Flex Options for Week 5 (Fantasy Football)
Whether you find yourself in need of flex options due to the start of bye weeks, key injuries, or some bad beats, welcome to the flex life! Those who tuned in last week and had their confidence bolstered to start Tony Pollard were rewarded with his RB23 finish. Out of the two Bears WRs mentioned last week, Odunze received the coverage to finish as the WR23. Game scripts unpredictably got out of hand in the other matchups, but a new week brings new opportunities to tell league mates, “I told you so.” Let’s take a look at RBs ranked outside the top 24 and WRs ranked outside the top 36 in the Fantasy Footballers weekly rankings for some players who can help teams withstand some victories.
Here are some names to consider:
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Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons provided quite the spectacle last week in the primetime tilt against the division rival New Orleans Saints. It would be foolish to expect a repeat performance of a career-high three TDs, but Brian Robinson Jr. should have regular work in Week 5. Head Coach Kevin Stefanksi’s teams regularly finish in the top ten for rush attempts and are currently second in the league. The return of Michael Penix in Week 3 has revitalized the team, and the offense has proven to be effective since then. The Baltimore Ravens are a solid team, but injuries on both sides of the ball, including to Lamar Jackson, could prove to be an issue. Robinson Jr. should continue to have regular work and has the opportunity to beat his rank of RB43. He has already beaten that rank three times this season.
Austin Ekeler, RB, Washington Commanders
Week 4 saw the return of Austin Ekeler to the NFL, going from the couch to a 27% snap share. Ekeler looked decent in his Week 4 role while Rachaad White was out due to a shoulder injury. Despite the extremely small sample size, 7.25 yards per carry should raise an eyebrow. Ekeler and his ability as a pass catcher appear to be making a case to usurp the role of RB2 over Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Washington practice reports will be worth monitoring this week as White and QB Jayden Daniels are expected to return. The New York Giants appear to be decent against RBs, but it is worth noting Ekeler and Daniels already have rapport. They both joined the team in 2024 and, despite serious injuries, have played almost a full season of games together, including the 2024 playoff run. Given what we have seen so far, there is a good chance Ekeler’s rank of RB61 could be his floor with a ceiling determined by targets and White’s availability.
Jakobi Meyers, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Meyers did get a callout last week, only to have three receptions for 33 yards against a Bengals defense that is showing they are for real. Even after that unremarkable performance, Meyers continues to lead all Jaguars WRs in snap share and is second on the team in targets for the season. The Jaguars are heading to London to play the crumbling Philadelphia Eagles. Vic Fangio’s defense has been very effective at shutting down top WRs; however, a weak safety group and a banged-up Cooper Dejean have led to success for other receiving options. With shutdown corner Quinyon Mitchell expected to miss the game, there should be plenty of quality targets. Add in the poor tackling the Eagles’ defense has shown, and Meyers has the opportunity to outperform his RB37 in front of the international audience. (Bonus: The Eagles defensive injury woes could also present Brian Thomas Jr, ranked WR49, or TE Brenton Strange with a productive day.)
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KC Concepcion, WR, Cleveland Browns
In a bizarre swing of the NFL pendulum, the Browns are at the top of their division with a record of 3-1. Concepcion leads the team in targets and red zone targets. Cleveland is traveling to the NY Jets, who have had a slow pace of play while sufficiently covering the opposing team’s top WR. Concepcion is second in the WR room to fellow rookie Denzel Boston, who will be receiving the defense’s attention. Concepcion is still looking for his first NFL TD, and the Jets have shown to be vulnerable to red zone passing attacks. Ranked WR38 for the week, Concepcion should receive the targets and opportunity to make some fantasy noise.
Dohnte Meyers, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
If you need a desperation play from way down the WR list, look no further than Dohnte Meyers. Who? After the facemask/concussion combo to Ja’Marr Chase and the abductor strain sustained by Tee Higgins, Meyers is the next man up. Meyers has been targeted by Joe Burrow every game this season and has seen an increase in snaps and targets since Andrei Iosivas went on IR following Week 2. After several years in the CFL, Meyers is getting real run with the Bengals. There is a chance Chase and/or Higgins return from their injuries Sunday, but the Bengals are playing Miami before having a bye week. With the 0-4 Dolphins averaging less than 12 points per game this season, there should be no rush by the Bengals WRs to return before feeling 100%. Meyers, ranked WR59, should be receiving regular reads from Burrow, which should turn into fantasy points.