Week 5 is here, and if you’re like me, you’re scrambling to get those lineups locked before Sunday’s kickoffs. This slate is stacked with some wild matchups, but let’s cut right to the chase for your fantasy squad. Jacoby Brissett is staring down the barrel of a monster game.
Brissett and Penix: QBs Ready to Explode
Your main man Jacoby Brissett, quarterback for the Cardinals, gets to go up against the Lions this week. We’re talking about a game total sitting at a whopping 54.5 points, which is just insane! The Lions’ defense is ranked 30th in EPA per dropback allowed, which is terrible. They’re literally giving up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, a massive 27.9 per game, and it’s not even close. The gap between them and the second-worst team is as wide as the gap between that second team and the 13th team. Brissett thrives in these kinds of shootouts, pouring out 22.5 points per game when the total hits 48 points. This is a must-start spot for the gunslinger, no doubt about it.
Then you’ve got Michael Penix, the Falcons’ QB, going up against Baltimore. Vegas has got Atlanta with a healthy 23.5-point team total here. Yeah, it’s a tough matchup, but Penix has been playing well enough to overcome it. He’s currently ranked second in the league in EPA per play and eighth in completion percentage over expected. He’s averaging over 10 yards per attempt, even though he’s only thrown for a combined 45 passes across his two starts. That low passing volume really just comes down to how dominant the Falcons have been early in games. They’ve outscored their opponents 55-17 in the first three quarters of Penix’s two starts. If he can even hit 30 attempts versus Baltimore, Penix is gonna surge up those QB2 ranks.
Your Week 5 QB Sits You CANNOT Ignore
On the flip side, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles are looking rough. Sportsbooks are basically throwing in the towel on Philly right now. The Eagles have the second-lowest implied team total of the week. Remember how bad they looked even when DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and Lane Johnson were in the lineup? Well, all three of those pillars of the offense are gone. To put it in perspective, there are four teams down to their backup quarterback this week, and all four of them have higher points projections than the Eagles, who have an implied team total of just 17. That’s a huge red flag.
And then there’s Tyler Shough, the Saints QB. He’s stepping into a nightmare matchup this week. He’s taking on a Vikings defense that leads the league in EPA per dropback allowed. They’re also the absolute worst fantasy matchup for opposing passers through the first month of football. Brian Flores’s blitz-first defense is just putting quarterbacks in a blender. Minnesota has allowed the second-fewest completions and the ninth-fewest yards this year. For as good as Shough has been for fantasy, his efficiency isn’t exactly impressive. He’s sitting at 18th in EPA per dropback heading into Week 5. This finally looks like the matchup that’s gonna shut down his volume-based fantasy scam.
Running Backs You Gotta Have in Your Lineup
Alright, let’s talk about Bhayshul Tuten, the Jaguars running back. I’m telling you right now, this guy is GOOD. Don’t believe me? Check out some nerd stats: he’s fourth among running backs in yards after contact per carry with 4.02. He’s second in missed tackles forced per attempt at .32. He’s 10th in rush yards over expected per carry with .67, and 12th in yards per route run with 1.35. Now he gets to tee off on a Philly defense that ranks 28th in rush EPA per play allowed, and the Jaguars are 7.5-point favorites. This is the breakout game for Tuten. You heard it here first!
And don’t forget J.K. Dobbins for the Broncos. He’s strictly a two-down grinder on an offense that’s been hit or miss at best. But the good news is the Broncos are in a get-right spot versus the reeling Chargers this week, and Sean Payton is back on the headset calling plays. Denver is favored by 3.5 points this week. Since the start of 2025, Dobbins has averaged 16 carries per game when the Broncos are favored by a field goal or more. He’s gonna eat.
So there you have it for Week 5. Get your guys in, get your studs benched if they’re in a bad spot. Sunday’s gonna be wild, and these calls could seriously make or break your fantasy season. Don’t leave points on the bench, fam!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply