Week 5 was the week of blowouts, as there were more booms than busts, and some surprise finishes at each position, among all the injuries going on. Both Sam Darnold and CJ Stroud went off, while multiple tight ends finished with over 20+ fantasy points in PPR, including Darren Waller, Theo Johnson, AJ Barner, and Mason Taylor.
We also finally got the Jacory Croskey-Merritt breakout game as the next rookie running back to go off in fantasy, as he could lead the way in that backfield for the Washington Commanders.
As for busts, Geno Smith and Jakobi Meyers are players to be worried about, while the tight ends on the New Orleans Saints (Juwan Johnson, Taysom Hill) and the Baltimore Ravens (Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely) were bad plays this week.
As Week 5 wraps up, fantasy managers are either celebrating unexpected heroes or lamenting underwhelming performances. Let’s break down the biggest surprises and disappointments from this week’s action.
Surprises for Week 5
- Rico Dowdle, RB, Carolina Panthers
Fantasy Points:Â 33.9
Why It’s Surprising: As an injury replacement, Rico Dowdle had an all-time high off waivers into the starting lineup for fantasy football this week. Starting him or benching him likely determined your matchup, whether you won or lost. He had 23 carries for 206 rushing yards and a touchdown, along with 3 receptions for 28 yards.
Fantasy Impact:Â Unless Chuba Hubbard misses Week 6 (vs. Dallas) due to his calf injury, this might be a one-time but all-time performance for Dowdle. But monitor Hubbard throughout the week, as if the Panthers decide to sit him again, Dowdle would be a top-15 play at running back with a matchup against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys. Regardless, he is a premier handcuff and would be a stash in lineups regardless.
- Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
Fantasy Points:Â 23
Why It’s Surprising: Jaylen Waddle finally had his breakout game this season, replacing Tyreek Hill for the Dolphins as the new WR1, but that resulted on the field and for fantasy.
Fantasy Impact: His targets basically doubled, as Waddle is basically a low-end WR 1, high-end WR2 starter moving forward for fantasy (especially for PPR).
- Bonus Surprise: WR Rashid Shaheed (Saints) and Calvin Ridley (Titans)
- RBs Michael Carter (Cardinals) and Rachaad White (Buccaneers)
Disappointments for Week 5
- Woody Marks, RB, Texans
Fantasy Points:Â 2.4
Why It’s Disappointing: What a letdown. With a good matchup in the Ravens, who gave up 12.1 PPR points to Nick Chubb, many fantasy managers thought the rookie would beat out Chubb in snaps, as he has been doing so every week. But better games are coming for Woody Marks, as it wasn’t competitive right off the gate.
But since the Texans were up by so much, Marks wasn’t needed compared to Week 4, where he saw 17 carries. Week 5, Marks only saw 7, but it is now clear this will be a split backfield, regardless, that will be dependent on the game script, catching passes. Chubb saw 11 carries but scored a touchdown with 61 yards, while their other backs, Dare Ogunbowale and Dameon Pierce, got involved in garbage time.
Fantasy Impact: Marks is still a flex-play as a potential starter moving forward and a stash on benches during his Week 6 bye week.
- Derrick Henry, RB, Ravens
Fantasy Points: 10.8
Why It’s Disappointing: Without Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry is basically a touchdown or bust player. Due to the Baltimore Ravens’ defense and trailing often in games, making it a pass-heavy script with Cooper Rush, Henry is just not utilized enough or well enough in the game plan like his vintage self from previous seasons.
Fantasy Impact: Henry saved his week with a touchdown but that was due to a deep pass to Zay Flowers on a busted coverage that got down to the goal line. Even with good matchups, the King might have to be a flex play only or bench player till Jackson comes back and is healthy. The blocking on the offensive line and the way he is used to an endictment on the offense and gives defenses a tell when they are running, making it easier to stop.
- Bonus Busts: TEs Trey McBride (Cardinals), Zach Ertz (Commanders)
- WRs Quentin Johnston (Chargers) and Jameson Williams (Lions)
