Hard to believe we are already headed into Week 5 of the NFL season. By now we have a good indication of how teams are using their players which helps our fantasy football endeavors. Nonetheless, there are always unknowns so we must remain diligent in establishing an edge over our opponents. So let’s get right to the good stuff.
Here are 10 tips you should know heading into Week 5:
1. Jets-Falcons play in London
Remember when the NFL kept trying to give the Jaguars to London? Good times. Well, now the league has completely upgraded them to an intriguing Jets vs. Falcons matchup. That was sarcasm if you couldn’t tell. The biggest thing you need to know is that this game kicks off at 9:30 AM ET so make sure to have your lineups set by Saturday night if you have any players going in this game.
Despite the less-than-stellar 1-3 teams–this game actually has some interesting fantasy implications. I would consider starting Jets’ WR Corey Davis and even QB Zach Wilson is not a terrible play in Superflex 2QB leagues. As for the Falcons: WR Calvin Ridley, RB Cordarelle Patterson, and TE Kyle Pitts are worth consideration in fantasy lineups.
2. Time to bench Gaskin
Dolphins’ RB Myles Gaskin was a popular RB2 for managers who decided to wait on the position in their drafts. He inexplicably only received two carries last week and he faces the Buccaneers in Week 5. Tampa Bay ranks No. 1 in the league allowing just 48 rushing yards per game.
It might be too early to hit the panic button on Gaskin but things aren’t trending up this week. Look elsewhere for your RB2 even if that means picking someone up on waivers. Depending on league size I would consider starting Kenny Gainwell, Damien Williams, and Cordarelle Patterson over Gaskin.
3. Swift bounces back
Lions’ RB D’Andre Swift has vastly outperformed his preseason average draft position (ADP). Last week was a dud, however. The Bears’ defense held him to just 16 yards on the ground and only let him haul in 4/6 of his targets in the passing game.
This week Swift faces a Vikings defense that is bottom 10 in the league in rushing yards per game given up. Swift should be a lock in starting lineups for this matchup. His floor is 15 points in PPR leagues and his ceiling is the RB1 for the week.
4. Start Jalen Hurts
Eagles’ QB Jalen Hurts has proven to be the prototype for modern-day fantasy quarterbacks. He consistently passes for a ton of yards and runs around enough to pick up added fantasy points on the ground. If you’re like me, you drafted him as your QB2.
It’s time to pull the plug on your starter and put Hurts in. He is a weekly top 12 play at the position and there are only a handful of QBs that he should be benched for at this point. The Panthers have a much-improved defense but Dak Prescott was able to move the ball at will against them last week. Don’t overthink it–start Hurts.
5. Elijah Mitchell worth a FLEX
As of now, 49ers’ RB Elijah Mitchell seems to be on track to play in Week 5. Anything is possible with a Kyle Shanahan-coached team but when Mitchell has been healthy he has seen the bulk of the touches at running back.
The Cardinals have given up an average of 136 yards on the ground per game on the year. The 49ers have to establish the running game to have a chance at knocking off the undefeated Cardinals. Mitchell should be a focal point assuming he is healthy enough to suit up in this one.
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6. Rams bounce back
The Rams had their first down game of the year last week against the Cardinals. QB Matthew Stafford, WR Cooper Kupp, and TE Tyler Higbee all underperformed. I fully expect them to bounce back this Thursday against Seattle.
The Seahawks defense has struggled to get off the field in 2021. They rank bottom five in the league in both passing and rushing yards allowed. Fire up any Rams you have with complete confidence.
7. Tough matchup for Chargers
The Chargers will face off against the Browns in Week 5. Cleveland ranks top five in total yards allowed as well as touchdowns allowed. QB Justin Herbert, RB Austin Ekeler, and WR Keenan Allen are must-starts but the matchup does not scream value in DFS.
The Bolts have been so good this season that I would not recommend sitting any of their studs. Just keep in mind that you might need to go with other high-ceiling players when filling out your starting lineup.
8. Saquon is back
RB Saquon Barkley faced a stingy front seven last week against the Saints. He still managed to finish the week with his best fantasy performance of 2021. This was due mostly to his increased role in the passing game.
The Giants have had injury issues at the wide receiver position. Saquon is slowly becoming a weekly must-start with how much QB Daniel Jones has been targeting him the last two weeks. He has received 13 targets in weeks 3 and 4 as opposed to just six targets in the first two weeks of the season.
9. Matchup of the week
The Bills-Chiefs matchup is the must-watch Sunday night game of the week. The fantasy implications are immeasurable.
Buffalo has a great defense this year but the Chiefs have no problem moving the ball against anyone. Start all of the regulars in this one with confidence.
10. Defense to stream
The top defense to stream this week is the Patriots against the Texans. If one of your league mates made the mistake of dropping New England’s defense in your league last week because of their bad matchup make it a priority to go get them.
If you enjoyed this article, then you’re in luck! Be on the lookout for weekly installments of “10 tips to know” throughout the season. Feel free to follow me on Twitter @jaltorfer1. Any and all feedback is welcome.
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