The hope is that everyone continues to be profitable playing NFL DFS. Regardless, that is now in the past and we have a new week of action in front of us. My intention is to help you make Week 5 of NFL DFS a week to remember as you finish in the green. With that being said, let us jump right into my top Week 5 NFL DFS picks.
Each week, I will take a look at one option at each position that can be a nice piece in your lineup. Additionally, I will provide one stud and one value option to target along with one expected bust.
NFL Week 5 DFS Picks
Quarterback
Zach Wilson, New York Jets, $4,900
Alright, now it is official. I have truly lost my mind, right? What reasonable person would willingly roll out Zach Wilson as one of their Week 5 DFS picks?
Bear with me though, as there is some logic behind it. Two weeks ago, Wilson had one drive against New England that generated optimism, but that was about it as the Jets came up short. Last week though, the young quarterback, for one of the few times in his career, showed why New York drafted him second overall.
The offense appeared to be geared towards Wilson as he looked a lot more comfortable under center. While there were still some offensive line issues, Wilson got the ball out quickly and completed 28 of 39 pass attempts for 245 yards and two touchdowns. For the second straight week, Wilson did not throw an interception.
This week, he faces a Denver Broncos team that is allowing the most DraftKings points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Additionally, this is the same team that just allowed Justin Fields to throw for 335 yards and four touchdowns against them.
Running Back
De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins, $6,100
The New York Giants are terrible against the run. In fact, they just look completely lost in all facets of the game right now. Things will not get easier for them as they travel to Miami to face a Dolphins team looking to make up for last week’s loss to Buffalo.
Game flow didn’t exactly support Miami pounding the ball on the ground against the Bills, but that should be the complete opposite this week. While Raheem Mostert struggled to find room to run gaining just nine yards, De’Von Achane broke off a 55-yard run. The rookie finished with eight carries for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, he was a factor in the passing game catching three of five targets for another 19 yards.
While Mostert will continue to be a factor for Miami, the target here is on the explosive rookie when given a choice. The fact that Achane will also be a factor in the passing game also helps.
Wide Receiver
Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals, $3,700
Michael Wilson has gotten incrementally better each week, and it culminated with a monster game last week. A blowout loss in San Francisco certainly helped that cause, but we also can’t ignore the production.
At this point, Wilson has emerged as Arizona’s number two receiver as he looks to build on a seven-reception, 76-yard performance. Not only that, but Wilson caught both of the Cardinals’ touchdown passes for the first two scores of his career. Wilson has proven to be capable of making big plays downfield while also being efficient with his target share.
If we see a healthy Joe Burrow this week, game flow should dictate another busy week for Wilson. And the price will certainly fit in just about every lineup.
Tight End
Tyler Conklin, New York Jets, $3,200
If we are going to target Wilson, it makes sense to pair him with a receiver. While Garrett Wilson is certainly a worthy option as well, we also don’t want to go overboard on the Jets as we try to figure out who the receiver to roster is.
Tyler Conklin is very cost effective and he faces a Denver team that also struggles against opposing tight ends. Last week, Conklin came close to securing a touchdown reception while finishing with four catches for 58 yards. After just one reception in Week 1, Conklin has 12 catches for 134 yards in his last three games as the Jets’ offense finds a bit of a groove.
Defense
New Orleans Saints, $3,000
Quite simply, Mac Jones has looked lost and the New England Patriots offense has not been good. That makes them a team to target with our Week 5 NFL DFS Picks from a defensive perspective.
Through the first four weeks, the New Orleans Saints have five interceptions and nine sacks. With just one game in which they allowed more than 18 points (26 last week against Tampa Bay), the Saints have also been a somewhat safe option.
DFS Stud
Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons, $7,700
The rookie has scored at least 20 DraftKings points in three of four weeks thus far in his career. Heading into Week 5, Bijan Robinson has a favorable matchup against a Houston team at the bottom of the league against opposing running backs.
With Desmond Ridder struggling, all that is really left for Atlanta is to lean on their rookie running back. Robinson has been targeted either five or six times each week while also breaking the 100-yard mark twice on the ground. Aside from a receiving touchdown in Week 1, Robinson has yet to find the end zone, and that feels inevitable.
To this point, Robinson is averaging six yards per carry and 7.1 yards per reception, and it is clear that he is an explosive weapon.
DFS Value
Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens, $5,500
After Houston’s passing game torched Pittsburgh’s secondary last week, let’s go back to the same place. That leads us to Zay Flowers who has emerged as Baltimore’s number-one receiver; even if it is by default. Of course, we still have to deal with Mark Andrews and Lamar Jackson’s ability on the ground, but Flowers can not be overlooked.
Flowers has two games with 10 targets each this season, so trust and chemistry with Jackson is not an issue. The rookie is still waiting for his first career touchdown, but he does have 24 receptions for 244 yards so far in his brief career. This figures to be another busy week for Flowers and he is in a situation to exploit it.
DFS Bust
Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams, $8,600
After injuring his hamstring early in the pre-season, Cooper Kupp practiced in full on Thursday and is poised to make his return in Week 5. Despite the presence of Darius Slay, it is a favorable matchup and a soft landing spot for Kupp.
In seasonal leagues, fantasy managers are going to rush to insert Kupp back into their lineups. From a DFS perspective, the thought process here is to exercise caution. It is unclear to what level Kupp will be utilized in his return. Perhaps more critically though, we are not coming even close to getting a discount here.
Week 5 Rankings: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End |