Fantasy Football Breakdown: Week 5
Host Sam Kirk and analysts Matt Rudisill, Juan Mendez and Aidan Torok give their fantasy football advice for Week 5 of the NFL.
Another week of NFL action is in the books and once again we saw a number of serious injuries to some of the game's best players. Nick Chubb, Austin Ekeler and Sam Darnold were among the names who went down last week. With that in mind, the waiver wire will be more important this year than ever for fantasy owners. Here’s who you should target and avoid this week.
Players To Pick Up:
Joshua Kelley, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
This one is simple. Austin Ekeler, who had been lighting the NFL on fire this season, will be out for a couple of weeks. The Chargers have shown that it doesn’t matter who’s taking the handoffs. Whether it’s Ekeler, Melvin Gordon or Kelley, whoever is in the backfield will find a way to thrive. Add in the fact that a young rookie quarterback is taking the snaps and you should have a solid RB2/Flex option until Ekeler returns.
David Moore, WR, Seattle Seahawks
The No. 3 wideout for Seattle took a while to break out but he finally had himself a game last Sunday. Moore emerged as a deep ball threat as he caught three passes for 95 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins. It’s tough to evaluate Moore’s future role with the team but if D.K. Metcalf or Tyler Lockett go down, Moore could easily be a WR2.
Arizona Cardinals Defense
While the Cardinals' defense has been middle of the pack at best and just gave up 31 points to the Carolina Panthers, they have a very favorable matchup this week. They play a New York Jets team that has looked lost offensively so far. The Jets will also be starting Joe Flacco as Sam Darnold was ruled out with a shoulder injury he obtained on Thursday Night Football. It is likely that Le’Veon Bell, Breshad Perriman and Denzel Mims will all be active this week, however in limited roles.
Players To Avoid:
Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
The top scorer at the running back position last week, Mixon put up about 40 points (depending on what scoring your league has). That massive performance probably will not be replicated this week, as Mixon and the Bengals take on the Ravens and their seventh ranked rushing defense. While Mixon probably won’t give you a terrible outing, don’t expect anywhere near the performance he provided fans last week. Expect somewhere between 10-15 points this week from Mixon.
Mike Gesicki, TE, Miami Dolphins
Over the Dolphins’ last two games, Gesicki has delivered two catches for 30 yards combined after a monster 130 yard performance the week before that. Those last two games showed that the Dolphins aren’t maximizing Gesicki’s potential. Going into this week against the No. 2 pass defense in the league in the 49ers, Gesicki will have no shot to get back on track. Look to avoid this matchup if you can.
Carson Wentz, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
If you haven’t jumped off the Wentz Wagon yet, you definitely want to get out this week. Playing the Pittsburgh Steelers’ vaunted defense, which is second in the NFL in sacks through four games even though they had a bye this past week, Wentz will get blown up behind a porous offensive line. There’s going to be lots of pressure, many sacks, as well as possibly a fumble or two. While Pittsburgh’s passing defense statistically sits toward the middle of the pack, the front seven are all game wreckers that will strike fear into the heart of any quarterback who steps onto the field against them. Safe to say you should avoid Wentz this week.
Logan Bourandas is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him email lxb5412@psu.edu.
Matt Rudisill is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him email mpr5529@psu.edu.
