If you have quarterback Matthew Stafford or any other members of the Detroit Lions on your fantasy football, make sure you sit them in Week 5. That’s because the Lions have a bye.
So, does Miami. But if you’ve been counting much on any Dolphins, your fantasy season probably already is over. The byes and some crucial injuries make it important to look closely at your backups this week. There are plenty of guys you wouldn’t normally start that could be worth a start this week because they have favorable matchups.
Let’s take a look at 11 fantasy football sleepers for Week 5.
11. Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets
Anderson hasn’t done much in the fantasy world so far, but that’s mostly because of the Jets’ quarterback issues. So this suggestion comes with a stipulation. You have to keep a close eye on the Sam Darnold situation. If he’s going to be the starting quarterback against Philadelphia after a bout with mononucleosis, then Anderson might be a good sleeper pick. If, however, Luke Falk is going to get the start, then stay clear of Anderson and the rest of the Jets.
10. Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are 0-4 and Dalton is coming off his worst game of the season. He threw for just 171 yards, was intercepted once and sacked eight times in a loss to Pittsburgh on Monday night. Over his last two outings, Dalton has been sacked 10 times and thrown three interceptions. Yeah, this sounds like a guy you should stay away from under normal circumstances. But the Bengals aren’t in normal circumstances. They’re playing the Arizona Cardinals, who haven’t been able to stop any offense they’ve played. Dalton is going to score some fantasy points this week.
9. Golden Tate, WR, New York Giants
Tate is returning from a four-game suspension and that’s great news for the Giants. Rookie quarterback Daniel Jones has won his first two starts and the coaching staff seems to be developing more confidence in his passing. With Tate, Jones suddenly gains a top-notch weapon. Tate has had four seasons with at least 90 receptions and three seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. The Giants face a good Minnesota defense this week. But Tate instantly could become Jones’ favorite target.
8. Geronimo Allison, WR, Green Bay Packers
Keep a close eye on the health status of Green Bay receiver Davante Adams as the week goes on. Adams is dealing with turf toe. If he’s going to miss Sunday’s game against Dallas, Allison could be a very nice sleeper play. Allison hasn’t played a big role in the Green Bay offense so far. He has just eight catches for 76 yards. But, if Adams is out, Allison will get increased playing time and an opportunity to score some fantasy points.
7. Ben Watson, TE, New England Patriots
The Patriots have barely used their tight ends in the passing game in their first four outings. But that could change Sunday against the Washington Redskins. That’s because Watson is returning from a four-game suspension. The Patriots will try to get him involved in the passing game right away.
6. A.J. Brown, WR, Tennessee Titans
The rookie had a breakout game against Atlanta, catching two touchdown passes as quarterback Marcus Mariota had his best game of the season. When the Titans host the Bills this week, you might want to consider using Brown. He seems to have gained Mariota’s trust and that’s going to lead to more targets going forward.
5. Cole Beasley, WR, Buffalo Bills
In the last two games, Beasley’s receptions total almost has double since the first two games. It’s obvious he’s becoming a bigger part of the offense and he might be worth a start when the Bills play the Titans on Sunday. Beasley has yet to catch a touchdown pass. But it’s only a matter of time before that happens.
4. Gerald Everett, TE, Los Angeles Rams
Everett was barely used in the passing game in the first three games. But the Rams made it a point to get him more involved in Sunday’s loss to Tampa Bay. He had five catches, including one for a touchdown. Look for the Rams to continue to get him more involved. Everett could be a good tight end to start when the Rams play the Seahawks on Thursday night.
3. Jacoby Brissett, QB, Colts
In reality football, Brissett has done a nice job as the starter since taking over after Andrew Luck’s surprising retirement in the preseason. In fantasy football, though, Brissett is best suited to be a backup. But this week could be an exception. The Colts are playing the Chiefs. Any team that’s going to try to stay with Kansas City needs to be ready for a shootout. Brissett could be throwing the ball a lot more than usual this week.
2. Jordan Howard, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles use an assortment of running backs. Usually it’s best to stay away from guys who split carries. But Howard is exception this week when the Eagles play the Jets. Howard’s touches have increased in every game since the start of the season. Plus, it became obvious in last week’s game with Green Bay that Howard is the guy who will get the ball near the goal line. Against the Packers, Howard ran for two touchdowns and also caught a touchdown pass.
1. Chase Daniel, QB, Chicago Bears
Even though he’s a career backup who will be making his first start Sunday in London against the Oakland Raiders, you know what you’re going to get out of Daniel. That’s efficiency. Daniel is never going to throw for 500 yards in a game, but the Bears won’t ask him to. Daniel, who’ll be starting in place of the injured Mitchell Trubisky, is very smart and had the luxury of being Drew Brees’ backup in coach Sean Payton’s offense for five seasons with the Saints. With a very good team around him, look for Daniel to throw for about 250 yards and two or three touchdowns.
Pat Yasinskas has covered the NFL since 1993. He has worked for The Tampa Tribune, The Charlotte Observer and ESPN.com and writes for numerous national magazines and websites. He also has served as a voter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
