X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Heroes and Zeroes - Week 5 Fantasy Football Picks

Sometimes you just get that feeling... this week is going to be special. A typical NFL week can turn into a horror show when it's rife with injuries, or if the team you had stacked in multiple leagues gets upset at home... cough cough, Falcons, cough... But this is one of those weeks where each game is almost evenly matched in terms of record and overall talent. That means we'll have some instant classics and some slugfests that will be tough to stomach.

So now we pick out which players will rise among the crowd to lead your fantasy team, and their real-life team too I suppose, to victory. Last week, Russell Wilson going off and Amari Cooper being a bust (again) was low-hanging fruit. This time, I'll reach deeper to see which players could be worthy flex plays and streamers to win you an all-important Week 5 matchup. Why is Week 5 so important? Trick question. EVERY week is important!

In this series, I'll give you my fantasy "heroes" and "zeroes" at each position to get you ready for Week 5 of the NFL season. For my opinion on all fantasy-relevant players, you can check out how my rankings stack up against the other experts, or simply consult our RotoBaller consensus rankings.

Editor's Note: Steer clear of costly draft mistakes with RotoBaller’s expert Fantasy Football Bust analysis. We break down overvalued players, potential letdowns, and risky ADPs to avoid, so you can build a smarter, safer roster.

 

Week 5 Lineup Heroes

QUARTERBACK

Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans - First, let's get this out of the way: there is no conceivable way Watson replicates last week's numbers, probably for the rest of the season. That said, he could could still be a QB1 in what has suddenly become the Game of the Week. Da Chiefs enter as the only undefeated team in the NFL, believe it or not, so we don't have to keep Nick Buoniconti and Larry Csonka on standby with the champagne much longer. That doesn't mean they have been perfect in every way, however, as their pass defense is 25th in terms of passing yards per game allowed. They've also allowed the third-most rushing yards to QBs this year and I'm told that Watson has been known to scramble occasionally. With Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, and Kirk Cousins taking the week off, Watson should be a high-priority add for shallower leagues where you can stream the quarterback position.

Notables Worth Mentioning: Jacoby Brissett, Josh McCown

 

RUNNING BACKS

Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears - As a player who will make or break my season based on my unreasonable preseason predictions and ownership levels, I'll admit I'm pulling for him. There are also reasons to be optimistic, objectively speaking. Mike Glennon put the Bears at a disadvantage because teams were stacking the box repeatedly. Howard ranks 11th in rush attempts against fronts with eight men or more (38%). Despite that, Howard also ranks eighth among all RB in Effective Yards. If Mitch Trubisky can create somewhat of a downfield threat and relieve some pressure from the running game, Howard could benefit immediately. He will still play a workhorse-like role despite Tarik Cohen's presence. Cohen is still a passing-down/change-of-pace back who won't take away from Howard's carries like Glennon's turnovers did. I'm big on Howard and think he does just fine this week as an RB2.

Alex Collins, Baltimore Ravens - Call me a believer. For now at least. Collins not only leads the league in rushing average with 8.2 Y/A, he is second among RB in rushing efficiency with a 2.95 EFF rating, behind only Kareem Hunt. Collins hasn't seen a heavy workload yet, so his averages will surely go down, but his production should only go up. The Raiders have allowed the 10th-most rushing yards in the league despite not facing a single top-1o running back this year. It'll be an ugly game low on offense, as both teams try to win on the ground. I expect 15-18 carries for Collins for the first time this season, with 90+ yards and a score. Can't say I expect the same out of Marshawn Lynch.

Notables Worth Mentioning: Bilal Powell, LeGarrette Blount, Wayne Gallman

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

Stefon Diggs, Minnesota Vikings - No Sam Bradford, now no Dalvin Cook. No problem. Diggs has shown that he doesn't live by the hand of Bradford, posting huge numbers in Week 3 and nearly cracking 100 yards in Week 4. If anything, the absence of Cook should force them to rely on the passing game more, like last year. Diggs faces off against Kyle Fuller, who is adequate, but far from a shut-down CB. If you hesitated to consider Diggs a WR1 after a couple of games, now's the time to realize he'll put up big numbers the rest of the way and make him a fixture in your lineup.

Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs - There's a very clear pattern emerging among the Chiefs' star skill players in terms of production. One week Travis Kelce goes off, the next it's Tyreek Hill and the two are mutually exclusive. Hill scored a TD and posted at least five catches and 75 yards in Weeks 1 & 3, so now it's his turn again. Even if you don't believe in things like that, Hill does get the better end of the DB matchup in Houston, facing the man with two first names mushed together, Johnthan Banks. Hill is always a big play waiting to happen, but don't think that Houston's tough defense will necessarily bottle him up all day.

Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers - While Jordy Nelson is my top-ranked receiver this week and a better bet to score, he's also the obvious call and an every-week WR1. Cobb always has to prove that he's healthy and involved, which he has been this season to the tune of 19 catches and 189 yards in three games. OK, so the health part hasn't been perfect, but he's not on the injury report for this week. Cobb should get the better of Orlando Scandrick in what figures to be a high-scoring affair. Then again, what did we all say about the Tampa-New England game?

Notables Worth Mentioning: Rishard Matthews, Cooper Kupp, Pierre Garcon

 

TIGHT END

Hunter Henry, Los Angeles Chargers - Double down time. I'm obviously a fan of Henry (by way of having invested a couple of dynasty league picks in him) so I'll make him a repeat pick. He only caught two balls for 16 yards last week, but he scored a touchdown so that's still a win. This week, it's a no-brainer to start him, just like you should be streaming any TE who goes against the Giants. Their defensive gameplan seems to involve ignoring the tight end altogether; they give up 15 fantasy points per game to the position, including five TD in four games. By the time this is published, I'll probably have him as my No. 1 TE for Week 5.

Jared Cook, Oakland Raiders - The only Raider I'm actually touting this week, Cook looks to be one of the primary targets for EJ Manuel. Crabtree might miss the game and Cooper has been limited by a knee injury. Oh, and he's forgotten how to catch the football too. Cook has been solid all season, logging at least five targets and three catches in each game. A backup quarterback's best friend is often the tight end sitting in the middle of the field or the running back leaking out the backfield for an outlet pass.

Notables Worth Mentioning: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Adam Shaheen

 

Week 5 Lineup Zeroes

QUARTERBACKS

Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars - Bortles is never more than a bye-week filler, unless you are in a two-QB league, but you might be tempted to try him out if he's your backup and you're a Brees/Ryan owner. Don't. Just don't. The Steelers literally eat opposing quarterbacks alive. Not literally, I guess, but you get the drift. They've allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to QB this year, including a 3:4 TD:INT ratio. The London game was a clear aberration. No A-Rob plus the addition of Leonard Fournette will mean a lot more running the rest of the way for the Jags. Don't bank on the possibility of garbage time production either and play it safe instead.

DeShone Kizer, Cleveland Browns - But they play the Jets this week! But, he still plays for the Browns... which is far worse, trust me. The Jets have shown they aren't who we thought they were, in a good way. Unless you were really hoping for the #1 overall pick in the draft, that is. Mo Claiborne has been one of the top-rated corners in the league after four games and the Browns have shown little offensive potential. Kizer, for his part, has the lowest DVOA among all starting quarterbacks this season at -46.5%. You can pray for a rushing touchdown, but Jacoby Brissett is a far better bet and his ownership is just as low in Yahoo leagues (10%).

Notables Worth Mentioning: Cam Newton, Alex Smith

 

RUNNING BACKS

Marshawn Lynch, Oakland Raiders - Here's the other side of the coin in that Ravens-Raiders tilt. Lynch looked beastly in Week 1, scored a TD in Week 2 and has been a non-factor since. He is down to 3.4 yards per carry, hasn't seen double-digit attempts in two weeks and is non-existent in the passing game. Take away Derek Carr and possibly Michael Crabtree again and this looks like a disaster in the making. The Ravens have been terrible against the run the last two games, but they've been flat-out terrible in every other way as well. The first two weeks, they limited opponents to 85 YPG on the ground and were one of the better run-stopping units in 2016. This is a good time for a turnaround performance. As an aside, if you own Lynch and didn't sell already, it's probably too late.

Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals - Last week was the perfect opportunity for Mixon to blow up and I said as much in several forums including this column. Watching him play with extended snaps for the first time convinced me of something: he's not ready. It's not about opportunity any more and it was never about talent. Mixon just doesn't have the necessary vision and experience to read NFL defenses. The switch could flip on in a couple weeks, making him a great stash or buy-low candidate, but I'm not starting him against the tough front line of the Bills.

Notables Worth Mentioning: Jonathan Stewart, Chris Johnson

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

Alshon Jeffery, Philadelphia Eagles - Jeffery has been effective, but hasn't put together a breakout performance in Philadelphia yet. It won't come this week, as he gets the blanket treatment from Patrick Peterson, who has been one of the most effective shadow corners in the league this year. It's a bit paradoxical, because the Cardinals have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to WR this year, but it's mostly been slot receivers and secondary guys dong the damage. Dez Bryant, T.Y. Hilton, and Pierre Garcon have all put up duds against Arizona this year and Jeffery should do the same.

Sammy Watkins, Los Angeles Rams - He may not get Richard Sherman all afternoon, but rookie Shaquill Griffin has been impressive so far and won't leave much room for Watkins to operate. Truth be told, Watkins' perceived value lies in the strength of one big game. Otherwise, it's been a disappointing transition to L.A. Throw in an illness that held him out of practice and he looks like a bench player this week If you have a better option, use it.

Notables Worth Mentioning: Kelvin Benjamin, Martavis Bryant, Zay Jones

 

TIGHT END

Eric Ebron, Detroit Lions - No more excuses. Ebron should have benefited from the absence of Kenny Golladay the last couple of weeks, but he's only caught four of his last 11 targets. Even his one good game in Week 2 should be taken with a large grain of salt because it came against the Giants (see above Hunter Henry blurb). He's not hurt, he's being targeted, and his team is performing well on offense. I have little faith in him already and this week's contest against the Panthers just solidifies his position on the bench, or more justifiably, on waivers.

Notables Worth Mentioning: Evan Engram, Tyler Kroft

 

More Week 5 Lineup Prep




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Max Muncy

Exits With Apparent Knee Injury
Christian Moore

Exits Early with Thumb Irritation
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Josh Naylor

Returning to Diamondbacks Lineup
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Oronde Gadsden

an Active Pass-Catcher This Offseason
Brashard Smith

Speed Could be Put to Use
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Pat Bryant

Off to a Good Start
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs With Islanders for Two Years
Cody Barton

Quickly Becoming a Leader With his New Team
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal With Mammoth
Montaric Brown

has Worked With Starters
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
DET

James van Riemsdyk Joins Red Wings on One-Year Contract
Viktor Arvidsson

Traded to Boston
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Josh Jung

Sent to Triple-A
Jurickson Profar

Officially Reinstated and Hitting in Five-Hole on Wednesday
Spencer Schwellenbach

Going on Injured List With Fractured Elbow
Maxwell Hairston

Facing Sexual-Assault Lawsuit
Tai Felton

Rookie Season Likely to be Spent on Special Teams
LeQuint Allen Jr.

to Have Receiving Role for Jaguars?
Justin Walley

Turning Heads Going into Rookie Season
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
Jamari Thrash

Establishing Himself as Reliable Option
Grayson Murphy

Could Provide Rotational Pass-Rush Depth
Joe Andreessen

in a Good Position to Compete for Backup Job
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Bhayshul Tuten

Needs to Improve Pass Protection
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Brandon Woodruff

Likely to Pitch on Sunday in Miami
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
PHI

Dan Vladar Links Up With Flyers on Two-Year Deal
EDM

Andrew Mangiapane Signs Two-Year Pact With Oilers
SEA

Ryan Lindgren Joins Kraken on Four-Year Contract
PHI

Christian Dvorak Heads to Philadelphia
Logan Stankoven

Signs Long-Term Extension with Hurricanes
NYI

Jonathan Drouin Joins Islanders on Two-Year Contract
NJ

Devils Hand Connor Brown a Four-Year Contract
SJ

John Klingberg Lands in San Jose
William Eklund

Signs Three-Year Extension with Sharks
Will Cuylle

Agrees to Two-Year Contract with Rangers
Zac Gallen

Fans 10 in Tuesday's Win
Hunter Goodman

Hits Two More Homers Tuesday
Josh Hader

Stays Perfect In Save Conversion On Tuesday
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Shane Baz

Fans 11 Against Athletics
Grant Holmes

Strikes Out 10 in Scoreless Outing
Jeff Green

Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
T.J. Watt

Trying to Become Highest-Paid Non-QB?
Willson Contreras

Doubtful for Wednesday
George Springer

Clubs Two Homers in Seven-RBI Day
Joshua Palmer

Could be a Sleeper
Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia Lands with Lakers
Laviska Shenault Jr.

on the Bubble
Orlando Magic

Tyus Jones Signs One-Year Deal With Magic
Raheem Blackshear

to Work Mostly As Special-Teamer
Golden State Warriors

Kevon Looney Heads to New Orleans
Rico Dowdle

Trevor Etienne to Split Carries?
Chuba Hubbard

Should See Majority of Touches in 2025
Milwaukee Bucks

Jericho Sims Staying in Milwaukee
Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Nuggets
Willson Contreras

Avoids Structural Damage on Hand After HBP
Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Charlotte Hornets

Tre Mann Remaining in Charlotte
Josh Naylor

Scratched From Tuesday's Lineup Against Giants
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF