Fantasy Football Recap Week 5: 20 Things You Need To Know
It was another early start for NFL Week 5 as the International Series continued with the second of three London games. The matchup between Jacksonville and Buffalo started the fireworks for what would be an exciting Sunday packed with football. There were big games, spectacular finishes, and, unfortunately, a spate of injuries. Time to get the recap started.
Top Players
Travis Etienne started the morning off with a big game across the pond. He contributed in multiple ways to the Jaguars victory over the Buffalo Bills. Etienne ran for 136 yards and reached the end zone twice. He added 48 yards through the air, pulling in four of his five targets.
I played against myself in fantasy fb today š
ā Travis Etienne Jrā¶š (@swaggy_t1) October 8, 2023
De'Von Achane canāt stop. Showcasing his speed on a 76-yard run, Achane continued to make big plays for the potent Dolphin offense. Improbably, he maintained his double-digit yards per-touch average. Achane finished the day with 151 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. He also caught his only target for 14 yards.
Tyreek Hill joined his teammate in creating explosive plays in Miamiās victory over the Giants. He streaked down the sideline for a 69-yard touchdown to open up the second half. Hill had eight catches for 181 yards and a score. He was targeted nine times on the day and gashed the Giants defense.
Zack Moss had another big day. He broke the century mark for the second time this season. Just a day after the Colts signed Jonathan Taylor to a three-year extension, Moss continued to carry the load in the backfield for Indianapolis. Rushing for 165 and a pair of touchdowns, Moss helped lead the Colts to a significant divisional win. He caught both of his targets to add 30 yards receiving.
Ja'Marr Chase is back! After a very sluggish start to the season, Chase delighted fantasy managers by visiting the end zone, not only once, but three times. He had not scored in the Bengalsā first four games. Chase totaled 192 yards on a franchise-record 15 receptions. He saw 19 targets from quarterback Joe Burrow.
Brock Purdy capped off the day with a masterful performance against the Dallas Cowboys. The second-year quarterback threw four touchdowns and passed for 252 yards. He completed 75% of his passes as the 49ers cruised to victory.
George Kittle was largely the recipient of Purdyās big night. Catching three touchdowns for just the first time in his successful career, Kittle scored each time he touched the ball. He caught three of four targets for 67 yards on Sunday night.
Flop Players
DeVonta Smith had a quiet afternoon on a day when the Eagles defeated the Rams. Though he was targeted five times, Smith caught only one pass for six yards. While Philadelphia is probably happy just to get the win, fantasy managers who roster Smith are left feeling frustrated.
Rhamondre Stevenson failed to deliver many fantasy points on Sunday. He has struggled throughout the early season, but Sunday was his low point, thus far. Stevenson rushed for just 24 yards on eight carries. He saw two targets in the passing game but was unable to come down with either of them. The Patriots suffered an embarrassing shutout loss against the Saints.
Dak Prescott put up an awful performance in a prime time slot. In a much-anticipated matchup with San Francisco, Prescott looked bad throwing for just 153 yards. He was intercepted three times and managed just one passing touchdown. It has been a disappointing season for Prescott, so far. He has yet to throw for 300 yards in a game and has only one game with multiple touchdown passes.
Pop Players
Desmond Ridder quieted his critics, at least for one week. He led his team to victory establishing a new career-high in passing yardage. Ridder compiled 329 yards passing and threw a touchdown pass. He also added a score on the ground as the Falcons rallied to beat the Texans.
Desmond Ridder realizes Kyle Pitts is on his team.
Has career game.
Just facts.
ā Dwain McFarland (@dwainmcfarland) October 8, 2023
Breece Hall had a huge day in Denver. After the coaching staff had commented that he would no longer have restrictions on his usage, Hall delivered a career-high rushing total. He carried the ball 22 times for 177 yards and a score. He also added three receptions for 17 yards. Hall should be expected to do the heavy lifting in the Jetsā backfield going forward.
George Pickens set a new career-high in receiving yards on Sunday. He caught six passes for 130 yards and a go-ahead touchdown in the 4th quarter of the Steelers' victory over rival Baltimore. He topped his previous career best by just three yards. It was a mark he set earlier this season in Week 2. The Pittsburgh offense started slowly again but caught some wind in their sails late in the game. It was clear that the team made an effort to get Pickens involved.
Bryce Young played the best game of his young career. He tossed three touchdowns in his first multi-touchdown game. Young totaled 247 yards passing in a defeat against Detroit. He did have two interceptions, but Young showed a little bit of the reason he was drafted first overall. Hopefully, for the young signal caller, this is a sign of better days to come.
Drop Players?
Anthony Richardson went down with a shoulder injury in the 2nd quarter of the Coltsā win. He was taken to the locker room for X-rays that were negative, but he was unable to return to the game. It is believed that he suffered an AC joint sprain. His availability for next week is uncertain.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson is undergoing an MRI on his shoulder today but the initial belief is itās a sprained AC joint, pending further testing, per source.
ā Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 8, 2023
Tank Dell left to be evaluated for a concussion in the 2nd quarter in Atlanta. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game shortly after.
Daniel Jones exited in the 4th quarter of the Giantsā loss to Miami. He sustained a neck injury and did not return.
Travis Kelce injured his right ankle just before halftime in Minnesota. He was able to return in the second half and ended up scoring a decisive touchdown as the Chiefs defeated the Vikings. Playing on a short week, his status remains unclear for Thursday Night Football.
James Conner injured his knee in the 2nd quarter in Glendale on Sunday. He did not return and gave way to undrafted rookie Emari Demercado, who ended up leading the team in carries.
Justin Jefferson left Sundayās game late with a hamstring injury. He did not return to the game and looked on from the sideline as the Vikingsā comeback effort against the Chiefs fell short.
