Three Last-Second Fantasy Football Matchups to Exploit in Week 5

Here’s a look at three fantasy football matchups that just might help you and your fantasy team come away with a victory in Week 5.

Denver Broncos QB Kyle Orton vs. San Diego Chargers Defense

While the Denver Broncos are off to a disappointing 1-3 start in what appears to be a very winnable AFC West division, quarterback Kyle Orton has treated fantasy owners to a nice opening quarter, throwing for an average of 236 yards per game along with eight touchdowns and six interceptions.

Orton has the look of a high-end QB2 for the remainder of the season especially now that second-year wideout Eric Decker has emerged as a legitimate option to complement veteran Brandon Lloyd.

In Week 5, Orton faces a San Diego Chargers defense that has performed only slightly above-average so far this season against opposing quarterbacks from sub-par passing offenses (Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins). San Diego is solid up front, however, their defensive backs are the unit’s weak link.

Look for Orton to throw early and often to keep up. 

New Orleans Saints RB Darren Sproles vs. Carolina Panthers Defense

Reggie who? Former San Diego Charger and free-agent signee Darren Sproles is certainly making his presence known in the crowded backfield of the New Orleans Saints that includes 2011 first-round draft pick Mark Ingram and the talented, yet injury-prone Pierre Thomas.

Sproles has been the standout through the season’s first four games, scoring three touchdowns and averaging 89.5 all-purpose yards on only 10.25 touches per game. His 26 catches put him in a tie for third-most in the league. Thanks to Sean Payton’s play calling, Sproles is a big part of the Saints offense even without being the starter.

New Orleans is on the road this week against a Carolina Panthers defense that struggles in coverage.  The Panthers give up 5.5 receptions per game and the fourth-most fantasy points per game (22.3) to the running back.

While Sproles is a no-brainer play in PPR leagues, he’s worth a start even in non-PPR formats in a great matchup this week.

Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones vs. Green Bay Packers Defense

Fantasy owners were antsy after Atlanta Falcons rookie wideout Julio Jones got off to a somewhat slower than expected start. However it didn’t take long for the Jones to find his groove and put together two back-to-back weeks of 100-plus yards.

Jones was targeted a league-high 14 times in Week 4 against the Seattle Seahawks. He recorded 11 receptions for 127 yards and helped Atlanta edge out Seattle, 30-28. This week Jones and the Falcons host a Green Bay Packers defense that ranks No. 31 against the pass.

While the Packers boast one of the better cornerback duos in Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams, the team’s offensive prowess forces their opponents to abandon the run in favor of more pass-heavy play calling.

Also of note, Green Bay has given up four touchdowns to the No. 2 receivers on opposing teams, so don’t be surprised if Jones finally hits pay dirt on Sunday.

CONSIDER READING MORE GREAT WEEK 5 CONTENT HERE: 
 
WEEK 5 FANTASY FOOTBALL START

WEEK 5 FANTASY FOOTBALL SIT 

QUARTERBACK RANKINGS 

RUNNING BACK RANKINGS 

WIDE RECEIVER RANKINGS