"Come on, are you really gonna drop me this week?"
This week follows a weekend of uniquely extreme highs and lows: some good, some bad, and so much ugly.
While Comeback Player of the Year candidate Alex Smith suited up and bravely played opposite Aaron Donald, Dak Prescott put on his own brave face as he was carted away with a brutal broken ankle that'll have him sidelined for the rest of the season.
The Texans won their first game, valiantly redeeming the fantasy value of Brandin Cooks and David Johnson. The Falcons lost again and finally fired disgraced head coach Dan Quinn, while Carson Wentz lost the Eagles' perch atop the division with a pick-ridden loss to a steely defense.
As Week 6 approaches, here are the drops, swaps and shops you need to make in light of a shocking Week 5.
Drop
Golden Tate
Golden Tate has made headlines this season, but unfortunately, it hasn't been for his fantasy performance. The veteran has made a name for himself through eleven years and four different franchises, but he hasn't been able to produce much on a weak Giants offense. Tate is on the field and does catch the majority of his targets, but they're only for a couple of yards: He hasn't gotten more than 47 yards in a game. If he's not adding at least 10 points to your roster, he's not even worth a flex spot, and it seems Darius Slayton is the guy to roster instead of Tate.
Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. 💯 https://t.co/0sjVD2FkHQ— Golden Tate (@Golden Tate)1602550826.0
Russell Gage
Russell Gage was a promising part of a high-powered Falcons offense in Weeks 1 and 2, but in the three weeks since, he's barely gotten more than 50 yards… total. While Gage did suffer a concussion in Week 3, he's been listed as active in every game this season. It's possible that the Falcons are reeling from their 0-5 record, and it's very possible that the offense can turn things around in a week like the Texans did, but Gage is a gamble at this point, and there are likely better options out there if you prefer not to wait.
With Week 5 almost in the books, here are some players who are droppable: - Tre'Quan Smith - AJ Green - Nyheim Hin… https://t.co/qAwR8AyBuq— Fantasy Football Laboratory (@Fantasy Football Laboratory)1602603849.0
Carson Wentz
It's probably not fun being Carson Wentz right now. It's also not that fun having Carson Wentz on your fantasy team. The once-lauded Eagles quarterback who helped bring his city their only championship is now drawing ire from the NFL world for his subpar play this year. To be fair, the Eagles haven't given him much to work with: he lacks offensive line protection and receiving options, putting the quarterback in a universally difficult position. While Wentz may not be entirely to blame, he's barely broken 20 points and is the 20th quarterback after Week 4—there are better options, even in twelve-person leagues.
My man is so done with Carson Wentz 😂 https://t.co/WEcfugPkR1— DailySportsDosage (@DailySportsDosage)1601344938.0
Swap
Mark Ingram
Mark Ingram carries a name in fantasy, but that seems to be all he's carrying these days in Baltimore. Once upon a time, the former Saints running back shared a backfield with Kamara as half of a rare and productive RB tandem, but this year, there just aren't enough opportunities for Ingram. Between Lamar Jackson, Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins and maybe Justice Hill, Ingram can't start on your fantasy roster right now. But since so much of fantasy knowledge still relies on what happened last season, you might be able to convince someone that Mark Ingram is the starting Ravens running back and at least get something useful out of this touchdown-or-bust player.
J.K. Dobbins (Rookie) has touched the ball 25x and has 199 yards & 2 touchdowns Mark Ingram (10th year) has touche… https://t.co/Mp51Q6SsCQ— Joe Reed (@Joe Reed)1602612890.0
Darius Slayton
Another touchdown-or-bust kind of guy, Darius Slayton is a talented deep threat on a winless offense that ranks last in the NFL's worst division this season. He's actually averaging about 15.6 yards per game, so the guy can catch… he's just not catching enough. So even if Slayton gets points a few times this season, it's not consistent, making him a potential play in weak matchups, such as against the Cowboys this week. Either hold onto Slayton for those attractive matchups or sell him on his big-play ability.
Top 10 in percentage share of team's air yards, per @NextGenStats: Adam Thielen- 48.4% Marquise Brown- 45.1% DK Me… https://t.co/EnqGNkU5wC— Frank Stampfl (@Frank Stampfl)1602612093.0
Devin Singletary
Devin is the starting running back for the Bills, but with Josh Allen's passing attack working fairly well for the undefeated team, the run game hasn't been so much of a factor thus far. While his carries have increased each week and he did score a touchdown in Week 4, that score is really what saved him that week and gave him RB2 numbers. With fellow running back Zack Moss set to return this week, now's a good time to score something from Singletary if you need a stable wide receiver or tight end.
Devin Singletary has looked great all season. He currently has -130 odds to have over 58 rushing yards. Bet on th… https://t.co/T0ZLq4dS8s— BetOnline.ag (@BetOnline.ag)1602610998.0
Shop
Chase Claypool
Alright, so adding Chase Claypool might be so obvious that it isn't even worth mentioning, but in case you didn't hear, this Steelers WR scored 7 catches for 110 yards as well as four touchdowns, earning him… 39 points.* Even before this week, Claypool was averaging 25 yards per catch, but he wasn't getting enough volume to justify making your roster. Well, now he is, so bid for him, negotiate for him, spend half of your waiver salary… just try to get this guy, because everyone will be clamoring for him.
The Week 6 Waiver Wire WR Priority List! @FFToday discusses if Chase Claypool can consistently give your team prod… https://t.co/Xp4vRLhHLP— CBS Sports HQ (@CBS Sports HQ)1602615058.0
Laviska Shenault Jr.
He may be available in two-thirds of leagues, but Laviska Shenault is an interesting WR waiver wire add if he continues at his current pace. His target share has increased week by week, and he's been able to accrue more than 10 points without scoring a touchdown. After DJ Chark exited with an ankle injury in the fourth quarter this Sunday, Shenault and Keelan Cole will be looking to split targets in a favorable Week 6 matchup against the Lions.
"Laviska Shanault Jr is better than Chase Claypool 🤢😑, Chase had 1 good game.... Laviska been doing since the start… https://t.co/xY8vcy09jB— Tramainetho (@Tramainetho)1602615184.0
Ryan Fitzpatrick
It seems that Fitzmagic wins games when he wants to, but in fantasy, it looks like he's been playing like a winner all season. Excluding a 2-point showing opposite the Patriots, Fitzpatrick had two 20-point outings and three that were around 30-points each. Here's the real magic: he's the 10th overall quarterback, but somehow only appears on 19.9 percent of ESPN rosters. Make Fitzmagic appear on yours if you need an upgrade at QB.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is in the earn the starting job phase of his cycle. Playing well tonight. #MIAvsPIT #MNF https://t.co/Ypx8e0hYXx— Willie L. Franklin (@Willie L. Franklin)1572311519.0
* — dependant on league scoring rules
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