Tag: Fantasy Football Week 5 WDIS

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 5

Hot starts and cold sits for the upcoming week of action.

We’re firing into the Week 5 weekend action, and this is where the fantasy football season starts to get much more challenging — and much more interesting.

In addition to finding replacements for slow starters and injured players, we also now must contend with bye weeks, too. The Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans are off, and that means a solid number of fantasy regulars are on a bye, too.

The good news is that the weather appears to be mostly favorable, although we might get some rain in the Indianapolis-Jacksonville game, as well as the Sunday night contest between Dallas and Pittsburgh, so make sure to double-check the weather forecast on Sunday morning.

We also have our first London game, as the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings tangle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kickoff is at 9:30 a.m. ET, so be cognizant of the early start time if you have players on those two teams.

Doing start/sit articles can be a little challenging. The players featured on the list below should not be taken as “must starts” or “must sits.” Instead, these are more suggestions on what we believe managers should do with fringe players heading into the weekend. The choice is ultimately up to the manager.

Just because a player is listed as a “start” doesn’t mean he should be put in the lineup over the secure, bona fide studs. Vice versa for the “sits.” If there’s no better option on the waiver wire or the bench, a manager shouldn’t automatically sit the player. That’s why these can be tricky waters to navigate.

Feel free to ask any specific start/sit questions via X, formerly Twitter, (@danieledobish), or check out our start/bench list for Week 5:

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 5

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 5 DFS fantasy football.

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.

Fantasy football start/bench list: Week 5

Check out where your roster options fit into our Week 5 start/bench tiers.

Player analysis and projections can be found in our Start/Bench Tool customized to your myHuddle league scoring and rosters. All player listings by groups are in no particular order.

Key: Upgrade / Downgrade

QUARTERBACKS WIDE RECEIVERS
BEST BETS Opp BEST BETS Opp
Brock Purdy ARI DK Metcalf NYG
GREAT STARTS Opp Jayden Reed @LAR
Jordan Love @LAR GREAT STARTS Opp
Lamar Jackson @CIN Stefon Diggs BUF
SOLID STARTERS Opp Michael Pittman Jr. @JAC
Justin Fields DAL Xavier Worthy NO
Josh Allen @HOU Malik Nabers @SEA
Joe Burrow BAL DJ Moore CAR
Jayden Daniels CLE Amari Cooper @WAS
Trevor Lawrence IND Christian Kirk IND
Caleb Williams CAR Brandon Aiyuk ARI
Matthew Stafford GB SOLID STARTERS Opp
Dak Prescott @PIT Josh Downs @JAC
Patrick Mahomes NO Brian Thomas Jr. IND
Geno Smith NYG Terry McLaurin CLE
C.J. Stroud BUF Ja’Marr Chase BAL
Joe Flacco @JAC Nico Collins BUF
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Garrett Wilson @MIN
Kirk Cousins TB J. Smith-Njigba NYG
Baker Mayfield @ATL Courtland Sutton LVR
Andy Dalton @CHI Tyreek Hill @NE
Derek Carr @KC Chris Olave @KC
Aaron Rodgers @MIN Zay Flowers @CIN
Daniel Jones @SEA Deebo Samuel ARI
Deshaun Watson @WAS Justin Jefferson NYJ
Kyler Murray @SF George Pickens DAL
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp CeeDee Lamb @PIT
Jacoby Brissett MIA Drake London TB
A. Richardson @JAC Khalil Shakir @HOU
Gardner Minshew @DEN Rashid Shaheed @KC
Sam Darnold NYJ Jerry Jeudy @WAS
Tyler Huntley @NE Mike Evans @ATL
Bo Nix LVR Marvin Harrison Jr. @SF
RUNNING BACKS Jauan Jennings ARI
BEST BETS Opp Dontayvion Wicks @LAR
Jordan Mason ARI Chris Godwin @ATL
Derrick Henry @CIN Diontae Johnson @CHI
GREAT STARTS Opp Tee Higgins BAL
Kenneth Walker III NYG FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
D’Andre Swift CAR Keenan Allen CAR
Kyren Williams GB Jaylen Waddle @NE
Brian Robinson Jr. CLE Jordan Addison NYJ
SOLID STARTERS Opp Michael Wilson @SF
R. Stevenson MIA Allen Lazard @MIN
Alvin Kamara @KC Darnell Mooney TB
Aaron Jones NYJ Wan’Dale Robinson @SEA
Joe Mixon BUF Tre Tucker @DEN
De’Von Achane @NE Tyler Lockett NYG
Devin Singletary @SEA Xavier Legette @CHI
Jerome Ford @WAS Andrei Iosivas BAL
Travis Etienne IND Tutu Atwell GB
James Cook @HOU Demarcus Robinson GB
James Conner @SF SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Josh Jacobs @LAR Jakobi Meyers @DEN
Najee Harris DAL Jalen Nailor NYJ
Bijan Robinson TB J. Whittington GB
Javonte Williams LVR Tank Dell BUF
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp O. Zaccheaus CLE
Chuba Hubbard @CHI Gabe Davis IND
Breece Hall @MIN Romeo Doubs @LAR
Antonio Gibson MIA Rome Odunze CAR
Zach Charbonnet NYG Keon Coleman @HOU
Alexander Mattison @DEN Darius Slayton @SEA
Trey Sermon @JAC DeMario Douglas MIA
Rachaad White @ATL Mike Williams @MIN
Raheem Mostert @NE Josh Reynolds LVR
Justice Hill @CIN Greg Dortch @SF
Zack Moss BAL DEFENSIVE TEAMS
Roschon Johnson CAR BEST BETS Opp
Bucky Irving @ATL Seahawks NYG
Chase Brown BAL GREAT STARTS Opp
Kareem Hunt NO 49ers ARI
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Bears CAR
Samaje Perine NO SOLID STARTERS Opp
J. McNichols CLE Broncos LVR
Zamir White @DEN Packers @LAR
Tank Bigsby IND Vikings NYJ
Emanuel Wilson @LAR Steelers DAL
J. McLaughlin LVR Colts @JAC
Ray Davis @HOU Dolphins @NE
Carson Steele NO FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
C. Patterson DAL Jaguars IND
Dalvin Cook @PIT Cowboys @PIT
Austin Ekeler CLE Raiders @DEN
Nick Chubb @WAS Commanders CLE
Braelon Allen @MIN Falcons TB
Ezekiel Elliott @PIT Ravens @CIN
Miles Sanders @CHI Panthers @CHI
Dare Ogunbowale BUF Chiefs NO
Rico Dowdle @PIT Jets @MIN
Tyler Allgeier TB SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
TIGHT ENDS Browns @WAS
BEST BETS Opp Bengals BAL
Travis Kelce NO Giants @SEA
GREAT STARTS Opp Bills @HOU
Brock Bowers @DEN Cardinals @SF
Jake Ferguson @PIT Patriots MIA
SOLID STARTERS Opp Rams GB
Pat Freiermuth DAL Buccaneers @ATL
Zach Ertz CLE Texans BUF
Dalton Kincaid @HOU Saints @KC
Cole Kmet CAR
Tucker Kraft @LAR
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
Mark Andrews @CIN
Kyle Pitts TB
Tyler Conklin @MIN
Dalton Schultz BUF
Cade Otton @ATL
Mike Gesicki BAL
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Evan Engram IND
David Njoku @WAS
George Kittle ARI
Taysom Hill @KC
Trey McBride @SF
Brenton Strange IND
Hunter Henry MIA
Isaiah Likely @CIN
Noah Fant NYG
Jonnu Smith @NE
Colby Parkinson GB
Juwan Johnson @KC

The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 216

Talking NFL news, fantasy lineups, and more!

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you NFL news, a “Who Are You” segment, and “DFS Pay-ups, Stay-aways and Value Plays.” So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or, click here to listen

Fantasy Football inactives, injuries and weather: Week 5

Week 5 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the fantasy football lineup decisions.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 5 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early games: WR Zay Jones (active), WR Odell Beckham Jr. (active), RB Justice Hill (active), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (inactive), RB Jahmyr Gibbs (inactive), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (active), RB Saquon Barkley (inactive)
Afternoon games: WR Tee Higgins (inactive)
Sunday night:
Monday night: WR Davante Adams, RB Aaron Jones

Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills in London (9:30 a.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 72 degrees, cloudy

Jaguars

Inactives: LB Devin Lloyd, WR Elijah Cooks, CB Christian Braswell and OG Cole Van Lanen

Lineup notes: WR Zay Jones (knee) was limited all week and deemed questionable but will play. LT Cam Robinson was activated after serving a four-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. LB Devin Lloyd (thumb) is out.

Bills

Inactives: OG Alec Anderson, DT Poona Ford, OT Germain Ifedi, DE Gregory Rousseau, CB Christian Benford, S Damar Hamlin and DE Shaq Lawson

Lineup notes: TE Dawson Knox (quadriceps) made it back for a full session Friday. He’ll continue to play through the injury. RB Damien Harris (neck) was limited Wednesday but practiced fully the rest of the week. He’ll go. LB Von Miller (knee) will make his season debut, whereas CB Tre’Davious White (Achilles) was placed on IR.

Houston Texans at Atlanta Falcons (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Texans

Inactives: RB Dare Ogunbowale, CB Shaquill Griffin, LB Garret Wallow, CB Tavierre Thomas, QB Case Keenum, LB Christian Harris and OT Joshua Jones

Lineup notes: RB Dameon Pierce (knee) had a limited session Wednesday but was all good the rest of the week. He’ll play. WR John Metchie (illness) overcame a questionable tag and is active. RT Tytus Howard was activated from injured reserve, and LT Laremy Tunsil is on the field, too. LB Christian Harris (concussion) is out.

Falcons

Inactives: LB Andre X. Smith, QB Logan Woodside, LB DeAngelo Malone, DT Ta’Quon Graham, DE Joe Gaziano and OG Jovaughn Gwyn

Lineup notes: No injuries of fantasy relevance.

Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Panthers

Inactives: OT David Sharpe, LB Deion Jones, CB Donte Jackson, RB Raheem Blackshear and S Xavier Woods

Lineup notes: RB Miles Sanders (groin) had a full session Friday and will play.

Lions

Inactives: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, TE James Mitchell, DT Levi Onwuzurike, S Brian Branch and DL Brodric Martin

Lineup notes: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (abdomen) and RB Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) were doubtful and now officially inactive. WR Josh Reynolds (groin) and WR Jameson Williams (activated from suspension) will play, and LT Taylor Decker (ankle) joins them, though S Brian Branch (ankle) is unavailable.

Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 54 degrees, cloudy, WNW 10 mph (retractable-roof dome)

Titans

Inactives: OT Jaelyn Duncan, LB Luke Gifford, DT Teair Tart, DL Caleb Murphy, WR Treylon Burks and QB Will Levis

Lineup notes: WR Treylon Burks (knee) is out again.WR Kyle Philips was activated from injured reserve.

Colts

Inactives: LB Shaquille Leonard, OT Bernhard Raimann, TE Will Mallory, DE Kwity Paye and QB Sam Ehlinger

Lineup notes: RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) was a full participant all week and had his questionable designation removed after being activated from the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list. DE Kwity Paye (concussion) and LB Shaquille Leonard (groin) are out. LT Bernhard Raimann (concussion) is out, but C Ryan Kelly cleared the protocol and will return.

New York Giants at Miami Dolphins (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 83 degrees, cloudy

Giants

Inactives:DT Jordon Riley, RB Saquon Barkley, S Gervarrius Owens, OG Shane Lemieux, OT Andrew Thomas, LB Micah McFadden and C John Michael Schmitz

Lineup notes: RB Saquon Barkley (ankle) still isn’t ready to return from a high-ankle sprain. New York will be without its starting left tackle and center, as well as a key reserve lineman.

Dolphins

Inactives: CB Kelvin Joseph, WR Chase Claypool, RB Salvon Ahmed, LB Jaelan Phillips, QB Skylar Thompson and DL Brandon Pili

Lineup notes: WR Braxton Berrios (knee) had full sessions Thursday and Friday and will play. LT Terron Armstead went on IR. WR Chase Claypool was acquired from Chicago but isn’t ready to play.

New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 56 degrees, mostly clear, WSW 11 mph

Saints

Inactives: WR A.T. Perry, OG Andrus Peat, TE Juwan Johnson, DL Kyle Phillips, OT Landon Young, QB Jake Luton and CB Lonnie Johnson

Lineup notes: TE Juwan Johnson (calf) has been ruled out. QB Derek Carr (shoulder) is questionable after limited practices all week. OG Andrus Peat (concussion) won’t play.

Patriots

Inactives: OG Cole Strange, LB Matt Judon, WR Kayshon Boutte, OT Calvin Anderson, OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr. and QB Will Grier

Lineup notes: RB Rhamondre Stevenson (thigh) was questionable after limited work all week but is on the field. LB Matt Judon (biceps) and will not play but wasn’t put on the Reserve/Injured list, unlike CB Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) who was placed on IR. CB J.C. Jackson returns to the Pats after being reacquired via trade. CB Jonathan Jones (ankle) is active.

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 51 degrees, cloudy, W 17 mph

Ravens

Inactives: OT Morgan Moses, LB Odafe Oweh, CB Jalyn Armour-Davis, OT Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, TE Charlie Kolar and QB Josh Johnson

Lineup notes: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) and WR Rashod Bateman (hamstring) will play. RB Justice Hill (foot, hamstring) graduated to a full practice Friday and is active. RB Kenyan Drake was elevated from the practice squad. RT Morgan Moses (shoulder) won’t go, but LT Ronnie Stanley (knee) is ready to play. LB Odafe Oweh (ankle) remains out, though CB Marlon Humphrey (foot) returns.

Steelers

Inactives: Dan Moore Jr., TE Pat Freiermuth, OG James Daniels, P Pressley Harvin III, DL DeMarvin Leal, QB Mason Rudolph and RB Godwin Igwebuike

Lineup notes: WR Diontae Johnson (hamstring) remains on IR with a hamstring injury. TE Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) is also out. RB Najee Harris (hamstring) was limited Friday but doesn’t carry an injury designation. QB Kenny Pickett (knee) practiced Thursday and Friday and is good to go. LB Alex Highsmith (groin) was questionable but is active. Pittsburgh is without its starting left tackle and right guard.

Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Rams (4:05 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 69 degrees, clear (open-air dome)

Eagles

Inactives: TE Albert Okwuegbunam, DT Marlon Tuipulotu, S Sydney Brown, QB Tanner McKee, DL Fletcher Cox and RB Rashaad Penny

Lineup notes: DT Fletcher Cox (back) will not play.

Rams

Inactives: OG Joe Noteboom, DL Nick Hampton, WR Demarcus Robinson, DL Desjuan Johnson and OG Zachary Thomas

Lineup notes: WR Cooper Kupp (hamstring) was activated and will make his debut in Week 5. QB Matthew Stafford (hip) and RB Kyren Williams (hip) both had full sessions Friday and will play. Starting RG Joe Noteboom is inactive.

Cincinnati Bengals at Arizona Cardinals (4:05 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 94 degrees, cloudy (retractable-roof dome)

Bengals

Inactives: LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, OT D’Ante Smith, WR Tee Higgins, C Trey Hill, CB Chidobe Awuzie and DL Josh Tupou

Lineup notes: WR Tee Higgins (ribs) will miss this one after last week’s injury.

Cardinals

Inactives: S Qwuantrezz Knight, TE Elijah Higgins, DL Jonathan Ledbetter, OT Carter O’Donnell and RB Keaontay Ingram

Lineup notes: QB Kyler Murray (knee) is on the PUP as he recovers from a torn ACL.

New York Jets at Denver Broncos (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 70 degrees, clear

Jets

Inactives: WR Mecole Hardman, WR Jason Brownlee, CB D.J. Reed, CB Brandin Echols, RB Israel Abanikanda, LB Zaire Barnes and DE Carl Lawson

Lineup notes: Starting CB D.J. Reed (concussion) has been ruled out. WR Mecole Hardman and DE Carl Lawson are healthy scratches.

Broncos

Inactives: C Alex Forsyth, RB Javonte Williams, S JL Skinner, DL Thomas Incoom and DB Fabian Moreau

Lineup notes: RB Javonte Williams (quadriceps) is a somewhat surprising inactive after fully practicing Friday. Jerry Jeudy (knee) had full practices Thursday and Friday and will go.

Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Chiefs

Inactives: LB Nick Bolton, DE B.J. Thompson, DE Matt Dickerson, OG Mike Caliendo and DL Keondre Coburn

Lineup notes: WR Kadarius Toney (toe) was a full participant all week and will play. LB Nick Bolton (ankle) isn’t ready just yet after being questionable.

Vikings

Inactives: LB Andre Carter II, QB Nick Mullens, TE Nick Muse, DT Khyiris Tonga, S Lewis Cine and OT Hakeem Adeniji

Lineup notes: C Garrett Bradbury (back) has no injury tag and will play.

Sunday Night Football

Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers (8:20 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 64 degrees, clear, NW 11 mph

Cowboys

Inactives: OT Asim Richards, QB Trey Lance, CB Eric Scott Jr., TE Peyton Hendershot, CB Israel Mukuamu, DL Villami Fehoko Jr. and WR Jalen Brooks

Lineup notes: WR CeeDee Lamb (knee) sat out Wednesday but was good to go the rest of the week and has no injury tag.

49ers

Inactives: DT Kalia Davis, LB Jalen Graham, TE Brayden Willis, OT Nick Zakelj, LB Randy Gregory and RB Elijah Mitchell

Lineup notes: RB Elijah Mitchell (knee) has been ruled out. WR Deebo Samuel (ribs, knee) avoids an injury designation, but he will be less than 100 percent. He was limited until a full session Friday. WR Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder) was limited early in the week but practiced fully Friday and will play. LB Randy Gregory was acquired from Denver but won’t be available this week.

Monday Night Football

Green Bay Packers at Las Vegas Raiders (8:15 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Packers

Lineup notes: RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) is questionable, while WR Christian Watson (hamstring) avoided an injury tag; both were limited all week. OG Elgton Jenkins (knee) will return after being out since Week 2. CB Jaire Alexander (back) is questionable.

Raiders

Lineup notes: QB Jimmy Garoppolo (concussion) had a full practice Friday. WR Davante Adams (shoulder) advanced to just a limited status in Saturday’s practice and is questionable.

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 5

Will this veteran tight end finally return to the end zone?

Every week, at least one player becomes my fascination of whether he’s worthy of a fantasy football start as a streamer. The decision can be a mental wrestling match, but for the purpose of brevity, only one player can be chosen as my favorite fantasy football gamble of the week.

The players chosen in this series are meant to be fliers for fantasy owners in desperate situations or willing to take an intentional risk. No player is intended to be a lineup lock for guaranteed results, hence the name of the series.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 5

Tracking my 2023 predictions: 0-4-0
All-time record: 18-35-3

Win: Player produces ≥ 75% of projected fantasy points
Loss: Player produces >75% of projected fantasy points
Tie: Player is ejected, leaves with an injury, or is ruled out after publishing

This year, we’ll also track the accuracy on a percentage basis to show relative results, since sometimes calling a player a loss doesn’t actually hurt gamers. An example would be if a projection narrowly falls short of the 75 percent threshold, the player is still of use in a lineup.

Wk 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
% 55% 74.7% 41.7% 20.8%
Grade E C F- F-

There are no two ways around this being by far the worst start to — as well as among the longest losing streaks of — any year I’ve been doing this series. The entire concept is ripe for a low success rate, but 0-4 is unacceptable in any context.

Last week’s featured failure was Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox vs. Miami Dolphins, marking consecutive games in which I was so flatly wrong about Miami that my recommendations flopped because of the incorrect view of game flow. In Week 3, Javonte Williams was my pick, but I never saw Miami jumping out to a 49-13 lead through three quarters, which eliminated Williams from the game plan. Last week, I didn’t foresee Miami being down big most of the way, thus meaning Buffalo didn’t need to pass excessively.

Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert at Los Angeles Rams

For Week 5’s recommendation, statistical data is taking a passenger seat to situational football and extenuating circumstances. Goedert, a once-coveted fantasy option, has fallen on hard times. He has scored a mere touchdown in his last 10 appearances and reached double-digit PPR points in just 30 percent of those games and only 22.2 percent of the time when he didn’t find the end zone.

Philadelphia has so many weapons that he can get lost in the mix, and the team’s vertical success also detracts from Goedert’s number of opportunities in the red zone given that the team is tied for fourth at generating passing plays over 25 yards.

Los Angeles has allowed the 20th-most TE receptions but the sixth-highest scoring frequency in 2023, and this profiles as a top-10 matchup in both primary scoring systems. The Rams have given up only the 12th-most yards per attempt, and this is the sixth-best defense at limiting yardage after the catch. Just six teams have been weaker at allowing touchdowns in the red zone. Two Indianapolis Colts tight ends reached double figures in PPR last week, and two of the three previous matchups were against offenses that don’t involve the position much.

While there are some notable stats working in Goedert’s favor, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said the team still intends to feed him on offense.

“Trust me – I promise you he’s still part of the plan of us wanting to get him the football. We need to get him the football,” Sirianni said. “Sometimes there’s a dry spell in there, too, with what’s kind of going on right now. There are some different things that defenses are concerned of with Dallas that has affected some of the touches he’s gotten. It’s a bit of both. He is a great player. We rely on him.”

In Week 5, the tight ends on bye aren’t serious fantasy factors, making it tougher to rely on the struggling veteran. Fortunately, most people who drafted Goedert did so with the intention of him being a weekly starter. Tough it out one more time if you’ve been considering replacement options in recent weeks.

My projection: 6 targets, 5 receptions, 61 yards, 1 TD (17.1 PPR points)

The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 196

Talking NFL player news, fantasy football advice, DFS strategy and more!

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you NFL news, To hedge or not to hedge, buying or selling the Minnesota Vikings skill players, and “DFS Pay-ups, Stay-aways and Value Plays.” So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or, click here to listen