NFL Fantasy Football: Week 5 - Injuries Shake Up the Landscape

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Week 4 proved to be a brutal one for fantasy managers, with season-ending injuries to elite wide receivers Malik Nabers and Tyreek Hill drastically altering the fantasy landscape. Combined with several key players on bye (Bills, Vikings, Seahawks, Cardinals) and other significant injuries, Week 5 presents a massive challenge in setting optimal lineups and navigating the waiver wire.

Here’s a breakdown of the key news and fantasy focus points for Week 5:

The Injury Impact and Waiver Wire Gold

The most immediate focus for all managers must be addressing the holes left by the latest injuries.

Wide Receivers: The losses of Nabers (ACL) and Hill (knee dislocation) create massive target vacuums.
Giants: Darius Slayton is the top pickup here, having averaged high targets/yards in games without Nabers last season. Wan’Dale Robinson also sees a bump as a possession receiver.
Dolphins: The volume should be distributed among Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane, and Darren Waller. Waller, in particular, could see a significant increase in red zone work and overall targets.
Running Backs: The Houston backfield is now led by rookie Woody Marks, who had a breakout game in Week 4 with Joe Mixon out. Marks is the clear top waiver priority and has an immediate strong matchup against the Ravens.
Other RB Adds: Kendre Miller (Saints) is seeing an increased role, and Isaiah Davis (Jets) becomes the direct backup to Breece Hall with Braelon Allen injured. Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers) delivered an RB1 performance but is on a bye this week; hold onto him as a handcuff with immense upside.
Quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson (Ravens) and Brock Purdy (49ers) are dealing with injuries (hamstring and toe, respectively), and their statuses need to be monitored closely. Jayden Daniels (Commanders) is trending toward a return and is a solid start/stream option if he plays.
Streamers: Look to Jaxson Dart (Giants) for his rushing floor in a good matchup against the Saints, or a high-upside play like Matthew Stafford (Rams) against a Niners defense missing key pieces.

Start/Sit and Matchup Notes

Quarterbacks (Streamers/Sleepers):

Start/Stream Bryce Young (Panthers) vs. MIA: This is a boom-or-bust risk, but the Dolphins have given up 28+ fantasy points to both Daniel Jones and Justin Fields. Young has a high ceiling if the game turns into a shootout.
Start/Stream Daniel Jones (Colts) vs. LV: Jones has been a top-10 QB this season and faces a Raiders defense that is bottom-10 against the pass and has allowed high rushing totals to QBs. He’s a top-tier streamer.
Sit Brock Purdy (49ers) @ LAR: Purdy is dealing with a lingering toe injury, and with key weapons also banged up, he is a risky play against a Rams defense that has been solid.

Running Backs (High-Volume Upside):

Start Woody Marks (Texans) @ BAL: As mentioned, he’s the new lead back with a fantastic matchup against a struggling Ravens run defense.
Start Omarion Hampton (Chargers) vs. WAS: With Najee Harris out for the season, Hampton has been an absolute PPR monster, delivering RB1 numbers with high receiving volume. He’s a must-start.

Wide Receivers (Targets on the Rise):

Start Garrett Wilson (Jets) vs. DAL: He’s the only reliable pass-catcher on the Jets and is targeted heavily regardless of who is throwing the ball. Expect high volume against the Cowboys’ cornerbacks.
Sit DeVonta Smith (Eagles) vs. DEN: Smith has been held to 60 or fewer receiving yards in every game this season. He faces a tough Broncos pass defense that has allowed the fewest passing TDs in the NFL.
Sleeper Darius Slayton (Giants) @ NO: With Nabers gone, Slayton is the presumptive WR1 and should be peppered with targets. He’s a great high-upside flex play.

Tight Ends (Wasteland Options):

Start Tyler Warren (Colts) vs. LV: The rookie has been a consistent mismatch and is an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. He’s a strong start against the Raiders.
Sleeper Darren Waller (Dolphins) vs. CAR: With Hill out, Waller’s target share and red zone opportunities are set to skyrocket. He’s a prime breakout candidate for Week 5.