Top Last-Minute Fantasy Football Pickups for Week 5: Jaxson Dart and Brenton Strange Lead the Pack
Enhanced Fantasy Football Strategies for Week 5
As the fantasy football season unfolds, teams are often challenged by player injuries, bye weeks, and other unforeseen circumstances requiring strategic adjustments. To aid in these scenarios, Matt Bowen, a seasoned fantasy football analyst, provides expert advice and recommendations each Friday throughout the 2025 NFL season. Emphasizing deeper league strategies, Bowen offers insights and potential player pickups that could benefit your team this week.
Key Quarterbacks to Consider
Every Sunday poses new opportunities and challenges for fantasy football enthusiasts. This week, with quarterbacks Jordan Love and Caleb Williams on byes, we’ve identified two potential quarterbacks ready to be recruited in your Week 5 games.
- Jaxson Dart, New York Giants (36.6% rostered; at Saints): Known for his dual-threat capabilities, Dart can capitalize on his rushing abilities against the Saints, who concede 20.6 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. Despite star receiver Malik Nabers being out, Dart’s running prowess, alongside his passing options, makes him an appealing pickup.
- Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks (12.9% rostered; vs. Buccaneers): While he has flown under the radar, Darnold has consistently produced over his past few starts. Against an aggressive Buccaneers defense, his mobility and the Seahawks’ offensive strategies make him a potential asset, especially in deeper leagues.
Wide Receiver Picks for Fantasy Success
With Tyreek Hill’s season-ending injury, certain wide receivers stand out as promising targets for fantasy owners looking to bolster their rosters in Week 5.
- Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins (16.0% rostered; at Panthers): Washington is expected to increase his workload significantly, integrating into more dynamic offensive plays with Hill out. His utilization in catch-and-run scenarios makes him a potential WR3/flex option.
- Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos (42.3% rostered; at Eagles): Franklin faces an Eagles defense that provides numerous opportunities for receivers. His role in Denver’s game plan offers promising engagement and potential yardage gains.
- Darius Slayton, New York Giants (26.2% rostered; at Saints): With Malik Nabers sidelined, Slayton has an increased role in the Giants’ passing game. His speed and vertical threat capabilities could result in significant receiving yards against the Saints.
Running Backs to Watch
This week, targeting running backs who can fill the gap for injured or unavailable players is crucial. Consider these options:
- Emari Demercado (50.5% rostered) and Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals (24.9% rostered; vs. Titans): With Trey Benson out, Demercado’s potential as a third-down back makes him the preferred option. However, if already claimed, Carter’s role in early downs could prove beneficial.
- Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints (17.8% rostered; vs. Giants): Miller’s growing involvement in the Saints’ offensive strategy makes him an attractive flex play, adding depth to your lineup.
Top Tight End and Defensive Choices
Enhancing your fantasy team often requires attention to tight ends and defenses, positions that can offer impactful points during critical matchups.
- Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars (34.7% rostered; vs. Chiefs): Boasting consistent performance, Strange has shown reliability in the Jaguars’ offense. Although facing a tough Chiefs defense, his role could yield top-12 numbers this week.
- Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins (36.9% rostered; at Panthers): With limited participation but effective production last game, Waller’s role against a favorable Panthers defense could make him a strong red-zone target.
- New York Giants Defense (23.4% rostered; at Saints): Going against Spencer Rattler, the Giants’ defense, known for its aggressive play, presents a tactical advantage, capable of creating turnovers and high-impact plays.
By considering these strategic pickups and adjustments, fantasy football managers can better navigate the complexities of Week 5, ensuring their teams are optimized for success. For more expert advice, visit Emegypt for continuous updates and insights throughout the season.
