Fantasy Football Week 5: Matt Camp's Week 5 Big Board
NFL bye weeks tend to hit a little harder at this time of year in fantasy football.
Last week was bad enough without the Packers and Eagles, but this week is much worse. The Jaguars, Chiefs, Saints and Seahawks are sitting at home Sunday, so you’ll have to dig into your depth for replacements.
Of course, it would be a lot easier if we knew more about the statuses of injured players like Cam Newton (concussion), Carson Palmer (concussion), Rob Gronkowski (hamstring), Dez Bryant (knee) and Tyler Eifert (ankle), just to name a few.
Ranking those players early in the week is almost impossible, so I’ve done my best guessing on their chances of playing and contributing, but I’ll definitely be updating their positions throughout the week. I’m expecting the worst when it comes to concussions, so you won’t see Palmer or Newton in my rankings.
As a reminder, this is the first look at my points-per-reception (PPR) rankings for Week 5. These will change throughout the week and up to Sunday’s action as we get more information about injuries and limitations, so make sure to bookmark this page. For those playing in non-PPR formats, you can find those rankings here.
Top 100: Eagles in the Jungle
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I present my top 100 players (minus quarterbacks) for the week as a way to help determine your flex spots. You may favor a certain position or player over another based on his role and/or your scoring rules.
As an additional tiebreaker, here are the teams I like as a whole this week based on their matchups:
- Philadelphia Eagles (at Detroit Lions)
- Oakland Raiders (vs. San Diego Chargers)
- San Diego Chargers (at Oakland Raiders)
- New England Patriots (at Cleveland Browns)
- Baltimore Ravens (vs. Washington Redskins)
- Denver Broncos (vs. Atlanta Falcons)
Week 5 PPR Top 100
| 1 | Antonio Brown (PIT) | vs. NYJ | WR1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2 | Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG) | at GB | WR2 | 3 | +1 |
| 3 | David Johnson (ARI) | at SF | RB1 | 7 | +4 |
| 4 | A.J. Green (CIN) | at DAL | WR3 | 2 | -2 |
| 5 | Le'Veon Bell (PIT) | vs. NYJ | RB2 | 8 | +3 |
| 6 | Mike Evans (TB) | at CAR | WR4 | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | T.Y. Hilton (IND) | vs. CHI | WR5 | 11 | +4 |
| 8 | DeMarco Murray (TEN) | at MIA | RB3 | 12 | +4 |
| 9 | Jordy Nelson (GB) | vs. NYG | WR6 | 4 | -5 |
| 10 | C.J. Anderson (DEN) | vs. ATL | RB4 | 13 | +3 |
| 11 | Demaryius Thomas (DEN) | vs. ATL | WR7 | 16 | +5 |
| 12 | Amari Cooper (OAK) | vs. SD | WR8 | 29 | +17 |
| 13 | LeSean McCoy (BUF) | at LA | RB5 | 21 | +8 |
| 14 | Brandon Marshall (NYJ) | at PIT | WR9 | 10 | -4 |
| 15 | Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) | vs. CIN | RB6 | 17 | +2 |
| 16 | Michael Crabtree (OAK) | vs. SD | WR10 | 23 | +7 |
| 17 | Jordan Howard (CHI) | at IND | RB7 | 31 | +14 |
| 18 | Julian Edelman (NE) | at CLE | WR11 | 22 | +4 |
| 19 | Melvin Gordon (SD) | at OAK | RB8 | 15 | -4 |
| 20 | Julio Jones (ATL) | at DEN | WR12 | 5 | -15 |
| 21 | Todd Gurley (LA) | vs. BUF | RB9 | 27 | +6 |
| 22 | Greg Olsen (CAR) | vs. TB | TE1 | 30 | +8 |
| 23 | Jarvis Landry (MIA) | vs. TEN | WR13 | 19 | -4 |
| 24 | Kelvin Benjamin (CAR) | vs. TB | WR14 | 9 | -15 |
| 25 | Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) | at SF | WR15 | 28 | +3 |
| 26 | Steve Smith (BAL) | vs. WAS | WR16 | 32 | +6 |
| 27 | Frank Gore (IND) | vs. CHI | RB10 | 50 | +23 |
| 28 | Jordan Matthews (PHI) | at DET | WR17 | 18 | -10 |
| 29 | Marvin Jones (DET) | vs. PHI | WR18 | 14 | -15 |
| 30 | Devonta Freeman (ATL) | at DEN | RB11 | 39 | +9 |
| 31 | Jordan Reed (WAS) | at BAL | TE2 | 25 | -6 |
| 32 | Emmanuel Sanders (DEN) | vs. ATL | WR19 | 24 | -8 |
| 33 | Sterling Shepard (NYG) | at GB | WR20 | 38 | +5 |
| 34 | DeAndre Hopkins (HOU) | at MIN | WR21 | 26 | -8 |
| 35 | Travis Benjamin (SD) | at OAK | WR22 | 36 | +1 |
| 36 | Stefon Diggs (MIN) | vs. HOU | WR23 | 35 | -1 |
| 37 | Lamar Miller (HOU) | at MIN | RB12 | 33 | -4 |
| 38 | Eddie Lacy (GB) | vs. NYG | RB13 | 48 | +10 |
| 39 | Terrelle Pryor (CLE) | vs. NE | WR24 | 34 | -5 |
| 40 | Zach Ertz (PHI) | at DET | TE3 | 46 | +6 |
| 41 | Eddie Royal (CHI) | at IND | WR25 | 67 | +26 |
| 42 | John Brown (ARI) | at SF | WR26 | 51 | +9 |
| 43 | Terrance West (BAL) | vs. WAS | RB14 | 57 | +14 |
| 44 | Kyle Rudolph (MIN) | vs. HOU | TE4 | 56 | +12 |
| 45 | Will Fuller (HOU) | at MIN | WR27 | 45 | 0 |
| 46 | DeSean Jackson (WAS) | at BAL | WR28 | 40 | -6 |
| 47 | Jeremy Hill (CIN) | at DAL | RB15 | 66 | +19 |
| 48 | Latavius Murray (OAK) | vs. SD | RB16 | 75 | +27 |
| 49 | Randall Cobb (GB) | vs. NYG | WR29 | 41 | -8 |
| 50 | Zach Miller (CHI) | at IND | TE5 | 59 | +9 |
| 51 | Robert Woods (BUF) | at LA | WR30 | 65 | +14 |
| 52 | Carlos Hyde (SF) | vs. ARI | RB17 | 44 | -8 |
| 53 | Quincy Enunwa (NYJ) | at PIT | WR31 | 54 | +1 |
| 54 | Theo Riddick (DET) | vs. PHI | RB18 | 43 | -11 |
| 55 | Mike Wallace (BAL) | vs. WAS | WR32 | 63 | +8 |
| 56 | Rob Gronkowski (NE) | at CLE | TE6 | 42 | -14 |
| 57 | Isaiah Crowell (CLE) | vs. NE | RB19 | 62 | +5 |
| 58 | LeGarrette Blount (NE) | at CLE | RB20 | 49 | -9 |
| 59 | Sammie Coates (PIT) | vs. NYJ | WR33 | 84 | +25 |
| 60 | Delanie Walker (TEN) | at MIA | TE7 | 37 | -23 |
| 61 | Matt Jones (WAS) | at BAL | RB21 | 74 | +13 |
| 62 | Alshon Jeffery (CHI) | at IND | WR34 | 20 | -42 |
| 63 | Cole Beasley (DAL) | vs. CIN | WR35 | 58 | -5 |
| 64 | Jamison Crowder (WAS) | at BAL | WR36 | 61 | -3 |
| 65 | Darren Sproles (PHI) | at DET | RB22 | 68 | +3 |
| 66 | Jerick McKinnon (MIN) | vs. HOU | RB23 | 53 | -13 |
| 67 | DeVante Parker (MIA) | vs. TEN | WR37 | 64 | -3 |
| 68 | Matt Forte (NYJ) | at PIT | RB24 | 47 | -21 |
| 69 | Hunter Henry (SD) | at OAK | TE8 | 70 | +1 |
| 70 | Tyrell Williams (SD) | at OAK | WR38 | 55 | -15 |
| 71 | Cameron Brate (TB) | at CAR | TE9 | 91 | +20 |
| 72 | Giovani Bernard (CIN) | at DAL | RB25 | 71 | -1 |
| 73 | Phillip Dorsett (IND) | vs. CHI | WR39 | 60 | -13 |
| 74 | Fozzy Whittaker (CAR) | vs. TB | RB26 | 81 | +7 |
| 75 | Dez Bryant (DAL) | vs. CIN | WR40 | 129 | +54 |
| 76 | Bilal Powell (NYJ) | at PIT | RB27 | 99 | +23 |
| 77 | Charles Sims (TB) | at CAR | RB28 | 52 | -25 |
| 78 | Tyler Eifert (CIN) | at DAL | TE10 | 132 | +54 |
| 79 | Chris Hogan (NE) | at CLE | WR41 | 73 | -6 |
| 80 | James White (NE) | at CLE | RB29 | 85 | +5 |
| 81 | Michael Floyd (ARI) | at SF | WR42 | 79 | -2 |
| 82 | Adam Humphries (TB) | at CAR | WR43 | 122 | +40 |
| 83 | Martellus Bennett (NE) | at CLE | TE11 | 76 | -7 |
| 84 | Dontrelle Inman (SD) | at OAK | WR44 | 86 | +2 |
| 85 | Charles Clay (BUF) | at LA | TE12 | 123 | +38 |
| 86 | Jeremy Kerley (SF) | vs. ARI | WR45 | 112 | +26 |
| 87 | Victor Cruz (NYG) | at GB | WR46 | 83 | -4 |
| 88 | Duke Johnson (CLE) | vs. NE | RB30 | 69 | -19 |
| 89 | Tevin Coleman (ATL) | at DEN | RB31 | 90 | +1 |
| 90 | Tajae Sharpe (TEN) | at MIA | WR47 | 77 | -13 |
| 91 | Bobby Rainey (NYG) | at GB | RB32 | 133 | +42 |
| 92 | Jason Witten (DAL) | vs. CIN | TE13 | 72 | -20 |
| 93 | DeAndre Washington (OAK) | vs. SD | RB33 | 102 | +9 |
| 94 | Golden Tate (DET) | vs. PHI | WR48 | 78 | -16 |
| 95 | Tavon Austin (LA) | vs. BUF | WR49 | 82 | -13 |
| 96 | Kenny Stills (MIA) | vs. TEN | WR50 | 98 | +2 |
| 97 | Dennis Pitta (BAL) | vs. WAS | TE14 | 80 | -17 |
| 98 | Ryan Mathews (PHI) | at DET | RB34 | 89 | -9 |
| 99 | Kenny Britt (LA) | vs. BUF | WR51 | 93 | -6 |
| 100 | Chris Thompson (WAS) | at BAL | RB35 | 96 | -4 |
Quarterbacks: Top Dogs
2 of 7
Better than Usual
Carson Wentz, PHI (at DET)
Three games into his NFL career, Wentz has 769 yards and five TDs with no interceptions on 66-of-102 passing, which puts him at a 64.7 completion percentage. Oh, and the Eagles are 3-0 with a great chance to move to 4-0 in Detroit on Sunday.
Only the Falcons have allowed more fantasy points to QBs than the Lions over the first month of the season. Detroit just gave up 302 yards and two TDs to Bears backup QB Brian Hoyer in a Week 3 loss.
With the matchup already setting up well, Wentz gets another boost from the return of TE Zach Ertz following a rib injury that’s kept him out since he suffered it in Week 1. The rookie QB is more than just a streaming option going forward, so be happy to have him in your lineup this week and for the rest of the season.
Week 5 Projection: 265-275 yards, 2 touchdowns
Concerns
Matthew Stafford, DET (vs. PHI)
In reality, Stafford is playing some of the best football of his career, but that hasn’t translated to fantasy production every week. For instance, last week, he completed nearly 64 percent of his 36 attempts but had just 213 yards with two interceptions and no TDs. Strictly looking at the numbers wouldn’t show that one of those interceptions came as a result of Golden Tate running the wrong route.
For the season, Stafford’s completion percentage sits at 66.7, and he’s averaging about 300 yards per game with seven touchdowns to four interceptions. He’ll get arguably his toughest test of the young season against the visiting Eagles this weekend. The Eagles have been the toughest defense against fantasy QBs with no TDs allowed in their three games.
Stafford is playing at a high enough level to overcome a rough matchup like this one, but he’s more of a low-end starter than a top-five QB like he’s been over the first four games.
Week 5 Projection: 250-260 yards, 1 TD, 1 interception
Avoid
Matt Ryan, ATL (at DEN)
Ryan is the top fantasy QB after the first month of the season and is coming off a 503-yard, four-TD performance against the Panthers. Can you really bench a player playing that well?
Well, Ryan has been fortunate enough to face the Buccaneers, Raiders, Saints and an overmatched Panthers defense during Ryan’s hot start. The Broncos won’t make it so easy. Just ask Cam Newton (194 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT), Andrew Luck (197 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT), Andy Dalton (206 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT) or Jameis Winston (179 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs). The Broncos rank fifth in fewest fantasy points allowed to QBs, which includes rushing TDs from Newton and Winston. Ryan isn’t exactly fleet of foot.
This is a brutal matchup on the road, and Denver’s been able to shut down some of the best QBs in the league, so they are clearly battle-tested and ready for Ryan and the Falcons. Unless you’re totally stuck, try to stay away from Ryan in Week 5.
Week 5 Projection: 210-220 yards, 1 TD, 1 interception
Sleepers
Brian Hoyer, CHI (at IND)
If you’re still sleeping on Hoyer, maybe Week 5 will be your final wake-up call. Since he was called on to step in for an injured Jay Cutler in Week 3, Hoyer has been a top-five fantasy QB with 619 yards and four TDs in games in Dallas and home against the Lions.
Will Hoyer make it three straight strong fantasy performances? The Colts should give him a good chance. They decided to play the week after their trip overseas instead of taking the usual bye week, so Hoyer may be facing a tired defense. And we’re talking about a defense that’s allowed at least 320 passing yards in two of their four games. They’ve given up the ninth-most fantasy points to QBs during that span.
Hoyer should do well no matter how the game flows, as we saw last week when the Bears controlled their win over the Lions, but it could be even better for fantasy purposes if Andrew Luck can exploit Chicago’s vulnerable defense. This game has the potential to be high-scoring, which is even more reason to feel good about Hoyer’s chances.
Week 5 Projection: 265-275 yards, 2 TDs
Week 5 Quarterback Rankings
| 1 | Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) | vs. NYJ | 4 | +3 |
| 2 | Tom Brady (NE) | at CLE | 2 | 0 |
| 3 | Philip Rivers (SD) | at OAK | 6 | +3 |
| 4 | Derek Carr (OAK) | vs. SD | 7 | +3 |
| 5 | Aaron Rodgers (GB) | vs. NYG | 1 | -4 |
| 6 | Eli Manning (NYG) | at GB | 9 | +3 |
| 7 | Andrew Luck (IND) | vs. CHI | 5 | -2 |
| 8 | Carson Wentz (PHI) | at DET | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Matthew Stafford (DET) | vs. PHI | 10 | +1 |
| 10 | Brian Hoyer (CHI) | at IND | 15 | +5 |
| 11 | Joe Flacco (BAL) | vs. WAS | 13 | +2 |
| 12 | Jameis Winston (TB) | at CAR | 16 | +4 |
| 13 | Andy Dalton (CIN) | at DAL | 12 | -1 |
| 14 | Kirk Cousins (WAS) | at BAL | 11 | -3 |
| 15 | Dak Prescott (DAL) | vs. CIN | 17 | +2 |
| 16 | Matt Ryan (ATL) | at DEN | 14 | -2 |
| 17 | Derek Anderson (CAR) | vs. TB | 31 | +14 |
| 18 | Tyrod Taylor (BUF) | at LA | 20 | +2 |
| 19 | Trevor Siemian (DEN) | vs. ATL | 19 | 0 |
| 20 | Ryan Tannehill (MIA) | vs. TEN | 22 | +2 |
| 21 | Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ) | at PIT | 21 | 0 |
| 22 | Sam Bradford (MIN) | vs. HOU | 26 | +4 |
| 23 | Marcus Mariota (TEN) | at MIA | 23 | 0 |
| 24 | Brock Osweiler (HOU) | at MIN | 27 | +3 |
| 25 | Drew Stanton (ARI) | at SF | 25 | 0 |
| 26 | Cody Kessler (CLE) | vs. NE | 30 | +4 |
| 27 | Case Keenum (LA) | vs. BUF | 29 | +2 |
| 28 | Blaine Gabbert (SF) | vs. ARI | 28 | 0 |
Running Backs: On the Road
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Better than Usual
Jordan Howard, CHI (at IND)
In just one start, Howard established himself as the Bears’ best running back this season, and that shouldn’t be changing anytime soon. Last week’s game against the Lions didn’t go as expected, but that was good for Howard, as he was given 23 carries that he turned into 111 rushing yards. He tacked on three receptions for 21 yards on four targets.
The Bears didn’t do much with Joique Bell (three carries, six yards), so it looks like they are willing to trust Howard to handle the bulk of the work. He’ll get a chance to prove them right again when the Bears head to Indianapolis. The Colts declined to take their bye week after their London trip, so Howard gets a crack at a tired defense that’s given up the fourth-most fantasy points, almost 4.2 yards per carry and 25 receptions to RBs in their first four games.
Week 5 Projection: 19 carries, 84 rushing yards, 1 TD; 3 receptions, 19 receiving yards
Terrance West, BAL (vs. WAS)
The Ravens made Justin Forsett a healthy scratch in Week 4 (and cut him this week), which made West the unquestioned lead back in Baltimore, at least for now. He took advantage of the opportunity by rushing for 113 yards and a TD on 21 carries in a loss to the Raiders. While the matchup was a good one, West looked much better with a bigger workload.
Now that Forsett is gone, the Ravens will likely work rookie Kenneth Dixon into this mix starting this week. However, with West coming off a strong performance and another attractive matchup with the Redskins on the schedule this week, West should get another chance to lead the way instead of rushing Dixon into a big role.
In their Week 4 win over the Browns, Washington had no answers for Cleveland’s backfield, led by Isaiah Crowell, as it racked up 167 yards and a TD on 25 carries and added 10 receptions for 64 yards. Seeing those numbers should make West owners salivate for Week 5.
Week 5 Projection: 18 carries, 81 yards, 1 TD
Concerns
Carlos Hyde, SF (vs. ARI)
With almost no talent around him at the skill positions, Hyde has been the lone bright spot for the 49ers offense. He’s stayed busy with 73 carries for 299 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and five TDs. In last week’s loss to the Cowboys, he carried 15 times for 74 yards and a score. The 49ers defense has been good enough (and their competition has been bad enough) to keep Hyde in the mix as a runner.
Thursday’s game against the Cardinals is concerning from a matchup standpoint. They’ve held RBs to just 319 yards on 84 carries (3.8 yards per carry) and the sixth-fewest fantasy points. However, with Carson Palmer (concussion) possibly out, the 49ers could keep this one close enough to make sure Hyde remains an active part of the game plan for all four quarters. He may need the volume to be productive for fantasy.
Week 5 Projection: 17 carries, 71 rushing yards; 1 reception, 5 receiving yards
Avoid
New York Giants Backfield (at GB)
We could slowly be creeping back into an ugly running back by committee for the Giants, and after seeing how bad that turned out last year, it raises red flags for fantasy. With Rashad Jennings (thumb) inactive, the Giants turned to Orleans Darkwa (12 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD) to lead the way against the Vikings. They also had Bobby Rainey carry four times for 22 yards and targeted him nine times for 43 yards on seven receptions.
The duo of Darkwa and Rainey would be fine, but rookie Paul Perkins also made his presence known with two receptions on three targets for 72 yards and a pair of carries for eight yards. He’s the team’s most talented back, but they may not be in a rush to give him a bigger workload just yet, especially if Jennings returns this week.
Speaking of returning this week, the Packers come off the bye as one of the best run defenses in the league. In the first three games, they allowed just 128 rushing yards on 64 carries (2.0 yards per carry). That doesn’t set up well for any Giants RB, but it would be even worse if everyone, including Jennings, was active. Steer clear of his potentially ugly committee.
Week 5 Projection: To be determined based on Jennings’ status
Sleepers
Fozzy Whittaker, CAR (at TB)
The Panthers played from behind nearly the whole game in last week’s loss to the Falcons, which meant a heavy dose of Whittaker in the passing game. He led all Panthers receivers with nine receptions for 86 yards on nine targets. Neither he (three carries, six yards) nor Cameron Artis-Payne (six carries, 12 yards) could get anything going on the ground. Whittaker out-snapped Artis-Payne 55 percent to 26 percent.
This week’s matchup against the Buccaneers may look like a favorable one, but that depends on which aspect of their defense you’re looking at. They allow the 10th-most fantasy points to RBs but are holding them to just 3.3 yards per carry. They can be beaten through the air, as evidenced by the 17 receptions for 238 yards given up to RBs in the first four weeks.
Whether it’s Cam Newton cleared from his concussion or Derek Anderson stepping in to start, this looks more like a Whittaker game than a chance for Artis-Payne to establish himself on the ground.
Week 5 Projection: 6 receptions, 52 receiving yards; 4 carries, 16 rushing yards
Week 5 Running Back PPR Rankings
| 1 | David Johnson (ARI) | at SF | 1 | 0 |
| 2 | Le'Veon Bell (PIT) | vs. NYJ | 2 | 0 |
| 3 | DeMarco Murray (TEN) | at MIA | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | C.J. Anderson (DEN) | vs. ATL | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | LeSean McCoy (BUF) | at LA | 7 | +2 |
| 6 | Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) | vs. CIN | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Jordan Howard (CHI) | at IND | 9 | +2 |
| 8 | Melvin Gordon (SD) | at OAK | 5 | -3 |
| 9 | Todd Gurley (LA) | vs. BUF | 8 | -1 |
| 10 | Frank Gore (IND) | vs. CHI | 17 | +7 |
| 11 | Devonta Freeman (ATL) | at DEN | 11 | 0 |
| 12 | Lamar Miller (HOU) | at MIN | 10 | -2 |
| 13 | Eddie Lacy (GB) | vs. NYG | 15 | +2 |
| 14 | Terrance West (BAL) | vs. WAS | 20 | +6 |
| 15 | Jeremy Hill (CIN) | at DAL | 22 | +7 |
| 16 | Latavius Murray (OAK) | vs. SD | 27 | +11 |
| 17 | Carlos Hyde (SF) | vs. ARI | 12 | -5 |
| 18 | Theo Riddick (DET) | vs. PHI | 13 | -5 |
| 19 | Isaiah Crowell (CLE) | vs. NE | 21 | +2 |
| 20 | LeGarrette Blount (NE) | at CLE | 16 | -4 |
| 21 | Matt Jones (WAS) | at BAL | 26 | +5 |
| 22 | Darren Sproles (PHI) | at DET | 23 | +1 |
| 23 | Jerick McKinnon (MIN) | vs. HOU | 19 | -4 |
| 24 | Matt Forte (NYJ) | at PIT | 14 | -10 |
| 25 | Giovani Bernard (CIN) | at DAL | 25 | 0 |
| 26 | Fozzy Whittaker (CAR) | vs. TB | 28 | +2 |
| 27 | Bilal Powell (NYJ) | at PIT | 35 | +8 |
| 28 | Charles Sims (TB) | at CAR | 18 | -10 |
| 29 | James White (NE) | at CLE | 29 | 0 |
| 30 | Duke Johnson (CLE) | vs. NE | 24 | -6 |
| 31 | Tevin Coleman (ATL) | at DEN | 31 | 0 |
| 32 | Bobby Rainey (NYG) | at GB | 45 | +13 |
| 33 | DeAndre Washington (OAK) | vs. SD | 36 | +3 |
| 34 | Ryan Mathews (PHI) | at DET | 30 | -4 |
| 35 | Chris Thompson (WAS) | at BAL | 33 | -2 |
| 36 | Jay Ajayi (MIA) | vs. TEN | 39 | +3 |
| 37 | Wendell Smallwood (PHI) | at DET | 32 | -5 |
| 38 | Matt Asiata (MIN) | vs. HOU | 37 | -1 |
| 39 | Orleans Darkwa (NYG) | at GB | 38 | -1 |
| 40 | Kenneth Dixon (BAL) | vs. WAS | 40 | 0 |
| 41 | Kenyan Drake (MIA) | vs. TEN | 44 | +3 |
| 42 | Devontae Booker (DEN) | vs. ATL | 47 | +5 |
| 43 | Andre Ellington (ARI) | at SF | 52 | +9 |
| 44 | DeAngelo Williams (PIT) | vs. NYJ | 43 | -1 |
| 45 | Cameron Artis-Payne (CAR) | vs. TB | 34 | -11 |
| 46 | Zach Zenner (DET) | vs. PHI | 60 | +14 |
| 47 | Derrick Henry (TEN) | at MIA | 42 | -5 |
| 48 | Javorius Allen (BAL) | vs. WAS | 50 | +2 |
| 49 | Alfred Morris (DAL) | vs. CIN | 51 | +2 |
| 50 | Josh Ferguson (IND) | vs. CHI | 53 | +3 |
| 51 | Dexter McCluster (SD) | at OAK | 64 | +13 |
| 52 | Rashad Jennings (NYG) | at GB | 41 | -11 |
| 53 | Damien Williams (MIA) | vs. TEN | 49 | -4 |
| 54 | Jacquizz Rodgers (TB) | at CAR | 59 | +5 |
| 55 | Jalen Richard (OAK) | vs. SD | 57 | +2 |
| 56 | Paul Perkins (NYG) | at GB | 58 | +2 |
| 57 | Lance Dunbar (DAL) | vs. CIN | 56 | -1 |
| 58 | Shaun Draughn (SF) | vs. ARI | 48 | -10 |
| 59 | James Starks (GB) | vs. NYG | 55 | -4 |
| 60 | Dwayne Washington (DET) | vs. PHI | 46 | -14 |
| 61 | Robert Turbin (IND) | vs. CHI | 69 | +8 |
| 62 | Mike Gillislee (BUF) | at LA | 61 | -1 |
| 63 | Kenjon Barner (PHI) | at DET | 66 | +3 |
| 64 | Mike Tolbert (CAR) | vs. TB | 54 | -10 |
| 65 | Alfred Blue (HOU) | at MIN | 68 | +3 |
| 66 | Ka'Deem Carey (CHI) | at IND | 78 | +12 |
| 67 | Justin Forsett (BAL) | vs. WAS | 75 | +8 |
| 68 | Joique Bell (CHI) | at IND | 65 | -3 |
Wide Receivers: Fixing the Issues
4 of 7
Better than Usual
Steve Smith Sr., BAL (vs. WAS)
I have no idea how he’s doing it, but Smith has somehow come back from a major Achilles injury to return to top form just three years shy of 40 years old. His fantasy numbers improved each week of the season, topping off at eight receptions for 111 yards and a TD last week. He's racked up 22 targets over the last two games and 36 on the season, both of which lead the team. In fact, he leads the team in targets, receptions and yards.
Smith will likely see a good amount of Redskins cornerback Josh Norman on Sunday, but Washington’s defense has given up the fifth-most fantasy points in the first four games thanks to multiple injuries in the secondary. If the Ravens can scheme their way around Norman, Smith should move around the formation to get open looks.
Week 5 Projection: 6 receptions, 72 yards
Jordan Matthews, PHI (at DET)
Matthews has been a good-to-great fantasy producer in each of his three games this season. He scored in the first and third games and put up six receptions for 71 yards during the game in between. For the season, he’s hauled in 15 of 26 targets for 204 yards and a pair of TDs. Those numbers would be better if his catch rate was higher, as his hands can be suspect at times.
He should get plenty of chance to show them off in Detroit on Sunday. In four games, Detroit’s allowed the sixth-most fantasy points thanks to 54 receptions for 716 yards and six TDs. The return of Zach Ertz gives the Eagles a great one-two punch in their receiving corps, and there’s enough to go around with Carson Wentz averaging more than 33 pass attempts per game.
Week 5 Projection: 6 receptions, 80 yards, 1 touchdown
Concerns
Julio Jones, ATL (at DEN)
Figuring out Jones shouldn’t be so difficult, but it’s been a bit complicated over the last two weeks. He was set up for a huge game against the hapless Saints defense in Week 3, yet managed just one catch for 16 yards on seven targets. The Panthers should have been a step up in competition, but instead they were no competition for Jones, who put up 12 receptions for 300 yards and a score on 15 targets.
He’ll face his toughest matchup of the young season in Week 5 when the Falcons travel to Denver. Over the first four weeks, WRs posted 39 receptions for 443 yards and a TD on 79 targets and the fewest fantasy points per game against the Broncos.
Last week, they limited Mike Evans to just five receptions for 59 yards on 11 targets. A.J. Green had better luck in Week 3 with eight receptions for 77 yards on 11 targets. In Week 2, T.Y. Hilton wound up with four receptions for 41 yards on 11 targets. Kelvin Benjamin’s six receptions for 91 yards and a TD in Denver to open the season is easily the best performance by a top WR this year.
I highly doubt anyone has the depth available to consider sitting Jones, nor should they. Just make sure you manage expectations accordingly.
Week 5 Projection: 6 receptions, 81 yards
DeAndre Hopkins, HOU (at MIN)
Some of you aren’t happy with Hopkins’ fantasy output and have taken to Twitter to tell me about it. Somehow, he had just one reception for four yards on six targets last week. Meanwhile, Will Fuller had seven receptions for 81 yards and a TD on nine targets in the win over the Titans. Fuller leads the team in targets (34), receptions (19), yards (323) and is tied for the TD lead (2) with Hopkins.
Hopkins may have trouble snapping out of his funk in Week 5. He was double-teamed a lot in Week 4, but could see a lot of one-on-one coverage from Minnesota top cornerback Xavier Rhodes this week. Rhodes was a big part of the reason Odell Beckham Jr. had just three receptions for 23 yards on nine targets Monday night. Rhodes helped blank Kelvin Benjamin the week prior.
Concerns for Hopkins will remain this week in a matchup that could be a problem for all the key components of the offense, including QB Brock Osweiler.
Week 5 Projection: 5 receptions, 64 yards
Stefon Diggs, MIN (vs. HOU)
Diggs’ numbers have slipped since two big performances against the Titans and Packers to open the season. The Vikings remain undefeated through four weeks, but they didn’t get much help from Diggs in Week 3 at Carolina (4 receptions, 40 yards) or last week against the Giants (5 receptions, 47 yards).
The connection between Sam Bradford and Kyle Rudolph could be cutting into Diggs’ role, but he still has 34 targets to Rudolph’s 33 on the year. He’ll need that target number to jump in Week 5 if he wants to have any kind of legitimate production against the Texans. Houston has the third-best defense against fantasy WRs.
Week 5 Projection: 5 receptions, 70 yards
Avoid
Mohamed Sanu, ATL (at DEN)
Sanu’s opening-week line of five receptions for 80 yards and a TD on eight targets was nothing more than a tease. He’s totaled just eight receptions for 72 yards on 12 targets in the three games since Week 1.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Sanu played through a separated shoulder in Week 4 against the Panthers. If he tries to push on and play with the injury in Week 5, he’ll get a much tougher matchup against the Broncos in Denver. No team has been better against WRs than Denver. Get away from Sanu if you can.
Week 5 Projection: 3 receptions, 34 yards
Sleepers
Mike Wallace, BAL (vs. WAS)
After a hot start to the season that included three TDs in two games, Wallace has cooled off with seven receptions for 78 yards in the last two games despite commanding 15 targets. That coincided with Steve Smith’s rise back to the top of the Ravens receiving corps. Obviously, Wallace is TD-reliant for fantasy, and without scores in the last two weeks, he’s been useless.
I’d suggest firing him back up this weekend with a nice matchup against the Redskins. Washington’s allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to WRs this season, and Wallace could avoid CB Josh Norman as Washington's top defensive back sees more of Smith. Getting Wallace some downfield looks against this banged-up and vulnerable defense could result in some big chunks of production.
Week 5 Projection: 4 receptions, 62 yards
Week 5 Wide Receiver PPR Rankings
| 1 | Antonio Brown (PIT) | vs. NYJ | 1 | 0 |
| 2 | Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG) | at GB | 3 | +1 |
| 3 | A.J. Green (CIN) | at DAL | 2 | -1 |
| 4 | Mike Evans (TB) | at CAR | 6 | +2 |
| 5 | T.Y. Hilton (IND) | vs. CHI | 9 | +4 |
| 6 | Jordy Nelson (GB) | vs. NYG | 4 | -2 |
| 7 | Demaryius Thomas (DEN) | vs. ATL | 12 | +5 |
| 8 | Amari Cooper (OAK) | vs. SD | 20 | +12 |
| 9 | Brandon Marshall (NYJ) | at PIT | 8 | -1 |
| 10 | Michael Crabtree (OAK) | vs. SD | 16 | +6 |
| 11 | Julian Edelman (NE) | at CLE | 15 | +4 |
| 12 | Julio Jones (ATL) | at DEN | 5 | -7 |
| 13 | Jarvis Landry (MIA) | vs. TEN | 13 | 0 |
| 14 | Kelvin Benjamin (CAR) | vs. TB | 7 | -7 |
| 15 | Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) | at SF | 19 | +4 |
| 16 | Steve Smith (BAL) | vs. WAS | 21 | +5 |
| 17 | Jordan Matthews (PHI) | at DET | 11 | -6 |
| 18 | Marvin Jones (DET) | vs. PHI | 10 | -8 |
| 19 | Emmanuel Sanders (DEN) | vs. ATL | 18 | -1 |
| 20 | Sterling Shepard (NYG) | at GB | 25 | +5 |
| 21 | DeAndre Hopkins (HOU) | at MIN | 17 | -4 |
| 22 | Travis Benjamin (SD) | at OAK | 24 | +2 |
| 23 | Stefon Diggs (MIN) | vs. HOU | 23 | 0 |
| 24 | Terrelle Pryor (CLE) | vs. NE | 22 | -2 |
| 25 | Eddie Royal (CHI) | at IND | 38 | +13 |
| 26 | John Brown (ARI) | at SF | 29 | +3 |
| 27 | Will Fuller (HOU) | at MIN | 28 | +1 |
| 28 | DeSean Jackson (WAS) | at BAL | 26 | -2 |
| 29 | Randall Cobb (GB) | vs. NYG | 27 | -2 |
| 30 | Robert Woods (BUF) | at LA | 36 | +6 |
| 31 | Quincy Enunwa (NYJ) | at PIT | 30 | -1 |
| 32 | Mike Wallace (BAL) | vs. WAS | 35 | +3 |
| 33 | Sammie Coates (PIT) | vs. NYJ | 46 | +13 |
| 34 | Alshon Jeffery (CHI) | at IND | 14 | -20 |
| 35 | Cole Beasley (DAL) | vs. CIN | 32 | -3 |
| 36 | Jamison Crowder (WAS) | at BAL | 33 | -3 |
| 37 | DeVante Parker (MIA) | vs. TEN | 37 | 0 |
| 38 | Tyrell Williams (SD) | at OAK | 31 | -7 |
| 39 | Phillip Dorsett (IND) | vs. CHI | 34 | -5 |
| 40 | Dez Bryant (DAL) | vs. CIN | 61 | +21 |
| 41 | Chris Hogan (NE) | at CLE | 39 | -2 |
| 42 | Michael Floyd (ARI) | at SF | 40 | -2 |
| 43 | Adam Humphries (TB) | at CAR | 64 | +21 |
| 44 | Dontrelle Inman (SD) | at OAK | 44 | 0 |
| 45 | Jeremy Kerley (SF) | vs. ARI | 55 | +10 |
| 46 | Victor Cruz (NYG) | at GB | 45 | -1 |
| 47 | Tajae Sharpe (TEN) | at MIA | 42 | -5 |
| 48 | Golden Tate (DET) | vs. PHI | 41 | -7 |
| 49 | Tavon Austin (LA) | vs. BUF | 43 | -6 |
| 50 | Kenny Stills (MIA) | vs. TEN | 48 | -2 |
| 51 | Kenny Britt (LA) | vs. BUF | 49 | -2 |
| 52 | Brice Butler (DAL) | vs. CIN | 57 | +5 |
| 53 | Anquan Boldin (DET) | vs. PHI | 47 | -6 |
| 54 | Seth Roberts (OAK) | vs. SD | 56 | +2 |
| 55 | Terrance Williams (DAL) | vs. CIN | 50 | -5 |
| 56 | Nelson Agholor (PHI) | at DET | 62 | +6 |
| 57 | Kevin White (CHI) | at IND | 52 | -5 |
| 58 | Pierre Garcon (WAS) | at BAL | 51 | -7 |
| 59 | Mohamed Sanu (ATL) | at DEN | 53 | -6 |
| 60 | Brian Quick (LA) | vs. BUF | 63 | +3 |
| 61 | Ted Ginn (CAR) | vs. TB | 54 | -7 |
| 62 | Danny Amendola (NE) | at CLE | 67 | +5 |
| 63 | Davante Adams (GB) | vs. NYG | 60 | -3 |
| 64 | Dorial Green-Beckham (PHI) | at DET | 69 | +5 |
| 65 | Rishard Matthews (TEN) | at MIA | 58 | -7 |
| 66 | Brandon LaFell (CIN) | at DAL | 66 | 0 |
| 67 | Kendall Wright (TEN) | at MIA | 80 | +13 |
| 68 | Marquise Goodwin (BUF) | at LA | 77 | +9 |
| 69 | Eli Rogers (PIT) | vs. NYJ | 70 | +1 |
| 70 | Devin Funchess (CAR) | vs. TB | 68 | -2 |
| 71 | Markus Wheaton (PIT) | vs. NYJ | 74 | +3 |
| 72 | Vincent Jackson (TB) | at CAR | 59 | -13 |
| 73 | Andrew Hawkins (CLE) | vs. NE | 78 | +5 |
| 74 | Breshad Perriman (BAL) | vs. WAS | 72 | -2 |
| 75 | Kamar Aiken (BAL) | vs. WAS | 84 | +9 |
| 76 | Tyler Boyd (CIN) | at DAL | 81 | +5 |
| 77 | Torrey Smith (SF) | vs. ARI | 65 | -12 |
| 78 | Andre Holmes (OAK) | vs. SD | 88 | +10 |
Tight Ends: Handful of Help
5 of 7
Better than Usual
Zach Ertz, PHI (at DET)
Ertz was cleared to return to action in Week 5 after suffering a rib injury in Week 1. He couldn’t have picked a better time with the Eagles drawing one of the best possible matchup for TEs in the Lions. Over the first four weeks, they gave up TDs to Jack Doyle (2), Dwayne Allen, Delanie Walker, Richard Rodgers and Zach Miller. Only the Falcons have allowed more fantasy points to TEs in the first month.
Carson Wentz and the Eagles have looked strong without Ertz, but his presence brings another dangerous weapon to this offense and the TE position for fantasy. Even though it’s his first game in a month, you can start him with confidence.
Week 5 Projection: 6 receptions, 70 yards, 1 touchdown
Cameron Brate, TB (vs. CAR)
I thought about putting Brate in the sleeper category, but I doubt anyone is sleeping on a TE who’s come through with 10 receptions for 113 yards and two TDs in the last two weeks. He’s quickly turned into a favorite target for Jameis Winston, so I don’t foresee any signs of slowing down this week.
The Falcons exploited the Panthers defense over and over again last week in Atlanta, so their reputation of having a great defense is starting to go up in smoke. In the first four games, opposing TEs have scored the fourth-most fantasy points against the Panthers. Brate should have his third straight fantasy-relevant performance and is definitely worth a spot in your lineup.
Week 5 Projection: 5 receptions, 58 yards
Concerns
Eric Ebron, DET (vs. PHI)
Ebron may be on track for his best season ever, but it hasn’t been pretty. Drops, injuries and overall shaky on-field performances continue to plague Ebron and make it hard to totally buy into him as a regular starter for fantasy. He posted four receptions for 42 yards on five targets in Week 4.
No team has been better than the Eagles against TEs this season. They’ve given up just six receptions for 43 yards on 11 targets to the position. If you have to roll with Ebron this weekend, lower your expectations.
Week 5 Projection: 4 receptions, 39 yards
Avoid
None of note.
Sleepers
Charles Clay, BUF (at LA)
Losing Sammy Watkins to a foot injury for the majority of the season left a gaping hole in Buffalo’s passing game, and someone has to fill it. The primary options are Clay and WR Robert Woods, and both were busy in Week 4. Woods led the way with seven receptions for 89 yards (10 targets), while Clay had his season-high five receptions for 47 yards on seven targets.
With the Bills running low on reliable talent in their receiving corps, Clay should be busy no matter the matchup. He faces the Rams in Week 5 and may have a slight advantage, as they’ve allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to TEs in the first month of the season. The TE position is a mess for fantasy, so it’s nice to see a player elevated to a more important role.
Week 5 Projection: 5 receptions, 49 yards
Week 5 Tight End PPR Rankings
| 1 | Greg Olsen (CAR) | vs. TB | 2 | +1 |
| 2 | Jordan Reed (WAS) | at BAL | 1 | -1 |
| 3 | Zach Ertz (PHI) | at DET | 4 | +1 |
| 4 | Kyle Rudolph (MIN) | vs. HOU | 6 | +2 |
| 5 | Zach Miller (CHI) | at IND | 7 | +2 |
| 6 | Rob Gronkowski (NE) | at CLE | 5 | -1 |
| 7 | Delanie Walker (TEN) | at MIA | 3 | -4 |
| 8 | Hunter Henry (SD) | at OAK | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Cameron Brate (TB) | at CAR | 14 | +5 |
| 10 | Tyler Eifert (CIN) | at DAL | 18 | +8 |
| 11 | Martellus Bennett (NE) | at CLE | 10 | -1 |
| 12 | Charles Clay (BUF) | at LA | 21 | +9 |
| 13 | Jason Witten (DAL) | vs. CIN | 9 | -4 |
| 14 | Dennis Pitta (BAL) | vs. WAS | 11 | -3 |
| 15 | Eric Ebron (DET) | vs. PHI | 12 | -3 |
| 16 | Jacob Tamme (ATL) | at DEN | 15 | -1 |
| 17 | Jesse James (PIT) | vs. NYJ | 16 | -1 |
| 18 | Dwayne Allen (IND) | vs. CHI | 17 | -1 |
| 19 | Gary Barnidge (CLE) | vs. NE | 13 | -6 |
| 20 | Clive Walford (OAK) | vs. SD | 23 | +3 |
| 21 | Jack Doyle (IND) | vs. CHI | 19 | -2 |
| 22 | Richard Rodgers (GB) | vs. NYG | 22 | 0 |
| 23 | Antonio Gates (SD) | at OAK | 20 | -3 |
| 24 | Garrett Celek (SF) | vs. ARI | 24 | 0 |
| 25 | Virgil Green (DEN) | vs. ATL | 26 | +1 |
| 26 | Will Tye (NYG) | at GB | 29 | +3 |
| 27 | Dion Sims (MIA) | vs. TEN | 33 | +6 |
| 28 | Darren Fells (ARI) | at SF | 35 | +7 |
| 29 | Ryan Griffin (HOU) | at MIN | 25 | -4 |
Defenses: Know Your Opponents
6 of 7
Best Options Based on Matchups
New England Patriots (at CLE)
Over the first four weeks, the Browns are giving up the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. They've allowed 11 sacks, thrown four interceptions and lost three fumbles during that time. The Patriots defense is tied with the Panthers for the No. 9 spot in fantasy points. They are one of three teams in the top 10 without a TD. Cody Kessler could help change that on Sunday.
Week 5 Projection: 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 13-16 points allowed
Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. NYJ)
Even though the Steelers haven’t been a top-20 fantasy defense in the first month of the season, they’re still worth using this week with a favorable matchup against the Jets. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has turned into a turnover machine in the last two weeks with nine interceptions. They looked vulnerable in all aspects during those games and won’t get a reprieve in Pittsburgh.
Week 5 Projection: 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 18-20 points allowed
Week 5 Defense Rankings
| 1 | New England Patriots (NE) | at CLE | 1 | 0 |
| 2 | Arizona Cardinals (ARI) | at SF | 3 | +1 |
| 3 | Denver Broncos (DEN) | vs. ATL | 4 | +1 |
| 4 | Minnesota Vikings (MIN) | vs. HOU | 2 | -2 |
| 5 | Philadelphia Eagles (PHI) | at DET | 8 | +3 |
| 6 | Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) | vs. NYJ | 9 | +3 |
| 7 | Buffalo Bills (BUF) | at LA | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Carolina Panthers (CAR) | vs. TB | 5 | -3 |
| 9 | Houston Texans (HOU) | at MIN | 12 | +3 |
| 10 | Los Angeles Rams (LA) | vs. BUF | 6 | -4 |
| 11 | Miami Dolphins (MIA) | vs. TEN | 13 | +2 |
| 12 | Green Bay Packers (GB) | vs. NYG | 10 | -2 |
| 13 | Baltimore Ravens (BAL) | vs. WAS | 14 | +1 |
| 14 | Tennessee Titans (TEN) | at MIA | 18 | +4 |
| 15 | Cincinnati Bengals (CIN) | at DAL | 11 | -4 |
| 16 | San Francisco 49ers (SF) | vs. ARI | 17 | +1 |
| 17 | Oakland Raiders (OAK) | vs. SD | 16 | -1 |
| 18 | Dallas Cowboys (DAL) | vs. CIN | 19 | +1 |
| 19 | New York Jets (NYJ) | at PIT | 15 | -4 |
| 20 | New York Giants (NYG) | at GB | 22 | +2 |
Kickers: Opportunity Goes Far
7 of 7
Best Options Widely Available on the Waiver Wire
Mike Nugent, CIN (at DAL)
Nugent’s season is off to a strong start thanks to 12 field goals (13 attempts) and six extra points. The low extra-point total shows the struggles Cincinnati’s had to find some consistency in its offense, but it’s also given Nugent plenty of field-goal chances. He could be in a battle with Dan Bailey for the best fantasy kicker in Dallas this weekend.
Caleb Sturgis, PHI (vs. DET)
Well, if I’m on the entire Eagles offense for Week 5, I must like Sturgis by default. He’s hit eight field goals and nine extra points in the first three games. Philadelphia’s offense has been better than expected, and it has a favorable matchup with the Lions in Detroit this week. With an extra week to prepare, the Eagles should control this matchup, which means a productive day for Sturgis.
Week 5 Kicker Rankings
| 1 | Stephen Gostkowski (NE) | at CLE | 1 | 0 |
| 2 | Justin Tucker (BAL) | vs. WAS | 2 | 0 |
| 3 | Mason Crosby (GB) | vs. NYG | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | Adam Vinatieri (IND) | vs. CHI | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Dan Bailey (DAL) | vs. CIN | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Mike Nugent (CIN) | at DAL | 13 | +7 |
| 7 | Brandon McManus (DEN) | vs. ATL | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Chandler Catanzaro (ARI) | at SF | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Graham Gano (CAR) | vs. TB | 6 | -3 |
| 10 | Josh Lambo (SD) | at OAK | 9 | -1 |
| 11 | Chris Boswell (PIT) | vs. NYJ | 10 | -1 |
| 12 | Caleb Sturgis (PHI) | at DET | 18 | +6 |
| 13 | Sebastian Janikowski (OAK) | vs. SD | 17 | +4 |
| 14 | Josh Brown (NYG) | at GB | 11 | -3 |
| 15 | Dustin Hopkins (WAS) | at BAL | 16 | +1 |
| 16 | Blair Walsh (MIN) | vs. HOU | 12 | -4 |
| 17 | Matt Bryant (ATL) | at DEN | 15 | -2 |
| 18 | Dan Carpenter (BUF) | at LA | 20 | +2 |
| 19 | Matt Prater (DET) | vs. PHI | 14 | -5 |
| 20 | Nick Novak (HOU) | at MIN | 19 | -1 |
Stats provided by FantasyPros and NFL.com. Snap counts provided by Pro Football Focus.
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