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Start of the Week: Brock Purdy (@ SEA)
Seattle looked to have a top defense after the first three weeks, but improved competition over the past two games has led to them being exposed with Jared Goff and Daniel Jones combining to complete 41-of-52 passes (78.8%) for 579 yards and a 4:0 touchdown-interception ratio over the past two games. In general, 49ers-Seahawks sets up as a possible shootout, so Purdy should be a strong QB1 option with all his pass-catchers (other than Christian McCaffrey) healthy; and it helps that Purdy has been willing to make plays himself with 33+ rushing yards in two of the past three weeks.
Start: Caleb Williams (v JAX)
Williams had shown flashes leading up to Week 5, but the win over Carolina was a full-blown breakout for the No. 1 overall pick with 338 total yards and two touchdowns (both to DJ Moore). Although I have some concerns about Chicago’s offensive line holding up versus Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, the Jaguars have been frankly terrible on the backend with the most passing yards per game allowed in the NFL (287.8), along with a 10:0 touchdown-interception ratio for opposing passers. Williams should be a low-end QB1 with upside.
Start: Daniel Jones (v CIN)
Since a worrisome opener that doesn’t look as bad in retrospect based on what Minnesota’s defense has done all year, Jones has been great for the Giants—tossing multiple touchdowns in three-of-four outings and coming off one of the sharpest games of his career to beat Seattle on the road without Malik Nabers (concussion). Now, Jones will get a chance to stay hot versus a Cincinnati defense that hasn’t really stopped anyone this season, so he’s firmly on the streaming radar for Week 6.
Start: Bo Nix (v LAC)
Los Angeles has been a lot tougher under Jim Harbaugh and new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter than in previous years, but they’ve allowed the second-highest completion percentage in the league (72.5%) —which could set up for Nix to build on what he’s done during Denver’s three-game winning streak. As a runner, the rookie continues to be overlooked based on inaccurate pre-draft evaluations, so don’t sleep on Nix as a superflex option with three rushing touchdowns in five games; he’s a top-20 option for us this week.
Sit of the Week: Trevor Lawrence (@ CHI)
Lawrence had a career-high 371 passing yards last week, but it came against an Indy defense ranking towards the bottom of the NFL in every passing category—and that’s certainly not the case for a Bears unit that has allowed just two touchdowns passes compared to six interceptions this season. Having tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) will help (and crazy things can happen in London), but I’d anticipate the Jaguars having a difficult time moving the ball through the air with Lawrence averaging 182.3 passing yards per game before Week 5.
Sit: Baker Mayfield (@ NO)
Mayfield has been excellent this year with an 11:2 touchdown-interception ratio, but Derek Carr (oblique) being out for New Orleans could limit the scoring potential of the matchup—especially with the Saints suddenly at 2-3 and needing their defense to step up. Last season, Mayfield had three interceptions in two games against New Orleans, and the Bucs having more balance than they did a season ago probably makes their quarterback reliant on throwing for scores to boost his fantasy value with 185 or fewer passing yards in three-of-five games.
Sit: Aaron Rodgers (v BUF)
Things are chaotic right now for the Jets after the firing of Robert Saleh, and a trade for Davante Adams feels less and less likely as the week progresses—so Rodgers isn’t in a good spot to suddenly have things click with the Bills coming to town on Monday night. Even with some struggles in back-to-back losses, Buffalo has remained stingy through the air with the fifth-fewest yards per attempt allowed (6.2), and I believe more offensive balance could be an immediate change made by interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich. Rodgers just cracks the top 24 this week.
Sit: Justin Herbert (@ DEN)
Herbert is another star quarterback that barely makes the QB2 ranks, as Denver has proven to have an elite defense—allowing fewer than 12.0 fantasy points through the air in all five games to begin the season (Geno Smith finished above the mark thanks to a long rushing touchdown). So far this season, Herbert has thrown for yardage totals of 144, 130, 125, and 179, which is a formula that I’d expect to continue this week for another possible slugfest; next week in Arizona might be a better spot for Herbert to potentially be unleashed.
Start of the Week: Tony Pollard (v IND)
It’s unclear if the Titans will start Will Levis (shoulder) or Mason Rudolph this week, but no matter who is under center, running the ball should be a priority coming out of the bye—and Pollard has been the lead back with 94+ total yards in three-of-four games last month. Facing a Colts defense that has allowed the second-most rushing yards per game in the league (157.0), Pollard is positioned to put up at least high-end RB2 numbers and should immediately be back in all lineups.
Start: Najee Harris (@ LV)
Harris being unable to find the end zone this season has held back his fantasy production, but he’s been extremely steady by totaling between 73 and 86 yards in all five games—and the absence of Jaylen Warren (knee) has allowed him to be more involved as a pass-catcher with ten receptions for 105 yards over the past three weeks. Las Vegas not living up to expectations in the first full season under Antonio Pierce and losing standout defender Christian Wilkins (foot) should make Najee a quality RB2 with upside if he can finally find the end zone.
Start: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (v CIN)
Tracy drew his first career start last week in a win over Seattle, and the fifth-round rookie was outstanding with 18 carries for 129 yards (7.2 YPC) in place of Devin Singletary (groin). Even if the veteran is back this week, I don’t see how New York can go away from Tracy based on what he showed, so he can still be started in redraft leagues against a Cincinnati defense that has allowed the third-most rushing yards per game in the league (151.4). The Giants should get Tracy more involved as a pass-catcher at some point, too.
Start: Javonte Williams (v LAC)
Williams started the season slowly with 24 carries for 52 yards (2.2 YPC) over the first three games, but he’s been much better with increased work over the past two weeks—rushing 29 times for 138 yards (4.8 YPC). Again, the Chargers are tougher this year, but Williams has also been a factor in the passing game with 32.5 receiving yards per game since Week 2 to improve his overall outlook as a low-end RB2/FLEX option in a big divisional clash.
Sit of the Week: Travis Etienne Jr. (@ CHI)
The matchup versus Chicago isn’t overly difficult with the Bears allowing 4.8 yards per carry so far this season, but Etienne is hurt by Tank Bigsby’s emergence—which came about in a Week 5 shootout with the starter dealing with a shoulder and being limited to six carries for 17 yards. On the bright side, Etienne did look good as a receiver with six receptions for 43 yards, so that would be the path towards surpassing expectations as more of a mid-to-low-end RB2 in London.
Sit: J.K. Dobbins (@ DEN)
Dobbins remains in the RB2 ranks because of how effective he’s been this season, and the bye should have him rested and ready to rip off chunk gains like we saw in the first two weeks. However, the Broncos have flown around the field and might be stacking the box to stop the run—and Austin Ekeler notably never really did much as a runner throughout his career against Denver with 58 or fewer yards in all 13 meetings. The hope for Dobbins is a touchdown and/or breaking another long run.
Sit: Rico Dowdle (v DET)
Dallas leaned on Dowdle last Sunday night with 22 touches for 114 yards and a touchdown, so his arrow is certainly pointing up as the offensive line continues to gel together. For this week, though, the Lions have been a top-five run defense dating back to the start of 2023, and I would assume the Cowboys will have a different approach than they did against Pittsburgh by relying more on Dak Prescott’s arm facing a revamped secondary. His stock is up, but Dowdle could disappoint as a FLEX for those hoping for a repeat of Week 5.
Sit: Browns RBs (@ PHI)
Nick Chubb (knee) isn’t expected back this week, so Jerome Ford and D’Onta Foreman should again lead the Cleveland backfield—but it comes on the road versus a recharged Philadelphia defense that has at least shown stretches of being able to stop the run. Ford would be the preferred option with 5.2 yards per carry on the season and a larger role in the passing game, but it’s too much an of an even split on a struggling offense with Deshaun Watson under center to feel confident about either guy.
Start of the Week: Tee Higgins (@ NYG)
Higgins is coming off a 9/83/2 line in an overtime loss to Baltimore, so the huge performance combined with staying healthy for three consecutive games vaults him into the comfortable WR2 ranks. The Giants played very well defensively in the win over Seattle, but cornerback remains a question mark, and Higgins could be a major mismatch for Cor’Dale Flott, Nick McCloud, and rookie Dru Phillips if Deonte Banks mostly takes on Ja’Marr Chase. Another monster showing from Higgins wouldn’t be a surprise.
Start: Amari Cooper (@ PHI)
Cooper has shown his upside with a 7/86/2 line in Week 3, but he’s largely disappointed in the other four games due to sub-par play from Deshaun Watson at quarterback. Still, the Eagles are very susceptible to a route runner of Cooper’s caliber on the perimeter, and the trade candidate—perhaps entering a showcase game—has seen at least eight targets in all five weeks to begin the season. Fantasy owners need the big plays to somehow return, but Cooper is worth the upside as a top-24 option.
Start: Romeo Doubs (v ARI)
There is some risk here with Doubs coming off a one-game suspension for being frustrated about his opportunities, but the Packers weren’t exactly firing on all cylinders without him—so I’m anticipating he will remain a clear starter after leading the wideouts in snaps across the first four weeks. In particular, we could see Doubs be more of a focus in scoring territory and down the field, which would be a welcome change to increase his outlook from a statistical and fantasy perspective in a plus matchup versus Arizona.
Start: Jalen Tolbert (v DET)
Tolbert set career-highs across the board last week with seven receptions (on 10 targets) for 87 yards and the game-winning touchdown, and he’s in a tremendous spot to continue producing as the clear No. 2 wide receiver on a high-powered offense. Based on all the man coverage that Detroit wants to play, Tolbert should again be featured, including as a vertical threat. Consider him a strong FLEX option with a solid floor and underrated upside alongside CeeDee Lamb.
Others: Tank Dell (@ NE), Calvin Ridley (v IND)
Sit of the Week: Mike Evans (@ NO)
Evans being a “sit” when he faces the Saints and long-time nemesis Marshon Lattimore has become routine in recent years, but he’s been contained over the past several matchups—averaging 2.5 receptions, 42.7 receiving yards, and scoring twice in the last 10 games versus New Orleans. Last week, the Chiefs didn’t even really seem to test Lattimore in coverage, and I wouldn’t count on Baker Mayfield and the Bucs pushing the issue too much by instead playing through Chris Godwin and the running backs. Evans is more of a low-end WR2/FLEX with a low floor this week.
Sit: Brian Thomas Jr. (@ CHI)
Thomas is hot with lines of 6/86/1 and 5/122/1 over the past two weeks, and maybe the rookie can overcome any challengers due to his blend of size, athleticism, and trust from Trevor Lawrence. That said, the Bears have a true shutdown-type cornerback in Jaylon Johnson, and as stated, they’ve allowed just two touchdown passes for far this season. Keeping the first-rounder in lineups is understandable, but the London trip—which also includes a matchup versus Christian Gonzalez in Week 6—could be one to avoid if you have options.
Sit: DeAndre Hopkins (v IND)
The Colts had no answers for Hopkins last season (13 receptions for 215 yards and one touchdown in two matchups), but the production hasn’t been there for the former All-Pro in his age-32 campaign with averages of 2.5 receptions and 30.3 receiving yards per game. Hopkins has actually been efficient on his opportunities with 8.6 yards per target, but the Titans simply aren’t passing enough due to struggles for Will Levis, and I’d expect the ground game to be the priority this weekend.
Sit: Chris Olave (v TB)
It’s easy to imagine a scenario where Olave gets peppered with targets if rookie Desmond Ridder is under center for New Orleans, and the smooth speedster should remain a low-end WR2/FLEX after 86+ yards in three consecutive games before disappointing last Monday night. The downside needs to be taken into consideration, though, and Todd Bowles—surely sick about how his defense played in Week 5—can beverytough on a rookie quarterback, which in turn, lowers the floor and ceiling for Olave.
Others: Keon Coleman (@ NYJ), Mike Williams (v BUF)
Start: of the Week: David Njoku (@ PHI)
Njoku was unfortunately limited to one reception (for 14 yards) on 42% of the snaps played in his return, but he’s not listed with an injury designation to begin the week after leaving with a knee issue [Update: the Browns listed Njoku as a non-participant in Wednesday’s practice despite reportedly not having adesignation]—and you need to keep rolling with him as a clear TE1 based on his ability. Similar to last week versus Washington (who ended up allowing a touchdown to Jordan Akins), the Eagles ceding the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends is misleading based on their schedule, and they can struggle on the short-to-intermediate routes Njoku runs.
Start: Zach Ertz (@ BAL)
Last week was disappointing for Ertz with two receptions for 10 yards, but he saw a season-high eight targets as a key part of Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. The Commanders will likely need to score points this week to pull off an upset in Baltimore, and the Ravens have already allowed opposing tight ends to surpass 100+ yards twice this season—setting up Ertz as a top-15 play and recommended streamer.
Start: Dalton Schultz (@ NE)
Nico Collins (hamstring) being out should lead to more targets for Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, but don’t forget about Schultz—who had a season-high six targets last week and has gone for 34 yards in back-to-back weeks. I’m very intrigued by how Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez will be utilized, but he’ll spend most of his time on either Diggs or Dell, so Schultz should be a priority for C.J. Stroud this weekend.
Sit of the Week: Mark Andrews (v WAS)
The hope for Andrews is that he will be able to build on last week’s performance with four receptions for 55 yards, but it came in a full-blown shootout where Isaiah Likely scored twice and Charlie Kolar (3/64/1) was also involved. Basically, I would think there is a chance Andrews falls off despite the production—as it already happened once this year with his only other game with 50+ yards followed up by two consecutive goose eggs.
Sit: Hunter Henry (v HOU)
Drake Maye leaning on a reliable target like Henry in his first career start is the thinking for anyone considering the veteran in lineups, but Houston is allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends (4.1)—and the Patriots offense is filled with security-blanket types for the No. 3 overall pick to hit. I would look elsewhere based on the matchup and general uncertainty.
Sit: Theo Johnson (v CIN)
Johnson had a miniature breakout last week with five receptions for 48 yards, and the rookie should only gain more and more comfort versus NFL competition as the season progresses. However, the Giants will likely be getting Malik Nabers back on Sunday night to create a more centralized passing attack with the wide receivers being the focus, so Johnson might be better viewed as a touchdown-or-bust option at tight end.
