Mon Oct 7 3:05pm ET
Field Level Media
Week 5 of the NFL season concludes with the New Orleans Saints taking on the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead on "Monday Night Football." These teams last played in Week 15 of the 2020 season, a game the Chiefs won 32-29.
Of course, both teams have changed quite a bit since then, especially the Saints. Sean Payton was still the Saints' head coach and Drew Brees their quarterback. Current coach Dennis Allen is 2-2 against the Chiefs in his career, while quarterback Derek Carr is 3-14.
ODDS AND TRENDS
Kansas City opened as an eight-point favorite, which is unsurprising as they are undefeated and playing at home against a visiting Saints team reeling from back-to-back losses. The line has since moved to -5.5.
When these teams last met, Patrick Mahomes was still playing on his rookie contract, Carr was in his first season with the Raiders, and Allen was in his sixth as the Saints' defensive coordinator. Mahomes completed 26 of 47 passes against Allen's defense for 254 yards and three touchdowns.
If this game were in Week 3, right after back-to-back 40-point games by the Saints offense, the line probably would not have opened with such a large spread. Injuries had already started to take a toll on the Chiefs offense. Could the Saints have been the favorite in that scenario?
No, as long as Mahomes is healthy, the Chiefs will never be a home underdog.
But those Saints are not the ones taking the field Monday night, and the public does not seem too eager to get behind New Orleans in this game. According to an industry average, 88 percent of moneyline bets are on the Chiefs and 72 percent of the handle.
However, BetMGM has reported that 63 percent of their point spread tickets and 64 percent of the handle is on the Saints.
PROP PICKS
--Travis Kelce, O/U 5.5 Receptions at +100/-130 (FanDuel): If you look at his production over the first four weeks of the season, betting the UNDER appears to be the way to go. Kelce had four, three and five targets in Weeks 1-3, then nine in Week 4 with seven catches. But with Rashee Rice and the backfield decimated by injuries, Mahomes is bound to lean on his best and most experienced weapon early and often.
--Xavier Worthy, O/U/ 2.5 Rushing Yards at -120/-110: Chiefs coach Andy Reid has never been afraid to get creative with his play calls. With all the injuries Kansas City is dealing with, it would not be shocking to see him call the speedy rookie receiver to take a couple of handoffs.
Worthy has had at least one carry in three of four games this season. We like him to get at least one in this game. With his speed, he'll outrun the defense for at least 3 yards
KEY STATS
Carr has not enjoyed much success against the Chiefs during his career. During his time with the Raiders, he faced the Chiefs 17 times, winning three, including one victory in Kansas City during the 2020 season. In those games, he averaged 242.4 yards per game and completed 62.5 percent of his passes with 26 touchdowns to 17 interceptions.
THE NEWS
Injuries are an unfortunate part of life in the NFL, making how well a team navigates them crucial to making a season as successful as possible. Both the Saints and Chiefs are testaments to that harsh reality as they prepare for Monday's matchup.
The Saints will be without Taysom Hill for the second game in a row, but managing his loss is not as challenging as those on the offensive line. Center Erik McCoy is on IR with a groin injury, and the guy stepping in for him, Shane Lemieux is out again with an ankle injury.
New Orleans is also having issues with the interior of the line. Right guard Cesar Ruiz (knee) will be out for the second week in a row, and there is a good chance left guard Lucas Patrick (ankle) could sit as well. That leaves the Saints with the tackles, rookie Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning, as the only Week 1 starters on the offensive line heading into tonight's game. Fuaga has been dealing with knee and back injuries but should play.
The Saints are not alone with their injury woes. Kansas City has had skill position players dropping like flies all season.
Marquise Brown has yet to play after getting injured during the preseason. Clyde Edwards-Helaire started the season on the PUP list. Isiah Pacheco has been out since suffering a fibula injury in Week 2. Rashee Rice is out with a knee injury and it's still not clear how much time he will miss.
Many of the Chiefs who do suit up will not necessarily be healthy. Kareem Hunt has been on the injury report with a shoulder issue, as has Mecole Hardman for his knee.
INJURY REPORT
Along with the players mentioned above, the Chiefs have seen defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (triceps), defensive end Mike Danna (calf) and linebacker Nick Bolton on the injury report. All three were listed as full participants for Saturday's practice. Hunt and Hardman were also listed as full participants.
The Saints' list is a bit longer. Along with Hill, Ruiz and Lemieux, defensive end Payton Turner (knee) and linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (hand) are ruled out. Patrick did not practice Saturday and is listed as questionable. Fuaga was limited in practice all week but will not carry an injury designation into the game.
Several additional players were on the injury report this week but were full participants in Saturday's practice and do not have an injury designation for tonight's game.
PREDICTION
The Saints at +5.5 have been a popular choice, largely because many believe the injury woes will finally catch up with the Chiefs.
Mahomes still has a healthy Kelce, so the Chiefs offense will be fine. But the Saints' banged-up offensive line will struggle against a solid Kansas City defensive front. It will be another relatively low-scoring game for the Chiefs offense, but it will be even more so for the Saints.
Chiefs 17, Saints 7
--Travis Pulver, Field Level Media
Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 5
According to NFL Insider James Palmer, the Philadelphia Eagles expect superstar wide receivers A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) to return to action in Week 6. It's excellent news for the Eagles and fantasy managers. Brown has been on the shelf since a five-catch, 119-yard performance in Week 1 after popping up later that week with a hamstring issue, and Smith since Week 4 when he was forced from Philly's loss to the Buccaneers -- failing to record a target. They'll be a welcome sight for quarterback Jalen Hurts, who struggled to get much going down both athletes when the team fell to Tampa Bay 33-16. The wideouts will immediately slot back into their elite WR1 and high-end WR2 roles in the Eagles' offense, providing a significant boost to the team when Philadelphia hosts the visiting Cleveland Browns this coming Sunday. Fantasy managers can confidently return them to their starting lineups.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert had seven catches for 87 yards and a touchdown in a win against Pittsburgh. Dynasty Analysis: Tolbert led the team in catches and targets while the Steelers focused much of the defensive game plan on CeeDee Lamb. Tolbert now has double digit fantasy points in three of four games and is quickly emerging as a legitimate option in fantasy leagues. With Brandin Cooks on injured reserve, Tolbert has a chance to take the WR2 job in Dallas and run with it. He'll be a flex consideration moving forward and maybe more if he can keep it up.
Dynasty | Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle had 87 rushing yards, two catches, 27 receiving yards, and a touchdown in a win against the Steelers. Dynasty Analysis: After beginning the season in a rotation with Ezekiel Elliott, Dowdle has now taken over the backfield in Dallas. He had 22 touches this week compared to just six for Elliott. While his production has been far from dominant, his workload merits him to be in consideration each week. The Cowboys could still bring up Dalvin Cook but it seems Dowdle is going to finally get a chance to earn the job. He's a solid hold in dynasty leagues.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that when quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) is healthy, he will remain the team's starter. Richardson was forced from the Colt's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers with what was initially labeled a hip injury. In his absence, Joe Flacco has thrown for 527 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions in less than two full games of action. Despite this, Indianapolis will continue to roll with their second-year quarterback, who has yet to eclipse three passing scores on the year while already tossing six interceptions. As exciting as the 22-year-old is to watch, it would appear that Flacco gives the Colts a better chance to win games and is a bigger boost to his surrounding skill players -- particularly the wide receivers -- for fantasy. The Florida product isn't expected to be sidelined long, and projects to be back this Sunday when Indianapolis faces the Tennessee Titans on the road. This situation will become more evident when the Colts release their week's first injury report on Wednesday.
From RotoBaller
Per Joe Person of the Athletic, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (shoulder) said he is expected to undergo imaging on Monday for his AC Joint injury. The rookie wideout exited Sunday's 36-10 loss to the Chicago Bears late in the first half, ending his day with one catch on one target for eight yards. Earlier reports from Legette confirmed he expects to play in Week 6 when the team lines up to face the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday. However, Carolina is at least moderately concerned about the 23-year-old's shoulder. In his absence, wide receiver Jalen Coker saw an uptick in snaps, leading the team in receptions (4) and yards (68). Coker would likely play in three wide receiver sets again, along with Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo, if Legette were to miss more time. For now, the former first-round pick is considered day-to-day.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers allowed 20 points while logging two sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and a blocked field goal in a Week 5 Loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Led by T.J. Watt, the Steelers' defense was on fire to begin the contest, forcing two turnovers and holding Dallas to just six points in the first half. Pittsburgh managed some big plays late, such as an interception by cornerback Joey Porter Jr. that eventually led to a go-ahead touchdown, but the defense struggled to put pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott in the second half. Edge rushers Nick Herbig (hamstring) and DeMarvin Leal (neck) were both injured in the contest, leaving Pittsburgh depleted at outside linebacker with Alex Highsmith (groin) inactive. The Steelers DST will hope to get healthy in a spot to bounce back against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
According to Adam Beasley of Pro Football Network, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Monday that running back De'Von Achane (concussion) is in the NFL's concussion protocol. The 22-year-old exited Sunday's contest against the New England Patriots early after taking an end around and colliding head-on with a Pats' defender. Achane had racked up 18 yards on his three carries before his exit and seemed to be in store for a big game. In his stead, running backs Raheem Mostert and rookie Jaylen Wright handled the majority of the backfield touches, with the veteran amassing six more carries but six fewer yards than the latter. That duo would likely lead the backfield again if Achane missed time. Fortunately, Miami is heading into their Week 6 bye, which will afford the second-year back an extended recovery period. He is probably able to clear protocol ahead of an enticing Week 7 road matchup against a sieve-like Indianapolis Colts defense, but this will be a situation for fantasy managers to monitor.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell connected on his lone field goal attempt and was successful on both of his extra-point tries in a 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Boswell drilled a 41-yarder on Pittsburgh's first possession of the game but was not called upon again until the third quarter when the team finally found the end zone. Although he continues to kick extremely accurately to begin the season, the Steelers' offensive woes give some cause for concern moving forward. Boswell should be able to bounce back next week against the Las Vegas Raiders, who are surrendering over 26 points per contest.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth came down with all three of his targets for 22 yards and a score in a Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Freiermuth was quiet for much of the contest but was called upon when it mattered most. The 25-year-old was on the receiving end of a six-yard shovel-pass-touchdown from quarterback Justin Fields that put the Steelers up 17-13 with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, Freiermuth was credited with a lost fumble on the last play of the game, on which he lateralled the ball in a desperate attempt to score as time expired. Freiermuth has had a sizeable role in the offense all season and has proven to be a threat near the goal line over the past two weeks. He'll continue to project as a low-end TE1 heading into a Week 6 bout with the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) played 25 offensive snaps in the Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday in his first game since suffering a high-ankle sprain in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. However, Njoku suffered a knee injury against Washington, and head coach Kevin Stefanski said he will get an MRI exam on Monday to determine the extent of his new injury. The 28-year-old had just one reception for 14 yards on three targets in his return, while Jordan Akins caught all three of his targets for 22 yards and his first touchdown of the year. Njoku's status for a Week 6 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles is now up in the air until we know more about his knee injury. Even if his knee injury isn't serious and he's able to play this weekend, Njoku's stock has fallen to a low-end TE1/high-end TE2 in what has become an ugly Browns offense.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens recorded three receptions for 26 yards on seven targets in a 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. It was an oddly quiet night for Pickens, who was out-snapped by fellow wideouts Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III. When asked about the situation, head coach Mike Tomlin labeled it "snap management" and stated that there was no underlying reason for Pickens' minimal role. With Pickens on the sideline, it was made apparent that the Steelers are lacking explosive pass-catchers, making his limited utilization all the more confusing. He did manage to contribute on a pivotal possession late in the fourth quarter, gaining 21 yards on a short pass from Justin Fields that set up a go-ahead touchdown. The 23-year-old should be more involved in a Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders' preference as an organization is to trade wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) "sooner rather than later," according to multiple sources. However, the Raiders aren't just going to do any deal just for the sake of trading Adams, and their preference has been not to take on any of the money remaining on his contract. Trade talks involving Adams are expected to heat up this week, with the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints being the most likely destinations for the 31-year-old. Adams has missed the last two games with the Raiders due to a hamstring issue, but he's expected to be ready to play in Week 6 if he's traded by then. In three games this year, he has caught 18 passes for 209 yards and one touchdown. Moving out of Vegas and their ugly quarterback situation should be a plus for Adams' rest-of-season fantasy outlook. Stay tuned on this high-profile situation.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that quarterback Will Levis (shoulder) likely won't practice on Monday, but he expects the young signal-caller to return to his practice routine later in the week. Levis is "improving" and is better than he was after last Monday's win over the Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old suffered a right AC-joint sprain in his throwing shoulder in Week 4. He was relieved by Mason Rudolph, who stayed in for the remainder of the game and led the team to an easy win over Miami. It sounds like Levis should have a chance to play in Week 6 against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts coming out of the bye week, but nothing is official as of right now. The Titans said last week that Levis remains their starting QB as long as he's healthy, but he could be on a short leash moving forward after leading the league with six interceptions through his first four games.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields completed 15 of 27 pass attempts for 131 yards and two touchdowns while adding 27 rushing yards on six attempts in a 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers' offense struggled in this one, but Fields was able to execute with some success in the second half. He found tight end Connor Heyward for a 16-yard score early in the third quarter and later hit Pat Freiermuth on a six-yard shovel pass for a touchdown that gave the team a 17-13 lead with less than five minutes to go in the fourth. Like his performance in Week 4, Fields' efforts to mount a comeback salvaged his fantasy output even though the Steelers came up short. Assuming he remains the starter, the 25-year-old will be a low-end QB1 or high-end QB2 for fantasy purposes in Week 6 when he takes on the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss (ankle) is believed to be OK after injuring his right ankle late in the Week 5 overtime loss to the division-rival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, according to sources. Moss got twisted in an awkward way and had to leave the game late, but it looks like he dodged a bullet. The 26-year-old could very well be on the injury report this week, but he appears to have a good shot at playing in Week 6 versus the New York Giants on the road. In the 41-38 loss, Moss had a season-low-tying nine carries for only 24 yards while catching three of his four targets for 28 yards. Moss has found the end zone three times (two rushing, one receiving) in his first five games with the Bengals in 2024, but backfield mate Chase Brown has gotten more involved in recent weeks as the Bengals offense has come alive a bit. If active, he'll be an RB3/flex in fantasy in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 14 carries for 42 yards and hauled in both his targets for 35 yards in a Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Although the numbers don't necessarily reflect it, Harris was the focal point of Pittsburgh's offense on Sunday night. He managed to lead the team in receiving yards despite seeing just two opportunities in the passing game. His biggest play of the contest came on a screen pass from quarterback Justin Fields that resulted in a 20-yard gain. With Jaylen Warren (knee) inactive the past two weeks, Harris has seen the vast majority of touches in the Steelers' backfield but has been underwhelming from a fantasy perspective. The fourth-year pro will hope to turn things around against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hip) left the Week 5 win over the New York Jets in London in the first half with a right-hip injury and is undergoing an MRI exam on Monday to determine the extent of his injury. Jones was ruled out pretty quickly after he departed Sunday's game. For what it's worthy, head coach Kevin O'Connell said after the game he thought Jones' injury would be a short-term one. And with the Vikings having a bye in Week 6, there's a good chance Minnesota will have Jones back for a Week 7 tilt with the division-rival Detroit Lions. Before getting hurt, the 29-year-old played 16 offensive snaps and had seven carries for 29 yards while adding a 24-yard catch. We'll keep a close eye on Jones' status coming out of the bye week, but if he's forced to miss additional time coming out of next week's bye, Ty Chandler figures to be in line for lead-back duties for the Vikings in Week 7.
From RotoBaller
There remains hopes that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) could return this season and be sidelined six to eight weeks, according to league sources, but nothing will be determined until early this week once he has a procedure on his injured knee. Once the Chiefs have more clarity on Rice, they can move into action in terms of looking for a trade to help improve their receiving depth in the meantime. A trade makes even more sense with Marquise Brown (shoulder) lost for the year. KC explored signing DeAndre Hopkins in the 2023 offseason before he signed with the Tennessee Titans. Now that he's in the last year of his contract, the Titans could entertain offers for him. The Chiefs aren't expected to trade for Las Vegas Raiders receiver Davante Adams for a number of reasons, but they could reach out to the Jets if they land him to see if they'd be interested in moving one of their other wideouts.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (head) explained that he was a little beat up in the Week 5 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday. Allen was shaken up on a play in the second half, and backup Mitchell Trubisky came into the game briefly. "Big shot to the chest. Rolled my ankle. They flagged me for hitting my head, but felt good enough to go back in," Allen said. The 28-year-old was quickly cleared for a concussion on the sideline and returned to the contest to finish just 9-for-30 passing for a season-low 131 yards and one touchdown. It's notable that he was without his top receiver in Khalil Shakir (ankle) in this one. Don't be surprised if Allen is on the Week 6 injury report, but he should be good to go for what will be another tough matchup against the division-rival New York Jets and their stout defense. Allen remains a must-start QB1 in fantasy, and the good news is he's yet to throw a pick in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson had three catches for 23 yards, adding six rushing yards in a loss against Chicago. Dynasty Analysis: This was a major buzzkill after Johnson had posted two monster games with Andy Dalton at the helm. Chicago took control of the game rather early and made life miserable for Dalton and the offense most of the day. Johnson should be much better moving forward, but this could open up a quick window to buy in dynasty leagues if you believe he's truly turning the corner.