WEEK 5 RECAP
Bears 40, Commanders 20: I pushed Thomas hard as a waiver wire target last week, trumpeting his elite usage when healthy. It didn’t move the needle much, and all he did was finish as the TE4 for the week with nine receptions (11 targets) for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Jaguars 25, Bills 20: Dalton Kincaid played more offensive snaps than Dawson Knox for the first time last week. Against Jacksonville, Knox saw more playing time and also ran more routes. Kincaid will remain a TD-dependent option at tight end until he’s consistently on the field more than Knox.
Falcons 21, Texans 19: Kyle Pitts lives! Pitts caught seven of 11 targets for 87 yards — all season-highs. It’s more likely he continues to frustrate fantasy managers going forward, making now the perfect time to sell high.
Lions 42, Panthers 24: The Adam Thielen renaissance is happening. Thielen has had at least seven receptions, 76 yards or a TD in four straight games. He’s on pace to produce 129 receptions (156 targets) for 1,340 yards and 10 TDs. The catches and targets would be career-highs. The yards (1,373) and scores (14) would fall a little short.
Colts 23, Titans 16: Anthony Richardson suffered an AC t injury to his throwing shoulder and will miss at least a month, possibly longer. This is the third time in five weeks the first-rounder was forced to the sidelines. Gardner Minshew has played well in reserve, completing 57 of 83 es (68.7 percent) for 553 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and a 95.1 rating.
Dolphins 31, Giants 16: Miami traded for Chase Claypool, but he was inactive against the G-Men. Claypool has underwhelmed since his rookie season for the Steelers in 2020, but it’ll be interesting to see how Mike McDaniels utilizes his unique blend of size and speed. Any player with equity in the Dolphins offense has value in fantasy.
Saints 34, Patriots 0: Rookie running back Kendre Miller totaled 90 yards on 16 touches, including four receptions in a blowout at New England. The third-rounder could build on this performance going forward considering Alvin Kamara’s 1,600-plus touches in his career and Jamaal Williams’ injury.
Steelers 17, Ravens 10: Jaylen Warren has scored more PPR points than Najee Harris in every game this season.
Eagles 23, Rams 14: Matthew Stafford has thrown the second most es in the NFL this season — one fewer than Kirk Cousin’s 204 attempts — and he’s fourth in ing yards (1,451). The missing ingredient to his comeback season has been TDs, but that could change quickly with Cooper Kupp healthy.
Bengals 34, Cardinals 20: After beginning the season with 10 receptions (17 targets) for 70 yards and no TDs in the first two games, Ja’Marr Chase has 34 receptions (43 targets) for 406 yards and three TDs in his last three games.
Jets 31, Broncos 21: The lack of a pitch count for Breece Hall was as d. Hall set career-highs for yards (177) and attempts (22) and averaged 8.05 yards per carry in the Jets’ road victory. Congratulations if you bought low or held on to him through all the early season tumult.
Chiefs 27, Vikings 20: Rashee Rice is the overall WR50 in standard and PPR formats through five games. Rice is the only Kansas City receiver who is in the top-60 in standard and top-70 in PPR. He deserves to be stashed as Patrick Mahomes continues to develop confidence in the talented rookie.
49ers 42, Cowboys 10: I believe people struggle to properly respect Brock Purdy because he’s surrounded by Avengers. Christian McCaffrey is Thor, Deebo Samuel is The Hulk, George Kittle is Captain America and the list goes on and on. But Purdy is Hawkeye. He’s not as powerful or awe-inspiring, but he’s still an Avenger. He’s one of the world’s deadliest assassins, but he’s just not a god, an alien or a super soldier.
Raiders 17, Packers 13: Rookie tight end Michael Mayer had one reception for two yards in the first four weeks for Las Vegas. Mayer caught two es on three targets for 39 yards in this game. The Raiders usage of the 35th overall pick — or lack thereof — in the 2023 NFL Draft has baffled me, but he had a snap share over 60 percent for the first time this season so hopefully Josh McDaniels has come to his senses.
Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.
Here’s my best bets for Week 6:
DENVER AT KANSAS CITY
Obvious starters: Jerry Jeudy (DEN), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Isiah Pacheco (KC).
Who to start: Courtland Sutton (DEN) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR35 across most fantasy formats. Russell Wilson (DEN) is the overall QB8 through five games, and will likely have to keep pace with Mahomes. It’s hard to sit Travis Kelce (KC) if he’s active unless you have another trustworthy option — monitor his ankle injury until game-time. The Chiefs D/ST are a solid streaming option at home on a short week against an offense still in flux.
Who to sit: I’m fading Javonte Williams (DEN) — who doesn’t have an injury designation — against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Samaje Perine (DEN) and Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) are only flex fliers in PPR formats with Williams active. Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 15 touches in five games. Skyy Moore (KC), Rashee Rice (KC), Kadarius Toney (KC), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) and Justin Watson (KC) remain boom-or-bust candidates.
Sleeper: Jerick McKinnon (KC) deserves flex consideration against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs.
BALTIMORE VS. TENNESSEE AT LONDON
Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Derrick Henry (TEN), DeAndre Hopkins (TEN).
Who to start: Zay Flowers (BAL) maintains WR3/flex upside with double-digit targets in three of five games. The Ravens D/ST is the eighth-highest scoring defense in fantasy through five games. Gus Edwards (BAL) maintains flex appeal with double-digit carries in four straight games. Tyjae Spears (TEN) deserves flex consideration as the overall RB33 in standard formats (RB30 in PPR). The Titans D/ST is a sneaky streaming option against an offense allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: I’m fading both Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL) and Rashod Bateman (BAL) despite a positive matchup. Treylon Burks (TEN) still hasn’t practiced this week with a knee injury that has kept him sidelined the last two games. Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends.
Sleeper: Justice Hill (BAL) deserves flex consideration as the overall RB29 in standard formats (RB34 in PPR) against a defense that has allowed three TDs to running backs in the last three games.
WASHINGTON AT ATLANTA
Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL).
Who to start: Terry McLaurin (WAS) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR36 in PPR formats. Logan Thomas (WAS) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to tight ends. Sam Howell (WAS) deserves streaming consideration as the overall QB5 since Week 4. Drake London (ATL) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Falcons D/ST is a streaming option against an offensive line that has allowed 29 sacks in five games. Desmond Ridder (ATL) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks if you’re hurting at the position.
Who to sit: Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Jahan Dotson (WAS) remains TD-dependent as the overall WR67 in standard formats (WR62 in PPR). Antonio Gibson (WAS) only has value in the deepest PPR formats. I’m fading Kyle Pitts (ATL) and Jonnu Smith (ATL) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) remains TD-dependent with inconsistent usage.
Sleeper: Curtis Samuel (WAS) is the overall WR31 in standard formats (WR34 in PPR) through five games.
MINNESOTA AT CHICAGO
Obvious starters: TJ Hockenson (MIN), Kirk Cousins (MIN), Alexander Mattison (MIN), Justin Fields (CHI), DJ Moore (CHI), Cole Kmet (CHI).
Who to start: Jordan Addison (MIN) maintains WR3/flex upside with Justin Jefferson on IR. KJ Osborn (MIN) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in five games. The Vikings D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense that has allowed a TD to opposing defenses in three of five games this season.
Who to sit: I’m fading both Roschon Johnson (CHI) and D’Onta Foreman (CHI) against a defense that has allowed 66-or-fewer rushing yards in four of five games.
Sleeper(s): Cam Akers (MIN) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs. Darnell Mooney (CHI) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
SEATTLE AT CINCINNATI
Obvious starters: DK Metcalf (SEA), Kenneth Walker (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN).
Who to start: Tyler Boyd (CIN) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers and has at least seven targets in four straight games.
Who to sit: I’m only utilizing Geno Smith (SEA) in superflex formats until we see him play with the consistency he showcased last season. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) remains TD-dependent with only 12 receptions for 62 yards in four games. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) has received double-digit touches in only one game (Week 3) this season. I’m fading the Seahawks D/ST on the road against a healthier Burrow. I would wait to see how Tee Higgins (CIN) handles game-action with his rib injury before I have him in my lineup. The Bengals D/ST faces an offense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Sleeper: Noah Fant (SEA) faces a defense that has allowed a TD to tight ends in four of five games.
SAN FRANCISCO AT CLEVELAND
Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF), Brandon Aiyuk (SF), 49ers D/ST
Who to start: Amari Cooper (CLE) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed three TDs to wide receivers the last two games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Brock Purdy (SF) on the road against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. This is a difficult matchup to trust Deshaun Watson (CLE) if he’s active. I’m fading both Jerome Ford (CLE) and Kareem Hunt (CLE) against a defense allowing 64.2 yards rushing per game. David Njoku (CLE) remains TD-dependent against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.
Sleeper: Elijah Moore (CLE) deserves flex consideration in deeper PPR formats with at least seven targets in three of four games and a potentially negative game script on tap.
CAROLINA AT MIAMI
Obvious starters: Adam Thielen (CAR), Miles Sanders (CAR), Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Tua Tagovailoa (MIA), Raheem Mostert (MIA).
Who to start: The Dolphins D/ST deserve streaming consideration at home against a rookie QB and a shaky offensive line.
Who to sit: Chuba Hubbard (CAR) remains TD-dependent and only deserves flex consideration in the deepest leagues. Jonathan Mingo (CAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in three of four games. Bryce Young (CAR) still can’t be trusted despite playing better against the Lions last week. I’m fading Hayden Hurst (CAR) despite the positive matchup, with exactly three targets in four straight games.
Sleeper: DJ Chark Jr. (CAR) is the overall WR20 in standard formats (WR24 in PPR) since Week 3.
INDIANAPOLIS AT JACKSONVILLE
Obvious starters: Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Calvin Ridley (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC).
Who to start: I anticipate Jonathan Taylor (IND) getting more work this week. Gardner Minshew (IND) faces a defense (his former team) allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) is a borderline QB1 against a defense allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Christian Kirk (JAC) is the overall WR28 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) through five games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Zack Moss (IND) after his explosion against the Titans. Zay Jones (JAC) remains TD-dependent while he’s hobbled by a knee injury. I’m fading the Jaguars D/ST against an offense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Sleeper: Josh Downs (IND) target rate has been significantly higher in games where Minshew has played — Downs has a 24.2 percent target rate in Weeks 2, 3 and 5 combined (compared to a 12.9 percent rate in Weeks 1 and 4).
NEW ORLEANS AT HOUSTON
Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), Saints D/ST, Dameon Pierce (HOU), Nico Collins (HOU).
Who to start: Monitor Chris Olave’s (NO) toe injury, but he’s an obvious starter if active. Michael Thomas (NO) maintains flex appeal with at least four receptions and 50 yards in every game this season.
Who to sit: Derek Carr (NO) is the overall QB32 through five games. Rashid Shaheed (NO) remains a boom-or-bust candidate against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Tank Dell (HOU) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol and isn’t expected to play on Sunday. I’m fading CJ Stroud (HOU) against one of the best defenses in the league. Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Devin Singletary (HOU) remains TD-dependent against a defense that hasn’t allowed a TD to running backs this season.
Sleeper: Robert Woods (HOU) deserves flex consideration with Dell likely out.
NEW ENGLAND AT LAS VEGAS
Obvious starters: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV).
Who to start: The Patriots D/ST faces an offense that has allowed 15 sacks and committed seven turnovers in the last three games. Ezekiel Elliott (NE) maintains flex appeal in deeper leagues if you’re desperate with double-digit touches in three of five games this season. Jakobi Meyers (LV) has at least seven receptions and 10 targets in three of four games. Even the hapless Raiders D/ST deserves streaming consideration against a struggling Patriots offense.
Who to sit: Hunter Henry (NE) is TD-dependent with only 12 targets since Week 3. JuJu Smith-Schuster (NE) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Friends don’t let friends start Mac Jones (NE) in fantasy. I’m fading Jimmy Garoppolo (LV) against a defense (his former team) allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Sleeper: Kendrick Bourne (NE) faces a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in five games and Smith-Schuster may not play.
ARIZONA AT L.A. RAMS
Obvious starters: Marquise Brown (ARI), Cooper Kupp (LAR), Puka Nacua (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR).
Who to start: Zach Ertz (ARI) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Tutu Atwell (LAR) has at least five receptions or a TD in every game this season.
Who to sit: I’m fading both Emari Demercado (ARI) and Keaontay Ingram (ARI) against a solid run defense. Rondale Moore (ARI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate while he’s having more impact in the run game than as a receiver. Joshua Dobbs (ARI) only deserves consideration in superflex formats. Michael Wilson (ARI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer targets in three of four games. Tyler Higbee (LAR) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.
Sleeper: Matthew Stafford (LAR) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
PHILADELPHIA AT N.Y. JETS
Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI), D’Andre Swift (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), Eagles D/ST, Breece Hall (NYJ).
Who to start: Garrett Wilson (NYJ) has at least five receptions, 54 yards or a TD in every game this season. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) deserves streaming consideration as the overall TE14 since Week 2.
Who to sit: Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) remains TD-dependent averaging seven touches per game since Week 4. Dalvin Cook (NYJ) remains TD-dependent against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs.
Sleeper: Allen Lazard (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
DETROIT AT TAMPA BAY
Obvious starters: David Montgomery (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET), Chris Godwin (TB), Rachaad White (TB).
Who to start: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET) is an obvious starter if he’s active (abdomen). Jared Goff (DET) is the overall QB10 through five games. Josh Reynolds (DET) has at least 69 yards or a TD in four of five games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) until we see his hamstring is healthy. I’m fading the Lions D/ST on the road against an offensive line that has only allowed four sacks in four games. Jameson Williams (DET) is a boom-or-bust candidate until we see his volume improve. I’m fading Mike Evans (TB) until his hamstring is fully healthy. I’m fading the Buccaneers D/ST against one of the better offenses in the NFL. I’m only utilizing Baker Mayfield (TB) in superflex formats until further notice.
Sleeper: Cade Otton (TB) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends.
N.Y. GIANTS AT BUFFALO
Obvious starters: Darren Waller (NYG), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Josh Allen (BUF), Bills D/ST, Gabe Davis (BUF), James Cook (BUF).
Who to start: I’m starting Saquon Barkley (NYG) if he’s active against a defense that has allowed four TDs to running backs in the last two games. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) has flex appeal in PPR formats with 14 receptions in three games this season.
Who to sit: I’m sitting Daniel Jones (NYG) if he’s active against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Matt Breida (NYG) doesn’t deserve to be in your lineup even if Barkley remains out. Dalton Kincaid (BUF) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Both Damien Harris (BUF) and Latavius Murray (BUF) remain TD-dependent as Cook’s backups
Sleeper: Dawson Knox (BUF) would be a streaming option if Kincaid is out.
DALLAS AT L.A. CHARGERS
Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL), Cowboys D/ST, Austin Ekeler (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC).
Who to start: Dak Prescott (DAL) could bounce back following a devastating loss at San Francisco against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Jake Ferguson (DAL) is the overall TE12 in standard formats (TE10 in PPR) since Week 3. Brandin Cooks (DAL) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers. Michael Gallup (DAL) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in four games. Joshua Palmer (LAC) has at least 77 yards or a TD in his last two games.
Who to sit: Quentin Johnston (LAC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Joshua Kelley (LAC) is game script and TD-dependent with Ekeler active.
Sleeper: Gerald Everett (LAC) faces a defense that just allowed George Kittle to score three TDs and Donald Parham Jr. has a sprained wrist.
