Here are nine random, last-minute fantasy football thoughts for Week 5.
9. Will Kyle Allen’s magic continue?
The young Carolina quarterback has led the Panthers to back-to-back wins while filling in for the injured Cam Newton. Allen has played over his head and he faces a tough Jacksonville defense this week. But he’ll still put up some fantasy numbers. That’s mainly because running back Christian McCaffrey is such an all-around threat. Allen certainly will get some passing yards on throws to McCaffrey. But Allen also will put up some decent passing numbers overall. That’s because the Jaguars will be devoting so much attention to McCaffrey that Allen will have plenty of other open targets.
8. Tyrell Williams will be shut out Sunday in London
The Oakland wide receiver is the only player in the league with a touchdown catch in each of the first four weeks of the season. But he hasn’t faced a defense as good as Chicago’s and the Bears probably will be better than usual this week. That’s because Chicago pass rusher Khalil Mack will be playing against the team that traded him away last year. Oakland quarterback Derek Carr will throw even more short passes than usual and Williams might not get any chances near the end zone.
7. Cleveland’s Nick Chubb doesn’t have a favorable matchup
Although the Cleveland running back is emerging as one of the best in the league, you can’t count on big things from him on Monday night. The Browns are playing San Francisco and that’s a bad matchup for any running back. The 49ers have the league’s top-rated run defense. Chubb still may score some fantasy points, but he’s not going to light up the scoreboard.
6. New England’s James White has a great matchup
Even though Sony Michel has been the leading ball carrier for the Patriots, his numbers have been disappointing. White is likely to get more playing time (and carries) against Washington. But this isn’t as much about White’s ability as it’s about the matchup. The Redskins are allowing 147.5 rushing yards per game and the Patriots will look to exploit the Washington run defense.
5. Don’t get too excited about Melvin Gordon, yet
Gordon ended his holdout last week and will get his first playing time of the season Sunday against Denver. Chargers coach Anthony Lynn has said Gordon probably will start, but his workload will be limited. When Gordon is fully ready, he’ll be one of the top running backs in the league. But, at least for now, he’ll be splitting carries with Austin Ekeler. At least for one more week, stay clear of playing Gordon.
4. This is the week Teddy Bridgewater does more than just win
Despite the fact that Tampa Bay linebacker Shaquil Barrett is off to an amazing start as a pass rusher and the run defense has been very good (allowing 59.3 rushing yards per game), the pass defense has not been good. The Bucs have allowed an average of 29 points per game. Bridgewater has led the Saints to two wins since stepping in for the injured Drew Brees. The Saints haven’t put a heavy load on Bridgewater and he’s averaged 185 yards passing in his first two games. Running back Alvin Kamara could be bottled up by Tampa Bay’s defense. New Orleans coach Sean Payton is one of the league’s best offense minds. By now, he should have figured out some ways to get more out of Bridgewater.
3. JuJu Smith-Schuster is due for a bounce-back game
The Pittsburgh receiver was held to 15 receiving yards against Cincinnati last week. That’s mainly because the Steelers have been cautious with quarterback Mason Rudolph. But it’s time to take the training wheels off Mason against a Baltimore pass defense that’s vulnerable. If the Steelers are going to climb into the playoff race, they need to start letting Rudolph throw more. And Smith-Schuster is Pittsburgh’s best weapon in the passing game.
2. Kyler Murray will have a breakout game
The No. 1 overall draft pick has played like a rookie at times. But the Arizona quarterback is going to live up to his hype Sunday. By no means am I saying the light will come on suddenly and Murray will be great for the rest of his career. What I’m saying is Murray will be great in this game even though he still has a bad team around him. So why will he be great? It’s simple. The Cardinals are playing the Bengals and that’s really all that needs to be said.
1. Kirk Cousins actually could have a good game, seriously
If your usual starting quarterback is injured or has a bye, you might want to consider going with Cousins. He’s been terrible so far this year and teammates have been grumbling about how limited the Vikings are in the passing game. Cousins has apologized to his teammates and maybe he’ll play with extra motivation this week. Maybe Cousins will break out of his slump – for one week – against the Giants. New York is allowing 279.5 yards, so this matchup could favor the guy that’s been the league’s worst quarterback this season.
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.
