NFL Week 5 picks: Why it is best to take into account Vikings, Saints and Ravens
Lorenzo Reyes is again along with his greatest bets for NFL Week 5 video games.
Bye weeks have began the NFL with in Week 5. The Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers and Tennessee Titans are all taking the week off. That means loads of fantasy soccer must-starts are out of the lineup as well as to gamers who're out with accidents.
NFL energy rankings Week 5: Do surging Baltimore Ravens rocket all the way in which up to No. 1?
NFL Week 5 daring predictions: Which gamers, groups will shock probably the most?
Don't fear, we have you coated at each place this week. Here are 50 gamers to begin or sit for Week 5's slate of video games.
Week 5 Fantasy soccer begin 'em and sit 'em: QBs
START: Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (at Los Angeles Rams)
Love made his mark in a return from damage in Week 4 by throwing for 389 yards and 4 touchdowns – each career-highs. An early 28-0 deficit modified the sport script to deal with passing for the Packers however Love confirmed he can get it achieved by the air. The Rams protection ranks thirty first within the NFL in factors allowed. He might not have as prolific a sport as in Week 4 however he ought to put up a lot of factors.
START: Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (vs. New York Giants)
Smith led the NFL in passing yards coming into Week 4 because the Seahawks passing offense continues to enhance. This week he'll tackle a Giants protection that is good however not nice in opposition to the cross. He'll seemingly get the amount wanted to fill in in a pinch in case your typical starter is on a bye week.
START: Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Dallas Cowboys)
Fields is bettering as a passer in Pittsburgh as well as to his speeding potential. He's scored three speeding touchdowns within the final two video games and faces a depleted Cowboys protection. They'll be with out high cross rushers DeMarcus Lawrence and (*50*) and are the Twenty sixth-ranked rush protection. Fields might not throw a lot on this one however his speeding potential provides him a lot of upside.
START: Joe Flacco or Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts (at Jacksonville Jaguars)
Whichever quarterback begins for the Colts must be a superb play this week. The Jaguars entered Week 5 permitting probably the most fantasy factors to opposing quarterbacks. Jacksonville's allowed six passing touchdowns and greater than 600 passing yards over the past two weeks. Either Indianapolis passer can be in a perfect spot to carry out properly.
SIT: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. New Orleans Saints)
Sitting Mahomes at house in prime time could seem loopy however his outlook's not good for Week 5. Rashee Rice is out and Hollywood Brown is out for many of the common season. Yes, Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy are nonetheless wholesome, however the Saints' protection has allowed the fourth-fewest factors to opposing quarterbacks. Mahomes' 5 interceptions by the primary 4 video games of the 12 months is a career-high to begin a season.
SIT: Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (vs. New York Jets)
Darnold's turn out to be an MVP contender because the 4-0 Vikings have been a high unit on each side of the ball. He leads the league in landing passes (11) coming into Week 5 however might wrestle in opposition to his former crew in London. The Jets have allowed the fewest fantasy factors to opposing quarterbacks this season. Only one of many 4 quarterbacks New York's confronted this season has cracked 200 yards passing. This can be Darnold's hardest take a look at of the season up to now.
SIT: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (at Pittsburgh Steelers)
Prescott's averaging 300 yards and two touchdowns per sport over the past two weeks however Pittsburgh is a a lot harder unit. The Steelers are second in factors allowed this season and boast the No. 8-ranked cross protection. Their run protection is even higher and the Cowboys will not give you the option to lean on the run. Prescott might find yourself with excessive quantity however anticipating one other multi-touchdown day on the highway is a stretch.
SIT: Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers (at Chicago Bears)
Dalton's led a turnaround for Carolina's offense over the past two weeks. He was QB8 in customary scoring final week in opposition to his former crew however will seemingly have a tricky week on the highway in Week 5. The Chicago Bears' protection is permitting the second-fewest fantasy factors to quarterbacks this season. They have extra interceptions (5) than passing touchdowns allowed (two) by 4 weeks.
Week 5 Fantasy soccer begin 'em and sit 'em: RBs
START: D'Andre Swift, Chicago Bears (vs. Carolina Panthers)
Swift was RB3 in all codecs final week in opposition to the Rams and will proceed that breakout in opposition to the Panthers. Carolina is permitting the second-most fantasy factors to opposing operating backs and, if Chicago can go up early, the sport script might lead to extra runs than passes as the sport goes on.
START: Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Dallas Cowboys)
As acknowledged earlier, the Cowboys run protection is without doubt one of the worst within the league. Cordarrelle Patterson was more practical on a per-carry foundation than Harris in Week 4 however he is coping with an damage that may preserve him out of the lineup in Week 5. Harris is the lead again this week and if there is a protection he can run on, it is the Cowboys.
START: Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers (at Los Angeles Rams)
Love's profession day got here on the expense of Jacobs in Week 4. Jacobs had a season-low 9 carries as Green Bay battled again from that early deficit. But issues must be higher in Week 5 for the Packers' characteristic again. The Rams gave up 37 factors in PPR leagues to the Bears' operating backs in Week 4. Jacobs ought to bounce again properly.
START: Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)
Denver's 10-9 win over New York final week featured a season-best 16 carries for 77 yards for Williams. This week, he trades the robust protection on the highway in New York for the Raiders protection at house. Las Vegas is permitting the eighth-most fantasy factors per sport within the league by 4 weeks.
START: Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots (vs. Miami Dolphins)
Gibson is a perfect spot begin this week in the event you want a starter. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo is considering benching starter Rhamondre Stevenson after he is fumbled as soon as per sport this season. Even if Stevenson does begin, he'll seemingly have a smaller position due to these fumbling points. Gibson will profit in opposition to a Dolphins crew that is permitting the fourth-most fantasy factors to operating backs this season.
SIT: Zack Moss, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Baltimore Ravens)
Moss has quietly been a top-20 RB in all codecs prior to now two weeks however that seemingly will not proceed in Week 5. Baltimore is permitting simply 15 fantasy factors per sport in PPR codecs to opposing operating again teams this season, third-fewest within the NFL. The Ravens are permitting a league-low 57.8 speeding yards per sport as properly.
SIT: Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys (at Pittsburgh Steelers)
Elliott's been much less efficient for Dallas than Rico Dowdle currently and faces Pittsburgh's No. 3-ranked speeding protection this week. The Steelers have allowed only one speeding landing all season and opponents are managing simply 3.7 yards per carry. This is per week to keep away from the Cowboys' operating backs if doable.
SIT: Braelon Allen, New York Jets (vs. Minnesota Vikings)
Allen was a way more efficient operating again than teammate Breece Hall in Week 4 however that will not be the case in London this week. Minnesota's allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy factors to opposing operating backs and is giving up the second-fewest speeding yards within the league. That's largely due to the Vikings getting an enormous lead early in video games nevertheless it's an excessive amount of of a sample to ignore this week.
SIT: Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (at Kansas City Chiefs)
If Kamara is a must-start in your league, that is utterly comprehensible. Just do not anticipate him to have an excellent day in opposition to a protection permitting the fewest fantasy factors to operating backs this 12 months. Only one operating again has scored double-digit fantasy factors in opposition to Kansas City this season: Bijan Robinson in Week 3 with 11.1 in customary and 13.1 in PPR scoring codecs.
SIT: Kansas City Chiefs operating backs (vs. New Orleans Saints)
As a gaggle, they might be efficient in prime time this week however individually they don't seem to be value it in fantasy. The high runner modifications week-to-week and one of many three can vulture touchdowns from the others. The Saints are giving up the twelfth fewest fantasy factors per sport to operating backs this season. Combine that with the shortage of a transparent No. 1 runner and it is best to keep away from the Chiefs' RBs this week.
Week 5 Fantasy soccer begin 'em and sit 'em: WRs
START: Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts (at Jacksonville Jaguars)
Pittman Jr. broke out in Week 4 in opposition to a tricky Steelers protection with season-highs in targets (9), receptions (six), and yards (113). He hasn't scored a landing but however no matter who's beginning at quarterback for the Colts, Pittman Jr. ought to have a superb week. Jacksonville is giving up the fifth-most fantasy factors to extensive receivers and Colts' operating again Jonathan Taylor is out this week.
START: Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns (at Washington Commanders)
Cooper adopted up his breakout Week 3 efficiency with a dud in Week 4. Luckily, he is dealing with one of many extra porous cross defenses in Week 5. The Commanders lead the league in most fantasy factors allowed to extensive receivers this season and could possibly be the break he wants as soon as once more.
START: Allen Lazard, New York Jets (vs. Minnesota Vikings)
Against one of many high secondaries within the league final week, Lazard had a stable statline of eight catches for 58 yards. This week, he will get a break in opposition to the Vikings' secondary. Minnesota's giving up the fourth-most fantasy factors to extensive receivers within the NFL. Last week the Packers' extensive receivers totaled 66.6 factors in PPR leagues. That's a little bit of an outlier however that sport apart Minnesota is permitting 36.4 factors to wideouts in PPR leagues. Lazard might not set season-highs however double-digit factors is well doable.
START: Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Indianapolis Colts)
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has fed Kirk targets lately with a team-high 22 over the past two weeks. He's taken these targets and managed 15 catches, 140 yards, and a landing from it. Jacksonville might run extra in opposition to the Colts' protection than they did final week however Kirk will certainly be the highest goal within the passing sport.
START: Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers (at Los Angeles Rams)
Reed was WR2 in PPR leagues final week as he capitalized on Jordan Love's return. In video games with Love at quarterback, Reed is averaging 30.1 factors per sport in PPR leagues and 24.6 in customary leagues this season. Green Bay faces a Rams protection permitting the sixth-most fantasy factors to extensive receivers in 2024. Reed must be a high extensive receiver as soon as once more.
SIT: Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans (vs. Buffalo Bills)
Diggs completed Week 4 as WR15 in PPR leagues thanks partially to his first speeding landing of the season. But the Texans' matchup in Week 5 is not as beneficiant. Buffalo's protection is giving up the second-fewest fantasy factors to extensive receivers by 4 weeks. Diggs has an ideal revenge sport on his palms however with how the season's gone up to now, it will not be a superb week to begin him.
SIT: Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders (vs. Denver Broncos)
Davante Adams desires out of Las Vegas and that makes Meyers' the highest possibility at extensive receiver for the Raiders in Week 5. That means he'll seemingly go in opposition to one of many high cornerbacks within the league, Denver's Patrick Surtain II, for a lot of the sport. Denver's permitting the third-fewest fantasy factors to the place in 2024. Meyers can be a greater possibility later within the season in opposition to simpler opponents.
Davante Adams touchdown spots: Best matches for WR if Raiders commerce him
SIT: Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs (at New Orleans Saints)
With Rashee Rice's damage, that makes Worthy the highest wideout for Mahomes in Week 5 and a tantalizing selection. But New Orleans has been robust in opposition to extensive receiver teams lacking their high possibility. In Week 3 in opposition to an Eagles extensive receiver corps lacking A.J. Brown, the Saints allowed simply 12 factors in customary leagues (25 in PPR) to the group.
SIT: Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings (vs. New York Jets)
Addison wasted no time in his first week again from damage in Week 4. He was a top-10 WR behind two touchdowns and 79 complete yards. That seemingly will not be the case in Week 5 because the Vikings tackle one of many high secondaries within the league. Opposing extensive receivers are averaging 9 catches as a gaggle per week in opposition to New York. Even if Justin Jefferson takes on many of the consideration in protection, Addison should still wrestle to break by.
SIT: Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers (vs. Arizona Cardinals)
After signing a contract extension late within the offseason, Aiyuk has but to break 50 yards receiving in a sport this season. He has simply 13 catches for 167 yards on 25 targets this season. Deebo Samuel and George Kittle seem to be absolutely wholesome and Jauan Jennings has had a powerful run lately. Even in opposition to a large receiver-friendly protection in Arizona, there is not any motive to belief Aiyuk to carry out on a weekly foundation.
Week 5 Fantasy soccer begin 'em and sit 'em: TEs
START: Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Baltimore Ravens)
The Ravens' top-ranked run protection will seemingly drive the Bengals to cross. Baltimore's allowed the second-most receptions (29) and yards (327) to opposing tight ends. Dallas' Jake Ferguson had six catches for 95 yards in Week 3. Gesicki might capitalize on a superb matchup and far totally different sport script to final week's run-heavy method in opposition to Carolina.
START: Tyler Conklin, New York Jets (vs. Minnesota Vikings)
Minnesota's protection has excelled at getting stress whereas speeding the passer with simply 4 gamers. Aaron Rodgers will seemingly want to get the ball out shortly, making Conklin a probable check-down service provider to preserve the chains transferring for New York. Minnesota's allowed the fifth-most receptions to tight ends this season and Conklin can reap the benefits of this chance.
START: Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers (at Los Angeles Rams)
Love's return in Week 4 noticed Kraft have his greatest day of the season. The second-year tight finish was TE1 in PPR leagues with six catches, 53 yards, and a touchdwon final week. Christian Watson is out with a high-ankle sprain, leaving extra targets for Kraft and the Packers' wideouts. The Rams are additionally permitting the fifth-most fantasy factors per sport to tight ends this season.
START: Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills (at Houston Texans)
The Texans have one of many extra stout defenses in opposition to tight ends on paper however this has extra to do with extensive receiver Khalil Shakir's damage. Kincaid is by much better than any tight finish Houston's confronted up to now this season and he is second on the Bills in targets behind Shakir. That ought to imply a much bigger position in opposition to a crew that hasn't been examined by the place but this season.
SIT: David Njoku, Cleveland Browns (at Washington Commanders)
Njoku is again within the lineup for the Browns this week however will not be a superb possibility to begin. Washington's protection has been much better in opposition to tight ends than extensive receivers. They're permitting the second-fewest fantasy factors per sport to the place in 2024. Quarterback Deshaun Watson is probably going higher served specializing in Cooper and Jerry Jeudy as an alternative.
SIT: Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (vs. Buffalo Bills)
Buffalo's protection is much better in opposition to extensive receivers than tight ends however the place has nonetheless struggled in 2024. Opposing tight finish teams are averaging simply 5 catches and 38 yards per sport by 4 weeks in opposition to the Bills. Houston's passing sport heirarchy is obvious with Nico Collins main the way in which forward of Diggs. Tank Dell's likley getting back from damage and can cut back Schultz's targets much more.
SIT: Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (vs. Carolina Panthers)
Kmet got here down to earth after his Week 3 breakout in opposition to Indianapolis. With Keenan Allen again within the lineup, Kmet had simply three catches for 34 yards. He seemingly will not get that many targets as soon as once more this week with Allen taking part in and the Bears seemingly to go up huge early on the Panthers.
SIT: Isaiah Likely or Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (at Cincinnati Bengals)
The tight finish scenario in Baltimore is dangerous in fantasy soccer with neither Likely nor Andrews establishing themselves as the highest canine. This week, they face a Bengals crew that is given up 115 yards complete to tight ends this season. Baltimore is a lot better served prioritizing the operating sport on this one and the restricted targets means it is best to keep away from each of those gamers if doable.
Week 5 Fantasy soccer begin 'em and sit 'em: Ks
START: Austin Seibert, Washington Commanders (vs. Cleveland Browns)
Seibert's made all 10 of his area targets after taking on in Washington in Week 2. The Commanders' offense is third in scoring and will give you the option to preserve that up in Week 5. Seibert will get loads of probabilities for kicks however some could also be extra further factors than area targets. Either approach, he is a stable begin week in and week out.
START: Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens (at Cincinnati Bengals)
Tucker regarded far more snug kicking in Baltimore's win over Buffalo in Week 4. This week, the Ravens face a bottom-five scoring protection and will put loads of factors on the board. That means a lot of alternative for Tucker to knock in further factors and a area objective or two.
START: Cairo Santos, Chicago Bears (vs. Carolina Panthers)
Chicago moved the ball properly in Week 4 and that ought to proceed in Week 5 in opposition to the Panthers' league-worst scoring protection. Last week Cincinnati's Evan McPherson went 2 for two in area targets together with 4 further factors. Santos ought to have comparable luck this week.
SIT: Greg Zuerlein, New York Jets (vs. Minnesota Vikings)
Zuerlein had a season-high three area targets final week in opposition to Denver however seemingly will not have the identical luck this week kicking in a non-NFL stadium in London. Minnesota's additionally given up simply three area targets in 4 weeks, that means Zuerlein will not have the identical alternatives he did in Week 4.
SIT: Daniel Carlson, Las Vegas Raiders (at Denver Broncos)
Kicking in Denver is often good thanks to the excessive altitude however Carlson seemingly will not profit from it this week. Denver's permitting the third-fewest factors per sport within the league by 4 weeks, that means there seemingly will not be many scoring alternatives for the Raiders as an entire. Carlson's additionally solely transformed 3 of 5 area targets from 40-plus yards this season.
SIT: Dustin Hopkins, Cleveland Browns (at Washington Commanders)
Washington's permitting the eight-most factors per sport within the NFL which might make Hopkins a superb begin. But the Commanders simply held Arizona to 14 factors in Week 4 and, given how properly the Commanders' offense is taking part in, Cleveland will want to rating touchdowns to sustain. That means fewer probabilities for Hopkins on area targets.
Week 5 Fantasy soccer begin 'em and sit 'em: D/STs
START: Chicago Bears (vs. Carolina Panthers)
Chicago is a a lot harder matchup for the revitalized Panthers offense than earlier opponents. They're one of many high passing defenses and have the expertise within the secondary to decelerate a doubtlessly restricted extensive receiver group for Carolina. Even if Dalton does not flip the ball over, he'll seemingly be stymied by the Bears No. 8-ranked scoring protection.
START: Denver Broncos (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)
Denver's piled up 12 sacks of their final two video games and now face a Raiders offense with out its high weapon in Adams. The total proper aspect of Las Vegas' offensive line is combating damage as properly. The Raiders are giving up greater than three sacks per sport this season. Look for Denver to tee off on this one.
START: Miami Dolphins (at New England Patriots)
Miami can be with out Jaelan Phillips for the remainder of the season however New England has one of many worst offensive traces within the league. The Patriots have given up 17 sacks by 4 video games, second-most within the NFL. In what's going to seemingly be a low-scoring affair, Miami has a superb alternative to shine on protection.
START: Seattle Seahawks (vs. New York Giants)
Seattle simply received lit up for 42 factors on “Monday Night Football” however the drop-off from Detroit's offense to New York's (with out begin rookie Malik Nabers) is large. Even with damage considerations within the entrance seven, Seattle's protection must be a superb begin this week.
SIT: Dallas Cowboys (at Pittsburgh Steelers)
Dallas was already a foul matchup this week earlier than dropping Lawrence to IR and Parsons being dominated out. Pittsburgh will seemingly run the ball at will in opposition to the Cowboys' depleted protection and provides little alternative for sacks or interceptions by that unit.
SIT: Buffalo Bills (at Houston Texans)
Buffalo simply gave up a season-high 35 factors on the highway in Week 4. Now they're on the highway once more in Week 5 with out Von Miller, who was suspended 4 video games for violating the NFL's private conduct coverage. They've struggled to stress quarterbacks even with Miller within the lineup this season. It's value avoiding them this week.
SIT: Cleveland Browns (at Washington Commanders)
Washington has only one turnover and 4 punts this season. The Commanders lead the league in drives that finish in a rating at 67.6% and that may seemingly proceed this week. They've additionally solely allowed 9 sacks, 5 of which got here in a single sport. Cleveland has a stud cross rusher in Myles Garrett however seemingly will not get you a lot this week.
SIT: Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Baltimore Ravens)
Baltimore's given up a league-low 4 sacks this season and turned the ball over simply 3 times. The Ravens ought to run the ball greater than cross in Week 5 which suggests there's little alternative for the Bengals' protection to rating fantasy factors.
