As we enter into October, you should have a good idea of what your Fantasy team is right now. There have been four weeks of the season, and hopefully your team is looking like a playoff contender. If not, don't be afraid to shake things up.
You don't have to start guys just because you drafted them with an early-round pick. If a player is struggling -- Myles Gaskin, Allen Robinson, Kyle Pitts, etc. -- and you have a better option on your bench, use that guy. And you should explore making trades.
While the season is extended this year with an extra game, you don't want to fall to 0-5 or 1-4 if you can avoid it. Be aggressive as a Fantasy manager and do something to save your season. This is why we play this game, right? To run our own franchise and hopefully make it a winner.
We'll continue to do our part to help with your lineup decisions, but you control your own destiny. And if things aren't going right then don't just hope that "this is the week my guy comes through."
Use the player that gives you the best chance to win if it makes sense and not the guy you drafted in a certain round. And explore making a trade if your roster needs help. Even if your Fantasy season got off to a rocky start, you can still save your roster. Time is running out, but you can still make it happen.
Editor's Note: Projections are provided by CBS Sports and not Jamey Eisenberg. Projected points are for PPR leagues.
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More Week 5: Sleepers | RB Preview | WR Preview | QB Preview | TE preview | Trade Values | Towers' Top 150 | Starts, ssits, sleepers & busts | Waiver Wire | PPR Cheat Sheet | Trade Targets | DFS Guide
Start 'Em & Sit 'Em
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The only thing missing for Leonard Fournette so far this season has been a touchdown, and hopefully he can find the end zone this week against Miami. He's worth trusting as a quality No. 2 Fantasy running back in all leagues, and he's our Start of the Week.
Fournette has been Tampa Bay's primary running back this year. He's scored at least 11 PPR points in three of four games, and he has at least three receptions in each outing. It appears like Giovani Bernard (knee) could return in Week 5 after being out in Week 4 at New England, but that shouldn't have much of an impact on Fournette's role. He's led Tampa Bay's running backs in snaps in every game this season.
Against the Patriots, Fournette had 20 carries for 91 yards, along with three catches for 47 yards on five targets. It would be great if the Buccaneers fed him that much again. The Dolphins have been terrible against opposing running backs so far this year, and Fournette has the chance for a standout performance.
Miami has allowed six touchdowns to running backs and four guys -- Damien Harris, Devin Singletary, Peyton Barber and Jonathan Taylor -- have gained at least 90 total yards, with Harris, Barber and Taylor rushing for 100 yards. We know Tampa Bay will probably still be pass-heavy in this matchup with Tom Brady, but Fournette should get plenty of work.
I hope he can find the end zone for the first time and lead Fantasy managers to a big week. I'm excited about Fournette in this matchup with Miami.
Quarterbacks
Hurts delivered as the Start of the Week in Week 4 at Kansas City with 31 Fantasy points, and he could have had an even bigger outing if not for losing two touchdowns due to penalties. He's now scored at least 21 Fantasy points in every game this season, and his floor is safe thanks to his rushing production (at least 35 yards in every game). This week, he has a tough matchup at Carolina, but Dak Prescott just had 34 Fantasy points against the Panthers, including 35 rushing yards. Hurts once again should be considered a top 10 Fantasy quarterback in all leagues.
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Cousins had his first bad game of the season in Week 4 against Cleveland with 12 Fantasy points, which ended his three-game run of scoring at least 26 points to open the year. He should get back on track this week against the Lions, who he has demolished in his career. In his past five meetings with Detroit, Cousins has 1,458 passing yards, 15 total touchdowns and no interceptions. He averaged 33.0 Fantasy points against the Lions in two games last year, and he should once again have another standout outing against them this week.
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Darnold is averaging nearly nine Fantasy points per game on average with his rushing stats alone. He has five rushing touchdowns on the season, which is the same amount as Kyler Murray (three) and Lamar Jackson (two) combined). We'll see if he can keep up his production on the ground, but he's doing well throwing the ball also. He comes into Week 5 with three games in a row with at least 300 passing yards, and he's scored at least 21 Fantasy points in every game this year. This week, he gets an Eagles defense that has allowed 10 total touchdowns to Jimmy Garoppolo, Prescott and Patrick Mahomes in the past three games. Darnold has gone from streamer to borderline must-start quarterback heading into this week.
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Burrow was excellent in Week 4 against Jacksonville with 348 passing yards and two touchdowns on 25-of-32 passing, and he helped Cincinnati overcome a 14-0 halftime deficit. The Bengals could find themselves chasing points again this week against the Packers, and we like it when Burrow's pass attempts are up. He should get Tee Higgins (shoulder) back this week, and Burrow could be asked to do more heavy lifting if Joe Mixon (ankle) is out as expected. And the Packers likely won't have standout cornerback Jaire Alexander (shoulder), which is another boost for Burrow's Fantasy outlook this week.
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The last time I recommended Jones as a starting Fantasy option was Week 3 against Atlanta, and he flopped with just 15 points. Otherwise, he's scored at least 22 Fantasy points in each of his three other games, and he's scored 30 Fantasy points in each of his road outings this year at Washington in Week 2 and at New Orleans last week. He's on the road again in Week 5, and Dallas is allowing an average of 336 passing yards per game with 11 total touchdowns to quarterbacks. Now, the Cowboys do have eight interceptions on the season, but Jones should get plenty of volume -- in the air and running the ball -- to be a quality Fantasy option this week. I'm confident that Jones will deliver a solid Fantasy outing in Week 5.
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We'll see if Garoppolo is able to play despite injuring his calf last week, but if Lance starts then he should be considered a potential Fantasy starter in deeper one-quarterback leagues. Lance showed his upside in Week 4 against Seattle when he took over for Garoppolo in the second half and scored 24 Fantasy points. He passed for 157 yards and two touchdowns and added 41 rushing yards in relief. The over-under for this game is 50 points, and Lance might have to keep up with Kyler Murray for the 49ers to stay in contention.
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Lawrence is worth a flyer this week against the Titans, who have allowed three quarterbacks to score at least 21 Fantasy points in four outings. Lawrence looked better in Week 4 at Cincinnati, but he scored just 17 Fantasy points. He doesn't have D.J. Chark (ankle), but he should get enough out of Marvin Jones and Laviska Shenault to be a decent Fantasy option in deeper leagues this week against Tennessee.
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Wilson is worth a flyer in deeper leagues for his matchup with the Falcons, who have allowed the second-most Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this year. Wilson just had 21 Fantasy points against the Titans in Week 4, and he could have similar production in London. The Falcons have only sacked opposing quarterbacks seven times, so Wilson should have time to look downfield in this matchup.
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We'll see if the Titans get A.J. Brown (hamstring) and Julio Jones (hamstring) this week, and that will change things for Tannehill. But if he's without those guys again, Tannehill is tough to trust. Last week at the Jets, Tannehill was held to just 19 Fantasy points, and he struggled without his top receivers. The offensive line was also a mess for the Titans, and Tannehill was sacked seven times and hit on 14 occasions. I'd only start Tannehill in two-quarterback and Superflex leagues.
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The matchup against Washington is great for Winston, but will he do enough to help your Fantasy roster? He's attempted 23 passes or less in every game this year, and he's been at 17 Fantasy points or less in each of the past three games. He's losing too much time to Taysom Hill, and Winston just isn't trustworthy as a Fantasy quarterback. I would love to see him light up Washington as we've seen Josh Allen and Matt Ryan do the past two weeks, but Winston isn't in their class right now as a Fantasy option. Keep Winston in two-quarterback and Superflex lineups only.
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Roethlisberger is a disaster right now, and he's dealing with a hip injury coming into Week 5. He might get Chase Claypool (hamstring) back for this matchup, but that probably isn't enough to help Roethlisberger even in two-quarterback and Superflex leagues. He's scored 15 Fantasy points or less in every game this year, and he has three touchdowns and four interceptions in his past three outings against Las Vegas, Cincinnati and Green Bay. Denver also hasn't allowed multiple passing touchdowns in any game this season, so things aren't encouraging for Roethlisberger in Week 5.
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Mayfield remains a questionable Fantasy starter even in two-quarterback and Superflex leagues. He has scored 19 Fantasy points or less in every game, and he has yet to pass for multiple touchdowns in any outing this year. The Chargers have only allowed Patrick Mahomes to score more than 17 Fantasy points against them this season, including matchups with Dak Prescott and Derek Carr, and Mayfield just isn't enough of a standout Fantasy quarterback to trust in most formats in this game.
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Ryan just scored a season-high 36 Fantasy points against Washington in Week 4, and he has six touchdowns and no interceptions in his past two outings against the Giants and the Football Team. You would think the matchup against the Jets is favorable, but they have actually done well against opposing quarterbacks. They have yet to allow multiple passing touchdowns in a game this season, and their pass rush just beat up on Tannehill for seven sacks and 14 quarterback hits. Ryan is the best passer the Jets have faced since the other opponents were Darnold, Mac Jones, Teddy Bridgewater and Tannehill, but I don't see Ryan having a huge outing this week in London. He's only worth starting in two-quarterback and Superflex leagues.
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Running Backs
Henderson returned from his one-game absence in Week 4 against Arizona and was back as the lead backfield option for the Rams. He had 14 carries for 89 yards, along with five catches for 27 yards on six targets. He's now scored at least 15 PPR points in all three of the games he's played, and he should be in that range again this week at Seattle. The Seahawks have already allowed four running backs to score at least 14 PPR points this season, and Henderson scored against Seattle in Week 10 last year.
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Hunt is doing a great job over the past two games with at least 15 PPR points in outings against Chicago and Minnesota. He's scored a touchdown in each contest, and he has eight catches over that span on 11 targets. The Chargers have allowed four running backs to gain at least 95 total yards this season with Antonio Gibson, Tony Pollard, Ezekiel Elliott and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, with Pollard, Elliott and Edwards-Helaire each scoring touchdowns. Hunt is worth using as a No. 2 Fantasy running back in all leagues in this matchup.
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This game sets up perfectly for Harris as the Patriots are nine-point favorites on the road. That should give New England plenty of chances to run the ball, and Harris is due for a big game. He started off the season running well with either 100 yards or a touchdown in his first two games against Miami and the Jets. He's struggled in the past two outings against New Orleans and Tampa Bay, both tough run defenses, with a combined 10 carries for 10 yards. It was encouraging to see him catch two passes for 30 yards on two targets against the Buccaneers last week in the first game without James White (hip), and hopefully he continues to be involved in the passing game. However, that role appears to belong to Brandon Bolden, who should be considered a sleeper. As for Harris, he's a No. 2 running back in all leagues against the Texans, who have allowed three rushing touchdowns in the past three games.
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If Edmonds were scoring touchdowns he might be among the top Fantasy running backs this year. But alas the Cardinals continue to let James Conner fall into the end zone, and he has four touchdowns in the past two games. Edmonds has yet to score, but he does have at least 13 PPR points in three of four games this year. He's third among running backs in the NFL with 20 receptions, and he just had 120 rushing yards on 12 carries at the Rams in Week 4. The 49ers are No. 6 in receptions allowed to running backs, so Edmonds should have the chance for another quality PPR outing. In non-PPR leagues, consider Edmonds a strong flex, but he would be a must-start option in those formats if he was given more scoring chances.
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It was good to see Jacobs back in Week 4 against the Chargers after a two-game absence with an ankle injury, and hopefully he's healthy for the rest of the year. He had 13 carries for 40 yards, which isn't exactly encouraging, but it was great to see the Raiders give him five targets. He finished with five catches for 17 yards, and we'd like to see him continue having a prominent role in the passing game. He has a tough test against the Bears this week, and Chicago has only allowed two touchdowns to running backs this season. But I like Jacobs in matchups the Raiders have a chance to win, and Las Vegas is 5.5-point favorites at home. Consider Jacobs a No. 2 running back this week.
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Williams is expected to start for the injured David Montgomery (knee), and hopefully Williams takes advantage of this opportunity. He's dealing with a thigh bruise, so keep an eye on his status, but Williams has the chance for around 18 total touches per game based on Montgomery's average this year. Williams just had eight carries for 55 yards and a touchdown against Detroit in Week 4, along with two catches for 15 yards on two targets, and this is a good matchup this week against the Raiders. Las Vegas has allowed six touchdowns to running backs this year, and a running back has scored against the Raiders in every game. Williams should be considered a low-end starter or flex in all leagues.
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Moss has played more than Devin Singletary in each of the past two games, and Moss will look to extend his touchdown streak this week to four games in a row. He has four touchdowns over that span, and he's taken over as the lead running back in Buffalo. It's still a shared backfield, but Moss has easily been more productive, scoring at least 12 PPR points in each of the past three outings. This week, he's taking on a Chiefs defense that has allowed six total touchdowns to running backs this year, including at least one touchdown in every game. Moss is a borderline starter in all formats this week.
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Davis is getting outplayed by Cordarrelle Patterson, but Davis still remains the lead running back in terms of snaps and carries. Hopefully, that leads to quality production in Week 5 against the Jets in London. The Jets have allowed five rushing touchdowns in the past three games, and Davis and Patterson are both worth starting this week. I like Patterson more, which you'll see in the wide receiver section, but Davis is a serviceable flex option in this matchup.
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Murray took over as the lead running back for the Ravens in Week 4 at Denver, and he got a season-high 18 carries. He only managed 59 yards and didn't factor in the passing game, but he found the end zone for the third time in four games this year. We'll see what Baltimore plans to do in regards to Ty'Son Williams, who was inactive in Week 4, as well as Le'Veon Bell, but Murray will most likely lead the team in carries against the Colts. That gives Murray the chance to be a low-end starter in non-PPR leagues and a flex option in PPR. The Ravens are a 7-point favorites at home, so Murray's chances for a quality workload are high if his role is the same this week as it was in Week 4.
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McKissic could be heavily involved in the game plan this week if Washington is chasing points, and the Saints are 1.5-point favorites on the road. New Orleans has also allowed at least five receptions to an opposing backfield in each of the past three games, with McCaffrey scoring 11 PPR points and Saquon Barkley scoring 18 PPR points with just their receiving totals alone over that span. McKissic has two games with at least 16 PPR points in his past three outings, and Washington could give him more work in the passing game with Logan Thomas (hamstring) banged up.
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I had high expectations for Gaskin this season, and so far he's been a total bust. He's failed to score a touchdown, his best outing was 11 PPR points in Week 1, and in Week 4 against Indianapolis he was a non-factor with two carries for 3 yards and no catches. Miami's offensive line has been a disaster, and Malcolm Brown is being used too much. Hopefully, the Dolphins can figure out how to better use Gaskin, but right now he should be benched in all leagues. He won't have success running against Tampa Bay in Week 5, and it doesn't appear like his opportunities in the passing game will be enough to save him, especially after what happened against the Colts.
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It's amazing that Sanders has just nine carries in the past two games against Dallas and Kansas City. I love it for Jalen Hurts, but the Eagles need to do a better job of running the ball. Now, maybe that means more chances for Kenneth Gainwell because he's looked good, but Sanders can't help your Fantasy team when he's only averaging 7.5 total touches per game. He's also yet to score a touchdown this season, and Carolina has only allowed one touchdown to a running back this year. Sanders is even a questionable flex option this week.
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Perine is expected to start for the injured Joe Mixon (ankle), but I would only consider Perine a flex option at best this week. While he should get the bulk of Mixon's workload -- he averaged 22.5 total touches per game this year -- we'll see how much Perine could share with Chris Evans in the passing game. Last year, Perine had three games with at least 10 carries, and he scored 10 PPR points or less in two of them. The Packers run defense has also been tough, and Perine will likely need to score to salvage a good Fantasy outing this week.
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Last week against Baltimore was the first time in four games we saw Javonte Williams play more snaps than Gordon. It was only one, but could the rookie be starting to take over? We'll find out, but the playing time has been relatively even all year. As a result, Gordon and Williams have been inconsistent Fantasy options, and Gordon has two games with at least 15 PPR points and two games with just eight points. This week, Gordon and Williams are facing a Steelers defense that has yet to allow a running back to score a touchdown, including matchups with Mixon and Aron Jones in the past two weeks. I would only consider Gordon and Williams as flex plays this week in the majority of leagues.
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Singletary has struggled with Moss taking over as the lead running back in Buffalo over the past two games. He's combined for just 11 PPR points over that span, and he's been a relative non-factor near the goal line and in the passing game. He did have 14 carries for 79 yards in Week 4 against Houston, and he could always break off a long run against the Chiefs to boost his Fantasy production this week. But if he's not catching passes or scoring touchdowns then his Fantasy upside is limited. He's at best a flex option in deeper leagues this week.
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Edwards-Helaire has been great in the past two games against the Chargers and Eagles, and you're probably still starting him in most leagues. But this feels like a letdown game against the Bills. While Edwards-Helaire has rushed for at least 100 yards in each of the past two games and caught two touchdowns over that span, Buffalo's defense should make things tough on him. Antonio Gibson's 73-yard touchdown catch in Week 3 is the only significant play against the Bills this season, and they otherwise held Gibson to 12 carries for 31 yards in that game. Buffalo has shut down Najee Harris (five PPR points) and Gaskin (eight PPR points), and the Texans combined for 70 total yards from their backfield against the Bills last week. The Chiefs are clearly a step up in competition, and Edwards-Helaire is playing well. We'll see if he can stay hot in this tough matchup in Week 5.
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Wide Receiver
I'll put Patterson in the wide receiver section, but he can also be started as a running back where allowed. He's not going to keep up this torrid pace, but he's scored at least 16 PPR points in three games in a row, which has been fun to watch. In the passing game, the Jets have only allowed two touchdowns to receivers this year, although five receivers have scored at least 11 PPR points. On the ground, the Jets have given up five rushing touchdowns, and we'll see if Patterson can score there while playing in tandem with Mike Davis. Whatever position you can use Patterson this week, get him active because he's playing well and producing for the Falcons this year.
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Tee Higgins (shoulder) is expected to return for the Bengals this week, and he's worth using as a borderline starter in all leagues. You know Ja'Marr Chase is a must-start Fantasy receiver, and Boyd is a quality starting option as well. He's scored at least 13 PPR points in three games in a row, and he has 26 targets over that span. The Bengals will likely be throwing in this game against the Packers, especially if Joe Mixon (ankle) is out, and Boyd should have the chance at quality production once again. The Packers have allowed a receiver to score in every game this season, and standout cornerback Jaire Alexander (shoulder) is expected to be out this week.
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Brown has played in four Monday night games in his career, and he has four touchdowns in those outings. He opened this season on Monday night against the Raiders and had six catches for 69 yards and a touchdown on six targets. He's only failed to score in one game this year, which was Week 3 at Detroit, and he dropped three potential touchdowns in that contest. He's having a third-year breakout campaign, and it should continue this week against the Colts, who are tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns allowed to receivers with eight.
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I thought Davis had the chance for a quality outing in Week 4 against the Titans in a revenge game, and he delivered with four catches for 111 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. He now has three games this season with at least seven targets, and he's scored at least 21 PPR points in two of those outings. This is another favorable matchup for him against the Falcons, who have allowed seven touchdowns to receivers on the year. Jamison Crowder is also a sleeper this week, and hopefully Zach Wilson continues to lean on Davis and Crowder in London.
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Earlier this week, Rams coach Sean McVay said of Woods, "we just need to get him some more opportunities and that starts with me." The last time McVay said that was in regards to DeSean Jackson after a slow first two games. Prior to Week 3 against Tampa Bay, McVay said of Jackson, "I have to figure out a better way to get him involved. He's too good of a player." Jackson then had three catches for 120 yards and a touchdown on five targets. The squeaky wheel game is coming for Woods, who does have two touchdowns on the season but has yet to top five catches for 64 yards in a game. It helps that he's facing a Seattle defense that is No. 10 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers. Give Woods one more chance as a No. 2 Fantasy receiver this week.
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D.J. Chark (ankle) went down early in Week 4 at Cincinnati, and Shenault responded with six catches for 99 yards on seven targets. He now has three games this season with at least seven targets, and he's scored at least 12 PPR points in two of them. Marvin Jones should be considered a sleeper as well in this matchup, and the Titans are No. 2 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers this year.
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Will Fuller (finger) is out, which should allow Waddle and DeVante Parker to see plenty of targets. I like Waddle slightly more than Parker this week with Jacoby Brissett likely getting the ball out of his hands quickly to avoid the pass rush, and Waddle operates close to the line of scrimmage with a lot of his routes. Tampa Bay allows the most Fantasy points to wide receivers this season, and Waddle already has two road games this year with at least 16 PPR points.
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Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders are both sleepers this week in what should be a high-scoring affair. Beasley had 11 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets in two games against the Chiefs last year, including the playoffs, and Josh Allen should lean on him again in this crucial road game. And Sanders has at least 12 PPR points in consecutive games against Washington and Houston, and it appears like his rapport with Allen is getting stronger each week. Both of these guys are high-end No. 3 Fantasy receivers, with their value slightly higher in PPR.
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Renfrow is becoming a reliable No. 3 PPR receiver after the way he's played to start the season. He has three games with at least 13 PPR points, and he's scored a touchdown in two games in a row heading into Week 5 against Chicago. He's also had at least seven targets in three games this year. Renfrow should have another solid outing this week against the Bears, who have already allowed nine receivers to score at least 12 PPR points this year.
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We'll see what happens with Toney when Sterling Shepard (hamstring) is healthy, but Shepard already missed practice Wednesday, which isn't a good sign. Toney played well in Week 4 at New Orleans with six catches for 78 yards on nine targets. The Giants should have success throwing the ball against the Cowboys this week since Dallas is No. 4 in Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers. There have already been five receivers to score at least 14 PPR points against the Cowboys this year, and Toney should be considered a low-end No. 3 Fantasy receiver this week.
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Sutton had a great game in Week 2 at Jacksonville with nine catches for 159 yards on 12 targets, but things have fizzled out since then. In his past two games against the Jets and Ravens, Sutton has combined for eight catches for 84 yards and no touchdowns on 13 targets. He's still looking for his first touchdown this year, and he might not have Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) for this week. Pittsburgh might also bring back bad memories for Sutton since this is where he suffered a torn ACL last year. I would only start Sutton as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver at best this week.
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It's been a rough start to the season for Smith-Schuster, and it's hard to trust him as a Fantasy receiver heading into Week 5 against Denver. Smith-Schuster has fewer than 53 receiving yards in every game this season, has three games with four catches or less and has yet to catch a touchdown. He was limited to two catches for 8 yards in Week 4 at Green Bay despite eight targets, and that was with Chase Claypool (hamstring) out. Claypool is expected to return this week, which means the only Steelers receiver you should trust is Diontae Johnson. At best, consider Smith-Schuster a low-end No. 3 receiver in PPR this week.
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Now that we know Justin Fields is expected to start for the Bears for the rest of this year, we'll see if Robinson and Fields can get on the same page. It hasn't worked out so far between the two, but you should remain hopeful. That said, I would try to bench Robinson this week in the majority of leagues. In the past two games with Fields under center at Cleveland in Week 3 and against Detroit in Week 4, Robinson has combined for five catches, 90 yards and no touchdowns on nine targets. His best game this season was 10 PPR points in Week 2 against the Bengals, and he has one touchdown this year. The Raiders have also allowed just one touchdown to an opposing receiver this year, which was Marquise Brown in Week 1.
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Pittman is clearly the No. 1 receiver for the Colts right now, and he comes into Week 5 at Baltimore with at least eight targets in three games in a row and 32 targets over that span. He had a tremendous game in Week 3 against the Rams with 20 PPR points, but he combined for just 23 PPR points in his past two outings against the Titans and Dolphins. The Ravens should be able to make things tough on Pittman, and No. 1 receivers against Baltimore this season have struggled. Henry Ruggs III (six PPR points), Tyreek Hill (four PPR points) and Sutton (seven PPR points) were all held in check by the Ravens, and Pittman could easily be next. He's a No. 3 Fantasy receiver at best this week, with his value higher in PPR.
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I had relatively high expectations for Beckham in Week 4 at Minnesota, and he disappointed with two catches for 27 yards on seven targets. The nice thing is he has 16 targets in two games this year, and he did score 13 PPR points in Week 3 against Chicago. The Chargers come into this game No. 2 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, and they have only given up two touchdowns to the position in four games. Beckham should continue to be the No. 1 target for Baker Mayfield this week with Jarvis Landry (knee) still out, but I would only use Beckham as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in the majority of leagues.
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Tight End
Schultz should be considered a must-start tight end right now since he has at least 17 PPR points in two consecutive games, and he has three games this season with at least six targets and six catches. He has 15 targets in his past two outings, and it's nice to see Dak Prescott leaning on him. The Giants have allowed four touchdowns to tight ends this season, and a tight end has scored against them in every game this year. Blake Jarwin is even worth using as a sleeper this week in deeper leagues, and he scored for the Cowboys last week against Carolina.
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In the past two games with Jacoby Brissett starting, Gesicki had 18 targets, 15 catches, 143 yards and a touchdown, and he scored at least 16 PPR points in those outings. The Dolphins will probably have Brissett get the ball out of hands quickly with their suspect offensive line taking on this Tampa Bay pass rush, and that should lead to Gesicki getting plenty of targets once again. The Buccaneers have allowed three touchdowns to tight ends in their past two games.
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Knox has scored a touchdown in three games in a row, with four touchdowns over that span, and he just had a season-high eight targets and five catches against Houston in Week 4. He has a potential shootout looming in Week 5 against the Chiefs, and Kansas City just allowed Dallas Goedert and Zach Ertz to each score more than 12 PPR points in Week 4. Knox has top-10 upside in this spotlight game in Week 5, and hopefully he can keep his touchdown streak alive.
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Brate picked up six targets in Week 4 at New England with Rob Gronkowski (ribs) out, but Brate only managed two catches for 29 yards. I'll give him a pass in that game since the weather was bad, and the Patriots are good at defending tight ends. If Gronkowski remains out in Week 5 against Miami as expected, consider Brate a streaming option again. The Dolphins have allowed three touchdowns to tight ends in the past three weeks.
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Ertz comes into Week 5 having scored at least 12 PPR points in his past two outings against Dallas and Kansas City. He has 15 targets over that span for 113 yards and a touchdown, and he's proving that he can co-exist with Goedert in this offense. The Eagles play Carolina in Week 5, and the Panthers just allowed Schultz and Jarwin to score touchdowns. Ertz is worth using as a low-end starter in all leagues.
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Henry looks like the lead tight end for the Patriots in terms of playing time, and now he's producing more than Jonnu Smith. While both scored touchdowns in Week 4 against Tampa Bay, Henry had four catches for 32 yards on five targets, while Smith had three catches for 14 yards on five targets as well. It could be uneven for both guys moving forward, but Henry is on the field for at least 68 percent of the time in every game this year. Henry and Smith are both potential sleepers this week against the Texans, who have allowed three touchdowns to tight ends this season.
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Tonyan is going to score touchdowns this year, but he only has one on the season and three catches or less in each game. You can find a streamer doing more for this week, and I don't want to rely on him. The Bengals have also allowed just one touchdown to a tight end this year, which was Pat Freiermuth in Week 3. Now, Cincinnati hasn't exactly faced a tough gauntlet of opposing tight ends from Minnesota, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Jacksonville, but if Tonyan fails to score, his Fantasy production will be minimal. I hope he finds the end zone, but I'm not overly optimistic.
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Cook was excellent last week against the Raiders with six catches for 70 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. It was his first touchdown this year, although he had a touchdown called back due to a penalty in Week 2 against Dallas. He has two games this season with at least seven targets and has been a nice weapon for Justin Herbert, but this isn't a good week to trust him as a must-start option. Since getting abused by Travis Kelce in Week 1, the Browns have held opposing tight ends to a combined seven catches for 49 yards and no touchdowns in three games. Granted, that was against Houston, Chicago and Minnesota, but I expect the Chargers receivers and Austin Ekeler to lead the way in this matchup, not Cook. He's a low-end starter at best in most leagues.
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It wouldn't shock me if Engram played well this week given the matchup against the Cowboys. Dallas has allowed three touchdowns to tight ends this season, and Cook and Goedert could have had bigger games in their meetings with the Cowboys. But Engram is tough to trust. In two games this year he has seven catches for 48 yards and a fumble on 12 targets. We'll see if he can deliver in a plus matchup on the road, but I'm only starting him in a desperate situation this week.
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Higbee is dealing with an ankle injury, but hopefully he'll be OK for this game against Seattle. He's still worth using as a low-end starter in deeper leagues, but the Seahawks just helped limit George Kittle to four catches for 40 yards on 11 targets in Week 4. Higbee also has scored just once this season and has been at 40 receiving yards or less for three games in a row. In two meetings with Seattle last year, he combined for six catches for 94 yards and no touchdowns.
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DST
Broncos (at PIT): Ben Roethlisberger (hip) is playing hurt, and the Steelers aren't scoring many points. They've been at 17 points or less in three games in a row, and the 23 points they scored in Week 1 at Buffalo is a season high. Roethlisberger has been sacked at least twice in every game, and he has four interceptions in his past three outings. The Broncos defense has eight sacks in the past two games and has held three teams to 13 points or less.
Steelers (vs. DEN)
Raiders (vs. CHI)
Cardinals (vs. SF)
Bills (at KC): The Bills DST is No. 1 this year by far, but this is a good week to find an alternative option. Buffalo has shut out two of its past three opponents with Miami in Week 2 and Houston in Week 4, but Kansas City is scoring an average of 33.5 points per game. While Patrick Mahomes does have four interceptions on the season, he's only been sacked five times. While the Bills defense might slow down the Chiefs offense, the Bills DST is not worth starting in most leagues this week.
KICKERS
Bullock made three field goals last week at the Jets and has now scored at least 10 Fantasy points in two of his past three games. The Jaguars have already allowed two kickers to make three field goals in a game this year, and three kickers also have at least three PATs against Jacksonville.
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Elliott just had a season-high 12 Fantasy points in Week 4 against Kansas City when he made three field goals and three extra points. Prior to that, he combined for 12 Fantasy points in his previous three games. This week, he's headed to Carolina, where the Panthers allow the fewest Fantasy points to opposing kickers. No kicker has made multiple field goals against Carolina this year.
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