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Week 5 FanDuel Picks

Cash Game Quarterback

Geno Smith, Seahawks ($7,400) vs. Giants

Smith pops up No. 1 in FanDuel $ per point.

He’s playing like one of the best QBs in the league, ranking second in yards and completion rate. Plus, there’s nothing concerning about the New York matchup. 

The main drawback here might be blowout risk – particularly with New York missing Malik Nabers. If that’s the biggest point against a player, though, it’s typically a good sign.

Also in my player pool: Brock Purdy

Tournament Quarterbacks

C.J. Stroud, Texans ($8,400) vs. Bills

The Bills enter this game shorthanded. They'll be without key pieces like DT Ed Oliver and DB Taylor Rapp, while DB Taron Johnson is questionable.

On the flip side, the Texans are expected to remain without Joe Mixon. Tank Dell, however, is on track to return.

At bottom: Houston figures to lean on the pass in a potential shootout. Stroud makes for an intriguing stack with Nico Collins and/or Stefon Diggs.

Also in my player pool: Trevor Lawrence

Cash Game Running Back

Jordan Mason, 49ers ($8,700) vs. Cardinals

Mason’s hit 20 FanDuel points in three of four games. He’s reached 20 touches in each contest.

Next up: An Arizona rush defense that’s allowed 357 yards over the past two weeks.

Kenneth Walker, Seahawks ($7,400) vs. Giants

Walker looked incredible in his return from injury in Week 4, rushing for 80 yards and 3 TDs on 12 attempts.

“I’ve never seen an athletic profile like that… He’s special, man, said OC Ryan Grubb. “He’s growing every day, he’s getting better, and it’s scary what his top end’s looking like.”

Game script should dictate plenty of touches against a New York defense that’s allowed the fourth-most runs of 10+ yards. The Giants enter without stud WR Malik Nabers, helping install Seattle as 7-point home favorites. 

Also in my player pool: Josh Jacobs, Tyrone Tracy

Tournament Running Back

Josh Jacobs, Packers ($7,000) at Rams

Sunday looks like a prime spot for Jacobs to break out.

Green Bay draws a Rams defense allowing the second-most points per game (28.8). Through one month, opposing teams are running on the Rams at a league-high 55% clip.

The Packers might lean on Jacobs a bit more in this one, as Christian Watson (ankle) and Romeo Doubs (personal) are doubtful. Luke Musgrave (ankle) is questionable.

Najee Harris, Steelers ($6,500) vs. Cowboys

Harris gets the nod with Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson out.

Given the weakened depth, Harris should push for 18 touches against a Dallas rush D that’s put more bad than good on film. Prior to shutting down the Giants in Week 4, the Cowboys allowed opposing lead backs to hit 16 FanDuel points in three straight.

The Steelers also enter the weekend as 2.5-point home favorites with a respectable 23.25 team total.

Also in my player pool: Kenneth Walker, D’Andre Swift, Antonio Gibson, Javonte Williams

Cash Game Wide Receivers

Amari Cooper, Browns ($6,200) at Commanders

Cooper ranks third among WRs in FanDuel $ per point.

Sure, he’s struggled with efficiency early on. He’s caught only 43.2% of his targets.

But I’m most encouraged by the 37 total targets – a top-ten figure among WRs. We’ll see if David Njoku returns from a knee injury. Regardless, Cleveland hits the road as 3.5-point underdogs against the upstart Commanders. 

Current projections have the veteran for nearly 8.5 targets.

Dontayvion Wicks, Packers ($5,900) at Rams

Jayden Reed is certainly in play, but he costs $1,300 more.

Both guys are positioned for a spike in opportunity with Christian Watson likely out. There’s also uncertainty around Luke Musgrave (ankle) and Romeo Doubs (personal). 

Wicks, of course, erupted for 5-78-2 in Week 4. The L.A. matchup only adds to the appeal, as the Rams have allowed nearly 15 yards per catch to enemy WRs.

Also in my player pool: D.J. Moore, Michael Pittman (if Joe Flacco starts), Diontae Johnson

Tournament Wide Receivers

Stefon Diggs, Texans ($7,600) vs. Bills

Diggs faces his old team fresh off games with 12 and 9 targets.

Sure, Tank Dell is scheduled to return against Buffalo. But perhaps that’ll keep Diggs’ ownership at a reasonable rate.

Plus, Dell’s return doesn’t diminish what Diggs has accomplished so far. He’s scored three TDs on a 78.1% catch rate. And he’s notched solid marks in target share (22%) and targets per route run (21%).

Bills-Texans currently has the fourth-highest over/under on the slate.

Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers ($6,700) vs. Cardinals

"Just keep watching. He’s just getting going. … I think you’ll see the stats come. And at the end of the year, it will all balance out."

Those are the words of GM John Lynch. It’s basically what you’d expect him to say after Aiyuk’s slow start, one that’s produced only 167 total yards.

But … I believe it. Aiyuk isn’t battling any type of injury. His seperation numbers remain strong. And the Cardinals matchup is far from scary. Arizona sits 28th in PFF's coverage grades; 29th in pass defense DVOA.

Aiyuk slots sixth in our ceiling projections, and I think that’s worth chasing at cost.

Also in my player pool: Tee Higgins, George Pickens, Brian Thomas Jr., Courtland Sutton

Cash Game Tight End

Tucker Kraft, Packers ($5,300) at Rams

Kraft ranks as the TE9 in fantasy scoring. Now, the Packers might enter the weekend with both Christian Watson (ankle, doubtful) and Luke Musgrave (ankle, questionable).

The Rams supply an excellent scoring matchup, captured in Green Bay’s implied team total (26). Only the 49ers have a higher total on the Week 5 slate.

Also in my player pool: Brock Bowers, Dalton Kincaid

Tournament Tight End

Brock Bowers, Raiders ($6,300) at Denver

I wrote about Bowers in a recent article. In short: The rookie is coming off some down games, but his usage – particularly with Davante Adams out – signals better times ahead.

As a bonus: Bowers’ salary dropped by $200.

Also in my player pool: Tucker Kraft

Defense

*At defense, I’m generally looking to spend down across formats.

Washington Commanders ($3,500) vs. Cleveland Browns

I’ll admit: The Washington defense hasn’t performed at a high level. So I’m leaning into the discounted price and the matchup vs. Cleveland.

Opposing defenses have finished 2nd, 28th, 2nd, and 15th against the Browns to open 2024. 

The opponents: Cowboys, Jaguars, Giants, Raiders. Clearly, there’s a ceiling here.

Deshaun Watson remains a shell of the guy we saw in Houston. And the O-line still has concerns in protection. Entering Week 5, only Jacoby Brissett and Will Levis have a higher presser rate than Watson (40.1%).

Also in my player pool: Broncos, Patriots