We’re in the dog days of fantasy with our first week of bye weeks and the number of injuries piling up. This was a good week for statistical production across the board despite all the noise. Let’s review my Week 5 takeaways as we look forward to Week 6.
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Quarterbacks
- Player: Sam Darnold
- Game: vs. Buccaneers
- Stats: 28-34, 341 passing yards, 4 TDs
The Seahawks are tapping into the Mariners’ postseason juice. Darnold was feeling it with only six incompletions, while tossing a season-best in yards and TDs against the Tampa Bay, who allows the ninth-most points to QBs. Darnold and Seahawks pass catchers are clicking, but their upcoming schedule is unfavorable. I am really curious to see if they’re for real. Their first test is against the Jaguars’ defense that has forced 13 turnovers and faces the Chiefs on MNF.
Notables:
C.J. Stroud reaped the benefits of a banged-up Ravens defense that was already allowing the third-most points to QBs. Stroud enters the bye week with a 6/0 TD-INT ratio in his past two games. He’ll face the Seahawks in Week 7, who are his toughest opponent to date.
Dak Prescott tossed four TDs and no picks against the Jets, who allow the 10th-most points to QBs. The Jets have yet to intercept a QB this season. Prescott has quietly put together his best two-game stretch of the season with 556 passing yards with seven TDs, and zero INTs. The Boys will travel to Carolina in Week 6, the fourth toughest to opposing QBs, but allowed Tua Tagovailoa to have three TDs without Tyreek Hill.
Justin Fields was forced to his arm against Dallas, leading to his passing day of the season with 283 yards and two TDs. He rushed for a season-low 26 yards. After one of the most favorable matchups to start the season, New York will host the Broncos, the league leader against opposing quarterbacks.
Dillon Gabriel may have made history as the first rookie QB to have their NFL regular-season debut in Europe. He finished with 190 passing yards with two TDs and zero INTs, focusing on his TEs. He’s a desperation stream in an advantageous game against the fourth-ranked Steerlers.
Baker Mayfield’s arm was relied on in the great Northwest with Bucky Irving unavailable. Similar to his opponent, Mayfield had just four incompletions along with 379 passing yards and two TDs. The 49ers present a challenging task in Week 6, but I am not doubting Mayfield, no matter his teammates’ health.
Jayden Daniels returned to action, leading the Commanders to an upset victory over the Chargers. While it wasn’t always appealing to the eyes, Daniels threw one TD and rushed eight times for 39. The rushing attempts were a clear indication that his knee is okay. The Bears are up next, who allow the fifth-most points to QBs.
Running Backs
- Player: Rico Dowdle
- Game: vs. Dolphins
- Stats: 23 carries, 206 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 3 receptions, 28 receiving yards, on 4 targets
Dowdle took advantage of Chuba Hubbard’s calf injury to become the latest RB since Saquon Barkley in the 2024-25 playoffs and Jonathan Taylor in the 2024 regular season to rush over 200+ yards. Miami’s allowing 110 rushing yards to RBs this season, but has only allowed James Cook to go over the century mark. The Panthers face Dallas next, who are allowing the sixth-most points to RBs. Miami is set to face the Chargers in Week 6.
Notables:
Jonathan Taylor continued his early-season dominance with three more TDs and 86 all-purpose yards at home versus the Raiders. He leads RBs with six rushing TDs. He’ll look to maintain his success against the 11th-ranked Arizona defense against opposing RBs.
The Cowboys’ RB1, Javonte Williams, is proving all his haters wrong, finishing as the fourth-best RB in Week 5. He has scored at least one TD in all but one game this season. His six all-purpose TDs (five rushing and one receiving) rank as the most amongst RBs. Taylor and Williams are the only backs with at least six TDs. Carolina is next on the schedule.
Tampa Bay did not need to rely on a rushing attack following Bucky Irving’s injury. Rachaad White compiled just 41 rushing yards but scored two TDs. His catch-passing ability was utilized, securing four catches for 30 yards. White makes for a volume-based RB2 within a top offense.
Do you believe in the Madden curse? Saquon Barkley rushed only six times against the Broncos, his fewest since 11/21/22 when he carried the ball six times. Barkley has been solid on per per-game basis with four total TDs, but has yet to go over the century mark in total yards this season. He’ll get his chance against none other than the Giants in New York in Week 6.
Woody Marks failed to live up to the hype after his Week 4 performance despite playing more snaps than Nick Chubb. Chubb led the Texans in rushing and scored the lone TD in the Texans’ rout of the Ravens. We’ll see how this backfield looks in Week 7 at Seattle.
The Commanders’ backfield is officially belongs to Bill Croskey-Merritt after torching the Chargers for 150 total yards and two TDs.
Alvin Kamara is becoming the biggest headache amongst RBs this season. He played a smidge over 50% of the snaps. The Saints were leading for the majority of the second half in a plus matchup against the Giants, who allow the fifth-most points to RBs. It was Kendre Miller who led the Saints in rushing yards and attempts. For everyone’s sake, I hope Kamara gets traded. He’s nearing flex territory.
Breece Hall is ready for liftoff after taking the pilot seat of the Jets’ backfield following Braelon Allen’s injury. A matchup against the sixth friendliest defense was all the fuel he needed for his second 100+ yard performance, along with four receptions for 43 yards. Unfortunately for him, Denver should keep him grounded in Week 6.
The Broncos’ backfield belongs to J.K. Dobbins. He logged 50+ of the snaps with 21 touches for 80+ yards and a score. R.J. Harvey accounted for fewer snaps than Tyler Badie while posting seven touches. The Broncos travel to New York to face the Jets, who limited De’Von Achane to 16 rushing yards with six catches for 30 yards and a score. Hard to trust Harvey moving forward, regardless of the Kamara comparisons.
Cam Skattebo’s versatility was on display in New Orleans, going over 100 all-purpose yards while delivering six receptions on seven targets. He had a backbreaking fumble, which cost the Giants a chance to win. He’ll have a decent matchup against Philly next week.
Derrick Henry salvaged his day with a late rushing TD. For his sake and the Ravens, they need Lamar Jackson back ASAP.
Omarion Hampton left the game in the second half following an ankle injury. Monitor this situation very closely!
Wide Receivers
- Player: Emeka Egbuka
- Game: at Seattle
- Stats: 7 receptions, 163 receiving yards, 1 touchdown on 7 targets
Egbuka was efficient with target share, tallying an early career-high in yards and receptions, which he is bound to break again. He’s quickly emerging as the top target for Baker Mayfield with consecutive finishes over 100 yards with a TD. Egbuka output is more impressive, as the Seahawks entering this game were allowing the second-fewest points to WRs. He’ll be a WR1 next week at home against the 49ers, who allowed Puca Nacua to finish as a top 10 WR in Week 5.
Notables:
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is becoming a matchup-proof WR. He’s tallied at least 100 yards or a TD in four of five games this season. He’ll look for the good times to continue against a tough Jaguars defense.
Jaylen Waddle appears to be Tagovailoa’s new favorite weapon with Hill out of the game plan. In the fifth-worst matchup for a WR, he drew nine targets, securing six catches for 110 yards and Waddled in a TD. The Fins will host the Chargers, who were struck by the Commanders’ top WR option.
Deebo Samuel, oddly, was the only Commanders WR to draw more than two targets against the Chargers, where Daniel’s threw 26 times. Who cares if you’re a Samuel shareholder, as it was good to see Daniel’s focus on his top passing option upon his return to the lineup. They’ll have an ideal matchup against the Bears, who allow the 10th most points to WRs.
Suddenly, the Chargers’ passing attack appears to be lighting in a bottle. Ladd McConkey caught the lone passing TD from Justin Herbert. Keenan Allen paced the team in targets, while Quentin Johnston led the team in snaps and routes.
Rashid Shaheed hit pay dirt with an 87-yard TD against the porous Giants defense. Chris Olave continues to be a target hog, generating 11 more from Spencer Rattler.
Courtland Sutton remains the WR1 in Denver, leading in snaps, routes, targets, and yards as the Broncos played from behind for much of the second half. He’s a solid WR2 against the Jets across the pond in Week 6.
Ryan Flournoy turned in a career day, topping 100 yards on nine targets from Prescott. George Pickens was able to secure a 43-yard TD to save his day. The Cowboys will have a tough task against the Panthers in Week 6.
Justin Jefferson may want Carson Wentz to continue starting following the Vikings’ Week 6 bye week. His best two games of the season have come from the veteran play-caller. Jefferson has consecutive games with 11 targets while posting 123 and 126 receiving yards. The Week 7 storyline of Wentz facing his old team is too good for the NFL to pass up.
Michael Pittman Jr. has quietly scored four TDs in five games. He’ll face Arizona in Week 6, which allowed Calvin Ridley to post hi43s best game of the season, going over the century for the first time.
Ja’Marr Chase is still that guy, in case you forgot after securing two TDs and going over the century mark for the second time this season. Green Bay’s defense will be difficult for the Bengals’ o-line, so his prior two performances are more indicative of what to expect.
Tight Ends
- Player: Sam LaPorta
- Game: at Cincinnati
- Stats: 5 receptions, 92 yards, 1 touchdown on 6 targets
The Lions TE put up his best performance of the season. It was reminiscent of his rookie season. After failing to go over 33 yards in three consecutive games, the Bengals’ defense was the cure for LaPorta, who allows the most points to TEs. The Lions will face KC next week, who are the fourth-stingiest defense to opposing TEs. As for the Bengals, they’ll face Tucker Kraft, who is coming off a bye week.
Notables:
AJ Barner came out of nowhere to put up two TDs and 53 yards against the Bucs. He has three TDs over his last two games. A possible streamer in the deepest of leagues against Jacksonville next week.
Theo Johnson’s stock is steadily climbing after his two-TD performance against New Orleans. He tied a team-high with seven targets, securing six from Jaxson Dart. Darius Slayton sustained a hamstring injury, allowing Johnson’s role to expand against Philadelphia.
Evan Engram posted his first TD for the Broncos in Philadelphia. He has 13 targets over his last two games after a quiet beginning to his season. The NY Jets are next, who allowed the Cowboys’ TE to post the TE2 finish of the week.
Jake Ferguson scored two more TDs for Dallas against the Jets. Since CeeDee Lamb went down, he has drawn 30 targets and looks to be the cream of the crop for fantasy TEs. He gets a great matchup against the Panthers, who allow the second-most points to TEs.
Darren Waller took advantage of his matchup against the Carolina, topping 70 yards and securing a TD catch. Waller should maintain a prominent role in Miami’s passing attack sans Hill. The Chargers are next.
Dalton Kincaid went over the century mark, leading the Bills in receiving yards. He continued to split snaps but is clearly the top passing catching TE on the roster. He faces the toughest defense on paper to TEs on the road in Atlanta.
Bye Week Update
- Week 6 Byes include the Vikings and Texans. Adjust your lineups accordingly!
🚨 Red Zone TD Scoring 🚨
- Philadelphia leads the NFL at 92%. Rounding out the top 10 are Miami (77%), Detroit (76%), Cincinnati (74%), Seattle (72%), Washington (71%), Green Bay (71%), Carolina (70%), Pittsburgh (69%), and Dallas (68%).
- The bottom five teams with Red Zone TD Scoring Percentages are the NY Giants (32%), Las Vegas (36%), LA Chargers (38%), New Orleans (41%), and San Francisco (42%).
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