Week 5 of the NFL season features the Vikings playing their second international game in as many weeks, a defensive showdown between the Eagles and Broncos, and a divisional battle on Thursday Night Football.
Looking Back at Week 4
Last week’s start recommendations were Rome Odunze, Bo Nix, and Dalton Kincaid. Odunze and Nix both delivered strong performances. Kincaid was the only miss, but even he salvaged the day by catching his lone target for a 28-yard touchdown.
The sits were less successful. We advised benching Travis Kelce, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Aaron Rodgers. Kelce finished with 9.8 points on Sleeper, matching Kincaid. Harrison Jr. put up his best game of the season with 18.6 points. Rodgers threw for 200 yards and a touchdown, which looked fine on paper but translated to only 12 fantasy points.
Week 5 Start ’Em
Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts
Warren’s rookie season has been a revelation. He is averaging nearly 13 fantasy points per game and has become one of Daniel Jones’ most trusted targets. He has not yet scored his first touchdown, but this week feels like the time he breaks through with a trip to the end zone.
Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions
Williams may be the WR2 in Detroit, but his usage is steady at about five targets per game. This week he faces a vulnerable Cincinnati Bengals defense that ranks 30th against the pass. The Lions offense has been rolling since its slow Week 1, and Williams should benefit from a favorable matchup.
Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
The rookie is coming off a breakout performance with 128 rushing yards plus five receptions for 37 yards. With Najee Harris sidelined, Hampton’s workload spiked, and all signs point to even more touches this week. He is quickly proving he belongs in fantasy lineups.
Week 5 Sit ’Em
Devonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Smith has become a victim of the Eagles’ identity shift. Nick Sirianni has leaned on Saquon Barkley and the offensive line, and while it is winning games, it has limited the passing game. Jalen Hurts went 0-for-8 in the second half last week and they still won. Smith is too talented to disappear entirely, but his fantasy outlook is capped by the game plan.
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Higgins is in a similar spot as Smith. He remains the WR2, but Joe Burrow’s injury has stalled the passing attack. Jake Browning will not have the time to look for Higgins behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league. With Aidan Hutchinson expected to dominate the Bengals’ tackles, most of the passing production will go to Ja’Marr Chase rather than Higgins.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Jeanty had his breakout game in the loss to the Bears this weekend, scoring all three of the Raiders’ touchdowns. That said, the Colts present a much tougher challenge. Their defensive front allows just 96 rushing yards per game, and their ability to clog lanes should neutralize Jeanty’s impact this week.
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