NFL Week 5 Fantasy Football- Studs, Duds, and Bye Week Replacements

Week five brings a new week of match ups, bye weeks, and injuries. Fortunately, players that have typically found themselves wallowing in the pits of the free agent pool are now not only gaining fantasy relevance, but some are approaching stud status. Just as they do every year, players come out of nowhere while others justify their draft position week in and week out. Here is a look at the players that will help you out this week. Some by playing, others by just sitting on your bench. This week Miami, New England, Pittsburgh, and Seattle are all on a bye so keep your eyes peeled for replacement players.

Studs-

Drew Brees QB- Although Drew Brees hasn't been nearly the fantasy stud this year that he has been the past few years, this week could be just what he needs to jump back into the top QB spot. He faces a porous Arizona defense that is giving up 233 passing yards per game and have allowed seven touchdowns through the air so far. No Reggie Bush or Pierre Thomas for the Saints means Brees should be chucking it all over the place today.

Maurice Jones-Drew RB- MJD has been disappointing to GM's that own him so far this year. Last week he looked like the MJD of old by racking up 105 yards rushing and a score, topping it off with a receiving touchdown. This week he gets the pleasure of running against the Bills and their terrible run defense. If you own him, smile and look forward to a big day.

Greg Jennings WR- Jennings pedestrian stats so far this season are not all his fault. Aaron Rogers has been hanging on to the ball again and the offensive line play has been less than stellar. This week, Rogers will again be forced to throw due to the fact that their running game is very, very bad. Jennings could have similar numbers to what Andre Johnson put up against the Redskins.

Dustin Keller TE- Keller's emergence as a favorite target of Mark Sanchez has the Jets rolling along and sitting in first place in the AFC East. This week, the Jets get Santonio Holmes back into their lineup for the first time this season. With teams needing to pay close attention to Holmes and Braylon Edwards, Keller will find himself open plenty on Monday night. I look for a big game from him against the Vikings.

Duds-

Brett Favre QB- Darrelle Revis is back this week and Antonio Cromartie held Randy Moss in check when they met in week two. Favre is going to want to test out his new toy and go deep throughout the game. This means plenty of chances for mistakes for Favre who has thrown his share of interceptions already this year. My advice is to stay away if you have other options.

Peyton Hillis RB- Hillis has been all the rage in the early part of the NFL season. Unfortunately, a thigh injury and match-up against a good and improving Atlanta defense makes him a sit this week. Cleveland will have to run the ball, but the holes may not be there. If you have another option, go for it.

Santana Moss WR- While I do expect this game to be high scoring, I see double teams in Santana's future. He will find it hard to get open against Charles Woodson and although he may catch a few, I don't think he will get the targets he needs to be worth a starting spot.

Bye Week Help-

Here are a few guys I like that could help you in a pinch due to injuries or byes.

QB- Sam Bradford, David Garrard, and Matt Cassel- All three have favorable match-ups. Bradford plays at Detroit, Garrard gets to take out aggression on Buffalo and and Cassel has a game against a banged up Colts secondary.

RB- Ryan Torain, Michael Bush, and Chris Ivory. I love running backs that get the start when the headliner goes down (Brandon Jackson not included). They tend to realize that this is their shot and that big shoes need to be filled. I am calling double digit fantasy points for all three of these guys.

WR- Brandon Lloyd, Kevin Walter, and Lance Moore. All three of these guys are starting to draw attention but are available for pick up in too many leagues. Lloyd has been the go to receiver of Kyle Orton who is leading the league in passing yards, Walter is playing alongside a banged up Andre Johnson, and Lance Moore is looking like he did in 08' and is a threat to break away for a special teams touchdown. If you need a receiver, look for these guys.

Good luck this week everybody. NFL week five of fantasy football is just a few hours away.