowing the seventh-most rushing yards per game, and three of four lead backs to face them have scored.
Jordan Mason, 49ers vs. ARI ($7,400 DK, $8,700 FD) McCaffrey who? Mason has averaged 126 combo yards per game, and he has scored in three of four. Meanwhile, Arizona has allowed a league-worst eight rushing TDs.
Kyren Williams, Rams vs. GB ($7,600 DK, $8,400 FD) Ignoring a brilliant performance against a rotten Tennessee offense, the Green Bay defense has allowed at least 132 total yards to each other lead back they have faced this season. Williams has scored at least once in every game this season. There is no reason that these trends won’t continue here.
Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks vs. NYG ($6,800 DK, $7,400 FD) Walker showed zero rust while gashing a previously elite Detroit run defense. Now, he gets to face a New York rushing defense that allows 28 more rushing yards per game than Detroit.
Sleepers
D’Andre Swift, Bears vs. CAR ($5,700 DK, $6,400 FD) Carolina is allowing a league second-worst 159 combo yards per game to opposing RBs. They also have allowed seven total scores to the position. The timing is perfect for Swift, who is coming off his best offensive performance in nearly a full calendar year.
Trey Sermon, Colts @ JAX ($5,700 DK, $5,900 FD) Jonathan Taylor (ankle) is expected to miss this game, which would open the door for Sermon to eat against a Jaguars defense that has allowed four RB scores over their last two games.
| Wide Receiver | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Ja’Marr Chase | $8,000 | $9,300 |
| Nico Collins | $7,700 | $8,800 |
| Tyreek Hill | $7,600 | $8,600 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | $7,500 | $7,400 |
| Malik Nabers | $7,300 | $8,100 |
| Davante Adams | $7,100 | $7,000 |
| DK Metcalf | $7,000 | $8,200 |
| Stefon Diggs | $6,900 | $7,600 |
| Deebo Samuel Sr. | $6,800 | $8,000 |
| DJ Moore | $6,600 | $6,400 |
| Jayden Reed | $6,500 | $7,200 |
| Zay Flowers | $6,400 | $6,900 |
| Brandon Aiyuk | $6,300 | $6,700 |
| Amari Cooper | $6,200 | $6,200 |
| Diontae Johnson | $6,100 | $7,100 |
| Terry McLaurin | $6,100 | $6,600 |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | $6,000 | $6,100 |
| Tee Higgins | $6,000 | $6,800 |
| Brian Thomas Jr. | $5,900 | $6,300 |
| Khalil Shakir | $5,900 | $6,200 |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | $5,800 | $6,300 |
| Keenan Allen | $5,800 | $5,800 |
| Christian Kirk | $5,700 | $6,100 |
| Jaylen Waddle | $5,700 | $6,500 |
| George Pickens | N/A | $6,000 |
| Jauan Jennings | $5,600 | $5,900 |
| Wan’Dale Robinson | $5,600 | $6,100 |
| Courtland Sutton | $5,500 | $5,700 |
| Jakobi Meyers | $5,500 | $5,800 |
| Romeo Doubs | $5,400 | $5,700 |
| Tank Dell | $5,400 | $6,000 |
| Rome Odunze | $5,300 | $5,600 |
| Jerry Jeudy | $5,200 | $5,900 |
| Tyler Lockett | $5,200 | $6,200 |
| Josh Downs | $5,100 | $6,000 |
| Xavier Legette | $5,100 | $6,000 |
| Dontayvion Wicks | $5,000 | $5,900 |
| Alec Pierce | $4,900 | $5,400 |
| Tutu Atwell | $4,900 | $5,600 |
| Demarcus Robinson | $4,800 | $5,500 |
| Keon Coleman | $4,700 | $5,400 |
| Jordan Whittington | $4,600 | $5,400 |
| Gabe Davis | $4,500 | $5,900 |
| Greg Dortch | $4,500 | $5,200 |
| DeMario Douglas | $4,400 | $4,700 |
| Michael Wilson | $4,400 | $5,200 |
| Jalen Tolbert | N/A | $5,100 |
| Tyler Johnson | $4,300 | $4,900 |
| Curtis Samuel | $4,200 | $5,400 |
| Josh Reynolds | $4,100 | $5,100 |
| Tre Tucker | $4,100 | $5,800 |
| Andrei Iosivas | $4,000 | $5,500 |
| Rashod Bateman | $4,000 | $5,600 |
| Darius Slayton | $3,900 | $5,000 |
| Noah Brown | $3,900 | $4,900 |
| Adonai Mitchell | $3,800 | $4,900 |
| Ja’Lynn Polk | $3,700 | $5,000 |
| Nelson Agholor | $3,700 | $5,100 |
| Jonathan Mingo | $3,600 | $5,300 |
| Olamide Zaccheaus | $3,600 | $5,200 |
| Elijah Moore | $3,500 | $4,900 |
| K.J. Osborn | $3,300 | $4,800 |
| Lil’Jordan Humphrey | $3,200 | $4,900 |
Wide receiver
Weekly strategy – Marvin Harrison Jr. and Nico Collins are the only expensive options to trust this week. Still, I prefer grabbing two third-tier WRs instead of spending up here. Jayden Reed, Michael Pittman Jr., Amari Cooper, and Diontae Johnson could be among that pair. Also, Stefon Diggs gets another revenge game opportunity. George Pickens, Christian Kirk, and Wan’Dale Robinson are WR2 pivots if you spend up at WR1. Gamers also can play them at WR3. The top punt options are Josh Downs, Tre Tucker, Jordan Whittington, and Xavier Legette.
Fantasy four-pack
Nico Collins, Texans vs. BUF ($7,700 DK, $8,800 FD) Consider both Collins and Stefon Diggs versus a decent Buffalo pass defense in what should be a shootout. Diggs gets the revenge game narrative, but Collins has ten more targets than Diggs this season. If Tank Dell (chest) returns, both will take a slight dent.
Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals @ SF ($7,500 DK, $7,400 FD) Harrison posted a slight dud last week. Still, he scored for the fourth time in his last three games. San Francisco is much better against the run than the pass. They are allowing a league fourth-worst 11.2 yards per reception.
Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals vs. BAL ($8,000 DK, $9,300 FD) Chase is not seeing the target volume we’d like, but he has scored three times in the last two games. Plus, Baltimore has allowed the eighth-most WR receiving yards.
Jayden Reed, Packers @ LAR ($6,500 DK, $7,200 FD) Only two teams have allowed more total TDs to opposing WRs. As for Reed, only one WR has more total scrimmage yards. He should post 125 total yards and a score here.
Sleepers
Wan’Dale Robinson, Giants @ SEA ($5,600 DK, $6,100 FD) With Malik Nabers (concussion) highly questionable for this weekend, Robinson will serve as the lead WR for the Giants. Robinson (heel) has flown under the radar this season, but only four WRs have seen more targets. Be sure to check on his status, however.
Tre Tucker, Raiders @ DEN ($4,100 DK, $5,800 FD) Speaking of under-the-radar WRs, Tucker has 15 targets over the last two weeks, and he scored in each of those games. With Davante Adams (hamstring/trade demands) out, expect Tucker to continue to serve as the field stretcher in this offense.
| Tight End | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Trey McBride | $5,900 | $6,500 |
| George Kittle | $5,600 | $7,000 |
| Brock Bowers | $5,500 | $6,300 |
| Jake Ferguson | N/A | $6,200 |
| Dalton Kincaid | $5,300 | $6,100 |
| David Njoku | $5,000 | $5,500 |
| Evan Engram | $4,600 | $5,800 |
| Isaiah Likely | $4,400 | $5,700 |
| Cole Kmet | $4,300 | $5,200 |
| Dalton Schultz | $4,100 | $5,400 |
| Mark Andrews | $4,600 | $5,800 |
| Hunter Henry | $3,900 | $5,200 |
| Pat Freiermuth | N/A | $5,200 |
| Zach Ertz | $3,800 | $5,000 |
| Colby Parkinson | $3,700 | $5,100 |
| Noah Fant | $3,600 | $5,000 |
| Tucker Kraft | $3,500 | $5,300 |
| Mike Gesicki | $3,400 | $5,300 |
| Elijah Higgins | $3,300 | $4,900 |
| Brenton Strange | $3,200 | $5,100 |
| Jonnu Smith | $3,200 | $4,900 |
| Jordan Akins | $3,100 | $5,000 |
| Dawson Knox | $3,000 | $5,100 |
| Gerald Everett | $2,800 | $4,500 |
| Erick All Jr. | $2,700 | $4,400 |
| Greg Dulcich | $2,700 | $4,400 |
| Luke Musgrave | $2,700 | $4,900 |
| Kylen Granson | $2,600 | $4,600 |
Tight end
Weekly strategy – We long for a return from Trey McBride (concussion) and David Njoku (ankle). Their presence improves the field dramatically. McBride appears ready to play. George Kittle, Josh Ferguson, and Dalton Kincaid have the safest path to success. Consider punting with Mike Gesicki, Zach Ertz, or Tucker Kraft.
Fantasy four-pack
George Kittle, 49ers vs. ARI ($5,600 DK, $7,000 FD) Kittle (ribs) is the only TE to top 8.0 PPR points in every game that he has played this year. Arizona has started the season solid against the position, but their historical struggles are legendary. This includes allowing five scores to Kittle in their last five meetings.
Dalton Kincaid, Bills @ HOU ($5,300 DK, $6,100 FD) With Khalil Shakir (ankle) questionable for this game, Kincaid will see a boost in targets. Houston has looked strong against the position this season, but they also have faced only one TE who is even slightly above average.
Josh Ferguson, Cowboys @ PIT (N/A DK, $6,200 FD) Despite an injury-caused goose egg in Week 2, Ferguson ranks third in TE targets, fifth in TE receptions, and sixth in TE receiving yards. Pittsburgh is one of five teams to have given up multiple TE scores.
Trey McBride, Cardinals @ SF ($5,900 DK, $6,500 FD) In the ever-growing TE wasteland, we need McBride (concussion) to return this week as he was tied for the league lead in TE targets for the first three weeks.
Sleepers
Zach Ertz, Commanders vs. CLE ($3,800 DK, $5,000 FD) Ertz ranks top nine in both TE receptions and yardage, and he has caught 15 of his 16 targets. That DK price is too low here.
Mike Gesicki, Bengals vs. BAL ($3,400 DK, $5,300 FD) Erick All Jr. has stolen some of Gesicki’s shine, but the veteran still is 10th in TE targets and tied for ninth in TE receiving yards. Coming off of an epic dud, he will have zero ownership. Still, this matchup demands attention as Baltimore has allowed the second-most TE yards (82) per game.