Sit or Start for Week 6

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Sit Josh Allen vs Jets Has it really come to this? After all, Allen was the 1st QB taken in a good number of fantasy drafts -- and early dividends were good, as he was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for September. But coming off back-to-back brutal games against quality AFC defenses on the road, he looks... well, lost. Clearly concerns about his supporting cast have come to fruition, as his collection of weapons combined to drop 10 (yes, TEN) passes against the Texans on Sunday. With no vertical threat, defenses are not even bothering to play cover-2, which Allen and offensive coordinator Brady showed they could master in those first 3 games. Now defenses are crowding the line of scrimmage and blitzing, which has put the QB in jeopardy. He could have been concussed against the Texans but appears to have escaped going into protocol. Allen is too good not to figure this out eventually, but for now his supporting cast is so bad that it will be very difficult for him to beat opposing defenses by throwing the ball, and the heavy dose of defenders in the box also limits his rushing upside. Things could get even worse this week as Curtis Samuel (who hasn't done much anyway) and K. Shakir (his top WR) are nursing injuries. Even James Cook has missed practice this week, so the offense does not appear to be ripe for a "ger right" game. Even worse, the Bills will be on the road yet again facing another tough AFC defense in the Meadowlands for a Monday Night Football showdown against the Jets. If there's a bright side, it's that Allen is the NFL's only quarterback to throw more than 100 passes this season without a pick. It's a good bet he tosses his first INT against a Jets team that has been a thorn in his side the last few seasons. They rank #2 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings.

Player Expected Output Comp. Att. Comp % Pass Yds Rush Yds TDs INTs 18 29 62.06 208 37 1 1

Sit C.J. Stroud vs Patriots Stroud completed 28 of 38 passes for 331 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Bills. He added three rushing attempts for 27 yards and lost a fumble. Stroud racked up 187 passing yards in the first half, highlighted by a 67-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins, who later left the game due to a hamstring injury. Without his top target, the second-year quarterback fell apart in the fourth quarter, turning the ball over on consecutive possessions and then knocking the Texans out of field-goal range with an ill-timed intentional grounding penalty. Houston's defense and special teams helped closed out the win, while a 59-yard Ka'imi Fairbairn field goal on the game's final play ensured that Stroud's second straight game with more than 330 passing yards didn't go to waste. Even if Collins doesn't play against the Patriots in Week 6, Stroud still has the means to be effective with Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell as his top two wide receivers.

Player Expected Output Comp. Att. Comp % Pass Yds Rush Yds TDs INTs 21 36 58.33 227 6 1 1

Risks...

Justin Fields vs Raiders
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week.Fields completed 15 of 27 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Cowboys. He added six rushing attempts for 27 yards. Fields had more rushing attempts (five) than completed passes (four) in the first half, but the Steelers were down only 6-3 at halftime. He went to the blue medical tent with the independent neurologist after taking a big hit on the first possession of the second half, per Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com, but Fields returned two plays later and eventually capped the drive with a go-ahead 16-yard touchdown pass to Connor Heyward. Pittsburgh's offense went quiet again for two drives after that before waking up for a 12-play, 63-yard touchdown drive that culminated in a six-yard Fields touchdown pass to Pat Freiermuth with 4:56 remaining. Fields did enough to put the Steelers in position to improve to 4-1, but the Cowboys scored the game-winning touchdown with 20 seconds remaining. Russell Wilson (calf) still wasn't healthy enough to make his season debut against Dallas, but even if the veteran quarterback gains clearance to suit up against the Raiders in Week 6, he's unlikely to take the starting job despite Fields' slow start in the Week 5 loss.

Justin Herbert vs Broncos
-  The Broncos rank #4 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Herbert completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 17-10 loss to the Chiefs. Herbert led the Chargers on a 10-play, 74-yard touchdown drive on their opening possession, during which he went 4-for-4 for 49 yards. However, he mostly struggled from there as the offense picked up only 12 total first downs and 224 net yards. Herbert has limited mistakes through four games this season, but he has also yet to reach 180 passing yards as the Chargers continue to employ a very conservative offense. Positively, he'll have a week to rest his ankle injury, as the team hits its bye week.

Gardner Minshew II vs Steelers
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week.Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce declined to name Minshew or Aidan O'Connell the starting quarterback for Week 6 during his Monday press conference, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports. Minshew completed 12 of 17 passes for 137 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions before being pulled for O'Connell in the third quarter of Sunday's 34-18 loss to the Broncos. Across four drives, O'Connell wasn't much more impressive, as he completed 10 of 20 passes for 93 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. Minshew now has been benched twice in Las Vegas' last three games, so it looks like the team will seriously evaluate options at the quarterback position heading into a difficult home game against the Steelers this coming Sunday.

Anthony Richardson vs Titans
-  The Titans rank #1 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Coach Shane Steichen said Monday that Richardson (oblique) "is our starting quarterback" when he returns to full health, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports. Richardson took a big hit to his midsection during a Week 4 win against the Steelers that has sidelined him in the meantime. Veteran backup Joe Flacco has fared well since then, completing 49 of 70 passes for 527 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions over the course of seven-and-a-half quarters. The good play won't equate to further starts for Flacco once Richardson is good to go, but the second-year pro likely will need to bump up his activity level this week from the trio of limited practices he managed last week in order to suit up again this coming Sunday at Tennessee.

AARON RODGERS vs Bills
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Head coach Robert Saleh said Monday that Rodgers' sprained left ankle will be examined further, but the Jets have been encouraged by all the preliminary evaluations of the injury, Ethan B. Greenberg of the team's official site reports. Rodgers is tending to a low-ankle sprain, which he appeared to sustain when he took a big hit on a third-down incompletion with 6:11 remaining in the third quarter of Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Vikings. However, after a roughing the punter penalty extended the Jets' drive, Rodgers returned to the field for the next offensive play, and he ended up playing all 71 snaps in the loss while completing 29 of 54 attempts for two touchdowns, three interceptions and 244 yards. Though Saleh's comments suggest that Rodgers will be good to go for next Monday's game against the Bills, the veteran quarterback's practice participation still could be managed leading up to the contest.

Start KIRK COUSINS vs Panthers Cousins completed 42 of 58 passes for 509 yards with four touchdowns and one interception in the Falcons' 36-30 overtime win over the Buccaneers on Thursday night. Cousins was in prolific form right from the onset, capping off the opening possession of the night with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Drake London. The veteran signal-caller would strike again early in the second quarter via a 24-yard scoring toss to Darnell Mooney, and Cousins would connect with the speedster again in the fourth quarter from 12 yards away. However, Cousins' most impactful throw came just 1:15 into overtime, when he hit KhaDarel Hodge on a 45-yard catch and run that served as his fourth touchdown pass of the night and sealed the victory while propelling him to a franchise-record single-game yardage total. Cousins did throw what could have been a back-breaking interception with 1:52 remaining in regulation and the Falcons down three, but Atlanta was able to get the ball back in time to mount a nine-play march that culminated in a game-tying 52-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo. Cousins ultimately facilitated two 100-yard performances by his receivers (London and Mooney) and also showed encouraging chemistry with Kyle Pitts by hitting him on seven occasions for 88 yards. After a relatively pedestrian first four games in coordinator Zac Robinson's offense, Cousins clearly broke through with an all-time performance Thursday, and it remains to be seen how much of the massive momentum will carry over into a Week 6 road matchup against the vulnerable Panthers defense on Sunday, Oct. 13.

Player Expected Output Comp. Att. Comp % Pass Yds Rush Yds TDs INTs 25 39 64.1 303 4 2 0

Start Caleb Williams vs Jaguars The Jaguars rank #32 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Williams completed 20 of 29 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 36-10 win over the Panthers. He added five rushing attempts for 34 yards. Williams accumulated 200 first-half passing yards, including touchdown passes of 34 and 30 yards to DJ Moore, as the Bears took a 27-7 lead into the locker room. The mobile rookie quarterback had a one-yard touchdown run nullified by a penalty in the third quarter, so he's still looking for his first career score on the ground, but Williams has tossed five passing TDs in his last three games after failing to produce one across his first two NFL starts. Williams will have a nice opportunity to keep rolling in Week 6, when the Bears face the 1-4 Jaguars in London.

Player Expected Output Comp. Att. Comp % Pass Yds Rush Yds TDs INTs 24 38 63.15 301 13 2 0

Rewards...

Joe Burrow vs Giants
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week.Burrow completed 30 of 39 passes for 392 yards and five touchdowns with one interception in Sunday's 41-38 overtime loss to the Ravens. He added one rushing yard on two carries. The five TDs were a career high for Burrow, and most of his production went to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, who combined for a massive 19-276-4 line on 26 targets. Burrow has a dazzling 12:2 TD:INT over the last four games as the Bengals' offense has ramped back up to its peak form, but the team has only one win in that stretch to show for it. He'll try once again to out-chuck his atrocious defense in Week 6 against the Giants.

Jayden Daniels vs Ravens
-  The Ravens rank #31 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Daniels completed 14 of 25 passes for 238 yards and one touchdown with one interception and added 82 rushing yards on 11 carries in Sunday's 34-13 win over the Browns. While the Browns defense was able to force some misfires from Daniels early and hold him below a 60 percent completion rate for the first time in his career, the rookie QB still came up with plenty of big plays both through the air and on the ground, including a 41-yard dime in the end zone to Dyami Brown right before halftime that essentially put the game away. Daniels has produced eight TDs (four passing, four rushing) through his first five NFL games against only two turnovers, and in Week 6 he'll take on a Ravens defense that just got lit up for 392 yards and five touchdowns by Joe Burrow.

Jalen Hurts vs Browns
-  He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Hurts completed 18 of 30 passes for 158 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions and added 20 yards and another touchdown on eight carries in the Eagles' 33-16 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday. He also committed two fumbles, losing one. Playing without top wideouts A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion), Hurts predictably struggled to run any type of cohesive attack and took six sacks. Additionally, the fact Tampa Bay was able to jump out to a 24-7 lead over the first two quarters certainly didn't help matters, as it made Philadelphia's plan of attack all the more predictable. Some chunk gains in the second half and Hurts' own one-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter helped salvage his fantasy day, but there's no question his upside is significantly capped with out his top two pass catchers. There should be a very good chance Hurts will have at least one of Brown or Smith when the Browns come calling for a Week 6 home matchup on Sunday, Oct. 13 following a Week 5 bye.

Lamar Jackson vs Commanders
- Jackson completed 26 of 42 passes for 348 yards and four touchdowns while adding 55 rushing yards on 12 carries in Sunday's 41-38 overtime win over the Bengals. In a wild back-and-forth affair that saw the Ravens fall into a 31-21 hole early in the fourth quarter, Jackson led the comeback by tossing two of his four TDs over the final 10 minutes of regulation. It's his best passing performance since he hung 321 yards and five touchdowns on the Dolphins in Week 17 of last season. The two-time NFL MVP will take an impressive 9:1 TD:INT through five games, plus another two scores on the ground, into what could be another barn burner in Week 6 against rookie phenom Jayden Daniels and the Commanders.

Will Levis vs Colts
-  The Colts rank #28 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Head coach Brian Callahan said Monday that Levis (shoulder) is "improving" but is not slated to participate in Monday's unofficial practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports. Levis is tending to a right AC joint sprain sustained during Tennessee's win over the Dolphins in Week 4. He's had the benefit of a bye week to rest up, and Callahan said the starting quarterback is expected to get back on the practice field this week, but Levis' availability for Sunday's upcoming divisional matchup against the Colts remains undetermined at this point. Wednesday's first official injury report of Week 6 will reveal whether Levis is able to practice in at least a limited capacity. The Titans will turn to Mason Rudolph under center in the event that Levis isn't cleared to face Indianapolis.

Jordan Love vs Cardinals
- Love completed 15 of 26 passes for 224 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's 24-19 win over the Rams. He added three rushes for 10 yards. Love had a bumpy first half, as he set up Green Bay's first touchdown with a 53-yard completion to Jayden Reed. He then followed that up with a pick-six on an ill-advised attempt to throw the ball away from his own end zone just before halftime. Things smoothed out in the final two quarters, as he found Tucker Kraft for a pair of touchdowns that came from 66 and seven yards away. Love has made too many mistakes early in the season -- he has five interceptions in three games -- but he's also moved the offense effectively and has multiple touchdowns in all three contests.

DAK PRESCOTT vs Lions
-  The Lions rank #29 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Prescott completed 29 of 42 pass attempts for 352 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions while adding three rushing yards on one attempt in Sunday's 20-17 win over Pittsburgh. A lengthy weather delay and slow start on offense had the Cowboys in danger of falling to 2-3 on the season. Prescott carried the team in the second half, throwing two touchdowns to lift his team past a difficult defense on the road. The 31-year-old connected with Jalen Tolbert on his second scoring strike in the closing moments of Sunday night's win. Prescott has thrown for two touchdowns and no interceptions for three weeks running, eclipsing 350 passing yards in two of those three contests. The 3-2 Cowboys will prepare to face the Lions in a home tilt next Sunday. For what it is worth, when he last played the Lions, he passed for 345 and tossed 2 TD passes.(He also ran for 5 yards and scored on the ground as well.)

Brock Purdy vs Seahawks
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week.Purdy completed 19 of 35 pass attempts for 244 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Sunday's 24-23 loss to Arizona. Purdy and San Francisco's offense had the team in position to win this favored contest before a horrific second half saw the home team fall by one point. Both NFC West clubs sit at 2-3 now, but the 49ers were expected to be championship contenders while the Cardinals are in the midst of a rebuild. This was easily Purdy's worst fantasy game through five weeks, but fantasy managers shouldn't panic about their quarterback given Purdy's success last season, plus the plethora of weapons the 49ers can offer when healthy.

Sit Travis Etienne Jr. vs Bears He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Coach Doug Pederson said Monday that Etienne "got popped...pretty good" on his shoulder during Sunday's 37-34 win over the Colts, Garry Smitsof the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union reports. Etienne logged 22 of a possible 58 snaps on offense Sunday en route to rushing six times for 17 yards and catching six of his seven targets for 43 yards in the contest, however Pederson said that Etienne's carries from scrimmage were limited to not put him more at risk. Meanwhile, Tank Bigsby (23 snaps) ran 13 times for 101 yards and two TDs and caught his only target for 28 yards. While this doesn't sound like an issue that will impact Etienne's status for this weekend's game against the Bears, there's a pretty good chance he'll be on the Jaguars' initial Week 6 injury report.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 10 30 2 8 0

Sit Brian Robinson Jr. vs Ravens The Ravens rank #1 in our Run Defense Power Rankings. Robinson carried the ball seven times for 18 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 34-13 win over the Browns. While both Austin Ekeler and quarterback Jayden Daniels had more rushing yards than Robinson, the latter was the Commanders' preferred option at the goal line, and he punched in a four-yard TD in the first quarter and a one-yard score in the second. Robinson might have had a third short touchdown in a closer game, but with Washington already ahead 24-6 in the third quarter, Jeremy McNichols got the call for a three-yard TD plunge instead. Robinson has five rushing touchdowns in five games to begin the season, giving him plenty of momentum heading into a Week 6 clash with the Ravens.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 11 31 2 11 0

Sit Javonte Williams vs Chargers The Chargers rank #4 in our Run Defense Power Rankings. Williams rushed the ball 13 times for 61 yards in Sunday's 34-18 win over the Raiders. He added five receptions on six targets for 50 yards. Williams' longest gain on the ground went for 17 yards, but he gained at least four yards on seven of his 13 carries to turn in an efficient performance. He's shown flashes as a pass catcher in recent weeks, and that also continued Sunday as he ripped off long gains of 26 and 13 yards as a receiver. After a slow start to the campaign, Williams has at least 18 touches in three of five games, with this marking his first time surpassing 100 yards from scrimmage.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 10 31 3 12 0

Risks...

James Conner vs Packers
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week.Conner rushed 19 times for 86 yards and a caught two of three targets for 14 yards in Sunday's 24-23 win over San Francisco. Conner didn't hit pay dirt in Sunday's upset victory, but he managed to reach 100 combined yards from scrimmage for the third time this season. The bruising back continues to dominate the backfield touches in Arizona, with no other running back receiving a carry behind the 233-pound starter. Conner remains a strong fantasy play ahead of a Week 6 road matchup against Green Bay.

Najee Harris vs Raiders
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week.Harris rushed 14 times for 42 yards and caught both of his targets for 35 yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Cowboys. Harris handled 16 touches while Aaron Shampklin and Jonathan Ward combined for six touches in a Pittsburgh backfield operating without Jaylen Warren (knee) and Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle). Warren and Patterson are both more fluid pass catchers than Harris, but Harris stepped up in that regard Sunday, leading Pittsburgh's unimpressive passing attack in receiving yards. The power back plodded to just 3.0 yards per carry but picked up a key fourth-and-1 with a one-yard run in the fourth quarter, extending a drive that ended with a go-ahead Pat Freiermuth touchdown catch. Harris should continue to get the majority of touches in Pittsburgh's backfield against the Raiders in Week 6, even if Warren and Patterson are ready to return.

Joe Mixon vs Patriots
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Coach DeMeco Ryans relayed Monday that the Texans "don't know" whether Mixon (ankle) will be able to return for Sunday's game at New England, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. "For Joe and his injury, we will still evaluate that week to week," Ryans said. "He is definitely been improving week to week." Mixon injured his right ankle Week 2 against the Bears on Sunday, Sept. 15, and he's managed just one limited practice (Friday, Sept. 27) since then, missing Houston's last three games as a result. Fellow RB Dameon Pierce (hamstring) has been sidelined since Week 1, so Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale have shouldered most of the load out of the team's backfield in the interim, with J.J. Taylor (nine touches) and even British Brooks (one carry) also getting some snaps. The Texans will resume practicing Wednesday, at which point it'll be known if Mixon was able to mix into any drills.

Zack Moss vs Giants
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Moss is believed to be OK after he suffered a right ankle injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 41-38 overtime loss to the Ravens, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. The Bengals never officially ruled Moss out for the game after he appeared to tweak his ankle on a three-yard run with 3:57 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, after checking back into the contest later during the drive and gaining no yardage on a carry, he didn't receive another touch for the rest of the quarter or overtime. The Bengals are still likely to monitor Moss' ankle over the next few days, but Garafolo characterizes the injury as more of a scare and not something that is expected to threaten the running back's availability for Cincinnati's Week 6 road game versus the Giants.

Devin Singletary vs Bengals
- He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Singletary (groin) is inactive for Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Seahawks, Dan Salomone of the team's official site reports. Singletary entered the weekend listed as doubtful after only managing a limited Friday practice this past week, and his expected inactive status is now official. With Singletary unavailable, rookie fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy is expected to helm New York's ground attack versus a Seattle defense that's allowed just 82.0 rushing yards per contest in its two home games thus far. Meanwhile, Singletary will turn his attention to a potential return to action in a Week 6 home matchup against the Bengals next Sunday night.

Jonathan Taylor vs Titans
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Colts head coach Shane Steichen said Friday that Taylor (ankle) is ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Jaguars, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports. Taylor will miss at least one contest due to the right ankle sprain he sustained during Indianapolis' win over the Steelers in Week 4. The star running back didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, and he wasn't spotted at the portion of Friday's practice open to the media. Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson will be positioned to lead the Colts backfield until Taylor is healthy, with his next opportunity to retake the field coming Week 6 on the road against Tennessee.

Zamir White vs Steelers
-  The Steelers rank #2 in our Run Defense Power Rankings. He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week.White (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Broncos, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports. With White sidelined versus Denver, Alexander Mattison is slated to lead Las Vegas' Week 5 backfield, with Ameer Abdullah and Dylan Laube on hand to mix in. White now will turn his focus to a potential return to action Sunday, Oct. 13 versus the Steelers.

Start Chase Brown vs Giants Brown carried the ball 12 times for 46 yards and caught all three of his targets for eight yards in Sunday's 41-38 overtime loss to the Ravens. He also ran in a two-point conversion. The second-year RB led the Bengals in rushing yards while seeing 15 or more touches for the second straight game. While Brown's usage is already on the upswing, he could have the backfield to himself in Week 6 against the Giants, as Zack Moss suffered an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter Sunday and didn't get another touch the rest of the way.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 14 78 3 15 1

Start Tony Pollard vs Colts The Colts rank #29 in our Run Defense Power Rankings. Pollard rushed 22 times for 88 yards and a touchdown while catching both of his targets for 20 yards in Monday's 31-12 win over the Dolphins. Pollard set up the game's first touchdown with a 41-yard run, as Tyjae Spears ran it in from seven yards out on the next play. The former Cowboys running back scored one of his own from four yards out in the final minute, giving Pollard two touchdowns through four games with the Titans. He finished with 22 carries to Spears' 15 as the Titans lost quarterback Will Levis to a shoulder injury early and went run-heavy against the offensively challenged Dolphins. After a Week 5 bye, Pollard should continue to operate as the 1A option in Tennessee's backfield, regardless of whether Levis or Mason Rudolph starts under center against the Colts in Week 6.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 16 92 2 10 1

Start Tyrone Tracy Jr. vs Bengals The Bengals rank #28 in our Run Defense Power Rankings. Tracy rushed 18 times for 129 yards and caught one of two targets for one yard in Sunday's 29-20 win over the Seahawks. Tracy ceded some early touches to Eric Gray, but after Gray had a disastrous fumble at the goal line on the opening drive, Tracy took over as the main man in a Giants backfield that was without Devin Singletary (groin). This was a surprisingly effective effort on the ground from Tracy considering the rookie fifth-round draft pick came into the game with only 29 yards on 12 rushing attempts (2.4 YPC) before galloping for 7.2 YPC in the Week 5 win. Tracy has likely earned a larger role for Week 6 against the Bengals and beyond, though it remains to be seen if he has done enough to unseat Singletary atop the running back depth chart.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 18 84 2 10 1

Rewards...

Saquon Barkley vs Browns
- Barkley rushed 10 times for 84 yards and brought in two of four targets for 32 yards in the Eagles' 33-16 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday. Barkley was expected to take even more on his shoulders due to both A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) being out of action for the Eagles, but game script quickly turned against the ground attack. The star back still made excellent use out of his modest opportunities, turning in efficient efforts through both the ground and air with the help of a 59-yard run and a 27-yard reception. Barkley's 12 combined touches were by far his fewest of his first four games as a member of the Eagles, but he should have a good chance of returning to a normal workload with what should be a much healthier offense around him in a Week 6 home matchup against the Browns on Sunday, Oct. 13 after a Week 5 bye.

J.K. Dobbins vs Broncos
- Dobbins rushed the ball 14 times for 32 yards in Sunday's 17-10 loss to the Chiefs. He added three receptions (on four targets) for 30 yards. Dobbins maintained his stronghold on the Chargers backfield, out-touching Gus Edwards 17-6. His efficiency disappeared, however, as he was held to two or fewer yards on nine of his 14 carries. Dobbins now has been bottled up for a combined 76 yards on 29 rush attempts in his last two games, though he's faced two of the better run defenses in the league after squaring off against Pittsburgh in Week 3. Dobbins should continue to have volume on his side when the Chargers return to the field Week 6, and he'll have a better chance of turning in improved efficiency.

Jahmyr Gibbs vs Cowboys
- Gibbs rushed 14 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns and wasn't targeted in the Lions' 42-29 win over the Seahawks on Monday night. Although the lack of work in the passing game was less than ideal, Gibbs' fantasy managers had to be elated with seeing the talented back get two opportunities from inside the five-yard line that culminated in touchdowns, considering how often he's frequently passed over for David Montgomery in such scenarios. Gibbs went in from three yards and one yard out in the second quarter, his first trips to the end zone on the ground since Week 1. He's yet to crack the 100-yard threshold this season, but he's now on an impressive three-game run of efficient work on the ground that's seen him amass 245 yards on 43 carries. Gibbs now gets a chance for some early-season rest via a Week 5 bye before returning to action on the road Sunday, Oct. 13 against a short-handed Cowboys defense that's struggled to stop the run.

Breece Hall vs Bills
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week.Hall rushed the ball nine times for 23 yards in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Vikings. He added three catches on four targets for 14 yards. The Jets fell behind early in the contest, limiting Hall to single-digit carries for the second consecutive week. He had poor overall efficiency, though he did show some burst with 10 and seven-yard gains on separate carries. While it was a second straight frustrating performance, Hall still clearly held the lead-back role for New York, as he had 12 total touches compared to six for Braelon Allen.

Justice Hill vs Commanders
- Hill had five carries for 17 yards and added one catch for eight yards in Sunday's win over the Bengals. The veteran's usage in the passing game regressed Sunday as Baltimore needed to target deeper parts of the field to mount its second-half comeback. Hill has two games with a high target volume -- eight in Week 1, six in Week 4 -- but has otherwise gotten two targets per game on average. Baltimore hosts Washington in what projects to be a high-scoring game in Week 6, and Hill's usage could tick up as a result. Still, Hill is really only on the fantasy radar in deeper PPR leagues.

Chuba Hubbard vs Falcons
-  The Falcons rank #32 in our Run Defense Power Rankings. Hubbard rushed 13 times for 97 yards and a touchdown and brought in all four targets for minus-2 yards in the Panthers' 36-10 loss to the Bears on Sunday. He also lost a fumble. The Panthers had their first truly pedestrian performance with Andy Dalton under center, but Hubbard continued to prove himself the most consistent member of the team's offense with another highly efficient rushing performance. Hubbard fell just short of his third straight 100-yard performance, but he recorded a rushing TD for the second consecutive game on an exciting 38-yard run in the first quarter to open the scoring on the afternoon. Hubbard didn't have a productive day as a receiver from a yardage standpoint, but he now has at least four receptions in four consecutive games heading into a Week 6 home divisional battle versus the Falcons.

Josh Jacobs vs Cardinals
-  The Cardinals rank #30 in our Run Defense Power Rankings. Jacobs rushed the ball 19 times for 73 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-19 win over the Rams. He added one reception on one target for 21 yards. Jacobs was utilized heavily throughout the game to reach 20 total touches for the second time this season. He turned in a mediocre effort from an efficiency perspective, with his longest gain of the day coming on a 21-yard reception that got the Packers deep into Rams territory on a touchdown drive. Jacobs also tallied his first touchdown of the campaign on a two-yard plunge to open the scoring in the contest. While his production has been sensitive to game script, Jacobs has shown a floor of at least 13 touches heading into a Week 6 matchup against the Cardinals.

Alvin Kamara vs Buccaneers
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week.Kamara rushed 11 times for 26 yards and caught six of eight targets for 40 yards in Monday's 26-13 loss to the Chiefs. Kamara was stuffed on most of his carries against a tough Kansas City defensive line in Monday's primetime matchup. The versatile tailback maintained a modest four-game streak of posting 40 or more receiving yards on his six receptions. Kamara will look for more success from a fantasy perspective in a home matchup against the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Bijan Robinson vs Panthers
-  The Panthers rank #31 in our Run Defense Power Rankings. Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week.Robinson rushed 12 times for 61 yards and brought in all three targets for 16 yards in the Falcons' 36-30 overtime win over the Buccaneers on Thursday night. Robinson was disappointingly limited to his second-lowest carry total of the season, although he at least saw an appreciable uptick from the seven rush attempts he'd logged in Week 4 against the Saints. The second-year back did extend his season-opening streak of games with multiple receptions, but after five games in new coordinator Zac Robinson's offense, many of the same frustrations related to sub-optimal leveraging of Bijan's skill set persist as he awaits his first 20-carry game. The Falcons did take an unusually pass-heavy approach Thursday night -- Kirk Cousins put the ball up 59 times -- so perhaps Robinson will see a larger workload in a highly favorable Week 6 road matchup against the Panthers on Sunday, Oct. 13.

Sit KEENAN ALLEN vs Jaguars The Jaguars rank #32 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Allen caught three of six targets for 33 yards in Sunday's 36-10 win over the Panthers. Allen set a season high in receiving yards, but he has yet to post a breakout performance with the Bears. A two-game absence due to a heel injury contributed to his slow start, so at least Allen appears healthy after suiting up for each of Chicago's last two games. The veteran wide receiver has a nice opportunity to get on track in a Week 6 London matchup against a weak Jacksonville secondary. Even though their secondary is weak, we just don't buy Allen having his breakout performance this week.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 4 49 0.03

Sit Keon Coleman vs Jets The Jets rank #2 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings and 6th against fantasy WRs. Coleman caught one of five targets for 49 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 23-20 loss to Houston. Coleman scored a 49-yard touchdown in the third quarter, but he failed to catch any of his other four targets as Josh Allen completed only nine of 30 pass attempts. Dalton Kincaid and Mack Hollins tied for the team lead with six targets apiece in the absence of top receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle), with Coleman one behind them. Coleman has recorded multiple catches in only two of his first five games, but the rookie second-round pick has two touchdowns heading into a Week 6 road game against the Jets.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 2 28 0

Sit AMARI COOPER vs Eagles Cooper caught four of 10 targets for 60 yards in Sunday's 34-13 loss to the Commanders. While he saw double-digit targets for the second time in five games and led the Browns in receiving yards, Cooper still failed to do very much with the volume as Deshaun Watson struggled to get the ball downfield with any authority once again. Aside from his two-TD performance against the Giants in Week 3, Cooper has had a rough start to the campaign, and it might take a switch under center to Jameis Winston -- or a trade to another team -- to make the veteran wideout a consistent fantasy asset again. Cooper will try to break out in Week 6 against a well-rested Eagles secondary that will be coming out of its bye. We're just not buying Cooper this week.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 4 45 0

Sit Michael Pittman Jr. vs Titans The Titans rank #1 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Pittman brought in five of eight targets for 37 yards and a touchdown in the Colts' 37-34 loss to the Jaguars on Sunday. Pittman is likely to get the Titans top cover corner and should be sat as a result, especially if Richardson is back under center. Pittman finished third on the Colts in receptions for the afternoon, but he averaged a meager 7.4 yards per reception. Moreover, 27 of Pittman's yards came on a single reception, underscoring how suffocating the Jaguars' defense was when he had the ball. Nevertheless, Pittman still managed to make it a productive day for fantasy managers by recording his first touchdown of the season, a one-yard grab in the first quarter. The fifth-year pro has now been at Sunday's 37 receiving yards or fewer in four of his first five games, a matter he'll look to rectify at the expense of the Titans in a Week 6 road divisional clash.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 4 44 0

Risks...

Josh Downs vs Titans
-  The Titans rank #1 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Downs secured nine of 12 targets for 69 yards in the Colts' 37-34 loss to the Jaguars on Sunday. He also returned one punt for 11 yards. Downs' reception and target totals both set the pace for the Colts, but the second-year receiver was limited to a short-area role in the high-scoring loss. Nevertheless, Downs continued to demonstrate excellent chemistry with fill-in starter Joe Flacco after also posting an 8-82-1 line while working with the veteran signal-caller the majority of the game in Week 4. Downs is clearly set to see an integral role throughout the campaign, and his fantasy stock is surging heading into a Week 6 divisional road matchup against the Titans.

Jauan Jennings vs Seahawks
- Jennings had one reception on three targets for 13 yards in Sunday's 24-23 loss to the Cardinals. Jennings saw his usual allotment of snaps on offense (57 percent) but simply was not involved enough to produce positive fantasy results. The veteran slot man goes through quiet spells from time to time, so his value shouldn't have changed much assuming managers weren't shooting for the moon. Jennings and the 49ers will travel to Seattle for Thursday Night Football in Week 6 and the Seahawks talented secondary should slow him down.

Quentin Johnston vs Broncos
-  The Broncos rank #4 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings and #2 against fantasy WRs. Johnston recorded one catch on five targets for nine yards in Sunday's 17-10 loss to the Chiefs. He added one rush for four yards. With Surtain likely to lock up Johnston, we wouldn't bet on him having a good week. The positive news for Johnston is that he remained heavily involved in the offense, finishing second on the team with five targets even after the return of Joshua Palmer. The negative is that he had very little production with the opportunity, with his lone catch coming at the end of the third quarter. Johnston has been productive primarily based on touchdowns early this season, as he has yet to top 51 receiving yards in a contest.

Alec Pierce vs Titans
- The Titans rank #1 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Pierce secured all three targets for 134 yards and a touchdown in the Colts' 37-34 loss to the Jaguars on Sunday. Pierce put together a signature stat line, one that was almost identical to the three-catch, 125-yard, one-touchdown effort he kicked his season off with against the Texans. The third-year pro came to life late in the contest, recording 24- and 46-yard grabs on a quick three-play drive in the latter portion of the fourth quarter, with the latter catch initially ruled a touchdown before being overturned via replay. However, Pierce made up for it on the next possession, hauling in a 65-yard touchdown grab down the left side of the field with under three minutes remaining. Pierce's production is certainly difficult to trust week to week, but considering he's now achieved 100-yard performances with both Anthony Richardson (hip/oblique) and Joe Flacco as his quarterback, he remains a weekly consideration in deeper leagues and in DFS contests. However, playing against the #1 defense against fantasy WRs, we wouldn't be inclined to go with Pierce.

Calvin Ridley vs Colts
-  The Colts rank #28 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Ridley caught one of three targets for five yards and added a 10-yard rush in Monday's 31-12 win over the Dolphins. Ridley was a non-factor for a second consecutive game. After starting his Titans tenure with 137 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown through two games, Ridley has just 24 total yards in the last two games heading into a Week 5 bye. Ridley will try to get back on track Week 6 against the Colts, though it remains to be seen if he'll be catching passes from Will Levis (shoulder) or Mason Rudolph, the latter of whom had 85 passing yards after replacing the injured Levis in the first quarter Monday.

Khalil Shakir vs Jets
-  The Jets rank #2 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Bills head coach Sean McDermott said Friday that Shakir (ankle) won't play Sunday against the Texans. Shakir, who didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, thus will target a potential return to action Oct. 14 against the Jets. In Shakir's absence Sunday, Keon Coleman, Mack Hollins, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Curtis Samuel are on hand to lead Buffalo's wideout corps.

Start STEFON DIGGS vs Patriots Diggs caught six of eight targets for 82 yards in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Bills.Diggs finished with the team lead in targets and receiving yards, as Nico Collins exited due to a hamstring injury after turning two targets into 78 yards and a touchdown. While Diggs lacks Collins' downfield explosiveness at this stage of his career, the former Buffalo wide receiver's precise route running and strong hands have helped Diggs rack up 31 catches on 41 targets through five games with Houston, and Diggs will be in line for additional targets from C.J. Stroud in Week 6 against the Patriots as Collins is unavailable.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 9 116 1

Start Zay Flowers vs Commanders Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. Flowers caught seven of 12 targets for 111 yards in Sunday's 41-38 overtime win over the Bengals. It's the first time in 2024, and the third time in his career, that the second-year wideout has delivered triple-digit receiving yardage. It was also an impressive bounce-back performance from Flowers, who'd managed just a 4-30-0 line on six targets over the prior two games combined. He'll look to build on this performance in Week 6 against the Commanders. Being that the Commanders rank a lowly 27th against fantasy WRs, Flowers may bloom once again.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 7 88 1

Start Terry McLaurin vs Ravens The Ravens rank #31 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. McLaurin caught four of eight targets for 112 yards in Sunday's 34-13 win over the Browns. He added two rushing yards on his only carry. McLaurin has proven to be a true #1 WR after a slow start to the season. It's the second time in three games that McLaurin has delivered triple-digit receiving yards, as he continues to click with rookie QB Jayden Daniels. McLaurin has a 23-303-2 line on 36 targets through five contests, putting him on pace for his fifth straight 1,000-yard campaign. In Week 6, he'll take aim at a Ravens secondary that's been surprisingly vulnerable this season and that just surrendered a combined 19-276-4 line to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 7 99 1

Start Jayden Reed vs Cardinals Reed recorded four catches on six targets for 78 yards in Sunday's 24-19 win over the Rams. He added two rushes for 19 yards. Reed had a relatively quiet game as a pass catcher, particularly because he hauled in a 53-yard catch on Green Bay's second offensive possession. However, he still led the team in yards from scrimmage as the team got the ball in his hands twice as a rusher. Though Reed may not command the traditional number of targets of a top wide receiver, he has exceptional big-play ability and is an integral part of the Packers' offense heading into a Week 6 matchup against the Cardinals. Reed ranks in the top 8 in fantasy WR scoring and should be in all lineups right now.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 6 79 1

Start Jalen Tolbert vs Lions The Lions rank #29 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings and 28th against fantasy WRs. Tolbert finished with seven receptions (10 targets) for 87 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 20-17 win over the Steelers. Tolbert saw his role on offense increase with Brandin Cooks (knee) unavailable Sunday. The former wound up being the hero of Sunday's victory by catching the game-winning touchdown pass with seconds remaining in regulation. Even more impressive is the fact that Tolbert appeared to injure his hand on the previous play, forcing Dallas to use its final timeout so the wideout could remain in the game. Cooks was shifted to injured reserve this weekend, so Tolbert could solidify his grip on the No. 2 behind CeeDee Lamb over the next few weeks, assuming the third-year wideout's injury is minor.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 1.26 17 0.3

Rewards...

Brandon Aiyuk vs Seahawks
- Aiyuk corralled eight of 12 targets for 147 yards in Sunday's 24-23 win over Arizona. Aiyuk finally delivered for fantasy managers after a slow start following his offseason contract dispute. The dynamic wideout saw both his usage (12 targets) and production reach new highs after failing to reach 50 yards receiving in any of his previous five contests if you include the Super Bowl. Aiyuk will attempt tp keep the momentum from his gaudy performance Sunday rolling into the 49ers' next tilt against the Seahawks on Thursday. The Seahawks tough secondary

Ja'Marr Chase vs Giants
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. Chase caught 10 of 12 targets for 193 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 41-38 overtime loss to the Ravens. It was Chase's best single-game performance since he dropped a 15-192-3 line on the Cardinals in Week 5 of last season. The fourth-year wideout has found his groove after a sluggish start to the current campaign, catching 19 of 25 targets for 396 yards and five TDs over the last three games, and Chase isn't likely to slow down any time soon with the Bengals' defense playing so poorly and forcing Joe Burrow to air it out. Chase will look to get into the end zone again in Week 6 against the Giants.

Tank Dell vs Patriots
- Dell caught all four of his targets for 38 yards and rushed once for minus-5 yards in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Bills. Dell returned from a one-game absence due to a chest injury but continued to play a much smaller role compared to his rookie season in 2023. He's averaging just 31.8 receiving yards per game and has yet to score a touchdown in 2024 after posting 64.5 receiving yards and scoring seven touchdowns in 11 appearances last season. Dell could see some extra volume against the Patriots in Week 6 as Nico Collins (hamstring) won't play after leaving Sunday's win over the Bills. This should present an opportunity for Dell to shake off his slow start.

Chris Godwin vs Saints
- Godwin secured five of six targets for 64 yards and committed a fumble recovered by Tampa Bay in the Buccaneers' 36-30 overtime loss to the Falcons on Thursday night. Godwin co-led the Buccaneers in receptions while setting the pace in receiving yards on the night. However, his target total, which was second on the night to Mike Evans' seven, was Godwin's lowest of the season through five games. Nevertheless, the veteran Penn State product has a critical role in coordinator Liam Coen's offense and next takes aim at a talented Saints secondary in Week 6 road matchup on Sunday, Oct. 13.

DEANDRE HOPKINS vs Colts
- The Colts rank #28 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings and 24th against fantasy WRs. Hopkins caught two of four targets for 31 yards in Monday's 31-12 win over the Dolphins. Hopkins led the Titans in targets and tied with Tyler Boyd for the team lead in receiving yards, as Will Levis (shoulder) and Mason Rudolph combined for just 110 passing yards in the run-heavy win. Levis is mistake-prone but can push the ball downfield more effectively with his stronger arm. Luckily for Hopkins' fantasy prospects, Levis will have a chance to recover during Tennessee's Week 5 bye before a Week 6 matchup with the Colts.

CeeDee Lamb vs Lions
-  The Lions rank #29 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Lamb had five receptions (nine targets) for 62 yards while adding one rush for three yards in Sunday's 20-17 win over the Steelers. Lamb didn't have a standout performance on Sunday Night Football, and teammates Rico Dowdle and Jalen Tolbert collected both of Dak Prescott's touchdown passes in the comeback victory. The 25-year-old Lamb has produced a 25-378-2 receiving line through five games with Dallas this year as the team prepares to host Detroit next Sunday.

DK Metcalf vs 49ers
- Metcalf finished with four receptions (seven targets) for 55 yards with a lost fumble in Sunday's 29-20 loss to the Giants. Metcalf had been dealing with a hand injury during practice this week, but he was cleared along with starting running back Kenneth Walker (oblique) prior to Sunday's kickoff. The 26-year-old Metcalf turned in a modest receiving line, but he coughed up his second fumble in as many weeks to hurt fantasy managers. Metcalf was coming off of three consecutive games with 100 or more receiving yards, so GMs should stick with the fantasy stud against the 49ers on Thursday despite the poor results in Week 5.

Jakobi Meyers vs Steelers
- Meyers recorded six receptions on nine targets for 72 yards in Sunday's 34-18 loss to the Broncos. Meyers finished second on the team in targets behind Brock Bowers and now has 19 targets combined across two games without Davante Adams (hamstring). He also managed his highest yardage total of the season thanks to long gains of 21, 18 and 16 yards. Quarterback play will remain a question in Las Vegas, but Meyers should have a key role in the offense assuming Adams is traded, as is currently expected.

Darnell Mooney vs Panthers
- Mooney brought in nine of 16 targets for 105 yards and two touchdowns in the Falcons' 36-30 overtime win over the Buccaneers on Thursday night. Mooney led the Falcons in receiving touchdowns and targets on the night while checking in second in catches and receiving yards to Drake London. The speedster found the end zone from 24 and 12 yards out in the second and fourth quarters, respectively, his second and third touchdowns of the season and Atlanta tenure. However, as good as Mooney's night was, it could have been marred by a drop of a very catchable third-down pass just past the midway point of the fourth quarter that was followed by a blocked Younghoe Koo field-goal attempt. Ultimately, the Falcons' victory and Mooney's 17-yard grab on his team's game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter helped ensure the gaffe would be insignificant, and the fifth-year pro appears to have burgeoning chemistry with Kirk Cousins heading into a Week 6 road contest against the Panthers on Sunday, Oct. 13.

DJ Moore vs Jaguars
-  The Jaguars rank #32 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings and #31 against fantasy WRs. Moore caught five of eight targets for 105 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 36-10 win over the Panthers. Look for him to feast on the Jags in London this week. Moore got the Bears on the board with a 34-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter and added a 30-yard touchdown reception late in the first half. He set a season high in receiving yards and is the clear top option in a Bears receiving corps that also includes Keenan Allen and rookie first-round pick Rome Odunze, who combined for 73 yards on 12 targets in Sunday's win. Moore has three touchdowns in his last two games heading into a Week 6 matchup against the leaky Jacksonville secondary in London.

Rome Odunze vs Jaguars
-  The Jaguars rank #32 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Odunze caught five of six targets for 40 yards in Sunday's 36-10 win over the Panthers. Odunze tied Keenan Allen for second on the team in targets, but DJ Moore continued to work as the clear leader in Chicago's passing game, turning his team-high eight targets into 105 yards and two touchdowns. Of Odunze's 206 receiving yards through five games, 112 came in a Week 3 outburst while Allen was sidelined by a heel injury. The rookie first-round pick's speed could give Jacksonville's struggling secondary trouble in Week 6, but Odunze has a low floor while battling Moore and Allen for targets.

Amon-Ra St. Brown vs Cowboys
-  He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. St. Brown secured all six targets for 45 yards and a touchdown and also threw a seven-yard touchdown on his only pass attempt in the Lions' 42-29 win over the Seahawks on Monday night. He figures to be a great fixture in fantasy lineups as Goff has been a hot QB the last two weeks. St. Brown recorded a team-high number of catches and his second receiving touchdown of the campaign on an eight-yard grab in the fourth quarter. However, his most eye-catching moment of the night came in the unusual role of quarterback, as he threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Jared Goff on the Lions' version of the Philly Special just past the midway point of the third quarter. St. Brown now has at least six receptions in three straight games, and when he returns to action against the Cowboys on the road Sunday, Oct. 13 following a Week 5 bye, he'll be striving to reverse a two-game trend of dwindling receiving yardage totals.

Brian Thomas Jr. vs Bears
- Thomas brought in five of eight targets for 122 yards and a touchdown in the Jaguars' 37-34 win over the Colts on Sunday. The rookie continued to make splash plays and build chemistry with Trevor Lawrence, who put together a season-best effort in the high-scoring victory. The duo connected on an 85-yard catch and run just past the midway point of the second quarter to extend his touchdown streak to two games. Thomas' yardage total was also a team- and career-high figure, and he also set the pace for the Jaguars in targets on the afternoon. Thomas will be poised to once again play a pivotal role when the Jaguars travel to London to face the Bears in Week 6.

Sit Mike Gesicki vs Giants Gesicki caught his lone target for minus-nine yards in Sunday's 34-24 win over the Panthers. Gesicki had his worst statistical game of the young season Sunday, tallying season lows in targets, catches and yards. In addition, the 28-year-old tight end saw his lowest offensive snap share in Week 4, playing 32 percent of snaps while rookie Erick All played 60 percent of snaps. Though one game should not lead to panic, the emergence of All could result in a reduced number of opportunities for Gesicki. Nonetheless, the veteran will look to bounce back against the Giants, but we're not buying it this week.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 2 24 0

Sit Dalton Kincaid vs Jets The Jets rank #2 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Kincaid caught a paltry two of six targets for 34 yards in Sunday's 23-20 loss to Houston. Kincaid tied Mack Hollins for the team lead in both catches and targets as the Bills played without leading pass catcher Khalil Shakir (ankle). This subpar performance can be chalked up to a rare off day from Josh Allen, who completed only nine passes, but it continued a larger trend of disappointment for Kincaid, who has yet to reach the 50-yard threshold in a game heading into a Week 6 MNF clash against the AFC East rival Jets. Being that the Jets rank 3rd against fantasy TEs, you will likely find more success with different TE options.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 3 33 0

Risks...

EVAN ENGRAM vs Bears
- Engram is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Coach Doug Pederson said Monday that he's optimistic Engram (hamstring) will be cleared to play Sunday against the Bears in London, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. That said, the Bears rank 8th against fantasy TEs. Engram hasn't played since injuring his hamstring in pregame warmups for Week 2, but last season's league leader in receptions among tight ends (114) is nearing a return. Brenton Strange has posted 120 receiving yards and two touchdowns over the last four games while filling in for Engram. If Pederson's optimism is backed up by full practice participation from Engram once the Jaguars begin their Week 6 preparation Wednesday, the tight end may be able to avoid the injury report altogether.

Dallas Goedert vs Browns
- Goedert brought in seven of eight targets for 62 yards in the Eagles' 33-16 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday. With A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) both sidelined, Goedert unsurprisingly led the Eagles in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the afternoon. The talented tight end was coming off a stellar 10-catch, 170-yard performance against the Saints in Week 3, and although his numbers were markedly less spectacular Sunday, he still provided fantasy managers with a useful tally. As successful as Goedert has been the last two games, his target share is almost certain to take a hit in a Week 6 home matchup against the Browns on Sunday, Oct. 13 following a Week 5 bye, considering there's a good chance both of the aforementioned wideouts will be able to suit up for this contest. Next, you should consider that while Goedert is the second-ranked TE, this matchup against the 7th ranked defense against fantasy TEs with both the Eagles top receivers back likely equals a backslide.

Hunter Henry vs Texans
-  The Texans rank #5 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Henry logged 56 of a possible 60 snaps on offense in Sunday's 15-10 loss to the Dolphins, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports. For the third straight game and fourth time in five contests overall, Henry caught exactly two passes, this time around on four targets for 32 yards. Henry's eight-catch effort in Week 2 stands out as an outlier, though the tight end's steady playing time does at least keep him involved in the Patriots passing attack on a weekly basis. If the team switches to Drake Maye at quarterback, Henry could see more looks as a security blanket for the rookie, however the Texans rank 2nd against fantasy TEs.

Juwan Johnson vs Buccaneers
- Johnson factored more into the offense this past week and with Carr out, we figure he might see some security blanket targets from a young QB. However, we also feel that the offense will be limited more and perhaps have some more three and outs.

Isaiah Likely vs Commanders
- Likely is playing a healthy snap share and hauled in two TDs last week. That said, Andrews out targeted him and Baltimore has gone to a more run-heavy approach of late and is mixing and matching its tight-end personnel. This development not only is limiting Likely's chances, but the entire group of pass catchers as a whole. The Commanders defense may limit him as they focus on stopping Likely, but may end up opening things for Andrews to find pay dirt.

David Njoku vs Eagles
- Njoku is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision) as he suffered a knee injury during Sunday's 34-13 loss to the Commanders, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Adding insult to injury, the Eagles rank 4th against fantasy TEs. Njoku finished the game with only one catch for 14 yards on three targets, while backup Jordan Akins caught a touchdown late in the lopsided loss. Njoku had missed Cleveland's previous three games due to a high-ankle sprain. It remains to be seen if Njoku's new injury will impact his availability for Week 6 against the Eagles.

Start Mark Andrews vs Commanders Andrews caught four of five targets for 55 yards in Sunday's 41-38 overtime win over the Bengals. After being blanked in Weeks 3 and 4 while seeing a meager two total targets, Andrews was more involved as a pass catcher Sunday and set a season high in receiving yards. As though to rub salt in the wound for those with fantasy shares in him though, three of Lamar Jackson's four passing TDs on the day went to other Baltimore tight ends, with Isaiah Likely bringing in two and little-used No. 3 TE Charlie Kolar hauling in a two-yard score in the fourth quarter. It's still a performance that Andrews can try to build on in Week 6 against the Commanders. That said, we're calling our shot (or Andrews' shot) this week as we feel he will finally find the end zone and pay dividends for those owners that snatched him up in fantasy drafts.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 5 65 1

Start Brock Bowers vs Steelers Bowers recorded eight receptions on 12 targets for 97 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 34-18 loss to the Broncos. Bowers was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal game for the Raiders, and he began his day with an impressive 57-yard touchdown during which he leaped over a defender and then broke free for the long score. He was otherwise used primarily in short areas of the field, though his 12 targets were a season high. Quarterback play will likely be a problem for at least the rest of 2024, but Bowers could take over as the top pass-catching option in the absence of Davante Adams and might maintain the status of #1 pass catcher. Afterall, he's the third leading scorer among fantasy TEs.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 7 87 1

Rewards...

Tyler Conklin vs Bills
- Conklin recorded six receptions on nine targets for 55 yards in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Vikings. Conklin emerged as a favorite target of Aaron Rodgers in a pass-heavy game script, finishing third on the team with nine targets. He had a few big plays in the first half, highlighted by gains of 25 and 13 yards. The Jets' passing offense is heavily concentrated, and Conklin should remain a priority behind Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard. Being that the Bills rank in the middle of the pack, Conklin should be an okay play.

ZACH ERTZ vs Ravens
-  The Ravens rank #31 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Ertz hauled in all three of his targets for 22 receiving yards in Sunday's 42-14 win over the Cardinals. Ertz was one of nine Commanders pass catchers to record a reception in the blowout win with quarterback Jayden Daniels spreading the ball around liberally. Though he's held steady at snap shares ranging between 65 and 70 percent through each of the Commanders' first four contests, Ertz has yet to score a touchdown and hasn't drawn more than five targets on any occasion. He was withheld from the Commanders' first Week 5 practice Wednesday due to rest purposes, but he should be ready to go for this Sunday's game against the Browns.

Jake Ferguson vs Lions
-  The Lions rank #29 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Ferguson corralled six of seven targets for 70 yards in Sunday's 20-17 win over the Steelers. Ferguson continued his recent string of strong play Sunday, bringing his three-game average up to 6.3 receptions and 71.3 yards. The Wisconsin product has yet to hit paydirt this season after scoring five times in 2023, but he remains an integral part of Dallas' passing attack. Ferguson remains a startable option in all fantasy formats heading into a Week 6 tilt against the Lions next Sunday. For what it is worth, when he last played the Lions, he racked up 33 receiving caught 0 TD passes.

GEORGE KITTLE vs Seahawks
- Kittle is the number 1 fantasy TE going and despite being banged up, he should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured.

Cole Kmet vs Jaguars
-  The Jaguars rank #32 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings. Kmet caught three passes on four targets for 57 yards in the Bears' 36-10 win over the Panthers on Sunday. After doing little during the first two games of the season, Kmet has come alive over the past three contests. During that time, the tight end is averaging five catches and 63 yards. However, Kmet has just one big game on the season, so he should be viewed primarily as a solid-floor fantasy option.

Tucker Kraft vs Cardinals
- Kraft recorded four receptions on five targets for 88 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 24-19 win over the Rams. Kraft was the catalyst of Green Bay's victory, as he scored touchdowns on back-to-back possessions to open the second half. The first came on a long run catch and run down the left sideline that went for a 66-yard score. He followed that up with a trip to end zone from seven yards away on a screen pass. Kraft has become an integral part of the Green Bay offense, combining to command 14 targets while tallying 10 receptions for 141 yards and three touchdowns across the last two weeks.

Sam LaPorta vs Cowboys
- LaPorta finished second in both receptions and receiving yards in his last game, with the latter total also serving as a season high. The second-year tight end's catch tally also tied the total he'd recorded against the Rams in Week 1, but he still remains well below the pace he set during a spectacular 2023 rookie season. LaPorta has topped out at five targets (Week 1) as far as a single-game high this season, but he could be poised for more opportunities against an inconsistent Cowboys defense in a Week 6 road battle on Sunday, Oct. 13 following a Week 5 bye.

Trey McBride vs Packers
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week.McBride (ribs) turned nine targets into six receptions for 53 yards in Sunday's 24-23 win over San Francisco. McBride overcame a pair of health roadblocks (one of which had cost him a week of action) to return to Arizona's starting lineup against the 49ers in Week 5. The 2022 second-round pick wound up leading his team in targets while producing a solid fantasy line for managers in Sunday's upset victory. McBride is averaging four receptions and 43.8 yards in four active games this season, making him a reliable option at a shallow position heading into next Sunday's tilt against Green Bay. Keep in mind, Green Bay is a bit suspect against fantasy TEs as they have allowed the 24th most points per game.

Chig Okonkwo vs Colts
- The Colts rank #28 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings and 30th against fantasy TEs. Okonkwo recorded one catch on three targets for five yards in Monday's 31-12 win over the Dolphins. It was another quiet performance for Okonkwo, although he did match his season high in targets. While he out-targeted Josh Whyle 3-1, Okonkwo is still an afterthought for fantasy purposes.

Kyle Pitts vs Panthers
- Pitts brought in seven of eight targets for 88 yards in the Falcons' 36-30 overtime win over the Buccaneers on Thursday night. Pitts finished third in receptions and receiving yards on a prolific passing night for the Falcons offense, generating a receiving line that also served as a season-best one across the board. Much like teammate Bijan Robinson, another player with a rich skill set that transcends his position, Pitts' usage has been the subject of much consternation by team fans and fantasy managers alike. Thursday night's numbers was therefore highly encouraging, but whether it will have any long-term carryover is a question that will begin to be answered in a Week 6 road divisional clash with the Panthers on Sunday, Oct. 13.

Sit Jake Bates vs Cowboys Bates didn't attempt a field goal and went 6-for-6 on extra point attempts in Monday's 42-29 win over the Seahawks. Bates went without a field-goal try for a second straight week as Detroit's offense never stalled out and scored six touchdowns in the contest. Through four games, the kicker has gone 5-for-5 on field-goal attempts and 11-for-12 on extra-point kicks. The Lions propensity to go for it will continue to hurt his chances.

Player Expected Output FGM FGA XPM 0 0 4

Sit Blake Grupe vs Buccaneers Grupe (right hip) returned to action this past Monday night. However, we are worried about their offense without David Carr at the helm.

Player Expected Output FGM FGA XPM 1 2 1

Risks...

Daniel Carlson vs Steelers
- Carlson converted his only field-goal attempt and made his lone extra-point try in Sunday's 34-18 loss to the Broncos. Carlson connected from 40 yards to give the Raiders a 10-0 lead heading into the second quarter, but that would mark his final chance to put points on the board as the offense elected for a two-point conversion upon scoring late in the fourth quarter. It could be another low-scoring affair for this team in Week 6 against a stout Steelers defense who also rank 4th against fantasy kickers.

Jake Elliott vs Browns
- Elliott made both of his extra-point tries in Sunday's 33-16 loss to the Buccaneers. Elliott didn't attempt a field goal in the loss but he was able to move to 8-for-8 on the season for PATs. While he'll remain stagnant at 4-for-5 on FGAs in the 2024 campaign thus far. Elliott and the Eagles are now coming off a bye week and will return to action in Week 6 against the Browns. The lack of FG opportunities is a concern of ours.

WIL LUTZ vs Chargers
- Lutz made both of his field-goal tries while converting all four of his extra-point attempts in Sunday's 34-18 win over the Raiders. Lutz was perfect on all of his kicks in the contest after missing his first field-goal attempt of the season in Week 4. The veteran kicker benefitted from an improved Denver offense Sunday that was able to move the ball down the field more effectively. Lutz will look to build off his solid performance and make the most of his opportunities when the Broncos host the Chargers in Week 6. That said, the Chargers rank 2nd against kickers.

MATT PRATER vs Packers
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report after missing last week's game. Coach Jonathan Gannon said Monday that the Cardinals will see how Prater (knee) fares in practice this week before determining whether he'll be the team's placekicker this coming Sunday at Green Bay, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

GREG ZUERLEIN vs Bills
- Zuerlein connected on his only field-goal attempt and made both PAT tries in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Vikings. The lack of offensive continuity is a concern for us. Zuerlein connected from 32 yards in the third quarter after the Jets forewent what would have been a 44-yard field-goal attempt in the second quarter in favor of a pitiful attempt to pick up fourth-and-2 on the ground. That decision proved costly, as it forced the Jets to go for a touchdown down by six on their final possession after once again working their way into field-goal range. Zuerlein has made multiple field goals only once through five games, so with the offense stagnating, we're not sold on his chances to put up a prolific stat line this week.

Start Tyler Bass vs Jets Bass converted both of his field-goal attempts and made both of his extra-point tries in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Texans. Bass got the Bills on the board in the first quarter with a 38-yard field-goal make. He had to wait until the second half to kick again, with both of his extra-point tries coming in the third quarter before capping off his day with a 33-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter. Through the first five games of the regular season, Bass has gone 8-for-10 on field-goal attempts and 16-for-17 on extra-point tries. The Bills will wrap up their three-game road trip against the Jets on Monday Night Football. This matchup should be good as the Jets rank 30th against fantasy kickers.

Player Expected Output FGM FGA XPM 3 3 2

Start KA'IMI FAIRBAIRN vs Patriots Fairbairn converted all three field-goal attempts and two extra-point kicks in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Bills in Week 5. Fairbairn drilled a 59-yarder as time expired to give Houston the win. He had earlier booted a 50-yarder and is now 8-of-9 from the 50 and beyond. This was the third time in five games he's posted double-digit points, and the eight-year veteran is averaging 8.4 points per game. The decision to give Fairbairn a three-year contract in the offseason was a wise one; his leg has been integral in two of Houston's four wins and he ranks third in fantasy kicker scoring.

Player Expected Output FGM FGA XPM 3 3 4

Rewards...

Brandon Aubrey vs Lions
- Aubrey is a machine right now. He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Aubrey connected on two of three field-goal attempts and both his extra-point tries in Sunday's win over the Steelers. The second-year kicker drilled FGs from 33 and 55 yards out in the first half, but Aubrey had a 38-yard attempt blocked in the third quarter, which goes into the books as his second miss of the season in 16 field-goal tries. He's still a perfect 9-for-9 on PATs, and no kicker in the league has more FG attempts through five weeks. Aubrey figures to be busy again in Week 6 against the Lions.

CHRIS BOSWELL vs Raiders
- Boswell made his lone field-goal attempt while converting both of his extra-point tries during Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Cowboys. Boswell was held to just one field-goal attempt for a second consecutive week Sunday, but he was still perfect on three kicks in the narrow defeat. The 33-year-old has been relatively busy over the first five weeks of the regular season, converting 12 of 13 field-goal attempts while making all eight of his extra-point tries. The dropoff in FG activities the last two weeks is cause for concern, however a matchup against the Raiders who rank 31st against kickers might be what the doctor ordered.

NICK FOLK vs Colts
- Folk made all five of his field-goal attempts in his last Monday night 31-12 win over the Dolphins in week 4. He was also perfect on two extra-point attempts. Folk played a major role in Tennessee's win, accounting for the team's first nine points. Of his five field goals, two came from more than 50 yards away with an additional pair from more than 40 yards. Folk remains perfect on field-goal attempts for the campaign. A matchup against the Colts who rank 29th against kickers could be helpful.

YOUNGHOE KOO vs Panthers
- Koo made three of five field-goal attempts and all three of his extra-point tries during Thursday's 36-30 overtime win over Tampa Bay. Koo actually missed his first field-goal attempt twice, getting a second try after his first one was waved off by a penalty. He also had a 54-yarder blocked. However, he salvaged his performance by sinking a game-tying, 52-yarder as time expired in regulation. The Falcons' offense has picked up steam, and Koo is benefitting. Over the last three weeks, Koo has gone 8-for-10 from beyond 40 yards, including five 50-plus makes and a perfect 7-for-7 on extra-point tries. Right now he ranks 5th in fantasy kicker scoring and faces a Falcons defense that ranks 32nd against kickers.

Chase McLaughlin vs Saints
- McLaughlin converted field-goal attempts of 53, 32 and 53 yards and all three extra-point tries in the Buccaneers' 36-30 overtime loss to the Falcons last Thursday night. McLaughlin once again put his elite long-distance prowess on display with his pair of 50-plus yard boots, his fourth and fifth makes from that distance in as many attempts this season. The veteran is still perfect on field-goal tries (10-for-10) on the campaign and will continue to serve as a top fantasy option thanks to his leg strength, accuracy and connection to a talented Buccaneers offense. McLaughlin could be poised for another prolific performance when he faces off with the Saints in a dome environment in Week 6.

Austin Seibert vs Ravens
- Seibert made all four of his extra-point tries and both of his field-goal attempts in Sunday's 42-14 win over the Cardinals. Seibert has been perfect since taking over for Cade York in Washington and has stayed busy on the field. The Oklahoma product was successful from 45 and 38 yards out in the win, making him 10-for-10 on FGAs this season and 9-for-9 on PATs over three games and ranking 2nd in fantasy kicker scoring on a ppg basis.

Sit Washington Commanders vs Ravens This game pits two offenses that have allowed the fewest fantasy points to DSTs, so we don't expect much success from the defenses. Don't even think about starting that Commanders defense against Lamarvelous Jackson as the Commanders defense ranks 25th in scoring and the Ravens offense has allowed the fewest fantasy points to DSTs.

Player Expected Output Sacks Interceptions Fumble Recoveries 1 0 0

Sit Detroit Lions vs Cowboys The Lions defense showed some chinks in their armor against the Seahawks a couple of weeks ago and the Cowboys likely noticed. Look for the Cowboys and their 7th ranked offense against fantasy DSTs to give the Lions defense fits.

Player Expected Output Sacks Interceptions Fumble Recoveries 2 0 0

Risks...

Cincinnati Bengals vs Giants
- The Bengals DST was probably circling this game against Daniel Jones earlier in the year, however, the Giants offense has bounced back a bit. Sure, they have allowed the 7th most fantasy points to DSTs, but they've limited that output lately and the Bengals DST ranks 30th.

New York Giants vs Bengals
- The Bengals offense has allowed the 8th fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses, so while Giants defense has scored the 6th most fantasy points among DSTs, we're not betting on them this week.

New York Jets vs Bills
- The Jets defense has been pretty solid fantasy DST as they rank 9th in scoring, however the Bills offense has really limited opposing DSTs as they have allowed the 3rd fewest fantasy points so far.

Baltimore Ravens vs Commanders
- The Commanders offense has allowed the 2nd fewest fantasy points to DSTs and the Ravens middle of the pack ranked fantasy DST shouldn't take flight this week against Jayden Daniels and company.

Start Philadelphia Eagles vs Browns The Eagles defense has only ranks 28th in fantasy DST scoring, but a matchup against a Browns offense that ranks 31st might be tempting. We expect the Eagles defense to take flight coming off their BYE week.

Player Expected Output Sacks Interceptions Fumble Recoveries 4 1 1

Start Pittsburgh Steelers vs Raiders The Steelers defense had the Cowboys right where they wanted them last week until the Cowboys final drive. The Steelers DST should bounce back against a Raiders offense that has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to DST as they rank 8th in scoring.

Player Expected Output Sacks Interceptions Fumble Recoveries 5 2 2

Rewards...

San Francisco 49ers vs Seahawks
- The 49ers DST ranks 5th in scoring whereas the Seahawks offense has allowed the 6th most fantasy points against. This matchup for the 49ers defense should be a solid play.

Buffalo Bills vs Jets
- The Jets have allowed the 10th most fantasy points to DSTs while the Bills also rank 10th in fantasy DST scoring. Will the Jets new interim coach right their course or will they fail to get off the ground again? Stay tuned...

Denver Broncos vs Chargers
- The Broncos secondary is playing great defense right now as they rank 3rd in DST scoring. Even though the Chargers offense has allowed the 5th fewest points to DSTs, we'd ride with the Broncos this weekend.

Indianapolis Colts vs Titans
- The Titans have allowed the most fantasy points to DSTs, so the Colts defense could be in store for a solid week.

Green Bay Packers vs Cardinals
- The Packers defense ranks 2nd in fantasy scoring this year and the Cardinals offense ranks in the middle of the pack in fantasy DST ppg scoring.

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