It’s already week 5, and Andy, Mike, and Jason deliver the analysis you need! Remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
News
Malik Nabers tore his ACL and is out for the remainder of the 2025 season. Lamar Jackson left the game with a hamstring injury; there is hope that it is minor. Ricky Pearsall exited with a knee injury, thought to be a PCL, and Cedric Tillman left with a hamstring injury.
Studs
QBs: Dak Prescott lit up GB, shredding a defense that looked elite through two weeks. He posted a week-winning line and validated everyone who stuck with him. Matthew Stafford and Patrick Mahomes followed right behind, with Mahomes getting a spark from Xavier Worthy’s return. Jordan Love went for 337 yards and three TDs, plus 28 on the ground, looking like a locked-in starter despite GB’s chaos. Drake Maye stayed hot too, easily the top sophomore QB so far.
RBs: Ashton Jeanty and Josh Jacobs were the trade-for guys all week and then slammed that door, each putting up monster totals. Kenneth Gainwell surprised as the RB3 with Jaylen Warren a last-minute scratch. Justice Hill broke a long one to sneak in as RB4, and Bijan Robinson kept rolling even while getting caught from behind on a breakaway. Woody Marks stole the show for HOU with 17 carries and a score plus receiving work, and will be a popular waiver pickup this week.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
WRs: Puka Nacua is the cheat code, continuing his run as fantasy’s top WR. George Pickens and Romeo Doubs delivered spike weeks, with Doubs scoring three times on just 58 yards. Amon-Ra St. Brown and DK Metcalf rounded out the top five, Metcalf ripping an 80-yard slant to the house before the game script went run-heavy. Drake London’s 39% target share is screaming WR1.
TEs: Tyler Warren is turning two goal line looks a week into serious upside, finishing TE1 with a rushing TD. Kyle Pitts finally got north of 70 yards, while Jake Ferguson, Hunter Henry, and Dalton Kincaid all found the end zone to sneak into the top five on a down week for the position.
Duds
QBs: Geno Smith absolutely nuked lineups with 117 yards and three picks — he’s up to six INTs through four games and looks like he’s devolving. Justin Herbert has now finished outside the top 15 in back-to-back weeks, his line ruined by two picks and constant pressure after Joe Alt went down. Caleb Williams stumbled to 212-1 in a loss, while Daniel Jones combined bad picks with bad luck (a wiped-out TD) to sink rosters. Jared Goff kept up his rollercoaster ways, posting just 168 yards and no scores.
RBs: David Montgomery followed last week’s 40-point eruption with nine carries for 12 yards. Derrick Henry was bottled up for 42 yards on eight carries — and more alarmingly, just a 39% snap share. Trey Benson split work with DeMarcado, leaving managers frustrated, while Washington went full three-headed monster, tanking Jacory Croskey-Merritt‘s value. Nick Chubb played only 44% of snaps, and his leash is shortening fast.
WRs: Ladd McConkey went 1-for-11 on six targets and is flashing bust potential. AJ Brown somehow turned nine targets into 7 yards, one of the ugliest stat lines of the year. Brian Thomas Jr. and Tet McMillan keep racking up empty volume without TDs, while Matthew Golden looked like a tell for run plays, stuck at 5-for-58. Jameson Williams teased with eight deep targets but finished with just 2-for-40 — all sizzle, no steak.
TEs: Brock Bowers’ depth of target has collapsed, and he hasn’t cracked TE12 since Week 1. Sam LaPorta, TJ Hockenson, and Mark Andrews all underwhelmed, combining for short-area checkdowns and no impact. David Njoku faceplanted with 2-for-11, while rookie Harold Fannin split his routes, rendering both unplayable. Even Travis Kelce managed just 5-for-40, continuing the trend of TE despair.
News
Lamar Jackson is dealing with a hamstring injury that could keep him out multiple games heading into Baltimore’s Week 5 matchup with Houston. With the Ravens’ bye looming in three weeks, there’s a chance he sits until after the break. Terry McLaurin is trending toward playing this week, but Cedric Tillman will miss time with a hamstring.
Bucky Irving unexpectedly popped up with an injury and is undergoing an MRI, a situation that could shake up waivers. Trey Benson also missed Arizona’s bonus Monday practice, leaving Emari Demercado as the next man up if Benson can’t go.
Titans RB Tyjae Spears and Saints TE Taysom Hill had their 21-day return windows opened, but Joe Mixon has not been activated and looks unlikely to return soon, if at all this season. Jauan Jennings and Brock Purdy were both listed as DNPs on San Francisco’s Monday estimate ahead of their Thursday game. And Jason is jealous of Andy’s trade to acquire Malik Nabers as a keeper for next season.
Waiver Wire
RBs: Woody Marks is the clear priority add with Nick Chubb fading fast, already flashing a top-10 finish and growing in both rushing and passing usage. If Bucky Irving misses time, Rachaad White has flex-plus value in Tampa Bay, while Sean Tucker would step into between-the-tackles work as a stash. Kendre Miller showed burst with 65 yards and a score and is worth a bench spot behind an aging Alvin Kamara. Blake Corum is a deeper stash in Los Angeles, one injury away from RB2 value.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
WRs: Troy Franklin is tied with Courtland Sutton for the team lead in targets, a big-play sophomore who’s starting to click. Wan’Dale Robinson is a steady PPR option for the Giants, while Darius Slayton offers more ceiling as a deeper flex. Romeo Doubs remains a volatile WR3 and isn’t a priority with Green Bay on bye. Malik Washington has upside in Miami with Tyreek Hill out for the season. Calvin Ridley is droppable in most formats.
TEs: Darren Waller looks like the top pickup, with the Dolphins needing him without Tyreek. Brenton Strange is quietly getting steady looks in Jacksonville, while Tommy Tremble just saw eight targets with Ja’Tavion Sanders sidelined. Mason Taylor and Theo Johnson are stashes, but David Njoku should be held with Cedric Tillman’s injury possibly consolidating targets in Cleveland.
DSTs: DET (vs CIN, then at CLE) is a top two-week play. ARI is in a good spot vs TEN, while CLE could feast on a beat-up PHI O-line overseas. IND is worth streaming vs SEA, and both NYG and NO are viable in what should be a low-scoring matchup against each other.
Check out the full waiver wire rankings on the website and, as a FootClan member, use the ultimate dashboard waiver tool that is adjusted to your league.
Full Stream Ahead
Jason: Brock Purdy (vs LAR, Thursday Night)
Purdy has quietly topped 20 fantasy points in both healthy starts this year and showed toughness playing through a toe injury last week. He gets the Rams at home in primetime and is a plug-and-play with weapons all over the field. If Purdy sits, Jason pivots to Dak Prescott.
Andy: Jared Goff (at CIN)
The Lions are double-digit road favorites with nearly a 30-point implied total, and Andy likes how Goff benefits from Detroit’s willingness to throw near the goal line. Cincinnati has been shredded by QBs early in the season, making this a strong boom week in what’s been a hit-or-miss year for Goff.
Mike: Tua Tagovailoa (vs CAR)
Still available in a surprising number of leagues, Tua draws a Panthers defense that just got picked apart by Drake Maye and ranks in the bottom five in yards per play allowed. Even with Tyreek Hill out, Mike tabs Tua as a high-ceiling streamer who can distribute efficiently to his playmakers.
Other considerations: Jaxson Dart (rushing floor but brutal schedule ahead) and Sam Darnold (deep-league option who’s been quietly productive).
Backup Options
Check your waiver wire for the most-dropped players this week.
Michael Carter is the top name to watch with Trey Benson moving to the IR with a knee injury. Arizona just signed Carter, and he could see 15+ touches if Benson sits, depending on how much they use Emari Demarcado. Jacory Croskey-Merritt remains worth holding despite being heavily dropped, while Bhayshul Tuten also fits that “don’t let him linger on waivers” mold.
Rookie Jaydon Blue is a speculative stash in Dallas with Miles Sanders banged up and a path to backup work. On the flip side, Braelon Allen’s injury looks serious enough to cut bait. At WR, Darnell Mooney is the only one drawing mild interest, while Tyquan Thornton, Tre Tucker, and Sterling Shepard can be left on waivers. For defenses, the Patriots are a sneaky stash. They have a tough matchup this week vs Buffalo, but then they face one of the softest schedules in the league.
News
Lamar Jackson is likely to miss this week, which would put Cooper Rush under center for Baltimore. Zay Flowers remains playable, but the matchup with Houston is not ideal. Derrick Henry should see a heavy workload and remains a confident start. In Cleveland, the Browns are turning to rookie Dillon Gabriel after finally moving on from Joe Flacco. Flacco’s turnovers and lack of mobility stalled the offense, and Gabriel gives them at least a chance to move the ball.
WR Cedric Tillman was placed on injured reserve, and Jets’ backup RB Braelon Allen is expected to join him with an MCL sprain. That injury clears the path for Breece Hall to dominate touches, with Isaiah Davis worth monitoring in deeper formats. Finally, Washington received good news as QB Jayden Daniels has been cleared to return and will fully participate in practice.
TNF Preview
3-1 SF at 3-1 LAR (LAR -7, O/U 46.5)
San Francisco comes in banged up, with Brock Purdy likely out again due to a toe injury, while Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall also missed practice this week. Mac Jones may start, leaving Christian McCaffrey as the clear centerpiece and TE Jake Tonges a possible fill-in option. Demarcus Robinson and Kendrick Bourne should be the starting WRs. On the Rams side, Kyren Williams continues his every-down role, and Puka Nacua is commanding historic first-read volume a la 2021 Cooper Kupp (with fewer TDs).
Matthew Stafford is efficient but limited for fantasy due to no rushing upside, making him a fringe streamer. This matchup ultimately hinges on whether Purdy can play and how much San Francisco leans on McCaffrey to keep pace with the Rams’ balanced attack.
News
The 49ers are down Purdy, Pearsall, Jennings, Aiyuk, Kittle, the whole crew. We’re talking Demarcus Robinson, Kendrick Bourne, and Jake Tonges as starters. Christian McCaffrey is siphoning the health of his teammates and is the entire offense. He has zero rushing TDs in 2025 so far, but he’s top-10 every week and pacing for WR-level targets. Trey Benson hits the IR, and Michael Carter steps in off the practice squad as the Cardinals’ starter. Emari Demercado will continue as the passing-down guy.
Mike Evans (hamstring), Baker Mayfield, Sterling Shepard, and Bucky Irving did not practice. Irving is doubtful. Terry McLaurin is still sidelined, and Washington signed Robbie Chosen. Chuba Hubbard’s calf got worse, making Rico Dowdle the guy this week vs Miami. Braelon Allen is going to IR, prompting the Jets to sign Khalil Herbert.
Starts of the Week
Jason’s Picks
QB: Daniel Jones vs LV
RB: David Montgomery vs CIN
WR: Ladd McConkey vs WAS
TE: Darren Waller vs CAR
Andy’s Picks
QB: Justin Fields vs DAL
RB: Woody Marks vs BAL
WR: Xavier Worthy vs NE
TE: Dalton Kincaid vs NE
Mike’s Picks
QB: CJ Stroud vs BAL
RB: Alvin Kamara vs NYG
WR: Quentin Johnston vs WAS
TE: Jake Ferguson vs NYJ
Fantasy Forecast
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
2-2 MIN vs 1-3 CLE (MIN -4.5, O/U 36.5, London)
Cleveland leans on rookie QB Dillon Gabriel and RB Quinshon Judkins. The pass catchers are risky, though Isaiah Bond carries some appeal. For Minnesota, Jordan Mason is TD-dependent, while Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson remain auto-starts.
1-3 LV at 3-1 IND (IND -7, O/U 47.5)
Ashton Jeanty is a lineup lock, and Brock Bowers is playable but still limited. Michael Pittman is Daniel Jones’ clear WR1, Josh Downs is fading, and Jakobi Meyers is a sneaky play. A water bet is on the line with Andy taking Isaiah Bond against Josh Downs for Jason.
1-3 NYG at 0-4 NO (NO -1.5, O/U 42.5)
The Giants lean on Cam Skattebo while Jaxson Dart remains raw at QB. Darius Slayton leads the team in targets but offers a low ceiling. Alvin Kamara stays a must-start, Kendre Miller is a stash, and Chris Olave is capped by inconsistent QB play.
1-2-1 DAL at 0-4 NYJ (DAL -2.5, O/U 47.5)
Dak Prescott is a confident start, even without CeeDee Lamb. George Pickens is locked in as a WR2, and Javonte Williams provides a safe floor. Jake Ferguson is Mike’s start of the week. For the Jets, Justin Fields, Breece Hall, and Garrett Wilson are auto-starts, while rookie TE Mason Taylor is a deep-league flier.
2-2 DEN at 4-0 PHI (PHI -3.5, O/U 43.5)
Philadelphia continues to win with defense, making A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith startable but volatile. Saquon Barkley hasn’t hit 100 yards in a game. He is inefficient yet productive. Denver looks improved with Bo Nix under center, and Courtland Sutton has become a reliable option. RJ Harvey broke out last week, but is a risky start this week with JK Dobbins currently thriving.
1-3 MIA at 1-3 CAR (MIA -1.5, O/U 45.5)
Darren Waller is Jason’s start of the week with Tyreek out, as Jaylen Waddle steps into the WR1 for the Dolphins. Malik Washington is a wildcard play. Tetairoa McMillan has been peppered with targets, but has low TD upside. Rico Dowdle is instantly in fantasy lineups with Chuba Hubbard out. Strap on thick underpants to start TE Tommy Tremble.
1-3 HOU at 1-3 BAL (HOU -1.5, O/U 40.5)
Woody Marks is Andy’s start of the week as his playing time expands. Cooper Rush gets the start for Lamar Jackson and is “not incompetent.” Nico Collins hasn’t produced like we expected, but is still in your lineup. You play Henry, even with his snaps diminishing. He has been RB 58, 42, and 22 the last three weeks. Zay Flowers is a good play with Rush, but he can disappear. Andrews has 13 receptions over the last two weeks.
News
The 49ers pulled off the upset Thursday night without Brock Purdy, who suffered a setback in Week 4. Reinforcements are coming for San Francisco, with Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, and possibly George Kittle all trending toward Week 6 returns. Michael Pittman popped up with a hamstring injury and is limited, which is concerning. Brock Bowers missed practice after being limited on Wednesday, raising injury worries.
Lamar Jackson is unlikely to play. Juwan Johnson returned to practice for the Saints, and Jaydon Blue will make his debut with Miles Sanders out in Dallas. Chuba Hubbard missed practice, with Rico Dowdle expected to start in Carolina as Hubbard is week-to-week. Terry McLaurin has been ruled out, Deebo Samuel is still uncertain with a heel injury, and Calvin Ridley missed practice. Bucky Irving is not expected to play, which boosts Sean Tucker and Rachaad White.
Fantasy Forecast
0-4 TEN at 2-2 ARI (ARI -7.5, O/U 41.5)
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kyler Murray is a top-15 QB with rushing upside, while Marvin Harrison Jr. remains a TD-dependent WR2. The Cardinals’ backfield is messy, but Michael Carter has the edge over Emari Demercado due to goal line work. Tony Pollard is still a volume RB2, though Tennessee’s offense has been lifeless. Calvin Ridley and the Titans’ pass game can be benched until further notice.
3-1 TB at 3-1 SEA (SEA -3, O/U 44.5)
Baker Mayfield is streamable, even without Mike Evans and Bucky Irving, with Chris Godwin trending up after double-digit targets. Rachaad White is a safe RB2, but Sean Tucker looms. On Seattle’s side, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is locked in as a start, while Kenneth Walker carries RB2 upside despite Zach Charbonnet siphoning goal line looks. Sam Darnold is viable but riskier than Kyler this week.
3-1 DET at 2-2 CIN (DET -10, O/U 49.5)
Detroit’s core is automatic: Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and David Montgomery. Jameson Williams offers upside as a flex, while Sam LaPorta is playable but capped by usage. For Cincinnati, Ja’Marr Chase remains startable despite an inept offense, Tee Higgins is a fringe flex, and Chase Brown’s volume doesn’t outweigh his struggles on the ground.
2-2 WAS at 3-1 LAC (LAC -2.5, O/U 46.5)
Jayden Daniels’ return boosts the Commanders’ offense, but Bill Crosky-Merritt is stash-only right now. Zach Ertz is a low-end TE streamer. The Chargers are more exciting: Ladd McConkey is Jason’s start of the week, but Mike’s start of the week, Quentin Johnston, is the WR1 for LA. RB Omarion Hampton is rolling.
2-2 NE at 4-0 BUF (BUF -8.5, O/U 49.5)
Drake Maye continues to provide steady QB production with a rushing floor. Rhamondre Stevenson holds lead duties, but TreVeyon Henderson offers more upside. New England’s WRs remain unplayable. For Buffalo, James Cook is emerging as a league-winner, Stefon Diggs is volatile but startable, and Dalton Kincaid is a fringe TE1. Hunter Henry has been one of the safer TEs in the league. You should play Josh Allen.
2-2 KC at 3-1 JAX (KC -3.5, O/U 46.5)
Patrick Mahomes has been good for fantasy, but Kansas City’s WRs remain a guessing game beyond Xavier Worthy. Travis Etienne is locked in as an RB1; Jacksonville’s passing game has been inconsistent, with Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter being disappointments so far.
Fantasy Faceoff
Last week, Andy and Jason both went a perfect 4-for-4 in PrizePicks, while Mike stumbled at 3-for-4 and had to spin the Wheel of Shame. His punishment was an astronaut helmet for the rest of the segment, though his head barely fit.
Watch to see the boys’ PrizePicks this week, and don’t forget to join Andy for Sunday Live to get all of your last-minute lineup decisions answered.
Good luck in week 5, FootClan!