Things are starting to get intense in fantasy leagues and decisions are becoming tougher with bye weeks and injuries mounting. Let’s take a look at some recommendations for players to target and some to avoid. Here are our Studs, Duds and Sleepers for Week 5.
QUARTERBACKS
Stud: Deshaun Watson – Watson has thrown for 300 yards or more in three-straight games. The Dallas defense has played well against the pass, but Watson is a top fantasy quarterback moving forward. The Texans’ record may not be great, but that shouldn’t prevent you from starting Watson in Week 5.
Dud: Pat Mahomes – Mahomes is leading the NFL in touchdown passes with 14. He has played well and has yet to throw an interception this season. Mahomes gets the top defense in the NFL. The Jaguars have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. It’s next to impossible to bench him in re-draft leagues, but stay away from him in daily games.
Sleeper: Derek Carr – Carr was great last week, finishing with 437 yards passing and four touchdowns. The Chargers’ defense has been underwhelming and the Raiders will have plenty of fans on hand in Los Angeles. Carr should have another big day against a defense that has allowed opposing quarterbacks to post a 100.9 rating against them this season.
RUNNING BACKS
Stud: Christian McCaffrey – McCaffrey has 428 yards from scrimmage in three games and has yet to score a touchdown. The Giants are allowing the 12th most points to opposing running backs this season. McCaffrey may finish as the top fantasy running back for Week 5.
Dud: Adrian Peterson – Peterson has been dealing with an ankle injury and is going up against one of the best run defenses in the NFL. The Saints will score plenty of points, which means this could be more of a Chris Thompson week. Peterson is a RB3 for Week 5.
Sleeper: Austin Ekeler – Ekeler has been a consistent RB3 this season, but he could outperform that expectation this week against the Raiders. Oakland allowed all three Browns’ running backs to score double-digit fantasy points in their matchup last week. Ekeler is worth a look in PPR leagues.
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WIDE RECEIVER
Stud: Adam Thielen – Thielen has four straight 100-yard receiving games to start the season. The Eagles have allowed the fourth most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Thielen should go over 100 yards again this week against Philadelphia.
Dud: Demaryius Thomas – Thomas only had 24 yards receiving last week. He isn’t on the same page with Case Keenum. He’s disappointed all season and should have to earn his way back into your lineup. Bench Thomas in Week 5.
Sleeper: Larry Fitzgerald – Fitzgerald is going to get it going at some point and it could be this week against San Francisco. The 49ers have allowed wide receivers like Thielen, Kenny Golladay and Sammy Watkins have success this season. Fitzgerald is dinged up, but Josh Rosen could lean on him this week. He has flex appeal in PPR leagues.
TIGHT END
Stud: Jordan Reed – Reed hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 1, but might get more opportunities this week against a Saints’ defense that has allowed 11 touchdowns through the air this season. Reed is a TE1 with upside for Week 5
Dud: Travis Kelce – Kelce has at least seven receptions in three straight games, but that streak could come to an end this week. The Jaguars’ defense in one of the best in the NFL at covering tight ends. I’m expecting a low scoring affair and Jacksonville should be able to limit Kelce on Sunday. He’s hard to bench in season long leagues, but I’m avoiding him in daily formats.
Sleeper: C.J. Uzomah – Uzomah will be the Bengals’ starting tight end moving forward. Tyler Kroft will get opportunities too, after Tyler Eifert broke his ankle last week. Uzomah has played well this season and the Bengals should target him in the red zone. He’s a TE2 with upside this week.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Stud: Tennessee – The Titans are off to a 3-1 start and should continue to roll this week against one of the NFL’s worst teams. Buffalo is allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses this season.
Dud: Carolina – The Panthers’ defense has been shaky this season, but they have a good matchup against the Giants. At some point New York is going to score a lot of points and it should be this week. The Giants’ backs are against the wall.
Sleeper: Cincinnati – The Bengals’ defense hasn’t been good over the past few weeks. They have a chance to right the ship Sunday against Miami. They’re at home, they’re getting Vontaze Burfict back and they should force a turnover for the first time since Week 2.
