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Week 5 Rankings Analysis - Pierre Camus vs. Industry Consensus

Now things get interesting. We have some high-profile offenses taking the week off and it seems like all the matchups this week are all or nothing. There could be upwards of 60 points on the board in the Pats-Bucs, Packers-Cowboys, and Chiefs-Texans games. Then there are the games that you only watch when Red Zone channel has nothing else to show you because the others are all on commercial break: 49ers-Colts, Jets-Browns, Titans-Dolphins. Of course, we have a rooting interest in all of these, because chances are you either own or are going up against a player on one of those teams. That's doing NFL right, my friends.

As an expert ranker for RotoBaller and FantasyPros, I'll put my own personal rankings out on the table for you here and show you how they stack up against the consensus of the other 100+ experts at FantasyPros. Each week, I'll list my Top 10 per position, plus a few notable players that have risen or fallen in my rankings more than the expert consensus this week.

Note: all rankings are for standard leagues and all opinions are my own. If you have questions, comments, or nothing better to do in the last five minutes of your lunch break, hit me up on Twitter @pfunk00 to continue the weekly rankings conversation.

Editor's Note: Stay on top of your draft prep with RotoBaller’s fantasy football rankings, featuring expert analysis, ADPs, and draft insights for both PPR and non-PPR leagues.

 

Week 5 Quarterbacks - Rankings Analysis

Top 10, plus notable outliers (deviation from consensus)

So, it appears that 90% of this week's passing offense will come from two games. I'm writing this before Thursday night's game, so if it's completely wrong and Tampa Bay winds up winning 9-6 or something, don't @ me.

I am believing the Deshaun Watson hype because I believed it even before the draft. When he wound up in Houston, it was obvious he'd be the starter early on. The only surprising part is how he's doing so much with so little in the receiver department, which includes a carousel of backup tight ends. Will Fuller's return should only help.

The Jags are dominating opposing passers, but Big Ben is back at home where he plays best. Something's gotta give and I'm leaning toward the Jags (giving, that is). Ben might not go off for 300+ yards and three TD, but I don't think he has to in order to be a top-10 QB this week with Drew Brees, Kirk Cousins, and Matt Ryan all on byes. Yes, you count too Trevor Siemian, but you're never in my top-10 anyway. I also like Brian Hoyer to come back strong against the Colts defense, which was embarrassed by a Seattle team with no run game and a terrible offensive line.

Russell Wilson and Cam Newton should both plummet back to Earth after tremendous weeks against god awful opponents on defense. The Lions have a great due in the secondary with Darius Slay and Glover Quin and they are a tough team to beat at home. Likewise, Wilson faces a Rams team that is susceptible to the run, but tough against the pass. They need to find a replacement for Chris Carson (who thought we'd be saying that in the middle of the season?), so I expect a heavier tilt toward the run game with Thomas Rawls and (shudder) Eddie Lacy.

 

Week 5 Running Backs - Rankings Analysis

Top 10, plus notable outliers (deviation from consensus)

No surprises at the top. Hunt is established as a top-five back, as is Gurley. On the other hand, LeSean McCoy is going to have to show something in order to maintain that status. Yardage-wise, he's gone over 100 total in two games and under 70 in two others. He's also failed to reach the end zone at all, leaving a sour taste in the mouth of standard-league owners. I think he breaks that streak this week and should be given the benefit of the doubt as long as he's healthy. The Jordan Matthews injury should make them lean even more run-heavy, if anything.

Speaking of last chances, I've written ad nauseam about Jay Ajayi's struggles and how it's not really his fault, but the offensive line's, but he still has to stay patient and settle for short gains rather than nothing and... I'm just tired of it. He just needs to obliterate the Titans, rip off some huge gains and put this all to bed. Otherwise, he can't be trusted as an RB1 any more.

I'm always going to carry the torch for ex-Cane great Frank Gore, but you have to like this matchup regardless of your feelings about him. This year's 49ers defense isn't horrible as last year's, but it's not exactly great either. They give up 106 rushing yards per game and last week's game against the Cardinals, who are dead last in rush offense with 57 Y/G, has skewed those numbers. He's still a low-end RB2 in standard leagues. Alex Collins should be shooting up the rankings, but people are still skeptical. I get it - he's another fumble away from a permanent seat on the bench and has to compete with Buck Allen and Terrance West. In PPR, he's a high-upside flex play, but in an RB-desperate world, he is worth starting in standard leagues based on his breakaway ability. Continuing the theme of being overly optimistic on recent waiver wire adds, I'm also boosting Elijah McGuire because he faces the Browns and Matt Forte is still out, while Wayne Gallman has the best scoring upside of them all.

Joe Mixon is still a hold/buy-low for me too, but I'm not putting him in my lineup just yet until he catches up to the speed of the NFL. Marshawn Lynch is still trying to catch up to himself in his 20s and it's not happening. No Derek Carr means less red zone chances and the Ravens still have a formidable run defense. I'm benching Beast Mode everywhere, or at least I would if I owned him.

 

Week 5 Wide Receivers - Rankings Analysis

Top 10, plus notable outliers (deviation from consensus)

This has to be the lowest I've put Antonio Brown in my rankings for quite a while. As mentioned earlier, the Jags have the highest-graded CB duo in the league with A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey, so it'll be tough sledding even in Pittsburgh. Big Ben can get away with dump-offs to Le'Veon Bell and secondary receivers, but the Jags won't let Brown beat them. Of course, you're still starting him...

I'm also on the verge of putting Stefon Diggs higher than OBJ or A.J. Green this week. It'll be back to last year's offense for the Vikes now that Dalvin Cook is gone. I expect a ton of targets for Diggs and the re-emergence of Kyle Rudolph (more on that later).

Putting T.Y. Hilton in the top 10 might be overly optimistic, but keep in mind that his three relative duds this season have come against superior pass defenses (Seattle, Arizona, L.A. Rams). It's tough not to overreact to such a plus matchup, but in Hilton's case he's got the track record to make it worthwhile. For that same reason, I think Jermaine Kearse bounces back with a solid game at Cleveland. He's not more than a WR3, but with several quality receivers out due to the bye, he could slide into a lineup spot for deeper leagues.

While I'm slightly down on AB, I'm way down on Martavis Bryant. Physical talent be damned, he just isn't producing like most people expected. One big play in Week 2 and a 43% catch rate is all we have to show for a 4th/5th round pick? This matchup is tough enough that I'll stay completely away. And he'll probably get loose for a 75-yard score just to prove the fluky nature of this fantasy game we play, but I'll still sleep good at night.

 

Week 5 Tight Ends - Rankings Analysis

Top 10, plus notable outliers (deviation from consensus)

The only reason Rudolph doesn't crack the top-five is how bullish I am on Charles Clay (this week) and Hunter Henry. Clay is proving to be Tyrod Taylor's go-to in this offense and who can blame him? Jordan Matthews is out, his rookie WR is still learning the system, and Andre Holmes is not ever going to be a target hog. Clay has seen 25 targets over four games and could reach double-digits in Week 5.

I know we're all sick of Hunter Henry and his goose eggs, but this time'll be different! Promise! The Giants have shown absolutely no interest in pretending to cover the tight end this season, allowing an average of 77 yards per game and a league-high five touchdowns to the position. He's a must-start in any format.

As far as Rudolph, he's been asked to block twice as much as last season and his targets have taken a hit. That will change, unless Latavius Murray or Jerick McKinnon suddenly step their game up and keep the running game near the level it was with Cook. Rudolph's stock takes another jump up if Sam Bradford does return this or next week.

Zach Ertz gets the anti-Henry effect this week, as Arizona is stingier than a GOP Congressman when it comes to defending the tight end. It might be curious to see any Buccaneer on the lower end of rankings this week, but O.J. Howard's one big play won't convince me to expect more of him until I see more than three targets head his way on a regular basis.

 

More Week 5 Lineup Prep


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Donovan Mitchell

Likely to Return on Monday Night
Willson Contreras

Shipped to the Red Sox
Patrick Kane

to Miss Fifth Consecutive Game
Tyson Kozak

Misses Second Consecutive Game
Jakob Poeltl

Back in the Lineup on Sunday Night
Jack Roslovic

Ready to Return Sunday
Alexandre Sarr

Ruled Out Against San Antonio
NJ

Arseni Gritsyuk Back in Devils Lineup Sunday
Marvin Bagley III

Ruled Out Against San Antonio
Timo Meier

Available Sunday
Davion Mitchell

Available on Sunday Night
Jack Hughes

Returns From 18-Game Absence Sunday
Andrew Wiggins

Cleared to Play on Sunday Night
J.T. Miller

Out Week-to-Week
Quinshon Judkins

Done for the Season with Broken Leg
Gardner Minshew

Likely Tore His ACL on Sunday
Nick Chubb

Officially Active Against Raiders in Week 16
Gardner Minshew

Won't Return in Week 16
Woody Marks

Officially Inactive for Week 16
Quinshon Judkins

Carted Off in Week 16, Ruled Out with Apparent Leg Injury
Tua Tagovailoa

Dolphins Hope to Trade Tua Tagovailoa in the Offseason
Woody Marks

Not Expected to Play in Week 16
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Commanders to Retain Dan Quinn, Fire Joe Whitt?
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Marcus Freeman is a Top Candidate in Giants' Head Coaching Search
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Zac Taylor Expected to Return as Bengals' Head Coach in 2026
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Pete Carroll's Future with Las Vegas Raiders in Doubt
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Nears Return After Missing Four Games
Tee Higgins

Active for Week 16 Against Dolphins
Brandon Clarke

Exits After Brief Appearance Against Wizards
Derrick Jones Jr.

Nears Return From Sprained MCL
Herbert Jones

Head Injury Cuts Night Short
Ivica Zubac

Leaves Early After Suffering Left Ankle Injury
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Exits Early With Left Leg Contusion
Tage Thompson

Scores in Sixth Consecutive Game
Jacob Fowler

Posts First Career Shutout
Jonatan Berggren

Totals Three Points Saturday
Jake Evans

to Sit Out Sunday's Game
Zach Werenski

Injured in Saturday's Loss
Frank Nazar

Expected to Miss Four Weeks
Woody Marks

Plans to Play Against Raiders in Week 16
Tee Higgins

Likely to Play at Miami on Sunday
Drake London

Expected to Return in Week 16
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Play, Will Ease Back In
Romeo Doubs

Questionable to Return Against Bears in Week 16
Jordan Love

Ruled Out with Concussion, Replaced by Malik Willis
Jalen Smith

Expected to Remain in Lineup Sunday
Ayo Dosunmu

Probable for Meeting With Hawks
Jordan Love

Evaluated for Concussion, Questionable to Return
Coby White

Iffy for Sunday
Andrew Wiggins

May Remain Out Sunday
Davion Mitchell

Questionable for Sunday
Tyler Herro

to Miss Fourth Straight Game Sunday
Trae Young

Available for Sunday's Tilt
Doug McDermott

Active on Saturday
Rui Hachimura

Misses Battle of Los Angeles
D'Andre Swift

Officially Active Against Packers on Saturday
Mike Matheson

Returns Against Former Team Saturday
Timothy Liljegren

Misses Saturday's Game
Mackie Samoskevich

Out on Saturday
Anthony Cirelli

Available Against Hurricanes
Brandon Hagel

Added to Injured Reserve
Nikita Kucherov

a Game-Time Call Saturday
J.T. Miller

Injured in Saturday's Win
Zach Bogosian

Unavailable Saturday
Brandon Lowe

Pirates Acquire Brandon Lowe in Three-Team Trade
Shane Baz

Orioles Acquire Shane Baz From the Rays
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Darian Mensah Returning to Duke Next Season
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Josh Hoover Linked to Indiana in Transfer Portal
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Arch Manning Agrees to Reduced Compensation for 2026 Season
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Padres Bring Michael King Back on Three-Year Deal
Logan Webb

Will Pitch for Team USA in World Baseball Classic
Tarik Skubal

Joins Team USA for World Baseball Classic
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Will Muschamp Becoming Next Texas Defensive Coordinator
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Beau Pribula Set to Enter Transfer Portal
Bo Bichette

Willing to Make the Move to Second Base
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Jeremiyah Love Officially Heading to NFL Draft
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Jake Merklinger Leaving Tennessee for Transfer Portal
Mike Trout

Angels Open to Mike Trout Playing Center Field in 2026
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Kansas State's Jayce Brown Intends to Transfer
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Nation's Leading Passer Drew Mestemaker to Enter Transfer Portal
Justin Crawford

Phillies Planning to Start Justin Crawford in Center Field
CFB

Jayden Maiava Signs New Deal to Return to USC
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Aidan Mizell Won't Return to Florida, Entering Transfer Portal
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East Carolina Targeting Jordan Davis as Next Offensive Coordinator
CFB

Michigan QB Jadyn Davis Set to Enter Transfer Portal
CFB

Travis Williams Joining Texas A&M Defensive Staff

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