Five weeks into the fantasy football season, we’re starting to get a much clearer picture of which players are emerging as legitimate weekly starters and which early-season disappointments are becoming serious concerns. Week 5 brought several breakout performances, significant changes to running back workloads, another wave of injuries, and a major trade that could reshape multiple fantasy offenses. While some young players are finally earning the opportunities we’ve been waiting for, others are seeing their roles shrink as teams make adjustments. With Week 6 approaching, here are my biggest fantasy football takeaways from Week 5.
1. Matthew Golden & Christian Watson
Green Bay’s receiving duo is becoming one of the most dangerous in football
Christian Watson exploded for six receptions, 143 yards, and two touchdowns on eight targets against Chicago, while Matthew Golden added six catches for 123 yards on seven targets. Together, they accounted for 266 of Jordan Love’s 367 passing yards (72.5%), combining for 15 targets on Love’s 31 passing attempts. Watson averaged 23.8 yards per reception, while Golden averaged 20.5, demonstrating how dangerous both receivers have become downfield. Love completed 80.6% of his passes and finished with a 137.5 passer rating, further highlighting Green Bay’s passing efficiency. Watson’s touchdown upside gives him the higher weekly ceiling, but Golden’s growing involvement makes him an increasingly appealing fantasy option. Both receivers deserve to be firmly in the WR1 conversation going forward.
2. Chase Brown
Brown’s disastrous start is beginning to threaten his workload
Chase Brown managed just 39 rushing yards on 13 carries against Miami after recording only 10 yards on nine attempts the previous week. He’s now gained just 49 rushing yards on his last 22 carries, averaging 2.2 yards per attempt without recording a single run of 10-plus yards. More concerning, Brown has generated only one rushing first down during that stretch, while Samaje Perine played 11 early-down snaps and received six carries during Cincinnati’s first five drives. Perine’s increased involvement doesn’t mean Brown has lost the starting job, but it demonstrates that his inefficiency is beginning to create competition for opportunities. Brown still has the talent to turn things around, although I’m lowering my expectations until he starts generating more consistent production. He’s becoming a much less dependable RB1 than fantasy managers anticipated.
3. Ollie Gordon II
Gordon is establishing himself as Miami’s lead back, but his receiving role remains a concern
Ollie Gordon II followed his 100-yard breakout against Minnesota with 18 carries for 88 yards and another touchdown against Cincinnati. He’s now rushed for 188 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries over his last two games, averaging an impressive 7.0 yards per attempt. More importantly, his workload increased from nine carries in Week 4 to 18 in Week 5, demonstrating Miami’s willingness to feature him as its primary early-down runner. However, the backfield remains unsettled, with Jaylen Wright working behind Gordon, Carlos Washington Jr. becoming involved on passing downs, and Kaytron Allen potentially competing for opportunities. None of Miami’s running backs received a target against Cincinnati, highlighting the limitations of Gordon’s receiving role. I’m treating him as a legitimate weekly RB2, but his fantasy ceiling will depend on maintaining early-down volume and touchdown opportunities rather than relying on receiving production.
4. Omarion Hampton
Hampton’s shrinking role has turned him into one of fantasy’s biggest disappointments
Omarion Hampton struggled again against Denver, rushing for just 33 yards on 14 carries while averaging 2.4 yards per attempt. His early-down snap share fell to 43.6%, and he didn’t play a single third-down or two-minute-drill snap. That’s particularly concerning because the Chargers are no longer treating Hampton as a complete three-down running back. Kimani Vidal contributed a 42-yard touchdown, while Keaton Mitchell handled the primary receiving role, creating a three-man committee that limits Hampton’s opportunities in nearly every game situation. Hampton’s 14 carries show he hasn’t disappeared from the offense, but his lack of efficiency and passing-down involvement significantly reduce his fantasy ceiling. Until his role expands or the backfield becomes less crowded, I’m treating him as a touchdown-dependent flex option rather than a dependable weekly starter.
5. Drake Maye
Maye just delivered an elite quarterback performance despite New England’s injuries
Drake Maye dismantled Las Vegas, completing 26 of 34 passes for 374 yards and four touchdowns while adding 25 rushing yards and another score on seven carries. He completed 76.5% of his attempts and averaged 11.0 yards per pass attempt, leading New England to 536 total yards and 45 points. What makes the performance particularly impressive is that the Patriots were already missing A.J. Brown and Mack Hollins, while starting offensive tackle Will Campbell also exited with an injury. Maye still distributed the football effectively, with DeMario Douglas catching two touchdowns and Kyle Williams and Hunter Henry each adding one. His ability to maintain elite passing efficiency despite the personnel limitations is extremely encouraging. Combined with his rushing upside, I’m comfortable viewing Maye as a legitimate top-five fantasy quarterback moving forward.
6. Denver Broncos Offense
Denver’s passing offense is becoming a major problem for fantasy managers
Courtland Sutton, Jaylen Waddle and Troy Franklin each finished with just two receptions and between 16 and 19 receiving yards against the Chargers. That’s a remarkably disappointing result for a receiving group that entered the season with considerable fantasy expectations. Sutton played 80.6% of Denver’s offensive snaps, while Franklin played 62.9%, yet neither translated that playing time into meaningful production. The Broncos also ran the football more frequently than they passed with Sean Payton taking over play-calling responsibilities, which did not spark more production for this offense. Playing time alone isn’t enough to support dependable fantasy production when the offense isn’t generating sufficient passing volume or efficiency. Until Denver demonstrates an ability to score points, Sutton and Waddle carry substantial weekly risk, while other options should not be considered in lineups.
7. Jaylen Warren
Warren’s workload is elite, even if his explosive production isn’t sustainable
Jaylen Warren erupted for 188 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns against Indianapolis, rushing for 101 yards on 15 carries while adding six receptions for 87 yards. His performance included an 80-yard receiving touchdown and a 50-yard rushing score, accounting for 130 of his 188 scrimmage yards (69.1%). Those explosive plays significantly inflated his production, but I’m more encouraged by the workload behind the performance. Warren handled 21 touches while Rico Dowdle remained sidelined, demonstrating his ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver. He won’t consistently produce touchdowns of 50-plus yards, but his involvement gives him multiple avenues to generate fantasy points. As long as Pittsburgh continues giving him this workload, I’m treating Warren as a legitimate RB1 with one of the higher ceilings at the position.
8. Isaiah Likely
Likely’s expanding role has pushed him into the elite fantasy tight end conversation
Isaiah Likely delivered another massive performance, catching 11 passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns against Washington. He received 13 targets, converting 84.6% of them into receptions while recording his second game with multiple touchdowns this season. More importantly, his playing time continues trending in the right direction. Likely played 39 of New York’s 40 snaps in 12 personnel, an impressive 97.5% participation rate, while his overall snap share exceeded 70% for the second time this season. His increased involvement suggests he’s becoming a more dependable part of the Giants’ passing offense rather than relying exclusively on occasional explosive performances. Likely’s touchdown production will naturally fluctuate, but his growing playing time and ability to command targets give him a realistic path toward becoming a top-five fantasy tight end. I’m treating him as a weekly starter rather than a matchup-dependent streaming option.
9. Woody Marks
Montgomery’s injury could make Marks a must-add heading into Week 6
Woody Marks could be headed toward a substantial workload increase after David Montgomery exited Houston’s matchup against Tennessee with a groin injury during the third offensive possession. Following Montgomery’s departure, Marks played 47 of the Texans’ final 48 offensive snaps, an extraordinary 97.9% snap share. That’s particularly encouraging because Marks had already been earning earlier opportunities, entering on Houston’s second drive in consecutive games after previously waiting until the third. However, I wouldn’t assume he’ll maintain a nearly every-down role if Montgomery misses time, especially if Houston adds another healthy running back to the rotation. Marks has already demonstrated that the coaching staff is becoming more comfortable increasing his involvement, making him one of my highest-priority waiver additions entering Week 6. His immediate fantasy value will depend on Montgomery’s availability and how Houston structures its backfield.
10. Tyler Shough
Shough’s disastrous performance exposed the risks of trusting him against elite defenses
Tyler Shough struggled considerably against Minnesota, completing just 16 of 25 passes for 96 yards and two interceptions as New Orleans managed only 13 points and 142 total offensive yards. He averaged just 3.8 yards per pass attempt, demonstrating how effectively the Vikings prevented the Saints from generating meaningful production through the air. After an encouraging opening stretch to the season, this performance highlights the limitations of trusting Shough against defenses capable of consistently disrupting the passing game. New Orleans couldn’t sustain drives or create explosive plays, leaving Shough with almost no opportunity to deliver a productive fantasy performance. I still believe he has value in favorable matchups, but this outing makes it difficult to consider him a dependable weekly starter. He’s a matchup-dependent QB2 rather than someone I’d confidently trust against stronger defenses.
11. Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs is on a historic touchdown pace and making a serious case for fantasy’s RB1 overall
Jahmyr Gibbs dominated Arizona, rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries while adding five receptions for 56 yards. He finished with 207 scrimmage yards on 30 touches, averaging 6.0 yards per carry and demonstrating the combination of rushing efficiency and receiving involvement that makes him one of fantasy football’s most valuable players. Gibbs now has nine total touchdowns through five games, putting him on pace for approximately 31 touchdowns across a 17-game season. For context, LaDainian Tomlinson holds the NFL single-season record with 31 total touchdowns in 2006. Maintaining that pace will be extremely difficult, but Gibbs’ consistent scoring opportunities and involvement in both phases of Detroit’s offense give him a realistic opportunity to finish as fantasy’s overall RB1 for the first time.
12. Bhayshul Tuten
Tuten is taking complete control of Jacksonville’s early-down backfield
Bhayshul Tuten handled a career-high 22 carries for 72 yards against Philadelphia, adding two receptions for 24 yards to finish with 96 scrimmage yards on 24 touches. More importantly, his early-down snap share climbed to 87.5%, demonstrating how dramatically Jacksonville has increased his involvement. Chris Rodriguez Jr. received just two carries, while LeQuint Allen remained involved primarily in passing situations. Tuten averaged only 3.3 yards per carry on Sunday, but his workload is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The Jaguars are clearly trusting him to handle the majority of their early-down opportunities, and that type of volume can support dependable fantasy production even without exceptional efficiency. His limited receiving role creates some concerns in PPR formats, but I’m treating Tuten as a legitimate weekly RB2 with additional upside if he begins earning more passing-down opportunities.
13. Marvin Harrison Jr.
Harrison’s trade to Houston could completely reshape two fantasy receiving corps
Arizona has traded Marvin Harrison Jr. and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Houston in exchange for second- and sixth-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft, ending his Cardinals tenure after just 33 games. The move reunites Harrison with C.J. Stroud, his former Ohio State quarterback, after the duo previously connected for 1,263 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns during the 2022 college season. Harrison has struggled to establish consistent fantasy production in Arizona, but a fresh start alongside Nico Collins creates an opportunity for his talent to translate into more meaningful receiving production. The biggest concern is how quickly he can establish a dependable target share in an offense that already features Collins. Meanwhile, Michael Wilson becomes an even more important fantasy asset in Arizona with Harrison no longer competing for opportunities. I’m viewing Harrison as a potential buy-low receiver with considerable upside, although I’d expect some uncertainty as he adjusts to Houston’s offense.
14. Eagles Backfield
Philadelphia’s running back injuries could create an unexpected Week 6 waiver opportunity
Philadelphia’s backfield has become one of the NFL’s most depleted position groups, with Saquon Barkley sidelined by a hamstring injury and Tank Bigsby already on injured reserve following core muscle surgery. Will Shipley entered Sunday’s matchup against Jacksonville as the expected starter but exited in the second quarter with a foot injury after recording just six rushing yards and a touchdown on five carries. That left Dameon Pierce in position to handle a significantly larger workload after being promoted from the practice squad. The Eagles were already struggling offensively, managing just 232 total yards against Jacksonville, and the continued injuries make their rushing rotation even more difficult to project. Pierce becomes an interesting speculative waiver addition if Barkley and Shipley remain unavailable, but I’m not treating him as an automatic starter without clarity on Philadelphia’s injury situation. This is a backfield fantasy managers need to monitor closely heading into Week 6.
