👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Top 5 Boom or Bust Plays Week 5

The Boom or Bust play is one of the most talked about aspects of fantasy football each week. Boom or Bust players can be used in the deep lineup leagues, when it appears you are a heavy underdog in your head-to-head matchup or even in Guaranteed Prize Pool Tournaments in DFS.

In this article, I will cover five of my favorite boom or bust plays for Week 5 of the fantasy football season.

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out FantasyAces DFS contests. New users that sign up on Fantasy Aces and make a $20 deposit will receive RotoBaller's full season NFL Premium Pass for free (including Premium DFS), normally a $59.99 value. Expert DFS research, sample lineups, matchup ratings and lots more!

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

Quarterback

Carson Wentz, Eagles QB @ DET

Carson Wentz has been one of the most impressive rookie quarterbacks in recent memory so far this season with 769 passing yards with five touchdowns and zero interceptions in the first three games, good for QB16 in points per game. With a bye week to prepare, Wentz and the undefeated Eagles will go on the road to face a Lions defense that has been matchup dependent to start the season, allowing 35 and 34 points to the Colts and Packers respectively, while only allowing 16 and 17 points to the Titans and Bears.

While some may not consider Wentz a bust possibility because he has yet to throw an interception in the NFL, he is still a rookie going on the road with the pressure of being on an undefeated team early in the season. However, Wentz is a road favorite at -3.5 with a team total of 24.5, which is why I think he is a boom play this week.

Verdict: Boom

 

Running Back

Kenneth Dixon, Ravens RB vs WAS

Last week, I cautioned against starting Jordan Howard because he was an unproven rookie heading into his first career start, that didn't work out great for me as Howard finished as RB16 with 16 PPR points, continuing to prove how it is all about touches at the running back position. This week, I am returning to the “fade rookie running back” well with Kenneth Dixon.

Dixon is expected to make his NFL debut this week against Washington, but that doesn't mean he is an instant insert into your fantasy lineups. Unlike Howard last week, Dixon doesn't have as clear of a role to RB1 touches with Terrance West and Javorius Allen, who was active for the first time this season in Week 4. Dixon is likely the superior talent in the bunch, but I think we need to see his usage before inserting him into our lineups.

Verdict: Bust

 

Wide Receiver

Travis Benjamin, Chargers WR @ Oakland

Between the Keenan Allen season ending injury and Benjamin's 29 PPR point performance in Week 2, Benjamin's fantasy value was skyrocketing with little sign of stopping. However, the following two weeks have not been as fruitful for him as he only put up 21 points in those two games combined.

Benjamin's decreased performance on the stat sheet isn't even the main worry for his fantasy value this week. Over the course of the season, the biggest issue with Benjamin has actually been getting on the field. Despite the Allen injury, Benjamin has still been third on the team in wide receiver snaps the last two weeks. So while the juicy matchup against Oakland may entice you to start Benjamin this week, he may not be on the field enough for it to matter. I see Tyrell Williams as the better and more intriguing play this week.

Verdict: Bust

 

Tight End

Jacob Tamme, Falcons TE vs DEN

This week Jacob Tamme is the classic example of situation versus matchup. Tamme is in a pass heavy Atlanta offense with a hobbled Mohamed Sanu and not much behind Julio Jones, but the matchup against the Broncos is far from ideal. However, Tamme is averaging 5.5 targets per game in the first four games and has reached the end zone in two of those contests.

Falcons/Broncos projects to be one of the higher scoring matchups of the week with an over/under of 47. This means that Tamme will likely get some chances at red zone targets. A touchdown is really all you need for a tight end waiver target to be a boom.

Verdict: Boom

 

Hail Mary of the Week

In the Hail Mary of the Week, I will choose a Boom/Bust candidate who is available on the waiver wire in most fantasy football leagues and could have a big week:

Wendell Smallwood, Eagles RB @ DET

Wendell Smallwood was one of the most hyped rookies early on in training camp, although much of that hype went by the wayside when Smallwood sustained a preseason injury. Smallwood only got three carries in the first two weeks of the season, but did get his opportunity in a blowout against the Steelers in Week 3 and took advantage of that opportunity with 17 carries for 79 yards and one touchdown.

Smallwood is a good Hail Mary play this week because we will find out whether or not his solid play in Week 3 will earn him any snaps over Ryan Mathews. Yes, there is a chance that his Week 3 performance was solely a result of a blowout, but if he does get the touches in Week 5, he could boom once again.

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Lukas Van Ness

Packers Pick Up Fifth-Year Option for Lukas Van Ness
Calais Campbell

Returning to Ravens on One-Year Deal
Michael Harris II

Could be Forced to the Injured List
Makai Lemon

Signs Four-Year Rookie Deal With Eagles
George Kittle

Trying to Return in Week 1
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

to Lead the Jaguars in Carries?
Diego Pavia

Ravens Sign Former Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia
Emmett Johnson

Chiefs "Super High" on Emmett Johnson
Ty Simpson

Met With Sean McVay Before the Draft
Jonah Coleman

has Clear "Three-Down Potential" in Denver's Offense
Austin Ekeler

100 Percent Medically Cleared for Football Activities
Darius Slayton

Undergoes Core-Muscle Surgery, Expected to be Ready for Camp
Keaton Mitchell

Dynasty Value Rising Heading into 2026
Jadarian Price

Not Expected to Lead Seahawks' Backfield Right Away
Isaiah Bond

Dynasty Value Fading Following NFL Draft
James Cook

Can James Cook Continue to Ascend in 2026 and Beyond?
Lamar Jackson

Remains an Elite Dynasty Quarterback Despite Injury-Marred 2025
Kyle Williams

' Dynasty Value Limited by Uncertain Role in New England
Luis Robert Jr.

Officially Placed on Injured List
Isaac TeSlaa

Still a Dynasty Depth Piece Worth Holding
Pat Bryant

Still a Quality Buy-Low Despite Crowded Broncos Receiver Room
Luis Robert Jr.

Likely to Land on the Injured List
Troy Franklin

Dynasty Expectations Low for Troy Franklin
Trevor Lawrence

Dynasty Value Remains High Despite Quiet Jaguars Offseason
Clayton Keller

Sets Up Two Goals Wednesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Nets Special Hat Trick in Game 5 Win
Dan Vladar

Backstops Flyers to Series-Clinching Win
Leon Draisaitl

Oilers to Use Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on Same Line Thursday
Brady Tkachuk

Remains Committed to Senators
Arttu Hyry

Could Be Available Thursday
James Harden

Contributes in All Areas Wednesday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Plays Key Role in Game 5 Win
RJ Barrett

Records First Double-Double of the Season
Austin Reaves

Contributes 22 Points Off the Bench in Game 5 Loss
LeBron James

Regains Scoring Touch Wednesday
Paolo Banchero

Scores 45 Points in Game 5 Loss
Cade Cunningham

Helps Pistons Survive With 45-Point Effort
Jock Landale

to Remain Unavailable in Game 6
Peyton Watson

to Remain Out Thursday
Austin Reaves

Cleared to Return Wednesday
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Remains Without Timetable for Return
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Wednesday's Game With Hamstring Tightness
Brandon Ingram

Won't Play in Second Half Wednesday
Aaron Gordon

Questionable for Game 6
Josh Hart

Iffy for Game 6
Joel Embiid

Likely to Play in Game 6
Bones Hyland

Could Miss Game 6
Kevin Huerter

Not Available for Game 5
Jonathan Isaac

Remains Out for Game 5
Franz Wagner

Won't Play in Game 5
MLB

Phillies-Giants Postponed on Wednesday Due to Rain
Nils Lundkvist

to Remain Out Thursday
Jonas Brodin

Uncertain for Game 6
Matvei Michkov

Expected to Rejoin Flyers Lineup Wednesday
Noah Ostlund

Set to Miss "a Period of Time"
Viktor Arvidsson

Doubtful for Game 6 Against Sabres
Barrett Hayton

Close to Returning
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

a Game-Time Call Wednesday
MLB

Orioles-Astros Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather on Wednesday
Gary Woodland

Riding Momentum Into Cadillac Championship
Jordan Spieth

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Cadillac Championship
Adam Scott

Looks Poised for Another Strong Finish at Doral
Maverick McNealy

Needs Approach Game to Click at Doral
George Springer

Being Activated From Injured List, Won't Start on Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to be Activated on Saturday
Garrett Crochet

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
CFB

Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Junior Caminero

Back in Wednesday's Lineup After Injury Scare
Harry Hall

Volatility Continues at Cadillac Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Trump National Doral
Pierceson Coody

a Risky Value Play at Cadillac Championship
Jalen Johnson

Collects Second Playoff Double-Double
Akshay Bhatia

Offers Upside with Risk at Cadillac Championship
Jalen Brunson

Pours 39 Points on Hawks in Game 5
Connor McDavid

Extends Multi-Point Streak Tuesday
Justin Thomas

a Scary Proposition at Cadillac Championship
Nikolaj Ehlers

Hurricanes Hope to Have Nikolaj Ehlers Back for Second Round
Alexander Nikishin

Could Be Available in Round 2
Victor Hedman

Logs Full Practice
Scottie Scheffler

The Leading Favorite at Cadillac Championship
Noah Ostlund

Likely to Miss Time Due to Lower-Body Injury
Arttu Hyry

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Collin Morikawa

Still a Smash Play at Cadillac Championship
Jonas Brodin

Spotted Using Crutches After Game 5
Viktor Hovland

Showed at Augusta He Can Finish Well
Sepp Straka

Attempting to Finish Better in Miami
PGA

J.J Spaun Enduring Roller Coaster Start to 2026
Min Woo Lee

Seeks to Make Adjustments at Cadillac Championship
Max Homa

May Struggle at Old Doral This Weekend
Ben Griffin

Rebounds From Rough Stretch as Miami Looms
Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
Junior Caminero

Suffers Jaw Contusion on Tuesday, Considered Day-to-Day
Pete Fairbanks

Going on Injured List With Nerve Irritation
Spencer Strider

to Make Season Debut This Weekend
Roope Hintz

Likely to Miss Entire First-Round Series
Luis Robert Jr.

Out on Tuesday With Back Tightness
Juan Soto

Dealing With Forearm Tightness, Serving as DH on Tuesday
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
Manny Machado

Departs Early With Undisclosed Injury on Monday
Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Fire Manager Rob Thomson
Elmer Rodríguez

Yankees to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Elmer Rodriguez
Pete Fairbanks

Pulled on Monday With "Unusual Sensation" in his Thumb
Giancarlo Stanton

Heading to Injured List With Calf Strain
Travis Bazzana

Guardians Calling Up Former First Overall Pick Travis Bazzana
Carson Hocevar

Scores his First Career NASCAR Cup Series Victory at Talladega
Chris Buescher

Misses out on Winning at Talladega by Finishing Second
Alex Bowman

Earns First Top-Five Finish at Talladega Since Returning From Injury
Chase Elliott

Scores A Fourth-Place Finish at Talladega
Zane Smith

Nabs First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at Talladega
CFB

Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Enters Rehab
Youssef Zalal

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Aljamain Sterling

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Norma Dumont

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Scores Upset Win
Alexander Hernandez

Gets Dominated
Alexander Hernandez

Rafa Garcia Dominates Alexander Hernandez
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Gets Back In The Win Column
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Worth Rostering for Talladega?
NASCAR

Is Bubba Wallace Playable in Talladega DFS Lineups?
Tyler Reddick

Stay Away From Tyler Reddick at Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Shake Off The Bad Luck at Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Could Contend For Another Talladega Win
Kyle Busch

an Easy DFS Pick at Talladega
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. a High-Risk, High-Reward Pick at Talladega
Todd Gilliland

a Sleeper to Watch at Talladega
Brad Keselowski

Is Brad Keselowski Worth Rostering for Talladega Lineups?
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Talladega Lineups?
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Managers Trust Christopher Bell at Talladega?
Ty Gibbs

Is A DFS Risk for Talladega Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF