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IND @ DEN
- Alec Pierce’s snap share is going up, and he was the leading receiver for the Colts against Denver. He is looking like a WR3/Flex consideration and potential monkey wrench for Michael Pittman’s ceiling.
- Nyheim Hines suffered a concussion on the first drive. Phillip Lindsay and Deon Jackson split the work, and both looked like viable NFL running backs against a Broncos defense that will encourage teams to run. The Chargers and a red-hot Austin Ekeler face Denver this week.
- The Colts tight ends faded into the background after a massive Week 4.
- Matt Ryan looked feeble at times, and it’s fair to wonder when we might see Nick Foles.
- Russell Wilson was terrible again, and after the game, we learned he is playing with a partially torn muscle in his throwing shoulder. Time to lower expectations for this offense and Wilson even further. Wilson is droppable in typical 1QB leagues.
- Melvin Gordon and Mike Boone split the backfield work. Both were viable flex plays, but Latavius Murray is coming this week to complicate matters.
NYG @ GB
- Daniel Jones looked good, considering he hurt his ankle in Week 4. The Giants still used him as a runner a lot, and he could be a viable streamer/QB2/Superflex. He also led his third fourth quarter comeback this year.
- Darius Slayton finally got the opportunity by default with the top four receivers out, and he was as productive (more really) as any of them. He’s worth a pickup in deep leagues.
- A.J. Dillon is taking a backseat to Aaron Jones in the Packers' backfield and is only a what-the-heck flex until this offense gets on track.
- Randall Cobb was the most targeted receiver by a large margin, a sign that Aaron Rodgers could be frustrated. Rodgers missed on all six deep balls and isn’t a clear starter in typical 1QB leagues with the Jets up next.
DET @ NE
- Jared Goff had a miserable afternoon against the Patriots. The Patriots defense will try to slow down Nick Chubb this week.
- T.J. Hockenson was shut down the week after his career-high game. He remains enigmatic for fantasy.
- Bailey Zappe was safe with the ball and mainly targeted Hunter Henry (with Jonnu Smith out) and Jakobi Meyers. Meyers has leveled off as a clear WR3/Flex in PPR leagues, no matter who is starting at quarterback. Zappe played well enough to keep the Patriots from rushing Mac Jones back on the field. The Lions defense remains a target when we set lineups as they head into their bye.
- Damien Harris went down with a hamstring injury, and Rhamondre Stevenson was dominant as the lead back after Harris left. Harris will likely miss multiple games, and Stevenson will be a must-start while he is out.
LAC @ CLE
- Austin Ekeler had one of his best days ever as a runner. He’s back as a clear fantasy RB1.
- Joshua Kelley scored, caught a few passes, and was involved enough to have some standalone desperation play value in addition to providing Ekeler injury upside on your bench. He’s worth an add in typical leagues.
- Gerald Everett faded as the Chargers went run-heavy. Donald Parham is also back, so Everett’s window as a TE1 is likely closed.
- Justin Herbert was quieter for fantasy, but with the offense doing well overall, there’s nothing to worry about here.
- David Njoku had another strong game. He’s here to stay as a fantasy TE1.
- Amari Cooper had a good game against J.C. Jackson. Jackson doesn’t look like the shutdown corner he was in New England last year. Courtland Sutton will face Jackson this week, but with a banged-up Russell Wilson.
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