Lineup Prep: Week 5

Wed Oct 2 8:44am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Thomas is off to a good start


The big item of note this week is the dreaded byes start. We knew it was coming but it still stinks. Losing key players is never fun to deal with but it is part of the game. Just roll with it and put your best lineup out there. Everyone has byes to deal with, so it all evens out in the end. But good luck trying to replace guys like Saquon Barkley, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown this week. Ouch.

Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . . .

While I think Kareem Hunt will get the starting nod and much of the work going forward for the Chiefs, I still don’t have a lot of faith in him from a fantasy perspective. I still think the Chiefs rotate backs and are a pass-first offense. I think Hunt will have some solid game but be hit or miss in his current role. So I wouldn’t break the bank trying to acquire him. He is going to have value but not be a huge weekly play in my view.

I am at the point that I have no idea what will happen at tight end from week to week. It is just a dart throw at this point. I was really hoping some of these tight ends would emerge and post consistent numbers, but I’m not sure that is going to happen. I mean Isaiah Likely is still sixth overall in tight end scoring and has fewer than five points three straight games. It just looks like a boom or bust position on a weekly basis. Just hope you hit on those booms when they happen. This is a really frustrating position right now.

Jayden Daniels is a special, special player. He is the real deal and seems to be getting better every week. Daniels is first overall in fantasy scoring after four games, ranking ahead of all the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. It is pretty amazing to see Daniels starting his career so fast. It really seems like the sky is the limit for Daniels. I would feel great about having him as my QB1 right now.

At this point, I would not count on Christian McCaffrey returning this season. I’m not sure how more was not known before the season but this is looking like one of the all-tine first pick busts. With all the information at our fingertips, it just amazes me how in the dark everyone was when it comes to the injuries McCaffrey was dealing with. And with that said, Jordan Mason sure looks like a No. 1 back in this offense. He has three 100-yard games and double-digit fantasy points every game. He was great insurance for all those McCaffrey owners.

There are three rookie fantasy receivers that rank in the top 15 at receiver. This class is living up to expectations at the receiver position. There is a ton of top talent that is going to be producing big fantasy numbers for years to come. It wouldn’t even surprise me if Malik Nabers, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Brian Thomas are even top 10 by season’s end. These guys are going to be stars and more in this class could emerge as well.

I think Davante Adams would benefit from a trade - pretty much no matter where he lands. Could you imagine if he ends up with the Chiefs, Cowboys or Commanders? His value could go through the roof with any of those teams. This guy still has plenty of talent and a few years left as an elite No. 1 receiver. A change of scenery would be good for him. Let’s get it done.

I really wish Kenneth Walker could just stay healthy. He is such a dynamic back. His play in that Monday night game was so impressive. He is as explosive and dynamic as any back in the game. I just hate that he seems to be battling some sort of injury so often. I think he is a back capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring if everything breaks his way. He is crazy talented.

News and Notes: The Broncos signed running back Salvon Ahmed to their practice squad on Tuesday. Ahmed adds depth to the running back room with Tyler Badie banged up. . . . The Packers are trying out kickers, seeing Chad Ryland and Lucas Havrisik get workouts this week. The team might be looking to replace Brayden Narveson sooner than later. . . . .The NFL suspended linebacker Von Miller four games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. He will be eligible to return Week 9.

HOT PLAYS

Brock Purdy, QB, 49ers. His fantasy stats aren’t off the charts this year, but pretty solid for Purdy. He has at least 18.5 fantasy points three straight games. And he has thrown for at least 288 yards all three of those games. He is making big plays in the passing game. Purdy has also done this with a banged up roster. These guys are getting healthy now, which bodes well for Purdy to produce even better numbers. Look for a big game from Purdy this week against the Cardinals, a team that allows the fourth most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Brian Thomas, WR, Jaguars. Thomas has been a bright spot for an erratic Jaguars offense. He has double-digit fantasy points three of four games and his season-low in fantasy points is just 9.8. He topped 20 fantasy points last week and scored his second touchdown of the season. Thomas has nine targets each of the last two games. He should get a workout again this week against the Colts, a team that allows the seventh most fantasy points to receivers.

Javonte Williams, RB, Broncos. Williams has been pretty ho-hum to start the season but does have double-digit fantasy points two of three games. He had his best rushing game of the season last week, running 16 times for 77 yards. Maybe this game gets him going. Williams has a matchup to produce well this week, getting the Raiders. Las Vegas allows the eighth most fantasy points to running backs and are 24th overall against the run. Give Williams a shot as your No. 2 back or flex option in Week 5.

Malik Nabers, WR, Giants. Nabers will have to clear the concussion protocol this week but things are looking up for him to play with the Giants having the Thursday game last week. He seems to be doing fine. With that said, Nabers has become a must start for fantasy owners. He has 20-plus fantasy points three straight games. He has at least 12 targets all three of those games. The volume that Nabers gets on a weekly basis is huge. He is shaping up as the clear No. 1 rookie receiver this season. He gets a good Seahawks defense this week but don’t let that dissuade you from using Nabers. He will get the volume and produce once again in a game the Giants could be playing from behind.

Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers. Hubbard is becoming must start for fantasy owners. He got off to a slow start but has quickly put that behind him. He has two straight games with 20-plus fantasy points. Hubbard also has 120-plus total yards each of those two games. The Panthers offense is coming alive with Andy Dalton running the show. Look for another solid game from Hubbard in Week 5. He gets the Bears, a team that allows the 10th most fantasy points to running backs.

COLD PLAYS 

Jakobi Meyers, WR, Raiders. Meyers was the No. 1 receiver for the Raiders last week with Davante Adams and had five receptions for 49 yards on 10 targets. He got his looks but didn’t produce a whole lot of fantasy owners. He could be the top target once again this week but that doesn’t mean you have to play him. He has fewer than double-digit fantasy points three of four games and gets a great Broncos secondary to deal with in Week 5. Denver allows the third fewest fantasy points to receivers and has shutdown corner Patrick Surtain shadowing the opposition’s top targets.

Zack Moss, RB, Bengals. Moss has been very solid all season for fantasy owners. He has 14-plus fantasy points three of four games. He has found the end zone three of those games. His yardage numbers have not been very good, though, which is a bit of a concern. He has fewer than 60-rushing yards every game. And last week Chase Brown had a huge game and played his most snaps of the season (40 percent). So Moss carries some risk this week against a good Ravens rush defense. Baltimore is first against the run, allowing just 57.8-rushing yards per game.

Jalen Tolbert, WR, Cowboys. Tolbert has 13-plus fantasy points two of four games. He has been pretty solid as the No. 3 receiver for the Cowboys. He is more of a boom or bust play, though. We aren’t playing him unless he has a prime matchup. And a game this week against the Steelers isn’t a good one for Tolbert. The Steelers allow the ninth fewest fantasy points to tight ends and are ninth overall against the run.

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs. Not sure that Mahomes has ever made this list but here we are. Mahomes is just 15th overall in fantasy quarterback scoring and still hasn’t reached 20 fantasy points in any game this season. He has not been helpful to fantasy owners. It is tough to bench him but we would strongly consider it this week. He lost another top receiver last week to injury, which is another concern. And Mahomes plays the Saints this week, a team that allows the eighth fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Aaron Jones, RB, Vikings. Jones made our hot list last week but gets the opposite treatment this week. He played a great game last week and has 17-plus fantasy points three of four games. Jones has been very good his first season as the statrer in Minnesota. We worry about him a little this week, though, getting a great Jets defense. New York has allowed fewer than 18 points three straight and allows the eighth fewest fantasy points to running backs. Jones could have a ho-hum showing in this one.

SLEEPERS

Josh Downs, WR, Colts. Downs is healthy and becoming a big part of the Colts passing game. He played 62 percent of the snaps last week and had eight receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. He has been targeted 14 times in his two games this season. He can have another good showing this week against a bad Jaguars defense. Jacksonville is dead last against the pass and allows the fifth most fantasy points to receivers.

D’Andre Swift, RB, Bears. Swift finally came alive last week, finishing with 165 total yards and a touchdown on 23 touches. He did this after some speculative Roschon Johnson might be cutting into his playing time. Well, that didn’t happen last week and Swift played great, so look for him to continue carrying the load. He could produce a similar huge game this week against the Panthers. Carolina allows the second most fantasy points to running backs and is 29th overall against the run, allowing 148.8-rushing yards per game.

Allen Lazard, WR, Jets. Lazard has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners. He has double-digit fantasy points three of four games. His floor is decent right now, having at least three receptions all but a game. He gets his looks and is a top red-zone target for the Jets. Aaron Rodgers is familiar with Lazard and looks his way often. He could have another solid game this week, playing the Vikings. The Jets could be behind in this game and have to throw more often to catch up. Plus, Minnesota allows the third most fantasy points to receivers.

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Browns. Jeudy is another receiver kind of flying under the radar. He has been pretty dang consistent, having double-digit fantasy points three of four games. He has two games with 70-plus yards and at least six targets every game. A move to Cleveland has been a positive for Jeudy. Look for him to post another solid game this week against the Commanders. Washington allows the most fantasy points to receivers this season.

Tucker Kraft, TE, Packers. Kraft had his best game of the season last week, catching six passes for 53 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. The return of Jordan Love was a big positive for Kraft and the entire Packers passing game. Kraft has emerged as the go-to tight end for the Packers, playing 86 percent of the snaps last week compared to 33 percent for Luke Musgrave. Kraft is the tight end to play in this offense. He is setup for another solid game this week against the Rams. Los Angeles allows the seventh most fantasy points to tight ends and has struggled defensively much of the season.

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High Scoring Games: Bucs/Falcons, Ravens/Bengals, Bills/Texans, Cardinals/49ers, Colts/Jaguars, Packers/Rams.

Low Scoring Games: Panthers/Bears, Dolphins/Texans, Raiders/Broncos.

Byes: Lions, Chargers, Eagles, Titans.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9

Player Notes
Ezekiel Elliott Nov 3 5:13pm ET
Ezekiel Elliott

Dynasty | The Dallas Cowboys have suspended Ezekiel Elliott one game. Dynasty Analysis: Elliott reportedly missed multiple team meetings this week, so the Cowboys had enough. Realistically, he's done next to nothing this season and is more of a luxury than a necessity at this point, and that luxury is more as a figurehead than anything else. Elliott has long since lost his burst and has turned into a bit of a roster clogger at this point.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jermaine Burton Nov 3 5:13pm ET
Jermaine Burton

Dynasty | Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton was a healthy scratch for the Bengals this week. Dynasty Analysis: The rookie wide receiver apparently missed Saturday's walkthough, so the Bengals decided he could miss Sunday's game as well. Burton has been a pretty big disappointment this season as the third round pick has just two catches for 88 yards on the season. He's still a decent hold in dynasty leagues, but any chance he had at contributing this season has long since evaporated and this won't help much.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Chris Olave Nov 3 5:13pm ET
Chris Olave

Dynasty | Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was knocked out of Sunday's game with an apparent concussion. Dynasty Analysis: In what quickly turned into a scary scene, Olave was sandwiched by two defenders and crumpled quickly into the ground. Ironically, Olave went public with his consideration of wearing a guardian cap for today's game, but ultimately chose not to. He was taken to a local hospital but reportedly has movement in all of his extremities. It would be a surprise to see Olave back any time soon after this latest head injury.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Demario Douglas Nov 3 5:10pm ET
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas caught seven of nine targets for 35 yards during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Tennessee Titans. After catching just four passes over his last two games, Douglas bounced back with a high-volume showing against the Titans. The 23-year-old isn't a major threat for yardage, but his high target share gives him appeal as a solid WR3/FLEX option in PPR leagues. He's worthy of lineup consideration heading into Week 10 against the Chicago Bears.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Nov 3 5:10pm ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton showcased his deep-threat ability again in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, catching all three of his targets for 49 yards with a solid 16.3 yards per reception. His longest catch went for 23 yards, giving the Giants a much-needed spark downfield, and he added 11 yards on a lone rushing attempt in the red zone. Slayton finished third on the team in receiving yards. Amid ongoing trade rumors, Slayton posted 7.5 fantasy points, potentially boosting his value to both the Giants and fantasy managers looking for a reliable flex option with big-play upside.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Nov 3 5:00pm ET
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry caught seven of eight targets for 56 yards during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The veteran pass-catcher has been impressive over the last four weeks, totaling 23 catches, 234 yards, one touchdown, and 52.4 fantasy points (PPR) during that span. He has built a strong rapport with Drake Maye and will rank as a solid low-end fantasy TE1 heading into his Week 10 battle versus the Chicago Bears.

From RotoBaller

Wan'Dale Robinson Nov 3 5:00pm ET
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson struggled to make an impact in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, recording just three receptions for 10 yards on four targets. Robinson's afternoon could have looked different if not for a penalty that wiped a touchdown off the board, leaving him without a score and frustrating fantasy managers. His 10-yard longest catch accounted for all his receiving yardage, with a disappointing 3.3 yards per reception otherwise. Finishing with just 2.5 fantasy points, Robinson's role remains limited, and he'll need more volume or a trip to the end zone to offer real fantasy value going forward.

From RotoBaller

Kirk Cousins Nov 3 5:00pm ET
Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins led his team to a 27-21 victory over the Cowboys on Sunday, completing 19 of 24 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. The interceptions were somewhat of a problem earlier in the season, throwing seven of them over the Falcons' first seven games, but now has a 7:0 TD:INT over the last two contests. Averaging 234 yards passing per game on the season, the 36-year-old will get another favorable matchup in Week 10 versus the Saints who have lost six in a row and allowed no less than 23 points in each of those contests. As such, Cousins figures to be a borderline QB1/2 next Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Kendrick Bourne Nov 3 5:00pm ET
Kendrick Bourne

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne converted six targets into four catches for 41 yards during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Tennessee Titans. This was easily his best performance through four games this season. While the veteran helped contribute to a team effort, he might have also been boosting his stock on the trade market. Bourne's name has surfaced in trade rumors lately, and a four-catch, 41-yard showing might catch the attention of some rival teams prior to Tuesday's 4 p.m. trade deadline. For now, Bourne lacks significant fantasy appeal, but a trade could change that.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Nov 3 4:50pm ET
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed for 128 yards on 28 carries during Sunday's Week 9 win over the New England Patriots. He also caught each of his three targets for an additional 26 yards through the air. Pollard essentially had the backfield to himself on Sunday, and despite missing all three practices this week, he was able to handle a very heavy workload against New England. The 27-year-old hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 6, but his impressive efficiency, volume, and receiving skills keep him in the fantasy RB2 range for next week's clash against the Los Angeles Chargers.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Nov 3 4:50pm ET
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. led the team in carries once again in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, solidifying his role as the primary back over Devin Singletary. Tracy Jr. rushed for 66 yards on a steady 4.1 yards per carry, with a long run of 10 yards that showcased his ability to gain tough yards. Although he didn't find the end zone and caught only one pass for 3 yards, Tracy Jr.'s workload suggests he's entrenched as the starter. Finishing with 7.4 fantasy points, he may not have hit high-scoring numbers, but his consistent touches make him a solid option for fantasy managers seeking reliable volume.

From RotoBaller

Mason Rudolph Nov 3 4:50pm ET
Mason Rudolph

Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph completed 20 of 33 passes for 240 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception during Sunday's Week 9 win over the New England Patriots. He also took one sack and rushed for 19 yards. Rudolph wasn't perfect, but he had his first game this year with multiple passing touchdowns and has also thrown for over 200 yards three weeks in a row. With that said, Rudolph may lose his starting job if Will Levis (right shoulder) is healthy enough to play against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Nov 3 4:50pm ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers provided a second-half spark in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, finishing with nine receptions for 59 yards on 11 targets. After being shut out with zero receiving yards in the first half, Nabers became a reliable target in the final two quarters, helping the Giants stay competitive down the stretch. Although he averaged a modest 6.6 yards per catch with a 16-yard longest reception, his volume was crucial as the Giants tried to close the gap. Nabers ended the day with 10.4 fantasy points, showing value as a high-floor option despite missing the end zone in this outing.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Nov 3 4:50pm ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was highly inefficient on the ground Sunday, rushing for just 16 yards on 10 carries against the Tennessee Titans. However, he was able to salvage his fantasy performance with one rushing touchdown, one receiving touchdown, five catches, and 38 receiving yards. Stevenson was responsible for both of the Patriots' touchdowns Sunday, one of which was a score as time expired in the fourth quarter to force overtime. Stevenson now has seven touchdowns this year, including four over the last two weeks. If he can continue to catch passes and score points, the 26-year-old will be a respectable RB2 option in fantasy football. He faces the Chicago Bears next week.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Nov 3 4:40pm ET
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz took the backseat in Week 9 as he brought in his lone target for five yards. This was his lowest output of the season, and snapped a three-game streak where he topped double-digit PPR points in each outing. Fantasy managers should not be overly concerned, as the Commanders were in the lead the entire afternoon and did not need Jayden Daniels to push the ball downfield as often. The veteran tight end remains a low-end TE1 heading into Week 10 as he has averaged 7.3 targets in his past four games entering Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Austin Seibert Nov 3 4:40pm ET
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert continued his excellent campaign by going 2-for-2 on attempts and a perfect 3-for-3 on extra points in their Week 9 victory over the New York Giants. Seibert's leg was not tested in this one, as his longest field goal came from 31 yards out. The 27-year-old has now made at least two field goals in every game since Week 4 and missed only two attempts in this span, both from 50+ yards out. Fantasy managers should continue to confidently start Seibert weekly, given how impressive the Washington offense has been.

From RotoBaller

Kentavius Street Nov 3 4:40pm ET
Kentavius Street

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett (Achilles strain) exited during Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys and did not return. He finished Week 9 with two tackles and one sack. Through nine games this year, he has totaled 30 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Kentavius Street and Ta'Quon Graham should earn more snaps on the defensive line for the duration of Jarrett's absence.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Nov 3 4:40pm ET
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones delivered his best fantasy performance of the season in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, throwing for 174 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Jones struggled early, going into halftime with zero passing yards, but rebounded in the second half with 20 completions on 26 attempts and an efficient 6.7 yards per attempt. Adding to his fantasy value, Jones rushed for 54 yards and scored a rushing touchdown, showcasing his dual-threat ability despite being sacked twice. Finishing with 24.36 fantasy points, Jones posted his highest output of the season, making him a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing Giants loss.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Nov 3 4:40pm ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 29 of 41 passes for 206 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions during Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Tennessee Titans. He also took four sacks and rushed eight times for an additional 95 yards on the ground. Furthermore, Maye coughed up two fumbles, including one that was recovered by the defense. While turnovers continued to be an issue for Maye, there was a lot to be excited about, too. Not only did he come close to 100 rushing yards, but he also led an improbable scoring drive to force overtime that was capped off by a miraculous scrambling passing touchdown. Maye's passing and rushing upside will keep him in the high-end fantasy QB2 tier for Week 10 against the Chicago Bears.

From RotoBaller

Jameis Winston Nov 3 4:30pm ET
Jameis Winston

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston completed 26 of his 46 passes for 235 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions while adding five carries for 27 yards in a 27-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9. It was a much different outing for Winston than his 2024 debut last week as he struggled with his efficiency and took six sacks in the lopsided loss to LA on Sunday. All three of his picks came after halftime while his lone touchdown pass came in garbage time with 44 seconds left in the fourth quarter. The Browns will be on bye in Week 10 before a road matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 11.

From RotoBaller