A Fresh Outlook on Fantasy Football Strategy

Week 5 Aftermath: Injuries and Opportunities

Week 5 witnessed a series of injuries. The most significant was perhaps Houston Texans WR Nico Collins. Collins was enjoying an exceptional season, consistently scoring 16-plus fantasy points in four out of five games, including two games with 28-plus points. He also received double-digit targets in three of these games. However, a hamstring injury during Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills, where he had two receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown, has put a pause on his performance. It remains uncertain how long he’ll be sidelined, but it’s worth mentioning that he has previously struggled with soft tissue injuries.

Next Man Up: Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, and Xavier Hutchinson

With Collins potentially out, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell’s fantasy values may see an uptick. However, in deeper leagues, Xavier Hutchinson (only rostered in 0.1% of fantasy leagues) shouldn’t be disregarded. Hutchinson played the X-receiver role in the preseason, the same role Collins held in the Texans’ offense.

Now let’s explore this week’s waiver wire, beginning with a group of wide receivers who can help fill the void left by Collins.

Key Players: Jalen Tolbert and Josh Downs

Jalen Tolbert of the Dallas Cowboys (7.6%) really stepped up once Sunday night’s game kicked off. With Brandin Cooks now being placed on IR due to a knee injury, Tolbert’s role has expanded. He had a tremendous game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, finishing with 10 targets and 21.7 fantasy points. He played a similar number of snaps and ran about the same number of routes as CeeDee Lamb, indicating the trust the Cowboys place in him. He’s in a promising position in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions, a defense that has allowed the second-most WR fantasy points per game. If you’re searching for a wide receiver on this week’s waiver wire, Tolbert should be your first choice.

Josh Downs of the Indianapolis Colts (34.9%) has also been noteworthy, scoring 16-plus fantasy points in back-to-back games. He has accumulated 21 total targets during this period and has run the third-most routes on the Colts. It’s clear the team values his contributions to the offense.

Exploring the Recent Performances of Top NFL Players

Jack Lacco’s Consistent Performance in Indianapolis

It’s always a delight to watch Jack Lacco’s stellar performances. If he remains the starting player in Indianapolis, this could enhance Downs’ performance as well. Downs’ current usage and output suggest he should be considered for more leagues and is definitely a reliable flex option in most formats.

Allan Lazard of New York Jets Continues to Impress

Despite swirling trade rumors involving Davante Adams, Allan Lazard of the New York Jets continues to deliver on the field. He’s consistently targeted, with eight or more targets in three games this season, including a season-best of 10 against the Minnesota Vikings. Lazard has also scored 11 or more fantasy points in four out of five games. His established connection with Aaron Rodgers is well-known, making Lazard a trustworthy flex option for fantasy managers in need.

Quick Takes

Here are brief highlights on other players to keep an eye on:

Ray-Ray McCloud III, Atlanta Falcons

With seven or more targets and 11 or more fantasy points in back-to-back games, Ray-Ray McCloud III is proving his worth. He’s also emerged as Kirk Cousins’ second-most targeted receiver when under pressure this season. If you’re in a deeper league and require a reliable wide receiver, it’s time to consider McCloud.

Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts

Alec Pierce has been remarkable this season, averaging 17.2 yards per reception. However, his limited target numbers are concerning. His Week 5 performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he earned 22.4 fantasy points, is noteworthy but remember that he lacks a steady stream of targets. Pierce is essentially a high-risk, high-reward option.

Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders

Adams may have played his last game for the Raiders. While WR Jakobi Meyers and TE Brock Bowers are likely to step up, don’t disregard Tucker. He’s been on the field for a significant number of snaps over the past fortnight, with only Meyers running more routes during this period. Tucker has also been effective, earning 15 or more fantasy points in two of his last three matches. He could be a valuable addition to your fantasy team if the Raiders need to reorganize their lineup.

New England Patriots’ Potential Wide Receiver Changes

As the Patriots contemplate a quarterback change, now is the perfect time to consider either DeMario Douglas or Ja’Lynn Polk. This pair leads the Patriots wide receiver rotation in routes run this season.

Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons

Last Thursday night, Cousins scored a season-high 34.3 fantasy points against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, marking the 25th 500-yard passing game by a quarterback in NFL history. He looks healthier following last season’s Achilles injury and has demonstrated his productivity in Zac Robinson’s offense. With playmakers like Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Darnell Mooney, and Bijan Robinson at his disposal, Cousins is a high-end QB2 with potential QB1-upside.

Rewriting the Fantasy Football Playbook

Assessing the Veterans and Rookies Alike

The seasoned player is gearing up to confront the Carolina Panthers in Week 6, a team notorious for conceding the 10th highest QB fantasy points per game. Nico Collins’ injury status heading into Week 6 presents a cause for concern, as the wide receiver exited the Texans-Bills game due to a hamstring issue.

Caleb Williams: A Rising Star with the Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears (44.6%) brought his A-game on Sunday, garnering an impressive 23.5 fantasy points against the Panthers. With over 300 yards thrown in two of his last three games, Williams is showing promising signs of development in both blitz and deep throw scenarios. As teams are entering their bye weeks, Williams is establishing himself as a potential QB2 and possible fantasy starter. His favorable Week 6 home game against the Jaguars, who have allowed the most QB fantasy points, makes him a player to watch.

Trevor Lawrence: The Jacksonville Jaguars’ Ace

Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars (33.3%) capitalized on a favorable Week 5 game against the Colts, concluding with a season-best of 371 passing yards and 21.2 fantasy points. However, it’s key to note that Lawrence faced minimal pressure. His supporting team, which includes Christian Kirk and rookie Brian Thomas Jr., can either make or break his performance depending on the matchup. Lawrence is a solid acquisition, especially for superflex leagues but approach Week 6 with caution as the Jaguars are up against the Bears, who have allowed the fewest QB fantasy points.

Daniel Jones: New York Giants’ Secret Weapon

Daniel Jones of the New York Giants (13.9%) has achieved 18-plus fantasy points in three of his last four games, largely thanks to rookie Malik Nabers. Despite Nabers’ absence due to concussion protocol, Jones managed a season-high of 22 fantasy points against the Seattle Seahawks. In more comprehensive superflex leagues, Jones is a backup QB worth considering, particularly due to his dual-threat capacity. With Nabers set to return soon, Jones will once again have his top receiver on board. His Week 6 game against the Cincinnati Bengals makes him a reliable QB2 for superflex managers, as teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, and Vikings are on their bye week.

Speed Round: Quick Evaluations

Derek Carr of the New Orleans Saints (34.3%) began the season strong, earning 20-plus fantasy points in his first two games. However, his performance dipped, only managing a total of 16 points over Weeks 3-4. The Saints face the Chiefs on “Monday Night Football,” but Carr’s Week 6 game against the Buccaneers, who recently suffered a loss against Kirk Cousins, makes him a solid choice for those in need. Lastly, Joe Flacco of the Indianapolis Colts (5.5%) impressively scored 26.5 fantasy points against the Ja

Impressive Sunday Performance and Potential Fantasy Stakes

Quarterbacks Shine and Shift in Team Dynamics

The seasoned quarterback did a commendable job on Sunday, successfully distributing the ball amongst the Colts’ dynamic players. Given that Anthony Richardson is dealing with an oblique strain, there’s no immediate pressure for his return in Week 6, especially after Flacco’s impressive performance. For those struggling at QB in a deep superflex format, the current situation presents an excellent opportunity to grab Drake Maye of the New England Patriots (1.7%). Reporters noted a significant change in coach Jerod Mayo’s responses regarding the team’s QB situation during his post-game video conference, compared to prior weeks.

Running Backs on the Rise

Can Caleb Williams Become a Top-Fantasy QB?

Field Yates discusses the potential for Caleb Williams to become a top-12 fantasy quarterback.

Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars (9.5%):

For two consecutive weeks, Bigsby has led the Jaguars in rushing yards. His noteworthy performance in the last game included 14 touches and 25.9 fantasy points against the Colts. Bigsby’s strength lies in his ability to gain yards post-contact, with his snap counts evenly split with Travis Etienne Jr. His recent form suggests that he could potentially lead the team against the Bears in Week 6. Considering that Chicago gives up the 10th most RB fantasy points per game, Bigsby is a top candidate for waiver wire target.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants (18.4%):

With Devin Singletary out due to a groin injury, Tracy seized the opportunity to display his abilities against the Seahawks, recording his first 100-yard career game. Tracy’s performance was impressive, with 102 of his 129 rushing yards registered before contact, the highest by any Giants’ rusher since 2006. Tracy’s potential for more touchpoints makes him a fantastic addition to fantasy rosters.

Emerging Concerns and Potential Picks

How Will Etienne’s Managers React to Bigsby’s Emergence?

Field Yates discusses the possible worries for Travis Etienne Jr.’s managers after Bigsby’s stellar performance.

Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings (34.9%):

After Aaron Jones’ hip injury during the Jets’ game, Chandler became Minnesota’s primary running back. Despite his significant volume of 16 touches, his inefficiency on the ground was a concern. The Vikings have a bye in Week 6, and it seems Jones’ injury isn’t long-term. However, in the world of fantasy football, being proactive is crucial. Considering the heavy reliance on the run in many NFL teams, now might be a suitable time to pick Chandler.

Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins (8.0%):

De’Von Achane suffered a concussion early in the Patriots’ game, prompting Raheem Mostert and Wright to step up.

Emerging Prospects in NFL Fantasy Football

Among the rising stars on the gridiron, Wright has been making waves, finishing on a high note with 86 yards from 13 rushes. As the Dolphins’ leading player in terms of rushing yards per attempt this season, his skills in dodging tackles are unparalleled. With the Dolphins taking a bye next week, it offers Achane ample time to recover from the league’s concussion protocols. On the off chance that Achane’s absence extends, Mostert is expected to head the backfield, considering his 21 touches in the game against the Patriots. Regardless of the scenario, Wright is set to maintain his position. While his immediate contribution in Week 7 might be in question, it’s an excellent time to secure him for your team. The Dolphins, known for their support of multiple fantasy-relevant running backs, have seen both Achane and Mostert grapple with injuries this season.

Emerging Players to Watch

Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders (40.2%)

Stepping up as the Raiders’ main back on Sunday, Mattison filled in for Zamir White, who was sidelined due to a groin injury. His performance included 17 touches and 10.1 fantasy points. However, his lack of efficiency created room for Ameer Abdullah to take more snaps in the final quarter, where he delivered a solid performance (eight touches and 14.1 fantasy points). Despite the increasing competition in the Raiders’ backfield, Mattison remains a top choice for rostering.

Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders (48.3%)

The Commanders have made an impressive start to the season, tying with the Green Bay Packers for the fourth-highest total yards per game and ranking second in points scored. Ertz, despite averaging only 7.0 fantasy points per game, has collected 24 targets this season. Only Terry McLaurin has run more routes in this offense. Ertz’s upcoming clashes against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6 and the Panthers in Week 7 make him an enticing prospect. The Ravens have allowed the second-highest TE fantasy points per game, while the Panthers have conceded the sixth-most. Ertz could be the secret weapon to elevate your team in the next two weeks.

Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (16.7%)

While Mike Evans and Chris Godwin dominate the Buccaneers’ target share, Otton has been making a mark. In the last three games, he has twice scored double-digit fantasy points. Over this period, he has accumulated 21 targets. Given the current state of the TE landscape, Otton is a TE1 contender. He is well-positioned against the Saints in Week 6. The Saints have conceded the sixth-most TE receiving yards and the highest yards per reception.