Let’s dive into some news and notes around the league, my top fantasy plays and favorite picks for Week 5.
Notes
• Those who patiently waited for Justin Fields to have that monster game got their wish on Sunday, albeit against a Broncos defense that gave up 70 points the week prior. It was encouraging for Fields, as all his points came as a passer and not from his traditional running attack. The Chicago QB got off to a rough start last year before exploding on the scene as a fantasy quarterback. This game was hopefully the wake-up call the Bears (and fantasy managers) needed.
• There is reason to be concerned about the Bengals’ offense. Joe Burrow is clearly bothered by his calf injury and is struggling to get the ball to his playmakers as a result. It’s hard to bench any of the Bengals since you likely used a high pick on any of them, but it’s time to lower expectations until Burrow is healthy.
• Make it consecutive weeks that De’Von Achane has dazzled the fantasy community, and just like that he’s in the discussion to be a must start each week. He played 66 percent of the snaps and his speed is making him a weapon for the Dolphins. This might be his backfield the rest of the way.
• The Colts are expected to remove Jonathan Taylor from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and we could see him back in action as early as this week. Zack Moss has been terrific in his absence and should remain on rosters in the time being. I’m still not convinced Taylor remains in Indy.
• The remarkable start for Puka Nacua is unheard of. He has the most targets (52) and receptions (39) in four career games of any player in league history. Cooper Kupp is on the mend and can return soon, but Nacua should remain involved even with his return. There are plenty of targets to go around in the Rams’ offense.
• The tight end position has been brutal, and that even includes what we’ve seen from Travis Kelce to start the campaign. The consensus top three tight ends — Kelce, T.J. Hockenson and Mark Andrews — are all top 10 at the position, but here’s the rest of the current list: Sam LaPorta, Cole Kmet, Hunter Henry, Evan Engram, Jake Ferguson, Tyler Higbee and Jonnu Smith. I hope you got one of those top guys because it’s been rough.
• The Jaguars remained in London this week as they will play once again across the pond for another 9:30 a.m. EST kickoff. Josh Allen and the Bills will travel to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for this international matchup.
• There are four teams on a bye this week, so plan accordingly if you have any Browns, Buccaneers, Chargers and Seahawks players.
• As always, keep tabs on the weather for your kicker selections.
Thursday Night Game: Bears vs. Commanders
Sunday Night Game: Cowboys vs. 49ers
Monday Night Game: Packers vs. Raiders
Top Pickups of the Week: C.J. Stroud, Tyjae Spears, Jaleel McLaughlin, Romeo Doubs, Jameson Williams, Michael Wilson
Buy Low: Joe Mixon, Jaylen Waddle, Christian Watson, Calvin Ridley, Dallas Goedert
Sell High: Justin Fields, Derrick Henry, Terry McLaurin, Hunter Henry
Send to the Waiver Wire: Kenny Pickett, Samaje Perine, Rashod Bateman, Juwan Johnson
Start ‘Em:
Quarterback: Jared Goff
Running Back: De’Von Achane
Wide Receiver: Garrett Wilson
Tight End: Luke Musgrave
Defense: Dolphins
Sit ‘Em:
Quarterback: Russell Wilson
Running Back: Najee Harris
Wide Receiver: Courtland Sutton
Tight End: Kyle Pitts
Defense: Cowboys
Sleepers:
Quarterback: Josh Dobbs
Running Back: Jaleel McLaughlin
Wide Receiver: Calvin Austin
Tight End: Logan Thomas
Defense: Colts
NFL Picks for Week 5
Weekly Pick ‘Em (Season Record: 41-23)
Commanders (vs. Bears)
Bills (vs. Jaguars)
Texans (vs. Falcons)
Lions (vs. Panthers)
Colts (vs. Titans)
Dolphins (vs. Giants)
Saints (vs. Patriots)
Ravens (vs. Steelers)
Bengals (vs. Cardinals)
Eagles (vs. Rams)
Broncos (vs. Jets)
Chiefs (vs. Vikings)
49ers (vs. Cowboys)
Raiders (vs. Packers)
Five Picks Against The Spread (Season Record: 11-9)
Bills -5.5 vs. Jaguars
Colts -1.5 vs. Titans
Ravens -4.5 vs. Steelers
Bengals -3 vs. Cardinals
Vikings +5.5 vs. Chiefs
Five Over-Under Totals (Season Record: 10-10)
Bears-Commanders under 44.5
Texans-Falcons over 41.5
Eagles-Rams under 50
Jets-Broncos under 43.5
Cowboys-49ers over 45
One Bold Prediction for the Week
Week 1: Sam Howell finishes as a top-five fantasy QB against the Cardinals. (miss)
Week 2: Michael Thomas leads all players in receiving yards in the two Monday night games. (miss)
Week 3: Justin Fields leads the league in rushing yards in an effort to keep up with the Chiefs. (miss)
Week 4: Travis Kelce has more receiving yards than Zach Wilson has passing yards in the “Sunday Night Football” game. (miss)
Week 5: The Bills put up 50-plus points against the Jaguars in London.
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox