Michael Mayer Should Get Involved in Week 5 vs. Patriots 0mLink copied!

Oct 9, 2026, 6:04 PM ET

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers appears ready to play and will be busy yet again in Week 5 as the Silver and Black face the Patriots in New England. The star TE was limited in practice on Wednesday but returned to full stats later in the week, just in time for him to dominate the target share from Kirk Cousins in Foxborough. Bowers had six receptions for 86 yards and one touchdown in a 30-27 Week 4 loss against the Chiefs, bringing him to 16 receptions for 202 yards and two TDs through his first two games of the season. New England has a strong passing defense, and Cousins clearly prefers targeting Bowers over top receiver Tre Tucker. Plus, the receiving corps is banged up, with Jalen Nailor (concussion) ruled out for Sunday and Jack Bech (forearm) not ready to return. Bowers is a must-start in Week 5, even against a tough Patriots defense.--Chelena Goldman
Source: Raiders.com

Oct 9, 2026, 6:02 PM ET

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love completed 22 of 30 passes for 197 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception against Tampa Bay last week. Love has thrown two touchdown passes in every game this season, giving him eight touchdowns against three interceptions through four weeks. Chicago presents a difficult Week 5 matchup. The Bears have recorded 10 sacks and allowed only 28 points over their last three games. Sustaining drives could also be an issue, as Green Bay has converted just 26% of its third downs while Chicago ranks second in the NFL in third-down defense. The Packers kept Love clean against Tampa Bay after allowing eight sacks over the first three games, but the offensive line remains a concern with guard Aaron Banks (knee/toe) and center/guard Jacob Monk (quad) doubtful for Sunday. RotoBaller ranks Love QB12 for Week 5, leaving him right on the edge of QB1 territory.--Ryan Pederson
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 9, 2026, 5:58 PM ET

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Dohnte Meyers will face the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. Meyers flashed his potential in last week's 17-22 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. After Ja'Marr Chase left the game early with a concussion, Meyers caught seven of his nine targets for 82 yards. The rookie finished second on the team in receiving yards and third in targets. With the possibility of the Bengals being without one or both of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins due to injury, Meyers should be viewed as an important stash heading into the weekend. If Cincinnati is down either of their top pass catchers, Meyers would automatically vault into flex consideration. The 26-year-old showed some burst in the opportunities he was given last week, and he could very well break off a big play if given the chance. The Miami Dolphins defense certainly won't be able to stop the Bengals offense, so Meyers should produce with the targets he's given. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on game-day actives and inactives because Meyers could be a player to plug into lineups just ahead of kickoff.--Joshua Costello
Source: Underdog NFL - Twitter

Oct 9, 2026, 5:57 PM ET

Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. is in line to play a larger role in Week 5 against the New England Patriots. Superstar back Ashton Jeanty (ankle/foot) didn't practice on Friday and is questionable to play, which opens the door for Washington to expand his repertoire. The rookie out of Arkansas had nine carries for 18 yards in a 30-27 loss to the Chiefs in Week 4, which brings him to 24 carries for 120 yards and one touchdown on the season. The Patriots have allowed 104 rushing yards per game and four rushing TDs on the season, which lets Washington take some pressure off of Kirk Cousins and the receiving corps. Washington is a deep-league stash and a Week 5 waiver-wire pickup with Jeanty questionable to play.--Chelena Goldman
Source: ESPN

Oct 9, 2026, 5:55 PM ET

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle, foot) goes from being a must-start to a risky play in Week 5 against the New England Patriots. The second-year running back missed practice on Friday and has been listed as questionable to play due to an ankle/foot injury. It's an unfortunate turn of events, especially against a Patriots defense that is allowing 104 rushing yards per game and four rushing TDs on the season. Jeanty was held to 15 carries for 58 yards in a 30-27 loss to the Chiefs in Week 4, and still hasn't recorded a touchdown this season. Even if Jeanty plays on Sunday, RB2 Mike Washington Jr. appears capable of shouldering a heavier workload. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Jeanty's status through Saturday before choosing to play him.--Chelena Goldman
Source: Paul Gutierrez via X.com

Oct 9, 2026, 5:53 PM ET

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins is proving to be a strong starting option for fantasy managers, even as he readies his team to face the Patriots in Foxborough in Week 5. The veteran play-caller is coming off an impressive appearance against the Chiefs, throwing for a season-high 365 yards with two touchdowns and just one interception against a tough Kansas City defense. The Week 5 matchup is far from ideal since New England has been top-tier at defending the pass, allowing just 189.8 yards and five touchdowns in the air through Week 4. However, Cousins might not have Ashton Jeanty (ankle/foot) to lean on, so he will have to confidently lead the Raiders downfield through the air. Cousins remains a must-play in flex leagues, while also transforming into a high-end QB2 in standard formats because of his consistent production.--Chelena Goldman
Source: FOX Sports

Oct 9, 2026, 5:39 PM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles announced on Friday that they signed running back Carson Steele to the active 53-man roster and released veteran quarterback Andy Dalton in a corresponding move. They placed backup RB Tank Bigsby (abdomen) on Injured Reserve earlier this week due to an abdominal issue that will require core-muscle surgery. Meanwhile, starting RB Saquon Barkley (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 5 in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars after he injured his hamstring in the Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. With both Barkley and Bigsby out this weekend, the Eagles are expected to roll with Will Shipley as their primary running back, with Dameon Pierce and Steele backing him up. The 23-year-old Steele, a former undrafted free agent from UCLA, handled 56 carries for 183 yards (3.3 yards per carry) and no touchdowns in 17 games (three starts) as a rookie in 2024 with the Kansas City Chiefs. Barkley's injury is not believed to be long-term, so it is possible he will return next week to face the Carolina Panthers.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Philadelphia Eagles

Oct 9, 2026, 5:37 PM ET

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (chest) has officially been ruled out for Week 5 against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday due to a chest injury, according to Alex Insdorf. Johnston's disappointing 2026 season continues early on, with his next chance to return coming in Week 6 on the road against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. In addition to Johnston being out, the Chargers will be without Brenen Thompson, while Ladd McConkey (foot) is questionable to face the Broncos. It means that Tre' Harris could be heavily targeted this weekend against a Broncos defense that will be missing top cornerback Patrick Surtain II (ankle). The Chargers' offense has not really clicked under new coordinator Mike McDaniel so far in 2026, and that has trickled down to hurt Johnston to begin his fourth year in the NFL. Through four games, he has caught just seven of his 19 targets for 108 yards and has yet to find the end zone after catching exactly eight touchdown passes in each of the last two seasons with the Bolts. Johnston's stock continues to plummet.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Alex Insdorf

Oct 9, 2026, 5:33 PM ET

Due to injuries in the wide receiver corps for the Philadelphia Eagles, Darius Cooper is expected to have an increased role against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5 in London. The Eagles will be without No. 1 wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and fellow wideout Hollywood Brown (ankle) against the Jaguars. Meanwhile, starting running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and backup running back Tank Bigsby (abdomen, IR) are both out, while wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (hamstring) is expected to play but is dealing with a hamstring issue he suffered during the practice week. Cooper will likely work with Wicks and rookie Makai Lemon as Philadelphia's top receiver trio in Week 5. With Smith, Brown and tight end Dallas Goedert all out in a Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Cooper played 55 offensive snaps. He saw seven targets, and while he only recorded three receptions, Cooper made the most of them with two touchdowns and 33 yards. His seven targets, 33 receiving yards and two touchdowns all led the team, while his three receptions were tied for the most on a day when quarterback Jalen Hurts only threw for 93 yards. While Goedert is expected to return in Week 5, there should still be plenty of opportunities for Cooper. According to Pro Football Focus, Cooper ranks fourth in the NFL in fantasy points per touch (5.28). He has recorded just five receptions for 59 yards so far in 2026, but three of his five catches have been touchdowns. Cooper ranks as RotoBaller's No. 63 wide receiver for Week 5, and he is projected to score 5.6 fantasy points against the Jaguars. He is a touchdown-dependent boom-or-bust flex play at best this week, but it is probably best to leave Cooper out of lineups for Week 5.--Ryan O'Bleness
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 9, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

With multiple injuries in the backfield, the Philadelphia Eagles signed running back Dameon Pierce off of the practice squad and added him to their active 53-man roster. Pierce will make his 2026 season debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5 in London. Starter Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and backup Tank Bigsby (abdomen) were both injured during a loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4 and will miss this week's contest against the Jaguars. Bigsby is now on injured reserve, while Barkley's injury isn't expected to be as long term, but he will miss the Week 5 game at minimum. Fellow running back Will Shipley will play a large role for the Eagles against the Jaguars, but it appears that Pierce should be involved as well. Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni called Pierce "an NFL starting running back," so he has a lot of belief in Pierce despite his practice squad status throughout the early part of the season. The Eagles also signed running back Carson Steele to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. However, Pierce, Shipley, Steele and the Eagles are going up against a Jacksonville defense that only allows 74.3 rushing yards per game (third in the NFL). In 43 career games played, Pierce has recorded 419 attempts for 1,684 (4.0 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns, while adding 45 receptions for 268 yards (6.0 yards per catch) and one receiving touchdown. Pierce ranks as RotoBaller's No. 46 running back for Week 5. He is currently rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues. While Pierce is a stash option in deep leagues, it is best to leave him on the bench or on the waiver wire until his role is more clearly defined.--Ryan O'Bleness
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 9, 2026, 5:28 PM ET

Former Washington Commanders running back Kaytron Allen was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins on Friday, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Commanders surprisingly waived the 23-year-old rookie sixth-rounder on Thursday, and Miami made the move to quickly scoop him up with starting RB De'Von Achane (knee) done for the year with a torn ACL. Ollie Gordon II has taken over primary backfield duties in Miami, while Jaylen Wright (foot) continues to be banged up and is questionable to play in Week 5 against the visiting Cincinnati Bengals. Allen must quickly learn a new offense after moving from the NFC to the AFC, but he is worth an RB stash in deeper fantasy leagues for the opportunity that he might have in Miami going forward, especially if Wright continues to miss time with injury. The Penn State product only had 12 rushing attempts for 41 yards (3.4 yards per attempt) in his first four games with Washington before being waived. Allen was not targeted at all in the passing game.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Oct 9, 2026, 5:25 PM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles defense has had an underwhelming start to the 2026 season to say the least. According to RotoBaller's NFL stats page, the Eagles rank 29th out of 32 NFL teams in accumulated fantasy points through four games with 9.0 points (2.3 points per game). Philadelphia has recorded just four sacks on the season, while only the New York Giants have recorded fewer (the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins have also recorded four sacks). The Eagles have just two takeaways on the season - both interceptions - which is tied with three other teams for fewest in the league. Additionally, the Eagles are giving up 23.3 points per game (16th in the NFL). According to Pro Football Focus, the Eagles allow 18.0 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, 24.0 fantasy points per game to wide receivers, 17.8 fantasy points per game to running backs and 3.9 fantasy points per game to tight ends. Things aren't going to get any easier against a surging Jacksonville Jaguars team in London in Week 5. The Jaguars average 316.5 yards per game, 199.3 passing yards per game, 117.3 rushing yards per game and 26.0 points per game. Jacksonville also doesn't turn the ball over often, giving it away just twice all season. Philadelphia ranks as RotoBaller's No. 19 defense and special teams for Week 5. Currently rostered in 59% of Yahoo leagues, it might be wise to leave Philadelphia on the bench or waiver wire in Week 5.--Ryan O'Bleness
Source: RotoBaller NFL Stats Page

Oct 9, 2026, 5:22 PM ET

After the Minnesota Vikings finally created some offensive momentum, quarterback Kyler Murray is a fringe QB1 when Minnesota takes on the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The Vikings adapted last week, running more than 50 shotgun snaps -- their most since they hired Kevin O'Connell as head coach in 2022 -- and the changes clicked, as Murray completed 13 of his final 14 passes and established a rapport with tight end T.J. Hockenson. Additionally, top receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) said that he aims to return against the Saints. The bigger issue this week could be protection. Left guard Donovan Jackson (knee) is out for the season, left tackle Christian Darrisaw (concussion) was ruled out, and right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee) is questionable. The Saints, however, have been struggling, allowing points on half of opponents' possessions and ranking 30th against the run, which gives Murray an opening for his first big rushing game of the year. As RotoBaller's QB12 this week, Murray is a starting option in most formats.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 9, 2026, 5:21 PM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals defense will have one of the most favorable matchups in football as they take on the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. Despite losing their last game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bengals only gave up 22 points. The Bengals defensive unit has been one of the most improved in the league and they will get the opportunity to prove that again this week. The Dolphins offense has yet to score more than 13 points in any game this year, so there is little chance of this matchup turning into a shootout. The Bengals may not sack mobile quarterback Malik Willis often, but turnovers and defensive scores are completely in play. It should be noted that the Cincinnati defense is dealing with multiple injuries to safeties Bryan Cook and Kyle Dugger, but they should be able to overcome those absences against Miami. The Bengals defense is the top-ranked defense in our RotoBaller Week 5 rankings, making them the best option at the position, despite their injuries. Fantasy managers should plug in the Bengals defense for an easy matchup.--Joshua Costello
Source: Bengals.com

Oct 9, 2026, 5:20 PM ET

After missing the previous two games due to a knee injury, tight end Dallas Goedert is expected to return to the lineup for the Philadelphia Eagles, as he does not have an injury designation ahead of Week 5 against the Jaguars in London. Goedert returned to practice as a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday before logging a full session on Friday. Goedert suffered an MCL sprain against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. Due to the injury, he was inactive for Philadelphia's Week 3 matchup against the Chicago Bears and Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams, which were both losses for the Eagles. In his absence, the Eagles used Johnny Mundt, E.J. Jenkins and Zach Ertz at tight end, but none of them were productive in the passing game. In two games played in 2026, Goedert saw eight targets through the air and recorded five receptions for 81 yards (16.2 yards per catch) and two touchdowns. He played 71 combined offensive snaps in those two contests. Goedert is averaging 4.52 fantasy points per touch, which ranks him near the very top of the league. He will immediately slot back in as Philadelphia's No. 1 tight end and a reliable target for quarterback Jalen Hurts, especially in the red zone. With No. 1 wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and starting running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) both out, Goedert could play an important role for Philadelphia's short-handed offense. Goedert is RotoBaller's No. 17 tight end for Week 5. It is unclear if he will be on any sort of pitch count, but as long as he is healthy, Goedert should be started in your lineup.--Ryan O'Bleness
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 9, 2026, 5:18 PM ET

Since Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (thumb) went down, running back Aaron Jones Sr. has delivered RB1 production, which should continue in a great matchup against New Orleans in Week 5. The veteran is the 18th overall PPR running back and now takes on a Saints run defense that has been a complete mess. New Orleans ranks in the bottom five in yards per attempt (30th), rushing touchdowns (32nd), rushing first downs allowed (29th), and overall scoring percentage (tied for 32nd). All told, the Saints have surrendered more points to fantasy running backs than any other team. With Mason still out and the Vikings unwilling to fully trust rookie Demond Claiborne, Jones is a no-doubt starter in almost every format. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 12 running back for Week 5.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 9, 2026, 5:16 PM ET

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson will face the Miami Dolphins on the road in Week 5. McPherson has been the model of consistency, knocking through all his kicks again in the Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Cincinnati kicker nailed his lone 29-yard field goal attempt and both of his extra point attempts against the Jaguars. McPherson will have the opportunity to score more points this week at Miami. The Dolphins offense has been far below league average, and their defense has arguably been worse. The Bengals are listed as heavy road favorites with a high probability of blowing out the Dolphins. If the Bengals put forth a strong offensive performance, like they are certainly capable of, then McPherson should be kicking often throughout this weekend's contest. The Bengals offense will be without several key contributors, but should be able to get things rolling without them. McPherson is ranked K3 in our RotoBaller Week 5 rankings, making him one of the best kicker options this week.--Joshua Costello
Source: ESPN.com

Oct 9, 2026, 5:13 PM ET

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki will take on his former team as the Bengals travel to Miami in Week 5. Gesicki was fantasy relevant again in last week's loss, catching three passes for 40 yards and a touchdown. The veteran tight end now has three touchdowns on the season, catching one in three of the first four games this year. The one game where he did not catch a touchdown, Gesicki did not have a single reception. While that one goose egg game is concerning, he's been involved in every other game. Gesicki will get the opportunity to be fantasy relevant again in a revenge game against his former team. The Miami Dolphins will host Cincinnati on Sunday in a game where the Bengals are heavy road favorites. Gesicki will also get the chance to step up in the potential absence of Ja'Marr Chase or Tee Higgins. With both wide receivers questionable, quarterback Joe Burrow should pepper Gesicki with targets throughout the contest. Gesicki is ranked TE19 in our RotoBaller Week 5 PPR rankings, but those rankings may not reflect the uptick in usage he should get without the two wideouts active. Gesicki should be considered a strong start at the tight end position with enough upside to be in the flex conversation this weekend.--Joshua Costello
Source: Bengals.com

Oct 9, 2026, 5:10 PM ET

After missing the majority of two games with an injury and carrying a questionable designation, Justin Jefferson (ankle) could be a luxury WR2 if the Minnesota Vikings give him the green light against the New Orleans Saints. The Louisiana native and former LSU star said earlier in the week that he intends to play in his home state, and he practiced in a limited capacity every day this week. However, with the Vikings' bye looming next week and ankle sprains being notoriously tricky, it remains to be seen how aggressive Minnesota will be with its best player. Jefferson compiled 16 catches and 232 yards in two previous games against the Saints, who rank 13th against PPR receivers this season. The Vikings' offensive struggles and Jefferson's injury dampened his outlook to RotoBaller's No. 17 receiver this week, but if he's active, Jefferson is still an elite option worthy of starting in every format.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 9, 2026, 5:09 PM ET

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown should be ready to get a large volume of touches as the Bengals head to Miami to face the Dolphins. Brown had an inefficient day on the ground last week, rushing nine times for just 10 yards in the 17-22 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The back salvaged his fantasy day with elite usage through the air, catching 11 passes for 71 yards on 11 targets. Things should be easier for him as the Bengals take on one of the league's worst defenses in Week 5. The Dolphins defense has not been able to stop anyone on the ground or through the air so, it should be smooth sailing for Brown this weekend. Brown could also benefit from the absence of Ja'Marr Chase or Tee Higgins due to injury, opening up more opportunities for fantasy success. Brown is ranked RB5 in our RotoBaller Week 5 PPR rankings, making him a strong start at the position. Fantasy managers should start Brown with confidence this week despite his slow start to the season.--Joshua Costello
Source: ESPN.com