Fantasy Football Week 5 Quarterback And Top 100 Flex Rankings
- Fantasy’s QB1 misses the Top 15 for the second straight week
- Michael Thomas faltered in Week 4; who will step up and take over as the top WR
- Suspended stars return; how does it impact their teammates?
Through four weeks of NFL action, there has never been more points scored or more passing touchdowns.
With so many players contributing to the scoring outburst of 2018, it’s vital you find the best bang for your buck in DFS.
Read on to find my Top 20 QBs and Top 100 PPR Flex plays heading into Week 5.
And if you’re looking to mix some fantasy football with more traditional wagers, sportsbooks have an option that will allow you to play over/unders on projected fantasy outputs for the week.
Week 5 Top 20 QBs
| Rank | Player (Team) | Opponent | Last Weeks Points | Points YTD | Current 2018 Position Rank | DFS Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) | ATL | 14.9 | 86.9 | QB 9 | $6,900 |
| 2 | Matt Ryan (ATL) | @PIT | 29.3 | 109 | QB 2 | $6,600 |
| 3 | Cam Newton (CAR) | NYG | BYE | 74.4 | QB 16 | $6,400 |
| 4 | Philip Rivers (LAC) | OAK | 21.7 | 90.4 | QB 7 | $6,700 |
| 5 | Drew Brees (NO) | WAS | 8.6 | 98.3 | QB 5 | $6,400 |
| 6 | Matt Stafford (DET) | GB | 20.8 | 71 | QB 17 | $5,700 |
| 7 | Alex Smith (WAS) | @NO | BYE | 49.5 | QB 24 | $5,700 |
| 8 | Carson Wentz (PHI) | MIN | 20.7 | 31.9 | QB 31 | $5,800 |
| 9 | Aaron Rodgers (GB) | @DET | 15 | 75.8 | QB 15 | $6,300 |
| 10 | Tom Brady (NE) | IND | 19 | 64.2 | QB 19 | $6,300 |
| 11 | Jared Goff (LAR) | @SEA | 39.3 | 100.5 | QB 3 | $6,500 |
| 12 | Kirk Cousins (MIN) | @PHI | 31.7 | 95.6 | QB 6 | $6,000 |
| 13 | Deshaun Watson (HOU) | DAL | 31.1 | 89.9 | QB 8 | $6,200 |
| 14 | Andy Dalton (CIN) | MIA | 24.8 | 82 | QB 10 | $5,900 |
| 15 | Andrew Luck (IND) | @NE | 35.7 | 80.5 | QB 11 | $5,800 |
| 16 | Pat Mahomes (KC) | JAX | 22.9 | 115.3 | QB 1 | $6,200 |
| 17 | Blake Bortles (JAX) | @KC | 24.3 | 79 | QB 12 | $5,500 |
| 18 | Ryan Tannehill (MIA) | @CIN | 0 | 56.9 | QB 21 | $5,200 |
| 19 | Marcus Mariota (TEN) | @BUF | 30.4 | 41.1 | QB 29 | $6,100 |
| 20 | Dak Prescott (DAL) | @HOU | 18.4 | 50.8 | QB 23 | $5,500 |
Points Will Be Scored In Pittsburgh
Week 5 will see Matt Ryan and Ben Roethlisberger playing some 7-on-7 in Pittsburgh.
The Falcons and Steelers own two of the NFL’s more explosive offenses, while each fielding bottom five defenses. With the over/under set at 57.5, everyone is expecting points. The question is just how many.
Maybe enough to break Antonio Brown out of his early season slumber? Or enough to get Julio Jones into the end zone for the first time in 2018? Whether these two star receivers score points or not, Ryan and Big Ben have plenty of other options to pick apart floundering defenses.
There are Better Week 5 Options Than QB1 Pat Mahomes
Last week we saw Ryan Fitzpatrick and his QB1 status get absolutely mauled by the Bears, leaving the top spot in the QB ranks open for Pat Mahomes.
But Mahomes didn’t exactly seize it by fire, as he just kind of calmly slid in with an underwhelming three quarters in Denver.
Golden Tate scores the most DISRESPECTFUL touchdowns ?
(via @Lions) pic.twitter.com/oqkMSOvaLI
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 30, 2018
Well, the test gets even tougher this week with the Chiefs hosting the NFL’s best defense. The Jaguars bring their swag to Kansas City, and although Mahomes has passed every test with flying colors up to this point, I’m leaving him on the bench this week.
With points being scored at a record rate, the QB pool is as deep as ever. And whether you are streaming or playing Daily Fantasy, upside options are plentiful. Matt Stafford and Alex Smith are two cost effective options with great matchups, giving them the upside to finish well within this weeks top scoring options.
Week 5 Top 100 PPR Flex Rankings
| Rank | Player (Team)(Pos Rank) | Opponent | Last Weeks Points | Points YTD | Current 2018 Position Rank | DFS Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Todd Gurley (LAR)(RB1) | @SEA | 25.6 | 106.2 | RB 2 | $9,400 |
| 2 | Alvin Kamara (NO)(RB2) | WAS | 41.1 | 136.1 | RB 1 | $9,600 |
| 3 | Melvin Gordon (LAC)(RB3) | OAK | 30.9 | 105.5 | RB 3 | $8,600 |
| 4 | Ezekiel Elliot (DAL)(RB4) | @HOU | 34 | 86.1 | RB 5 | $8,400 |
| 5 | Adam Thielen (MIN)(WR1) | @PHI | 27.5 | 99.3 | WR 2 | $7,700 |
| 6 | Julio Jones (ATL)(WR2) | @PIT | 26.3 | 80.3 | WR 7 | $8,500 |
| 7 | Michael Thomas (NO)(WR3) | WAS | 8.7 | 100.5 | WR 1 | $8,700 |
| 8 | Saquon Barkley (NYG)(RB5) | @LAR | 22 | 90.3 | RB 4 | $7,700 |
| 9 | Christian McCaffery (CAR)(RB6) | NYG | BYE | 62.8 | RB 11 | $8,000 |
| 10 | DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)(WR4) | DAL | 32.9 | 85.6 | WR 5 | $8,200 |
| 11 | Antonio Brown (PIT)(WR5) | ATL | 17.2 | 74.2 | WR 17 | $9,100 |
| 12 | AJ Green (CIN)(WR6) | MIA | 17.8 | 77.7 | WR 13 | $7,200 |
| 13 | Davante Adams (GB)(WR7) | @DET | 16.1 | 74.5 | WR 16 | $7,600 |
| 14 | TJ Yeldon (JAX)(RB7) | @KC | 23 | 63 | RB 10 | $5,600 |
| 15 | James Conner (PIT)(RB8) | ATL | 9.4 | 77.6 | RB 6 | $7,500 |
| 16 | David Johnson (ARI)(RB9) | @SF | 18.2 | 58.1 | RB 13 | $6,300 |
| 17 | Juju Smith-Schuster (PIT)(WR8) | ATL | 10 | 78.6 | WR 11 | $7,500 |
| 18 | Brandin Cooks (LAR)(WR9) | @SEA | 25.6 | 78.8 | WR 9 | $7,400 |
| 19 | Odell Beckham Jr (NYG)(WR10) | @CAR | 14 | 65 | WR 22 | $8,000 |
| 20 | Joe Mixon (CIN)(RB10) | MIA | INJ | 35.6 | RB 34 | $6,900 |
| 21 | Devonta Freeman (ATL)(RB11) | @PIT | INJ | 8 | RB 77 | $6,500 |
| 22 | Keenan Allen (LAC)(WR11) | OAK | 13.3 | 56.2 | WR 31 | $7,800 |
| 23 | Stefon Diggs (MIN)(WR12) | @PHI | 23.3 | 79 | WR 8 | $7,000 |
| 24 | Calvin Ridley (ATL)(WR13) | @PIT | 21.5 | 78.7 | WR 10 | $5,800 |
| 25 | Golden Tate (DET)(WR14) | GB | 33.2 | 85.8 | WR 4 | $6,700 |
Reliability of Workhorse RBs Has Them Topping The Ranks
Alvin Kamara, Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon, Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliot. Pick one. Anyone.
Even in a pass happy league, you can pencil any of these star backs in for 20 fantasy points. It’s all about the usage.
And as we saw in Week 4, a shutdown corner can hold a record-setting receiver to all but irrelevancy, forcing his QB to seek out alternative options.
TJ Yeldon & David Johnson Provide High-Floor for Low Price
Leonard Fournette is out again, leaving his high volume job to teammate TJ Yeldon. Yeldon has impressed in the early stages of the 2018 season. He has accumulated 330 total yards and scored three times over the Jags first four games.
Look at this hole. T.J. Yeldon could have a field day. Hitchens went for a ride on this play. pic.twitter.com/qyaYhBpo2m
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) October 4, 2018
Josh Rosen may not have led the Cards to a win in his first start (blame the kicker), but he did provide the offense with a little spark. Enough of a spark for me to feel optimistic once again about David Johnson.
Johnson is one of the most talented backs in the league. He only needs minimal support or blocking to find a way to be productive.
Monitor Joe Mixon Ahead of Week 5
Once again, I optimistically ranked Joe Mixon. All signs point to a return this week. If not, once again running mate Gio Bernard gets a big boost up the board, as he has done an admiral job filling in.
| Rank | Player (Team)(Pos Rank) | Opponent | Last Weeks Points | Points YTD | Current 2018 Position Rank | DFS Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Cooper Kupp (LAR)(WR15) | @SEA | 37.2 | 84.1 | WR 6 | $6,300 |
| 27 | Marshawn Lynch (OAK)(RB12) | @LAC | 18.7 | 64 | RB 8 | $5,500 |
| 28 | Aaron Jones (GB)(RB13) | @DET | 15.2 | 20.9 | RB 53 | $4,300 |
| 29 | Jay Ajayi (PHI)(RB14) | MIN | 11.1 | 41 | RB 31 | $5,100 |
| 30 | Kareem Hunt (KC)(RB15) | JAX | 26.5 | 62.8 | RB 11 | $5,800 |
| 31 | Jarvis Landry (CLE)(WR16) | BAL | 13.4 | 63.2 | WR 23 | $6,800 |
| 32 | Tyreek Hill (KC)(WR17) | JAX | 14.6 | 78.5 | WR 12 | $6,900 |
| 33 | Zach Ertz (PHI)(TE1) | MIN | 21.2 | 63.7 | TE 3 | $6,500 |
| 34 | Rob Gronkowski (NE)(TE2) | IND | 8.4 | 44.3 | TE 7 | $6,400 |
| 35 | Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)(WR18) | @NYJ | 11.3 | 72.7 | WR 19 | $7,100 |
| 36 | Alshon Jeffery(PHI)(WR19) | MIN | 24.5 | 24.5 | WR 75 | $6,200 |
| 37 | Kenny Golladay (DET)(WR20) | GB | 11.4 | 68 | WR 20 | $6,000 |
| 38 | John Brown (BAL)(WR21) | @CLE | 20.9 | 67.2 | WR 21 | $5,600 |
| 39 | Doug Baldwin (SEA)(WR22) | LAR | 9.1 | 9.1 | WR 114 | $5,000 |
| 40 | Travis Kelce (KC)(TE3) | JAX | 20.8 | 71.7 | TE 2 | $6,000 |
| 41 | Sony Michel (NE)(RB16) | IND | 17.2 | 28.2 | RB 42 | $5,400 |
| 42 | Kerryon Johnson (DET)(RB17) | GB | 12.6 | 43.9 | RB 28 | $4,600 |
| 43 | Amari Cooper (OAK)(WR23) | @LAC | 26.8 | 54.9 | WR 34 | $5,500 |
| 44 | Robert Woods (LAR)(WR24) | @SEA | 21.1 | 76.2 | WR 15 | $6,500 |
| 45 | Julian Edelman (NE)(WR25) | IND | SUS | NA | NA | $5,500 |
| 46 | Corey Davis (TEN)(WR26) | @BUF | 31.1 | 59.2 | WR 29 | $6,400 |
| 47 | Tyler Boyd (CIN)(WR27) | MIA | 21 | 73.4 | WR 18 | $5,700 |
| 48 | Carlos Hyde (CLE)(RB18) | BAL | 14.2 | 64 | RB 8 | $5,200 |
| 49 | Chris Thompson (WAS)(RB19) | @NO | BYE | 49.8 | RB 23 | $5,900 |
| 50 | Dalvin Cook (MIN)(RB20) | @PHI | 2 | 27.5 | RB 44 | $5,300 |
The Rams Pass Catchers Are Really Good
Coming off their dismantling of what’s supposed to be a very good Vikings defense, let’s take a closer look at the receiving talent on the Rams roster.
Sean McVay and Jared Goff have pooled their talents and produced three top 15 WRs thus far. I still have Woods as third in the pecking order when it comes to fantasy, but at the rate the offense is rolling, the Rams WR3 will out produce most teams top receiver.
- Brandin Cooks: 34 targets, 10.4 aDOT (average depth of target)
- Cooper Kupp: 31 targets, 6.5 aDOT
- Robert Woods: 32 targets, 13 aDOT
With firmly established rolls, and an offense that is humming, Kupp is my preferred choice for the price, as he should provide the safest floor.
| Rank | Player (Team)(Pos Rank) | Opponent | Last Weeks Points | Points YTD | Current 2018 Position Rank | DFS Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | LeSean McCoy (BUF)(RB21) | TEN | 6.7 | 20.6 | RB 55 | $4,900 |
| 52 | James White (NE)(RB22) | IND | 31.2 | 76.3 | RB 7 | $6,100 |
| 53 | Matt Breida (SF)(RB23) | ARI | 10.1 | 55.8 | RB 16 | $5,700 |
| 54 | Mark Ingram (NO)(RB24) | WAS | SUS | NA | NA | $5,100 |
| 55 | Phillip Lindsay (DEN)(RB25) | @NYJ | 15.9 | 48.2 | RB 25 | $4,800 |
| 56 | Adrian Peterson (WAS)(RB26) | @NO | BYE | 54.6 | RB 18 | $5,300 |
| 57 | Dion Lewis (TEN)(RB27) | @BUF | 15.6 | 49.7 | RB 22 | $5,400 |
| 58 | Jordan Reed (WAS)(TE4) | @NO | BYE | 34.8 | TE 15 | $5,600 |
| 59 | Buck Allen (BAL)(RB28) | @CLE | 6.7 | 53.9 | RB 19 | $4,700 |
| 60 | Bilal Powell (NYJ)(RB29) | DEN | 9.2 | 43 | RB 29 | $4,400 |
| 61 | Lamar Miller (HOU)(RB30) | DAL | 4.9 | 39.9 | RB 32 | $4,700 |
| 62 | Royce Freeman (DEN)(RB31) | @NYJ | 12.7 | 41.4 | RB 30 | $4,200 |
| 63 | Tevin Coleman (ATL)(RB32) | @PIT | 10.7 | 51.4 | RB 20 | $6,400 |
| 64 | Alex Collins (BAL)(RB33) | @CLE | 9.5 | 44.8 | RB 26 | $5,000 |
| 65 | Devin Funchess (CAR)(WR28) | NYG | BYE | 38.5 | WR 55 | $5,200 |
| 66 | Kenny Stills (MIA)(WR29) | @CIN | 7 | 52.4 | WR 36 | $5,400 |
| 67 | Sterling Shepard (NYG)(WR30) | @CAR | 25.7 | 60.9 | WR 26 | $5,600 |
| 68 | George Kittle (SF)(TE5) | ARI | 24.5 | 57.6 | TE 4 | $5,400 |
| 69 | Kyle Rudolph (MIN)(TE6) | @PHI | 10.7 | 48.8 | TE 6 | $4,500 |
| 70 | Austin Ekeler (LAC)(RB34) | OAK | 13.6 | 58.1 | RB 13 | $4,200 |
| 71 | Nyheim Hines (IND)(RB35) | @NE | 28.3 | 57.3 | RB 15 | $4,600 |
| 72 | Dede Westbrook (JAX)(WR31) | @KC | 21.1 | 55 | WR 33 | $4,700 |
| 73 | Mike Williams (LAC)(WR32) | OAK | 2.5 | 50.4 | WR 37 | $4,200 |
| 74 | Marvin Jones (DET)(WR33) | GB | 8.6 | 50.3 | WR 38 | $4,700 |
| 75 | Josh Gordon (NE)(WR34) | IND | 5.2 | 13.9 | WR 104 | $5,800 |
What To Do With A Flex Spot?
George Kittle showed us Jimmy G’s season-ending injury wasn’t a death sentence to his fantasy stock.
He and former college teammate CJ Beathard teamed up to make quite a day for the TE in Week 4. Kittle accumulated 125 yards and a touchdown, leading the team with six catches. Considering the state of the 49er offense, don’t be surprised to see Kittle lead the team in catches frequently going forward.
C.J. Beathard Finds George Kittle for a 82-yard TD ?#GoNiners pic.twitter.com/7VtmZj8blm
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 30, 2018
Nyheim Hines had a breakout game in Week 4, catching nine balls for 63 yards, scoring twice. The Colts have no running game to speak of, so Hines will continue to accumulate touches through the air this week, as Andrew Luck’s options are limited with TY Hilton and Marlon Mack out.
| Rank | Player (Team)(Pos Rank) | Opponent | Last Weeks Points | Points YTD | Current 2018 Position Rank | DFS Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | Jordy Nelson (OAK)(WR35) | @LAC | 17.8 | 57.4 | WR 30 | $4,500 |
| 77 | Geronimo Allison (GB)(WR36) | @DET | 14 | 59.9 | WR 28 | $5,100 |
| 78 | Quincy Enunwa (NYJ)(WR37) | DEN | 10.6 | 54.8 | WR 35 | $5,200 |
| 79 | Keelan Cole (JAX)(WR38) | @KC | 3.5 | 45.5 | WR 43 | $4,900 |
| 80 | Tyler Lockett (SEA)(WR39) | LAR | 10.3 | 60.4 | WR 27 | $4,600 |
| 81 | Nelson Agholor (PHI)(WR40) | MIN | 7.2 | 50.1 | WR 40 | $5,300 |
| 82 | Jared Cook (OAK)(TE7) | @LAC | 31 | 75 | TE 1 | $4,800 |
| 83 | Jimmy Graham (GB)(TE8) | @DET | 11.1 | 38.9 | TE 11 | $4,700 |
| 84 | Kenyan Drake (MIA)(RB36) | @CIN | 2.6 | 32.2 | RB 37 | $4,700 |
| 85 | Duke Johnson (CLE)(RB37) | BAL | 13.6 | 25.4 | RB 50 | $3,900 |
| 86 | Theo Riddick (DET)(RB38) | GB | 6.7 | 35.5 | RB 35 | $4,000 |
| 87 | Isaiah Crowell (NYJ)(RB39) | DEN | 1.3 | 48.5 | RB 24 | $4,100 |
| 88 | Chris Carson (SEA)(RB40) | LAR | INJ | 31.7 | RB 38 | $4,100 |
| 89 | Corey Clement (PHI)(RB41) | MIN | INJ | 32.6 | RB 36 | $4,500 |
| 90 | Antonio Callaway (CLE)(WR41) | BAL | 8.4 | 32.2 | WR 58 | $4,400 |
| 91 | Demaryius Thomas (DEN)(WR42) | @NYJ | 6.4 | 42.8 | WR 46 | $5,600 |
| 92 | Marquise Goodwin (SF)(WR43) | ARI | 4.8 | 16.6 | WR 98 | $4,500 |
| 93 | Paul Richardson (WAS)(WR44) | @NO | BYE | 28.1 | WR 68 | $4,400 |
| 94 | Ted Ginn (NO)(WR45) | WAS | 0.1 | 40.1 | WR 52 | $4,400 |
| 95 | Chris Hogan (NE)(WR46) | IND | 3.5 | 30.9 | WR 61 | $4,500 |
| 96 | Gio Bernard (CIN)(RB42) | MIA | 25.6 | 55.3 | RB 17 | $6,800 |
| 97 | Alfred Morris (SF)(RB43) | ARI | 2.8 | 27.3 | RB 45 | $3,600 |
| 98 | Derrick Henry (TEN)(RB44) | @BUF | 5.1 | 20.8 | RB 54 | $4,400 |
| 99 | Frank Gore (MIA)(RB45) | @CIN | 13.7 | 26.4 | RB 48 | $3,900 |
| 100 | Mike Davis (SEA)(RB46) | LAR | 28.4 | 31.3 | RB 40 | $3,500 |
Scanning the Week 5 Bargain Bin
Paul Richardson signed a sizable contract with the Redskins this past off season to become the team’s deep threat for the foreseeable future.
Richardson and QB Alex Smith haven’t got off to the fastest start, but things are looking up. In Week 3, Richardson and Smith hooked up for a 46-yard touchdown, and Week 2 saw Richardson quietly put up 63 yards on 4 catches.
The signs are there for a breakout game in Richardson’s near future, and a date with a Saints defense struggling to cover anyone might be enough for a Week 5 Bargain Bin breakout.
Good luck in Week 5!
Nick Ferris is a seasoned fantasy football vet of over 20 years. He's an expert in everything from best ball to daily fantasy sports. Although arm chair quarterback is as close he ever got to the field - or are we counting 7v7 touch? - he has been fortunate enough to coach some youth football.
