The Fantasy Fallout: Heading Into Week 5

Week 4 seemed to bring fantasy some normalcy, as scores across the board seem to have leveled off. The injuries keep coming in spades though, so there’s a lot to figure out for week 5. Here’s the fallout from Sunday’s games:

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Jets vs Dolphins

 

  • It’s hard to say what the immediate fallout of former coach Joe Philbin’s firing will be, but the Dolphins can’t underperform much more than they already have.

 

  • Tannehill uses the screen and slant like the run. This fact coupled with the Dolphins playing from behind most of the time has rendered Lamar Miller virtually obsolete to this point. Maybe a coaching change will improve his lot, but I’m not banking on it. If you’re a Miller owner, though, obviously this isn’t bad news. Philbin, as we always said, was committed to an RB committee. 

 

  • The Jets seem to have found their rhythm pounding the ball with Chris Ivory and limiting Ryan Fitzpatrick’s attempts. While Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are fine fantasy plays, Fitz just doesn’t have the ceiling to be anything more than a desperation play. There are other streamable QBs who will accumulate more yards and TDs  – I’m referring to you, Blake Bortles.

 

Texans vs Falcons

 

  • Devonta Freeman went bonkers again this week, and it’s now up to you whether you keep rolling with him or ship him out for his weight in fantasy gold before Tevin Coleman comes back and steals carries. Then again, Atlanta may be in no hurry to test Coleman’s ribs with everything firing on all cylinders.

 

  • Should Tevin Coleman continue to sit out the next few weeks, it might behoove you to pick up RB Terron Ward. He’s purely garbage-time material, but with the Redskins, Saints, and Titans on the plate, he could get lots of action-killing time.

 

 

Giants vs Bills

 

  • Rueben Randle is coming on, scoring twice in as many weeks. With no Victor Cruz on the horizon, he shouldn’t be unowned in all but the shallowest of leagues come Wednesday morning.

 

  • Dwayne Harris looks like he’s going to stick in the slot for the Giants for as long as Cruz is out. I don’t think he’s a great play in standard leagues, but he could make a nice cheap shot in daily formats.

 

  • Tyrod Taylor struggled against the Giants, but he still managed to have a very serviceable fantasy day in the end, and he’s still a QB1 versus the Titans in week 5.

 

  • Karlos Williams underwhelmed on the ground versus the Giants, but a passing game that is far less potent with no Sammy Watkins, should help him sustain at least RB2 value while McCoy is out. Williams suffered a concussion versus New York and is currently in the protocol, so make sure to keep an eye on his status through the week. 

 

  • Charles Clay could put up TE1 numbers the rest of the way. He needs to be owned and in lineups on the weekly.

 

Raiders vs Bears

 

  • Michael Crabtree won’t go away. Well, unless he has to go to the locker room for evaluation as was the case versus the Bears. As the No.2 target on an Oakland team that is moving the ball, he has taken the spot of Anquan Boldin as that unexciting player you totally don’t won’t to use a lineup spot on, but your team is probably going to be better with him on it.

 

  • Amari Cooper is only going to get better as the season wears on. If his owner in your league hasn’t realized that, now is the time to target him in trade.

 

  • I wouldn’t read too much into any Bear WR’s stat line this week, as Alshon Jeffery could return to action in Week 5, but if I had to gamble on one it would be Eddie Royal. QBs seem to seek him out in the endzone.

 

Chiefs vs Bengals

 

  • Chris Conley may have worked himself into the most useless position in NFL Football, the No.2 WR in Kansas City.

 

  • Well, I guess we’ve seen Marvin Jones’ floor. While he’s a surehanded, potential TD machine, Jones will struggle for consistency as the 3rd option in Cincy behind A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert. He and Tyler could trade big lines every week.

 

  • I hope you weren’t foolish enough to sit Jeremy Hill this week… or any week in the future. Even with fewer touches, he’s going to be a threat to score.

 

Jaguars vs Colts

 

  • Another week, another productive day for Allen Hurns. If you’ve been reading this piece weekly, or the waiver wire cheat sheet, then you should already own him. If not, you now know you need to.

 

  • Blake Bortles and the Jags fair much better when T.J. Yeldon runs the ball more, although the lack of Luck on the other end may have had something to do with them staying in the game. Hopefully they take that approach more often.

 

  • Ahmad Bradshaw may become a Colt this week. If you can recall his rapid rise in the offense during his time in Indy before he injured his leg, then you already know he’s more than worth an add.

 

 

 

Panthers vs Buccaneers

 

  • Who needs a running back when you have Cam Newton? Seriously though, I think J Stew will get more work when the Panthers face tougher teams.

 

  • Yes, Ted Ginn had 2 TDs as I called in the Garbage Grab, but he also only had 18 yards on the day. He’s still a spot-play until he starts putting up the yards to match the scores…unless he’s scoring every week.

 

  • Doug Martin finally showed us he is who we thought he was coming into the season. That fact that he put 100+ yards on Carolina’s D makes me believe it’s no fluke. The Bucs would be wise to take the onus off of Winston all the time, and put more focus on the run game.

 

  • Despite his terrible outings so far this season, Mike Evans still has WR1 written all over him. He’s a prime trade target for those of you wanting to improve your WR corps. Anyone who faces Josh Norman is going to get shut out this season. Evans is a prime buy-low target. 

 

Eagles vs Redskins

 

  • The Eagles run game works better with Ryan Mathews in the backfield, but Murray’s salary will continue to dictate his usage.

 

  • Nelson Agholor didn’t have a huge game, but if you saw his phenomenal hands catches you know this kid is the real deal. Keep the faith.

 

  • Alfred Morris got the bulk of carries versus the Eagles, and the ‘Skins won the game. There may be hope for his owners yet.

 

  • Chris Thompson isn’t the physical specimen that Matt Jones is, but he offers a different skill set than Jones or Morris that will maintain his position as the 3rd down back in Washington. He needs to be owned in deeper PPRs.

 

  • DeSean Jackson may practice this week. If he’s been dropped in your league, now is the time to pick him up.

 

 

Browns vs Chargers

 

  • Garbage Grab find Gary Barnidge is doing work in Cleveland. With Brian Hartline possibly missing more time with a rib injury, he’s worth starting until he flops.

 

  • The lack of reliable passing options makes enough room for both Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson Jr. to thrive in the Browns offense.

 

  • No TD for Benjamin this week, but he’s established himself as the Browns’ No.1 WR, whatever that means to you.

 

 

Rams vs Cardinals

 

  • Todd Gurley looks like that special kind of runner that only gets stronger as the game goes on. Kudos to those of you who stuck with him in your lineups after an unimpressive start last week. Gurley, if he stays healthy, will be an absolute season-changer. 

 

  • The Rams are hungry for pass catchers, and Tavon Austin seems like the only guy who’s responding to the call on a semi-regular basis. His big-play ability makes him a high-reward DFS play near-weekly.

 

  • It didn’t quite show up in the box score, but the Cards are trying to get Michael Floyd involved. He’s worth a speculative add for those who are desperate at WR.

 

  • Already a must-stash in dynasty, Stefon Diggs could soon be a standard league fixture with the way he flowed through Denver’s stout pass defense. We’ve always said just give Diggs a shot to get in the game and he’ll quickly prove he’s the best WR on the Minnesota roster. 

 

Vikings vs Broncos

 

  • Teddy Bridgewater is a special player. Rarely have a I seen such composure under pressure from a young QB. He even takes his sacks in stride.

 

  • Hillman looks like the better back for the Broncos, but C.J Anderson is big and he’s supposedly healthy. He’s going to stay in the mix.

 

  • I hate to say it, but Peyton Manning is no longer a must-start in fantasy.

 

Packers vs 49ers

 

  • TE Richard Rodgers is gaining Aaron Rodgers’ trust game by game. He’s still a TE2, though, with so many other viable options in Green Bay

 

  • With little to no passing game worth respecting in San Fran, teams are stacking the box to shut down Carlos Hyde. The 49ers need to open up the field more with Torrey Smith soon or Hyde’s breakout year is going be stymied.

 

Cowboys vs Saints

 

  • Christine Michael didn’t do much with his single carry on Sunday night (-1 yard), but he’s in line for more work with the loss of Lance Dunbar.

 

  • Cole Beasley’s looks should go up with the loss of Dunbar as well.

 

  • C.J. Spillers snaps have increased every week, and his game winning scamper versus Dallas will only get him more involved.

 

37 Comments

  1. ↓ Post By grh1988

    This is my favorite piece each week. Keep up the good work!

  2. ↓ Post By tonycaruso6

    In a 12tm, 0.5PPR league, would you give up Abdullah and Woodhead for Jeffery and Ellington (all players would be starters)?

    1. ↓ Post By Dorian Colbert

      it depends on the rest of your roster. if you’re shallow at wr, then possibly.

  3. ↓ Post By renourka

    Also my favorite article of the week!

    Apologize for the repost but I have question in my 12 Team Standard league:

    (1) QB: Tyrod Taylor
    (2) WR: A. Brown, Hopkins (Watkins, Stevie Johnson)
    (2) RB: Forte, Gore (Abdullah, Duke Johnson, D. Martin)
    (1) TE: Rudolph
    (1) FLEX: K. Williams
    Bench total : (5)

    Very unlucky 1-3 team here as I’m 3rd in “total points for” by 20 points and 1st in “points against” by 50. I’m tied with 4 other teams for last in standings…

    I lost week one by four points to a team that is now undefeated and I lost these past two weeks to the highest scoring teams in the league each week! I’m not panicking yet however I am tired of this failed Kyle Rudolph experiment and I think I wanna trade for Olsen with a 1-3 team (who just beat me) because he only has Ingram, CJ Anderson, Blount, and Bush as RBs… worth trading one of my backs for him and if so WHO would you offer up? Or just go with one of these waiver guys ROS?

    Best FA TEs include: Barnidge, Rogers, L. Green, Miller, Ertz, D. Allen, J. Hill, and Gilmore

    1. ↓ Post By Dorian Colbert

      i could depart with gore or maybe martin. if you don’t work something out, i’d pick up barnidge, ertz, or green if gates doesn’t come back right away. gillmore might be a sneaky play too if he’s back this week.

      1. ↓ Post By renourka

        Thanks again Trashman for response! Not sure if you’ll see this or not but I picked up Barnidge for now but I’m still in trade talks for Olsen. I need Martin for my FLEX this week if Williams can’t go and I can’t give him Gore because the trade won’t process in time before tomorrow night’s game, however am I better of trading away Karlos Williams for Olsen if he accepts?

  4. ↓ Post By rw-MZG3XAAKH

    In full point PPR, would you trade Jordan Matthews for Mike Evans?

    1. ↓ Post By Dorian Colbert

      no, matthews should be more consistent

      1. ↓ Post By Biddy711

        Thanks!

  5. ↓ Post By ea4582

    Hi guys, I need help, I’m 1-3… Points for my team is 500 and Points against is 490. Both are 2nd highest. Standard 12 team league, 5 pts for QB tds, 25 yards per point, bonusses at 300/400/500yds. -1 interceptions. Rbs and Wrs get bonuses for yardage, and 6 pts for tds. Flex is RB/WR/TE. My team is- Qb-Bradford, Alex smith, wrs- Antonio Brown, Julio, Agholor. Rbs-Gore, J. Randle, Ellington, K. williams, Ivory, A. Andrew, Rawls. Te- Eifert

    What would you guys do?

    1. ↓ Post By Dorian Colbert

      i’d package a couple of your rbs to get a marquee back from someone who needs depth or the owner of lynch or mccoy. i’d also think about upgrading at qb.

  6. ↓ Post By cwink2121

    Gentleman – Love the site!

    Looking for an overall opinion and feedback on direction of my team. PPR league starting Roster is 1-QB, 2-RB, 2-WR, 1-TE, 1-RB/WR/TE, 1-K, 1-D. Below is my Roster and where my heads at… biggest need is TE and playing the right pair of RBs.

    Brady
    Hill, L. Murray, Gore, Martin, David Johnson
    OBJ, Moncrief, Marshall, Agholor and Dez (in IR spot)
    Heath Miller – Needs to go (Gilmore, Barnidge, Green, R. Rodgers, Fleener, Donnell are options)
    Bryant and Panthers D (though on bye)

    Brady is good for the rest of the year
    I seem to miss the RB start each week. (Went w/Gore and Murray week 4)
    WR’s don’t seem to be a problem – comfortable with them.
    TE Needs to go, but don’t know who pick up
    D/K – happy with Bryant and Carolina

    1. ↓ Post By Dorian Colbert

      i’d probably drop miller for barnidge. the rest of your team looks solid. i might pair a couple of your 1B type of players to get a 1a at RB.

  7. ↓ Post By Gtb275

    I’m in desperate need of a WR this week, as I have Brandon Marshall on a bye and Steve Smith out with an injury. Are Melvin Gordon or Tevin Coleman droppable in a 0.5 PPR for any of the top 3 WRs on the Waiver Wire cheat sheet? Or should I roll with E. Sanders and Cooks for this week? Other RBs are Lacy, L. Murray, K. Williams, D. Martin, & C. Hyde.

    1. ↓ Post By Dorian Colbert

      i could maybe drop williams or coleman. williams could miss this week, and he’s not their long term back. gordon is for the chargers.

  8. ↓ Post By markm2332

    Should I trade Lamar Miller for Joseph Randle? Also, give up Hyde for Lat Murray?

    1. ↓ Post By Dorian Colbert

      i would if it’s a standard. i’d probably do both of those trades. hyde is more talented, but that nfc west is going to be brutal. i don’t normally do straight up trades like that though. there doesn’t seem to be significant upside.

  9. ↓ Post By Joseph Reyes

    Do I trade away Devonte Freeman for Ameer Abdullah & duke Johnson?

    1. ↓ Post By Joseph Reyes

      Standard

      1. ↓ Post By Joseph Reyes

        L.Bell R.Cobb K.Allen k. Williams (buf) A. Jeffery A.Cooper. J.Brown. AZ. M.Jones N.Agholor

    2. ↓ Post By Dorian Colbert

      bell, williams, and jones are your only other backs? it seems like with your deep wr corps you could get one of those guys for a receiver.

  10. ↓ Post By openur3rdeye

    barnidge over gillmore long term?

    1. ↓ Post By Dorian Colbert

      they have similar outlooks as long as mccown is qb. i lean barnidge. gillmore is the better athlete, but his calf might bother him for awhile and maxx williams is breathing down his neck. Barnidge is the safer play.

  11. ↓ Post By Jrstone15

    Appreciate the effort you put in your site, it is very helpful each week! Have some pick up and drop questions! I’m in a 10 team 1 point PPR league, we start 1- QB, 2-WR, 2-RB, 1-TE, 1-Flex, 1-Def, and 1-Kicker, and am sitting at 2-2.

    Here is my team:

    QB: Palmer & Wilson – Derek Carr, & Sam Bradford are on the waiver wire, do I drop Wilson for one of them?

    RB’s: Forte, Ivory, TJ Yeldon, and David Johnson – Should I sell high on Ivory and try to pick up a better RB 2 or RB 1 that is low right now, or just stick with this group? (I’ve had trade talks for L. Murray, Jeremy Hill)

    WR: Demaryius Thomas, Jarvis Landry, Golden Tate, John Brown, Marvin Jones, Devante Parker – (Duke Johnson, and Doug Martin are on the waiver wire) I had an idea to drop Parker and Jones and try and pick these two up. I was thinking of using Ivory and ether Duke or Martin to get a stronger RB or WR. Am I crazy for thinking this way, or is it a good idea to get more strength.

    TE: Gates and Ebron – I matched these two because of their schedules, but with Ebron getting hurt and Gates just coming back, should I try and pick up Owen Daniels, Barnidge, or Jordan Cameron?

    Def: Seatle- I’m happy with them.

    K: McManus – Hasn’t missed any kick, (knock on wood). Will stick with him until bye week.

    Extremely sorry for the long post, I’m just very competive and want to win, and would love your insight on anything you would change or do differently. Thank you!

    1. ↓ Post By Dorian Colbert

      Thanks jr, no, i always like a good qb who can run. even if the pass isn’t working, they can score points for you. i like your rb corps. i think ivory will stay solid. i’d def pick up johnson and martin as they are better trade bait than your wrs. barnidge or cameron are good pickups, barnidge more so short term.

      1. ↓ Post By Jrstone15

        Thanks Dorian for your input! I was able to get Martin and Johnson, and instead of a second Tight end, I picked up Allen Hurns. So one of the guys in my league is hurting bad at every position and is looking to get rid of Bell. He wants a 3 for 1, including Ivory, Landry, and maybe Yeldon, Tate, Or Martin. We are in a keeper league and I would get to keep Bell for three years in the 12th round. Is it crazy to give up three players, or would this give me a major advantage having Forte in my line up also? Thanks again for all of your help!

        1. ↓ Post By Dorian Colbert

          if you think you can win without those guys i’d go for it. just make sure you have someone who can take care of their bye weeks.

  12. ↓ Post By rw-aXvBlqmSo

    Any issue starting rivers over Palmer this week?

    1. ↓ Post By Dorian Colbert

      i have them back to back with palmer over rivers, but i could go either way. the lions are much harder to run on than the steelers, so i imagine ariz will throw more.

  13. ↓ Post By flapjacks28

    T.Y. Hilton @ Texans or Vincent Jackson vs. Jaguars?
    Carlos Hyde @ NYG or Ronnie Hillman @ Raiders?

    1. ↓ Post By Dorian Colbert

      jackson if no luck, hyde

  14. ↓ Post By flemdog

    Good Morning need to start 2 RBS and a flex from the following players (1 PPR)

    forsett, lacy, woodhead and karlos Williams, Tavon Austin, Steve Johnson, Sammy Watkins and Heath Miller.

    Thanks

    1. ↓ Post By Dorian Colbert

      lacy, forsett, woodhead

  15. ↓ Post By mjurgemeyer

    Would you keep rolling with Devonta Freeman against Washington’s run defense or would you plug in one of Frank Gore, Doug Martin or Dion Lewis with easier matchups?

    1. ↓ Post By Dorian Colbert

      it’s pretty hard to take out a guy who’s scored 6 tds in 2 games. even if coleman is back, which is somewhat unlikely, freeman will get the bulk of work. having julio jones to take some of the pressure away will mitigate some of that defense.

  16. ↓ Post By rw-aXvBlqmSo

    Doug Baldwin or coke Beasley in ppr?

    1. ↓ Post By rw-aXvBlqmSo

      Cole*

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