The Fantasy Footballers Podcast Recap: Week 5 (Fantasy Football)
As we head into Week 5, Andy, Mike, and Jason deliver the news and advice you need to make rational decisions! Remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Monday – Week 4 Studs & Duds + Jason Hurts, Broken O’s
News
Jadarian Price was placed on IR after aggravating a chest injury in practice. Jordyn Tyson is unlikely to return until at least Week 7. Lamar Jackson, DJ Moore, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Rashee Rice, Ladd McConkey, and Saquon Barkley all exited their games early due to injury on Sunday.
QBs
Drake Maye has found his rhythm again. He finished as the QB1 and upset the previously undefeated division rival Buffalo Bills in Week 4. Joe Burrow finished as the QB2 after throwing for 428 passing yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars. C.J. Stroud finished as the QB4 in Nico Collins’ return game after throwing for 347 yards and two TDs. The elder statesmen QBs Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers also finished as top-five QBs.
RBs
Kyren Williams and Kenneth Walker III finished as the top RBs in Week 4, both scoring over 30 half-PPR fantasy points. Javonte Williams ran an inefficient 19/62 on the ground but found the endzone three times to finish as the RB3. Backup RBs Kyle Monangai and Emanuel Wilson rounded out the top-five RBs in Week 4. Chuba Hubbard is one of five RBs to score at least 13 fantasy points in each game so far this season. RJ Harvey and Chase Brown were not effective when running the ball in Week 1, but finished with 10+ receptions to make up for it.
WRs
Jason’s start of the week, Tetairoa McMillan, put on a show on Sunday Night Football, posting 14/192/2 against the Detroit Lions. CeeDee Lamb dominated against the Houston Texans’ defense, recording 17 receptions for 189 yards and a TD. Nico Collins also dominated in the battle of Texas and caught seven passes for 118 yards and two TDs in his return from a hamstring injury. Tyquan Thornton had a great game and finished as the WR4 before dislocating his ankle.
Patrick Mahomes was going DEEP for Tyquan Thornton and it was paying major dividends. pic.twitter.com/E2qt91rJWP
— PFF (@PFF) October 7, 2026
TEs
Former Lions TE T.J. Hockenson and current Lions TE Sam LaPorta tied for TE1 honors in Week 4. Hockenson recorded his first 100+ yard game since 2023. Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer combined for 21 targets from Geno Smith. George Kittle scored a game-sealing 56-yard TD to finish as the TE4.
Duds
QBs
The city of Angels’ QBs both disappointed this week as Matthew Stafford and Justin Herbert both threw two INTs. Jalen Hurts recorded 111 total yards and threw for only 10 yards in the second half of Week 4. Jason realized that his former “My Guy,” Jalen Hurts, is no longer the player he once was and is a worthy drop candidate. Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers’ offensive struggles continued in Week 4.
RBs
Jeremiyah Love’s roller coaster rookie season continued, as he saw fewer snaps than Tyler Allgeier in Week 4. Bucky Irving failed to see a target with Jalon Daniels at QB and only recorded 61 rushing yards. David Montgomery’s only highlight came from a 19-yard lateral, but he finished with 10 carries for 24 yards on the ground. Cam Skattebo, D’Andre Swift, and TreVeyon Henderson all disappointed in Week 4.
Is David Montgomery droppable?? His fantasy finishes over the last 3 weeks: RB48, RB37, and RB45 🫣
Among 39 qualifying RBs with 30+ carries…
🏈 Tied for LAST in yards per carry (2.7)
🏈 37th in % of runs stuffed at the line of scrimmage
🏈 DEAD LAST in zone concept yards per… pic.twitter.com/qbT7O7Oqjs— Fantasy Footballers (@TheFFBallers) October 8, 2026
WRs
Parker Washington was outsnapped by Jakobi Meyers in Week 4 and only saw three targets that week. Davante Adams’ production has taken a dip with Puka Nacua’s return from injury. Garrett Wilson was a victim of the Chicago Bears hogging the ball for 42:45. Christian Watson and George Pickens saw only three targets each in Week 4.
TEs
Dalton Kincaid seems to have been phased out of the Bills’ offense, catching only three passes in Weeks 3 and 4 combined. Kenyon Sadiq goosed-egged against the Bears, while Travis Kelce, Dalton Schultz, and Jake Ferguson finished with less than three half-PPR points.
Tuesday – Week 5 Waivers + Tyreek Talk, Hole-in-One?
News
Lamar Jackson and Saquon Barkley are considered week-to-week with lower-body injuries. Tyson Bagent will get the start for the Bears against the Packers in Week 5. Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are both day-to-day, as Chase needs to clear concussion protocol before suiting up in Week 5. Tank Dell had his practice window opened and could suit up this week.
Waiver Wire
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
RBs
Ollie Gordon II and Emanuel Wilson are the top waiver wire pickups at RB this week (if they are still available). Gordon II is a better rest-of-season option, while Wilson is better if you need someone this week to replace a bye week or injury. Will Shipley is the first name in line for the Eagles with Saquon Barkley out with a hamstring injury and Tank Bigsby on IR, but the Ballers are skeptical of his potential usage. Jason believes Shipley is a talented RB who would produce if he got enough work. Tyler Allgeier and Keaton Mitchell have both been involved in their offenses and are Andy’s next guys up.
WRs
Romeo Doubs is the #1 pickup for WR waivers this week. Andy made sure to bring up Keon Coleman and Antonio Williams as good plays until DJ Moore and Terry McLaurin return from their injuries. Speculation that Tyreek Hill could sign with the Chiefs roster makes Jason want to chase him on waivers.
Tyreek Hill is targeting a return in November and the Chiefs have contacted his agent, per @MikeSilver. pic.twitter.com/12rONRmPKr
— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) October 5, 2026
TEs
Mike Gesicki could be started if either Tee Higgins or Ja’Marr Chase misses Week 5 due to injury. T.J. Hockenson is a great play if Justin Jefferson misses Week 5. Tyler Higbee is a way to get a piece of the Rams/Bills Monday Night Football matchup, which will be the second-most entertaining sporting event of the night, only behind Andy’s hole-in-one challenge.
Full Stream Ahead
Andy – Matthew Stafford vs BUF
The Rams and Bills have a 54.5-point over/under on Monday Night Football, and Buffalo’s defense has struggled against QBs so far this season. They rank bottom-five in explosive play rate allowed, EPA/play allowed, and schedule-adjusted fantasy points to QBs. Matthew Stafford was a dud last week, but Andy wants to give you confidence to insert him back into your lineup this week with a juicy matchup.
Mike – Jacoby Brissett v DET
The Lions’ defense has been one to target for fantasy QBs this season. Between Josh Allen, Tyler Shough, Bryce Young, and Geno Smith, the lowest finish against Detroit has been QB5. This game also has a 54.5-point over/under and should be a fantasy goldmine for everyone involved.
Jason – Drake Maye vs LV
Drake Maye got his swagger back in Week 4 after a rough first three weeks to start the season. One of the best signs last week for Maye managers was his eight rushing attempts for 54 yards. Jason wants to comfort you into plugging Maye back into your lineup after a rough start to the season.
Wednesday – Snap Count Risers + Jason’s Confession?!
News
Joe Mixon will not sign with the Seattle Seahawks after completing his physical. Jayden Daniels is expected to take the field for the Commanders in Week 5. Eagles RT Lane Johnson announced his retirement. The departures of AJ Brown and Lane Johnson, and injuries to Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, make Jalen Hurts a realistic drop candidate.
Snap Count Risers
RBs
Kyren Williams has seen a significant increase in snap counts in the past few weeks. Kyren saw 70 snaps in Week 4, compared to Blake Corum’s 13. Jason suggests trading for Corum if you have Kyren on your roster. RJ Harvey outsnapped J.K. Dobbins for the second time this season and recorded 10 receptions, and has become Denver’s most valuable RB.
Opportunity Share Among Top 10 Fantasy RBs:
1) Jahmyr Gibbs: 42%
2) Ken Walker: 44.9%
3) Bijan Robinson: 44.4%
4) Derrick Henry: 42.8%
…
5) Kyren Williams: 30.3%Nobody is doing more with less than Kyren. pic.twitter.com/aR8AE9h5Av
— Ryan 🐅 (@dyna_ryan) October 7, 2026
WRs
Rome Odunze has been the Bears’ clear snap leader since Week 2, and saw 31 more snaps than Luther Burden III in Week 4. Matthew Golden has led the Packers in snaps so far this season, but the Ballers think his trade window has likely closed unless you believe he is a WR1.
Thursday – Starts of the Week + Week 5 Games, Smooshed!
News
Jalen Coker is hopeful to return from his quad injury after the Panthers’ Week 5 bye. Jeremiyah Love should see a full workload against the Lions despite his ankle injury. Michael Pittman Jr. re-injured his foot and is expected to miss multiple weeks. Justin Jefferson plans to play in Week 5.
Vikings star WR Justin Jefferson was questioned about his status for Sunday vs. the Saints.
Jefferson was sidelined last week due to a left ankle sprain. pic.twitter.com/n1yV1RcFKF
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 7, 2026
Starts of the Week
Thursdays are when the Ballers give their weekly picks for starts of the week. The Ballers’ picks are meant to give you confidence in players you might have hesitancy to plug into your lineup for a multitude of reasons. Click here to read more about Week 5’s best starts at each position.
Fantasy Forecast
PHI vs JAX (JAX -7, O/U 41.5)
Philadelphia’s offense has been a disaster for fantasy football so far this season. Jalen Hurts is the Ballers’ consensus QB19, while Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith will miss this week. Will Shipley is worth playing as a low-end RB3 or FLEX play if you picked him up off waivers. Dontayvion Wicks should be the Eagles’ first option this week, but that may not mean much for his production. Trevor Lawrence, Bhayshul Tuten, and Parker Washington are all solid starts for the Jacksonville Jaguars this week. Philadelphia allows the highest percentage of targets to the slot in the NFL, which should allow Washington to bounce back this week.
CHI @ GB (CHI -1.5, O/U 45.5)
Andy and Jason’s starts of the week were the Bears’ RBs. Kyle Monangai will not play due to a turf toe injury, making Jason’s start of the week D’Andre Swift an even better play. Colston Loveland achieved a 35% first-read target share last week and is trending in the right direction. Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze. Jordan Love is the Ballers’ QB11 this week. All Packers RBs can be benched until something drastic changes. Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Tucker Kraft are all great starts at their position.
MIN @ NO (MIN -1.5, O/U 42.5)
The New Orleans Saints have provided solid all-around fantasy value so far this season, but the Ballers are concerned with the matchup. Chris Olave ranks as their WR7, but no one else projects to be a good start at their position, and Andy is looking away from Saints RBs this week. Aaron Jones was a start-of-the-week candidate for Jason. Kyler Murray has thrown one passing TD in three starts, limiting Minnesota’s pass-catchers’ ceilings. T.J. Hockenson would have been Jason’s start of the week at TE if Justin Jefferson or Jordan Addison had been ruled out prior to the show.
Friday – Week 5 Matchups + Cowboy Collapse, Wheel of Shame
News
Tune in to Matthew Betz’s Injury Blitz podcast to hear more detail about injuries around the league. Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, Kyle Monangai, and Stefon Diggs have all been ruled out for Week 5. Ashton Jeanty went from a full participant in practice on Wednesday to a limited participant on Thursday, then was absent from practice on Friday. Carnell Tate was added to the injury report on Thursday with a back injury, but returned to a full practice on Friday. Bucky Irving’s career night led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to their first win of the season against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football.
NYG @ WAS (WAS -3.5, O/U 41.5)
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
This NFC East matchup is filled with injuries, so make sure to follow the injury news throughout the weekend as situations and rankings change. Cam Skattebo, Malik Nabers, and Isaiah Likely are all solid starts for the New York Giants, should they play. Likely leads the team with a 32% target share through four weeks, but Washington allows the highest target share to outside WRs, benefiting Nabers. Jayden Daniels is expected to return from his dislocated left elbow and start for the Commanders in Week 5. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Terry McLaurin shape out to be truly questionable due to injury, while Stefon Diggs has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
DEN @ LAC (DEN -3.5, O/U 41.5)
RJ Harvey has been targeted on 44% of his routes and is Mike’s start-of-the-week at RB. Bo Nix is Andy’s start-of-the-week. J.K. Dobbins can be a volume-based play for teams desperate for a starting RB this week, but try to stay away. Omarion Hampton‘s managers have been disappointed this year, but he is a playable asset this week. Tre’ Harris could be a dart-throw spot start if Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston both miss this game due to injury.
DET @ ARI (DET -5.5, O/U 54.5)
This matchup has five starts of the week for the Ballers. The 54.5-point over/under with two terrible defenses is the main reason why. Jared Goff and Jacoby Brissett are Jason and Mike’s QB starts of the week. Andy’s WR and TE starts of the week are Jamson Williams and Sam LaPorta. Michael Wilson is Jason’s start of the week at WR. Start everybody in this game.
BAL @ ATL (BAL -3, O/U 43.5)
Tyler Huntley will start at QB for the Baltimore Ravens, and Zay Flowers still ranks as the Ballers’ WR9. Huntley is the only QB to target TEs on more than 33% of passing attempts, making Mark Andrews a potential waiver wire play. Derrick Henry should see more volume this week and is an auto-start. Start Bijan Robinson and Drake London for the Atlanta Falcons; everyone else can be benched.
BUF @ LAR (LAR -3, O/U 54.5)
This Monday Night Football matchup should be a game-of-the-year candidate, both for NFL entertainment and widespread fantasy production. Start all of the usual names for the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams this week. Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir could become FLEX-worthy starts should DJ Moore miss this game due to a shoulder injury. Mike wants to give you confidence in putting Kincaid back in your lineup after disappearing the previous two weeks. Tyler Higbee can be started if Colby Parkinson misses this week.
Fantasy Faceoff
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Andy
QB: Justin Herbert more than 149.5 passing yards
RB: D’Andre Swift more than 68.5 rushing yards
WR: Marvin Harrison Jr. more than 32.5 receiving yards
TE: Tyler Higbee more than 25.5 receiving yards
Mike
QB: Jared Goff more than 209.5 passing yards
RB: Derrick Henry less than 84.5 rushing yards
WR: Michael Wilson more than 74.5 receiving yards
TE: Greg Dulcich more than 25.5 receiving yards
Jason
QB: Jayden Daniels more than 30.5 rushing yards
RB: Bijan Robinson more than 13.5 rushing attempts
WR: Rome Odunze more than 41.5 receiving yards
TE: Isaiah Likely more than 41.5 receiving yards
Good luck in Week 5!