It was a huge week for many NFL offenses in fantasy football during Week 5. Many fantasy stars delivered on expectations and multiple games came down to the wire in what ended up being one of the most action-packed weeks of the season so far. With each passing week, fantasy managers learn more and more about their teams. Some players proved their consistency, while others faltered into unpredictability.
Either way, it’s about time to make a move if your fantasy team is in a hole early on. Gaining momentum around this time in the season could be the difference between a playoff push and a season ending in disappointment. Don’t be the manager who waits too long to make a season-saving transaction. You don’t play fantasy football for fifth place; fantasy championships can be won through trades. Take a chance, make a move, and go win that championship. Let’s get to this week’s list.
Buy Low
Austin Ekeler - RB, WAS
Week 5 Stats - 6 Carries
67 Rush Yards, 2 Targets
2 Rec, 30 Rec Yards
Austin Ekeler has definitely had a fall from grace in comparison to his former days as an elite running back. However, he has been an extremely underrated part of Washington's offense through the first five weeks of the season. Through four games, Ekeler has logged 150 rushing yards and 151 receiving yards with phenomenal efficiency. He’s been solid for fantasy football while splitting the backfield with Brian Robinson Jr. The two have formed a solid duo for Washington in a breakout year for the team as a whole.
Most of his value comes in PPR-scoring leagues, but the fact remains that Ekeler has been extremely consistent in his first season in Washington. He’s a solid option for fantasy rosters in need of consistency in a flex position. Ekeler’s work as a receiver gives him a nice floor and he should continue to be more involved. If you’re in need of consistency, Austin Ekeler is a solid option and has a history of fantasy production.
Per: Nathan Jahnke on PFF
Evan Engram - TE, JAX
It’s easy to forget that Engram has been one of the league’s best tight ends over the last few seasons. He had a career year in 2023, posting 143 targets, 114 receptions, 963 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. After a disappointing first week, Engram has missed the past four games with a hamstring injury.
He’s set to make a return in Week 6, so it would be a good idea to trade for one of the league’s best tight ends before he strings together some great fantasy performances. During a year in which tight ends have disappointed in fantasy, Engram could be a breath of fresh air to fantasy managers. He’s a great buy-low option for any fantasy team in need of a tight end. Engram has great chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence and will be heavily involved when he returns to the field.
Diontae Johnson - WR, CAR
Week 5 Stats - 6 Targets
3 Rec, 23 Rec Yards
Johnson has been electric since Andy Dalton took over at quarterback for Carolina in Week 3. Just not in Week 5. Johnson was held to just 23 yards against a solid Chicago defense. However, there are a few reasons why I’m optimistic about his fantasy outlook. In Weeks 3 and 4, Johnson had 27 targets and 15 receptions combined. With a few solid matchups ahead of him, Johnson should bounce back soon.
He’s separated himself as the clear top option in the passing game for the Panthers through the first five weeks. Quarterback Andy Dalton has also displayed a clear ability to support Johnson’s fantasy expectations. It’s not a bad idea to add Diontae Johnson as a flex option with a high ceiling and a solid floor.
Per: Nathan Jahnke on PFF
Sell High
D’Andre Swift - RB, CHI
Week 5 Stats - 21 Carries
73 Rush Yards, 1 Rush TD, 2 Targets
2 Rec, 47 Rec Yards
Don’t get me wrong, Swift has become more efficient over the last two weeks. He’s also produced more PPR fantasy points in each of the last two weeks than his first three games combined. But I think it’s a fair assumption that he’ll come back down to earth as the season progresses. Firstly, Swift’s last two matchups have been extremely favorable. Carolina and Los Angeles are both bottom-five units in terms of yards allowed per game. It’s undeniable that we’re seeing D’Andre Swift at his peak. It’s easy to forget that Swift averaged 1.8 yards per carry through the first three weeks of the NFL season. Don’t be fooled.
It should also be noted that fellow Bears running back Roschon Johnson has begun to see more work from the backfield over the last few weeks, scoring three rushing touchdowns in the process. This may be due in part to the fact that the Bears were operating with the lead, especially in Week 5, but it’s still a situation to monitor. Trade Swift while you can.
Per: Nathan Jahnke on PFF
Isaiah Likely - TE, BAL
Week 5 Stats - 3 Targets, 3 Rec
13 Rec Yards, 2 Rec TDs
On Sunday, Likely had his best fantasy performance since Week 1. He also played more snaps against Cincinnati than he has all season. Unfortunately, I believe there is reason for pessimism. First, Likely has only averaged just over two targets per game since his breakout Week 1 game against Kansas City. Ravens tight end Mark Andrews also had his best outing of the season and will look to be more involved in the offense going forward. Likely has stepped up in big moments but the Ravens have three tight ends who have become involved in the passing game so far.
This passing game is crowded with talent at the tight end position, not to mention the presence of wideout Zay Flowers, who had a great game in Week 5. The Ravens also average the second most rush attempts per game in the NFL at 34.4 per game, so it’s obvious what Baltimore’s offense prefers to lean on in terms of their offensive gameplan.
In the end, Likely’s role will probably stay the same as it has over the last few weeks. He’s a solid contributor but he shouldn’t be considered a weekly starter in fantasy football. Trade him to a team in need of a tight end.
Per: Nathan Jahnke on PFF
Kyle Pitts - TE, ATL
Week 5 Stats - 8 Targets, 7 Rec
88 Rec Yards
This take is a bit more obvious than the previous two. Pitts hasn't been a consistent starting option at tight end in fantasy football since his rookie season. It’s not time to rely on him, especially after this performance follows a zero-point outing against New Orleans. Pitts hasn’t displayed the ability to be a stable part of Atlanta’s passing attack before this week.
Pitts also seems to be the third option for Cousins. Wideouts Darnell Mooney and Drake London are both having fantastic starts to the 2024 NFL season. I don’t think it’s time to trust Kyle Pitts in fantasy football yet.
Per: Nathan Jahnke on PFF
