Here's a look back at Week 5's action, and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
WEEK 5 RECAP
Colts 12, Broncos 9 (OT): Zzz.
Giants 27, Packers 22: Don’t bother with Randall Cobb despite his seven receptions for 99 yards (and a robust 13 targets). Allen Lazard and Romeo Doubs are the only two wide receivers on Green Bay worth rostering at this point.
Bills 38, Steelers 3: According to Pro Football Focus, Jaylen Warren has twice as many avoided tackles per carry, a higher first-down rate and a higher yards after contact per carry figure than Najee Harris this season. If you roster Harris, you also better have Warren with how disappointing Harris has been so far.
Chargers 30, Browns 28: Austin Ekeler was the overall RB34 in standard formats after three games this season. He’s now the overall RB4 after producing 308 total yards and five total TDs the last two games.
Vikings 29, Bears 22: I wouldn’t drop Khalil Herbert just yet. David Montgomery was fairly ineffective on the ground in his return with only 20 yards on 12 carries (he did score a TD). Herbert will remain one of the better handcuff options at running back and could still turn this situation into 50-50 split.
Patriots 29, Lions 0: Jakobi Meyers sat out Week 3 and Week 4 with a knee issue, but he returned against Detroit and looked the part of a WR1 (even with a rookie at quarterback making his first start). Only 12 wide receivers are averaging more points per game in standard formats — only seven are averaging more points per game in PPR.
Saints 39, Seahawks 32: Geno Smith is the overall QB7 through five games, but only Josh Allen has been a more productive fantasy quarterback the past three weeks.
Thoughts on Taysom Hill: Hill is currently the overall TE3 in standard formats — TE7 in PPR with only one reception for two yards this season — on the strength of just two games. Look, I’m not going to argue that the football personification of a Swiss Army knife isn’t fun to watch, or that he shouldn’t be rostered in fantasy, but I wouldn’t waste my time trying to guess when to start him. He’s either in your lineup the rest of the way and you’re OK with his “bust” weeks or he needs to be someone else’s problem. There’s no in-between.
Jets 40, Dolphins 17: Breece Hall dominated carries (18 to 10) and snaps (69% to 42%) over Michael Carter — who still scored a touchdown — while producing 197 total yards and a TD. Hall is the overall RB11 in standard formats (RB9 in PPR) through five games, but he has a top-five ceiling.
Buccaneers 21, Falcons 15: Damien Williams is eligible to return from injured reserve this week. He was the clear lead back for Atlanta in Week 1 before suffering a rib injury and would stand a chance to maintain decent usage even after Cordarrelle Patterson returns. Neither Tyler Allgeier (13 carries for 45 yards) or Caleb Huntley (eight for 34) were very impressive.
Titans 21, Commanders 17: There’s a real chance Antonio Gibson gets squeezed out of this offense. Brian Robinson Jr. had more carries than Gibson (nine to three) in his first game of the season after being shot twice during a botched robbery in training camp. Gibson also saw fewer targets than JD McKissic (seven to four).
Texans 13, Jaguars 6: The gap between Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins has narrowed. Cooks has 17 receptions (30 targets) for 153 yards and TD the last four games. Collins has 13 receptions (24 targets) for 246 yards over that span.
49ers 37, Panthers 15: Jeff Wilson has had at least 103 total yards or a TD in all four games without Elijah Mitchell.
Cowboys 22, Rams 10: A mediocre five targets per game for a seriously struggling offense isn’t any reason for excitement. I’m ready to let go of Allen Robinson.
Eagles 20, Cardinals 17: I believe many of you are probably apprehensive with DeAndre Hopkins’ return on the horizon (he’ll be back next week), but Rondale Moore has proven his health the last two games and has secured Christian Kirk’s slot role from a year ago, where Kirk finished as the overall WR28 in standard formats (WR26 in PPR).
Ravens 19, Bengals 17: Hayden Hurst has at least five receptions or a touchdown in four of five games this season. He’s currently the overall TE12 in standard formats (TE11 in PPR).
Chiefs 30, Raiders 29: Skyy Moore could be this year’s Amon-Ra St. Brown, a legit talent just waiting for the opportunity to shine. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes Scantling are the only wide receivers getting consistent targets through five games for Kansas City and neither has done anything noteworthy. I expect the dynamic rookie to be more involved coming out of the Chiefs’ bye (Week 8), so go ahead and stash him if you have the space at the end of your bench.
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week.
Here’s my best bets for Week 6:
WASHINGTON AT CHICAGO
Obvious starters: Terry McLaurin (WAS), David Montgomery (CHI).
Who to start: Curtis Samuel (WAS) has at least six receptions or a TD in four of five games. Carson Wentz (WAS) deserves streaming consideration against a middle-of-the-road defense. JD McKissic (WAS) maintains his flex value in PPR as the overall RB32. I wouldn’t blame you if you considered the Commanders D/ST a streaming option against an offense that’s set the passing game back 50 years. Darnell Mooney (CHI) deserves flex consideration if you’re desperate against a defense that has allowed seven TDs to wide receivers in the last four games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Antonio Gibson (WAS) despite the matchup, until we have a better sample size of how this backfield will work at full strength. Only four carries with Montgomery active means Khalil Herbert (CHI) returns to your bench until further notice. Cole Kmet (CHI) remains touchdown-dependent with only 12 targets in five games. You’re only trusting Justin Fields (CHI) in superflex formats at this point.
Sleeper: Brian Robinson (WAS) led the Commanders with nine carries in his first game of the season and now faces a defense that has allowed four TDs to running backs in the last four games.
SAN FRANCISCO AT ATLANTA
Obvious starters: Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF), Jeff Wilson (SF), 49ers D/ST.
Who to start: Jimmy Garoppolo (SF) deserves streaming consideration against a bad pass defense (sans AJ Terrell) and mediocre pass rush. Drake London (ATL) has at least four receptions or a TD in four of five games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Kyle Pitts (ATL) if he plays against a defense that has only allowed 18 receptions and zero TDs in five games to tight ends this season. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) is touchdown-dependent against a defense that hasn’t allowed more than 84 yards rushing in a game this season. Marcus Mariota (ATL) faces a defense that hasn’t allowed a TD to a quarterback in four straight games.
Sleeper: Brandon Aiyuk (SF) faces a defense that has allowed 15 receptions per game and six TDs in five games to wide receivers.
NEW ENGLAND AT CLEVELAND
Obvious starters: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), Nick Chubb (CLE), Amari Cooper (CLE).
Who to start: Jakobi Meyers (NE) maintains his WR3/flex upside with 27 targets in three games this season. Kareem Hunt (CLE) is the overall RB19 in standard formats (RB17 in PPR). The Browns D/ST is a sneaky streaming candidate depending on who is under center for the Patriots.
Who to sit: Damien Harris (NE) was surprisingly listed as limited on the practice report after reports had him missing multiple games, but I bet he misses at least this week. Hunter Henry (NE) faces a defense that has only allowed 14 receptions (and no TDs) in five games to tight ends. I’m fading the Patriots D/ST on the road against a pretty efficient offense. DeVante Parker (NE) remains a boom-or-bust option with two-or-fewer targets in four of five games.
Sleeper: Jacoby Brissett (CLE) is fantasy’s QB16 through five games and faces his old team here.
N.Y. JETS AT GREEN BAY
Obvious starters: Breece Hall (NYJ), Aaron Jones (GB), Aaron Rodgers (GB), Packers D/ST.
Who to start: Michael Carter (NYJ) is the overall RB31 in standard formats (RB23 in PPR) through five games. AJ Dillon (GB) maintains flex value with at least 14 touches in four of five games. Allen Lazard (GB) is the overall WR21 in standard formats (WR22 in PPR) since Week 2.
Who to sit: Garrett Wilson (NYJ) only has five receptions (10 targets) in two games since Zach Wilson returned. Elijah Moore (NYJ) remains a boom-or-bust option with only 11 receptions in the last four games. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) is touchdown-dependent with only six targets the last two games. Corey Davis (NYJ) remains touchdown-dependent with two-or-fewer receptions in three of four games. Robert Tonyan (GB) remains touchdown-dependent with four-or-fewer targets in three of the last four games.
Sleeper: Romeo Doubs (GB) is the overall WR24 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) since Week 3.
JACKSONVILLE AT INDIANAPOLIS
Obvious starters: Christian Kirk (JAC), James Robinson (JAC), Jaguars D/ST, Michael Pittman Jr. (IND).
Who to start: Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC) maintains flex value as the overall RB36 in PPR. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) finished as the QB12 against the Colts in Week 2. You’re starting Jonathan Taylor (IND) if he’s active (I’m doubtful he will be). The Colts D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense that has been quite sloppy the last two games.
Who to sit: Marvin Jones (JAC) remains a boom-or-bust option with sporadic usage and a difficult matchup. Ditto for Zay Jones (JAC). Nyheim Hines (IND) is currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol. I’m fading Matt Ryan (IND) until we see more consistent play out of the former MVP.
Sleeper(s): Evan Engram (JAC) faces a defense that has allowed four TDs to tight ends in five games. Alec Pierce (IND) is the overall WR29 in standard formats (WR25 in PPR) since Week 3.
MINNESOTA AT MIAMI
Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Dalvin Cook (MIN), Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA).
Who to start: Adam Thielen (MIN) maintains flex value in PPR (overall WR33 through five games). Kirk Cousins (MIN) is the overall QB11 through five games. The Vikings D/ST could be a streaming candidate depending on who plays quarterback for the Dolphins. Raheem Mostert (MIA) faces a defense that has allowed five TDs to running backs in five games.
Who to sit: Alexander Mattison (MIN) remains touchdown-dependent with only one game with double-digit touches this season. Chase Edmonds (MIA) remains touchdown-dependent with seven-or-fewer touches in four straight games. Mike Gesicki (MIA) remains touchdown-dependent with only nine receptions in five games.
Sleeper: Irv Smith Jr. (MIN) faces a defense surrendering the ninth most fantasy points per game to tight ends.
CINCINNATI AT NEW ORLEANS
Obvious starters: Joe Burrow (CIN), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN), Alvin Kamara (NO).
Who to start: Tee Higgins (CIN) is an obvious start if he’s active (ankle injury). Hayden Hurst (CIN) has at least five receptions or a TD in four of five games. The Bengals D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense that has allowed 15 sacks, two TDs and produced 13 turnovers in five games. Chris Olave (NO) is an obvious start if he makes it through the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Who to sit: Michael Thomas (NO) still hasn’t practiced with a foot injury he suffered Week 3. The Saints D/ST has failed to meet expectations so far this season. Taysom Hill (NO) is the ultimate boom-or-bust option. Jarvis Landry (NO) still hasn’t practiced with an ankle injury he suffered Week 4. I’m fading Jameis Winston (NO) until we see him make it through a game unscathed with his back and ankle issues.
Sleeper: Tyler Boyd (CIN) has WR3/flex upside if Higgins is out or limited against a defense that just got torched by the Seattle Seahawks wide receivers.
BALTIMORE AT N.Y. GIANTS
Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Ravens D/ST, Saquon Barkley (NYG).
Who to start: JK Dobbins (BAL) maintains flex value as the overall RB22 in standard formats since Week 3.
Who to sit: It sounds like Rashod Bateman (BAL) will be inactive again with his foot injury. Kadarius Toney (NYG), Kenny Golladay (NYG) and Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) can all be faded with various injuries. Daniel Jones (NYG) hasn’t thrown a TD pass since Week 2. Darius Slayton (NYG) is back to his boom-or-bust ways considering someone has to catch the football for the G-Men.
Sleeper(s): Devin Duvernay (BAL) received a 26% target share with Bateman out last week. Daniel Bellinger (NYG) is the overall TE11 in standard formats since Week 2.
TAMPA BAY AT PITTSBURGH
Obvious starters: Leonard Fournette (TB), Mike Evans (TB), Tom Brady (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Buccaneers D/ST, Diontae Johnson (PIT).
Who to start: Najee Harris (PIT) should be in your lineup as long as he’s receiving double-digit touches every game. You’re starting Pat Freiermuth (PIT) if he makes it through the NFL’s concussion protocol. George Pickens (PIT) is the overall WR27 in standard formats (WR24 in PPR) since Week 3.
Who to sit: Rachaad White (TB) only has flex value in the deepest PPR formats at this point. Cameron Brate (TB) remains touchdown-dependent. Chase Claypool (PIT) remains touchdown-dependent with 16 receptions for only 129 yards in five games. I’m fading the Steelers D/ST against Brady.
Sleeper: Russell Gage (TB) deserves flex consideration in deeper leagues against a defense that has allowed nine TDs in five games to wide receivers.
CAROLINA AT L.A. RAMS
Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (CAR), Cooper Kupp (LAR), Tyler Higbee (LAR), Rams D/ST.
Who to start: DJ Moore (CAR) maintains flex value against a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in five games.
Who to sit: Robbie Anderson (CAR) remains a boom-or-bust option with three-or-fewer receptions in four straight games. It’s hard to trust Matthew Stafford (LAR) with how bad his offensive line has been. Cam Akers (LAR) and Darrell Henderson Jr. (LAR) are both touchdown-dependent options with inconsistent usage. Allen Robinson (LAR) remains touchdown-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in four of five games.
Sleeper: The Panthers D/ST is a sneaky streaming candidate against an offense that has allowed 21 sacks, three TDs and produced 12 turnovers in five games.
ARIZONA AT SEATTLE
Obvious starters: Kyler Murray (ARI), Marquise Brown (ARI), Zach Ertz (ARI), DK Metcalf (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA).
Who to start: Rondale Moore (ARI) has flex value in PPR with 10 receptions in two games this season. Talent suggests Kenneth Walker (SEA) has RB2 upside as Rashaad Penny’s replacement. Geno Smith (SEA) has multiple TD passes in four of five games.
Who to sit: James Conner (ARI) has yet to practice this week with a rib injury. Noah Fant (SEA) and Will Dissly (SEA) remain touchdown-dependent options who usually cannibalize each other’s usage.
Sleeper: Eno Benjamin (ARI) will have flex value if Conner is inactive.
BUFFALO AT KANSAS CITY
Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Bills D/ST, Travis Kelce (KC), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC).
Who to start: Gabe Davis (BUF) has WR2 upside against a defense that has allowed seven TDs to wide receivers in five games. Devin Singletary (BUF) maintains flex value as the overall RB34 in standard formats (RB25 in PPR) through five games. JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) maintains flex value with eight targets in four of five games.
Who to sit: Dawson Knox (BUF) remains touchdown-dependent against a defense that has allowed 29-or-fewer yards to tight ends in three of five games. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) remains touchdown-dependent with four-or-fewer receptions in four of five games. Mecole Hardman (KC) remains touchdown-dependent with only seven targets the last three games. Jerick McKinnon (KC) only has double-digit touches in one game this season.
Sleeper: Isaiah McKenzie (BUF) was the overall WR30 in standard formats (WR34 in PPR) before the concussion on the strength of scoring a TD in three of four games.
DALLAS AT PHILADELPHIA
Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Ezekiel Elliott (DAL), Cowboys D/T, Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), Miles Sanders (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), Eagles D/ST.
Who to start: Tony Pollard (DAL) is the overall RB24 in standard formats (RB28 in PPR) through five games. DeVonta Smith (PHI) has at least seven receptions, 80 yards or a TD in three of the last four games.
Who to sit: Dalton Schultz (DAL) is touchdown-dependent with only eight targets in his last three games.
Sleeper: Michael Gallup (DAL) has 18 receptions for 280 yards and two TDs in his last three games against the Eagles.
DENVER AT L.A. CHARGERS
Obvious starters: Courtland Sutton (DEN), Melvin Gordon (DEN), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC), Mike Williams (LAC), Gerald Everett (LAC).
Who to start: I’m giving Russell Wilson (DEN) another week before I consider benching him. Jerry Jeudy (DEN) has WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed seven TDs to wide receivers in five games. The Broncos D/ST deserves streaming consideration despite the matchup.
Who to sit: I’m fading Keenan Allen (LAC) until we see him test his hamstring in game action. Joshua Palmer (LAC) only deserves flex consideration if Allen is inactive once again.
Sleeper: Mike Boone (DEN) was the overall RB29 in standard and PPR formats in the Broncos’ first game without Javonte Williams.
