Dominate your fantasy football league with these lucrative Week 5 matchups.
Roma Odunze vs. CAR
Odunze is coming off a disappointing game in which he had just one catch for 10 yards in Week 4 against the Rams. However, this was not his fault. The Bears’ passing offense struggled due to the offensive line. Caleb Williams didn’t have time to throw, and no Bears receiver was able to get more than 25 yards in Week 4.
But this week is the perfect bounce-back spot for Odunze. He will play against the Panthers, who rank 31st in pass rush through four games, according to PFF. Williams should have plenty of time to throw, with Carolina gaining the sixth-most passing yards per play, according to NFL pros.
One more thing: Keenan Allen returned from injury last week, but Odunze still played in front of him for the majority of the two WR sets. I’m starting Odunze this week.
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Brian Thomas Jr. vs. IND
Thomas Jr. has quietly ranked 12th in efficiency as a rookie this season. Thomas has scored at least 10 fantasy points in three of his four games this year and has posted two top-20 finishes during that span. This is impressive considering Trevor Lawrence’s struggles. Lawrence ranks 32nd in the NFL in completion percentage, completing just 53% of his passes. Only Anthony Richardson was worse.
Thomas has delivered despite this poor QB play and now has a great matchup. He will face a Colts team that has allowed an average of 100.5 yards per game to their opponent’s No. 1 outside receiver this season. George Pickens just gained 119 yards last week against Indy. We start Thomas in week 5.
Dontavion Wicks vs. LAR
Wicks will have an expanded role in Week 5 when Christian Watson is out. After Watson was out with an injury in Week 4, Wicks led the Packers with a 25% target share. Overall, he had a team-high 13 targets, which he translated into a 78-yard, two-touchdown performance. Wicks was clearly a priority target for Jordan Love in Week 4.
Wicks ranks fifth in fantasy points per route run entering 2023, according to Jacob Gibbs. He’s a talented receiver and will likely see more snaps in a strong Week 5 matchup against the Rams, who have allowed the most passing yards per play this season. . Three different receivers totaled over 130 yards against Los Angeles this season. You can start playing Wickes with confidence this week.
Josh Downs vs. Jax
Downs is coming off the second-best game of his career, with a team-high nine targets and eight catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. He appeared in two games this year and led the Colts in goal share in both games. There were reports over the summer that Downs looked like the Colts’ best offensive player in training camp. Those reports have come true over the past two weeks.
Downs will have a strong matchup against the Jaguars in Week 5. Jacksonville allowed the second-most passing yards per game, just giving up 345 yards and 2 TDs to C.J. Stroud and the Texans. Whether it’s Joe Flacco or quarterback Anthony Richardson, Downs is the guy who could start this week.
Najee Harris vs. DAL
Harris was bad last week. He gained just 19 rushing yards on 13 carries. However, this requires more context as the Steelers were without three starting linemen. Not only that, but Harris entered Week 4 with an injury. His production was bad on set, but this context is necessary.
Harris will play against the Cowboys this week. It’s a strong home matchup. According to NFL Pro, Dallas is allowing the second-highest EPA per rushing attempt this season. Harris has been playing 20 times per game this season. Although he struggles with efficiency, his usage is too good to ignore, especially during a fantasy bye week.
Starter Harris could have a bigger workload if Jalen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson don’t play in Week 5 due to injury.
Jerome Ford vs. WAS
In Week 4, Ford quietly had a good game. He turned 17 touches into 85 yards and 12 fantasy points. In this game, Ford played 77% of the snaps and handled 71% of the backfield carries. He’s been solid as a rusher this year, but it’s his receiving usage that keeps him alive each week. Ford ranks third in RB targets, averaging five per game.
Another good matchup for Ford this week. He will be facing a manager who allows the second-most rushing yards per play. Last week, Washington allowed 113 total yards and 1 TD to James Conner. Ford starts this week.
