Joe DiCarlo 
The byes have arrived here in Week 5, causing the Main Slate to get chopped down to ten games. Week 4 was successful for DFS as we hit on plenty of players like Justin Fields and Tre Tucker. The injuries just keep on coming as well. Rashee Rice was the toughest of them all to absorb last week, an ACL that may force him out for the season. On to Week 5 fellas, there is more money to be made, so let’s break down this slate.
Stay tuned to all our injury news, updates, and building advice on Discord. Also, check out our Optimizer and Projection Models to get the best possible performance from your lineups. Also, check back into the article during the week as we approach kickoff for more content, as more game breakdowns will be available as we approach the Sunday Slate.
Sunday Main Slate 10/6/24
Browns @ Commanders (-3.5) (O/U 44.5)
The Commanders welcome the Browns to the DC area, looking to make it three wins in a row at home. Jayden Daniels has lived up to his second-overall pick value, leading his team to two straight wins. The Browns are currently on the other side of the spectrum, losing three of four games, most recently to the lowly Raiders thanks to costly penalties that stole an 82-yard touchdown from Amari Cooper. But can we trust Deshaun Watson this week or throw in the towel on Cleveland for DFS?
Watson will get the best matchup of the season against one of the worst secondaries in football (31st in passing yards allowed/32nd in PaTDS). But with the Browns and how their season has been so far, they could screw up a wet dream. Watson, Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, and Jerome Ford remain as GPP candidates this week until we see something different.
The 2024 Second-Overall Pick has lived up to the hype. Jayden Daniels has already been mentioned for MVP, the rookie has completed 82% of his passes through four games and is making all of his teammates’ fantasy viable. But he’ll have a tougher mountain to climb this weekend. Although the Browns have struggled offensively, the defense has kept opposing teams honest holding them to 21 points or less in their last three games. Daniels is still safe for Cash, but Terry McLaurin, Brian Robinson, and Zach Ertz should be kept in GPPs. Austin Ekeler could make it back this week, so don’t go chasing Jeremy McNichols this week.
Cash: Jayden Daniels
GPP: Deshaun Watson, Amari Cooper, Jerome Ford, Terry McLaurin, Brian Robinson, Austin Ekeler (if healthy)
Update: Brian Robinson, Austin Ekeler, and David Njoku will play
Ravens @ Bengals (+2.5) (O/U 50.5)
Here we go into the AFC North for a divisional game with a juicy 50 point total between the Ravens and Bengals. Baltimore will attempt to keep the momentum moving on the road in Cincinnati after easily winning against Buffalo on Sunday night. The Bengals finally got into the win column defeating Carolina in Week 4 after starting the season 0-3. This should be a good game to target for DFS because of each team’s firepower and familiarity between both teams.
The run game of the Ravens has been a run-away train so far this season. There has been no answer to stopping Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry from knifing through opposing defenses (708 TOT RuYds/7 TDS in four games). Cincinnati’s 25th in rushing yards allowed (145 yards avg. per game), so we can lock both Ravens in for Cash. However, the Ravens’ receiving core has been an anomaly this year, since we never know where the targets will go from weekly. All should be left out of Cash and kept in tournaments for now.
The Bengals’ offense seemed to look better against Carolina last week, but then again, who doesn’t? Tee Higgins will be into his third game of the season this week, which should give him enough reps to get back up to speed. Joe Burrow depends on both Higgins and Chase to be on the field to move the football. His arm will be crucial in this matchup, as Baltimore only gives up 57 yards rushing per game, but 257 yards per game through the air (29th in the NFL). All three will make awesome GPP candidates (Chase can be a Cash-game move), especially tight-end Mike Gesicki. The Ravens rank second to last defending tight ends.
Cash: Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Ja’Maar Chase
GPP: Zay Flowers, Justice Hill, Isaiah Likely, Tee Higgins, Joe Burrow, Mike Gesicki, Chase Brown
Bills @ Texans (+1) (O/U 47.5)
The Bills were humiliated in Baltimore on Sunday night, taking their first loss on the chin. They’ll be out for blood in Houston, but not if CJ Stroud has something to say about it. We have a razor-close spread and a decent size total score, so we should see some back-and-forth action on both sides of the endzone.
You already know where I will start here…Stefon Diggs’s revenge game. If you don’t think that Diggs wasn’t staring at his calendar since the NFL announced the schedule, think again. However, the path to beating Buffalo is by foot where they are ranked 30th, as to the pass as they rank second in coverage. We must monitor the Texans’ running back situation as Joe Mixon may return to the lineup. But let’s start Stroud with his receivers in GPPs only.
Josh Allen is coming off his worst game of the season, as Baltimore put the Bills in a chokehold. Allen will need to do better than only 180 yards passing with zero touchdowns, and only 21 yards rushing. Houston’s defense is not as intense, being 23rd in DVOA to opposing quarterbacks, so expect Allen to bounce back this weekend. But he cannot do it alone. James Cook will also need to shoulder some of the workload, and not disappear like he did in Baltimore. Houston only allows 112 yards per game rushing, but expect Cook to see more passing work out of the backfield with a banged-up Khalil Shakir.
Cash: Josh Allen, Joe Mixon (if healthy)
GPP: CJ Stroud, Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, James Cook, Dalton Kincaid
Update: Joe Mixon, Khalil Shakir are OUT
Panthers @ Bears (-3.5) (O/U 42)
Carolina fell back to earth after losing a high-scoring game to the Bengals on Sunday, but Dalton kept his former team honest. They’ll visit the Windy City to battle the Bears, whose defense for the second time this season has bailed them out for the win. Chicago ranks third in recovered turnovers with a total of eight on the year, Chicago could be sitting at 0-4 if not for their defense. There will be plenty for DFS when Carolina is on the slate, so let’s dive in.
At age 36, Andy Dalton has resurrected the Panthers’ offense. Diontae Johnson has been the biggest beneficiary, in both games he has seen 15 receptions from 27 targets with 205 yards and two touchdowns. The rookie Xavier Legette also saw a bump in production, filling the shoes of the injured Adam Thielen (6 REC/66 YDS/TD). Running back Chuba Hubbard for the second straight game broke 100 yards rushing a hit paydirt, cementing this Panthers offense is now legit under the Red Rifleman. Let’s keep them all in GPPs because of the 8th-ranked overall Bears defense for now.
On the flip side, the Bears will see a superb matchup hosting Carolina. They’re currently dead last in points allowed per game, and check all the boxes for a pillow soft run defense (bottom five in yards allowed, touchdowns, and attempts). D’Andre Swift finally came to work last weekend, scoring well close to 30 fantasy points thanks to his seven catches for 72 yards to go along with 93 yards rushing and a TD. It’ll be tough to fade Swift this week, I have him in Cash as he is still priced under $6K on DraftKings.
Panthers’ cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson have held their ground in the secondary (9th ranked in the league for coverage), limiting Ja’Maar Chase to only three receptions in Week 4. By all means Rome Odunze and D.J. Moore are viable weapons for Caleb Williams, but I’d lean to using them in GPPs.
Cash: D’Andre Swift, Bears DST
GPP: Andy Dalton, Caleb Williams, Diontae Johnson (if healthy), Xavier Legette, D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Keenan Allen, Roschon Johnson
Colts @ Jaguars (-2.5) (O/U 46.5)
Indy got the W against Pittsburgh thanks to the veteran Joe Flacco filling in for Anthony Richardson leaving the game with an oblique injury. They’ll take on a winless Jaguars team desperate to turn their season around at 0-4. A ton is at stake in Jacksonville, and jobs are at stake, so we can expect them to come out swinging in front of a home crowd this Sunday. Richardson is 50/50 to start as of Thursday, so we must monitor his status for DFS purposes.
Joe Flacco is a solid Cash/GPP move if Richardson can’t suit up. We saw flashes of his arm talent last season in Cleveland and last week when he threw two touchdowns. Either quarterback faces the most generous of secondaries in Jacksonville (32nd in DVOA), but I would prefer to see Flacco start for his lower price tag and ability to bring up the value to receivers Michael Pittman and Josh Downs.
In the Colts’ backfield, however, it looks like Jonathan Taylor may not play on that ankle sprain this week. Trey Sermon will be on deck, but his price on DraftKings has already been adjusted.,j so keep him in GPPs if Taylor sits out.
The Jaguars also get a solid matchup, as the Colts’ defense ranks 30th overall, and dead last in stopping the run and points allowed. If Lawrence and head coach Doug Pederson want to keep their jobs, Sunday is the day to prove their worth. Christian Kirk, Brian Thomas, Travis Etienne, and company all can be rolled out on the slate, Cash Games, and or GPPs. When two horrific defenses are on opposite sidelines of the field, we invest in the offenses for DFS. This game is my watering hole on the slate.
Cash: Trevor Lawrence, Joe Flacco (if Richardson is OUT)
GPP: Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, Trey Sermon, Christian Kirk, Brian Thomas, Gabe Davis (if healthy), Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, Evan Engram (if healthy)
Update: Jonathan Taylor is OUT, Richardson is doubtful
Two
Dolphins @ Patriots (-1) (O/U 35.5)
Grossest game on the slate by a landslide, especially if you watched Miami on Thursday Night Football. The Fins are helpless until they have a competent quarterback, whereas Tyler Huntley appears to need more time studying the playbook. The Pats will try to secure a win at home with Jacoby Brissett remaining at quarterback. Brissett had a rough visit to the Bay Area (19-28/168 YDS/1 TD/1 INT) but will look to rebound against Miami.
Since Brissett has been struggling at QB, perhaps New England will look to the running game. The matchup is tasty, as Miami averages 119 yards allowed per game to running backs. But head coach Jerod Mayo has announced to possibly start Antonio Gibson over Rhamondre Stevenson this week due to his fumbling tendencies this season. Not much else I would roster for GPPs besides the Patriots’ backs and their defense. There are way too many options on this slate for DFS, but you’ll get no ownership in this game if you’re looking to break the slate.
Miami is sad to watch, so much talent on the field is just rotting to waste. Tyler Huntley does give them a good shot to move the chains, possibly this week after some practice under his belt. The Patriots have allowed 254 yards per game through the air (28th in the league) this season, can Huntley capitalize? Anything is possible, But he’s a Millymaker QB and only worth of high entry tournaments. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle can be rostered in standard-size GPPs, and the Fins D too.
Cash: Pats DST, Dolphins DST
GPP: Antonio Gibson, Rhamondre Stevenson, Tyler Huntley, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle
Update: Raheem Mostert will play
Cardinals @ Niners (-7.5) (O/U 49.5)
We now land on another divisional matchup as Arizona will try to pick up the pieces and find a win in San Fransisco. The Cardinals have not been able to stay competitive in games lately, mainly because of their play calling. The Niners steamrolled over the Patriots in last week’s game and will look to double down on the Cardinals.
If the Cardinals want to stay in the game, they will need Kyler Murray to lean on his arm. The matchup isn’t the greatest (Niners allow 199 PaYards/game, 96 RuYards/game), but those numbers have been padded from recently playing a Jocoby Brissett ran offense. With Trey McBride set to return from a concussion, Arizona will be at full strength offensively. Murray, Harrison Jr., McBride, and James Conner are a full go for lineups this weekend.
San Fransisco will be a must-owned team for rostering in DFS this weekend, as the matchup will be too good to pass up. Brock Purdy without Christian McCaffrey has picked up the slack in leading the offense. He’ll face a Cardinals team that’s 28th in DVOA to opposing quarterbacks. And speaking of slack, how about Jordan Mason this season… an absolute stud. He’s averaged over 111 yards per game along with 20 fantasy PPR points for the season. He’ll aim to feast once again this week on a Cardinals defense that allows over 146 rushing yards per game. Locks for Cash games, and Deebo, Aiyuk, and George Kittle for GPPs.
Cash: Brock Purdy, Jordan Mason, Kyler Murray
GPP: Marvin Harrison Jr, James Conner, Trey McBride, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle
Update: Trey McBride questionable
Raiders @ Broncos (-2.5) (O/U 36.5)
Two of the worst offenses in the league will battle it out in this AFC West Divisional meeting. Both clubs are coming off grueling wins against tough defenses, but I’m sure we will see some gruesome stats in this contest also. No Davante Adams again for the Raiders, who has a hamstring and trade demands out to ownership, so we’ll have one less receiver to worry about. The low total and tight spread scream at us to keep scrolling for DFS, but there are always plays in each contest. Let’s check it out.
Tre Tucker was the only player for Vegas who scored double-digit fantasy points last week, but can he do it again? Denver ranks third overall defending the pass, so it may not be wise to target any pass catchers for Vegas this week. If Denver’s Patrick Surtain shadows Jakobi Meyers, Tucker should have another nice day.
Their backfield has also been a mess with Zamir White and Alexander Mattison (31st in the league in total rushing yards). The safest bet is to roll with Denver’s DST, but news has broke that Zamir White has been ruled out, so Mattison could be in your lineup for value.
Denver has slowly begun to put the pieces together on offense, in the last two weeks we’ve seen Courtland Sutton score double-digit fantasy points (20 targets/10 REC/128 YDS/1 TD). He should see the Raiders Jack Jones line up across him this week, who has been awful (+22 coverage rating).
Overall it could be a sloppy game, so the Raiders DST would make sense in this spot also, Bo Nix may see a ton of pressure If Maxx Crosby is healthy enough to suit up.
Cash: Denver DST, Raiders DST
GPP: Tre Tucker, Alexander Mattison (Zamir White is OUT), Courtland Sutton
Packers @ Rams (+3) (O/U 48)
Two NFC rivals will face off after each suffered humiliating losses in Week 4. Minnesota ran up the score 28-0 in the first half, putting the game way out of reach for the Packers. The Rams, well they lost to a tenacious pass coverage that forced a few turnovers. Both clubs will look to get back on the right track in Week 5, and the total with the close spread is enticing for DFS.
How will Green Bay attack the Rams? On the ground and through the air. LA is dead last in rushing yards allowed (662), and 28th ranked in YPC (5.0). They’ve also allowed the fifth-most passing touchdowns with eight already this year. But the Packers will be a little thin at receiver this week, with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs listed as doubtful. Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks will be chalky and usable for Cash, with Josh Jacobs also at running back. If you’re looking to get frisky, punt on Malik Heath or Bo Melton at receiver. Jordan Love spreads the ball around like a jelly sandwich and can be a lock to be involved this week if Watson and Doubs are out.
LA and Matt Stafford should be getting Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back soon, but until then it will be the Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington show at receiver, each logging over 90% of the snap share. But the Rams’ main source of production is you know who…Kyren Williams. He’s scored in every game this season (6 TOT TDs). The Packers happen to be very generous to opposing backs, allowing an average of 110 yards per game (21st in DVOA). He’s a lock for Cash with the rest of his teammates in GPPs.
Cash: Kyren Williams, Josh Jacobs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Tucker Kraft
GPP: Jordan Love, Matt Stafford, Jordan Whittington, Tutu Atwell, Bo Melton, Malik Heath, Colby Parkinson
Giants @ Seahawks (-7) (O/U 42.5)
Last but not least the New York Giants will travel out west to take on the Seahawks. However, they’ll be without their number-one weapon Malik Nabers, who is still in concussion protocol. Running back Devin Singletary also won’t take the field this weekend, which will leave Daniel Jones to be a potential deer in headlights come Sunday afternoon. Seattle will look to rebound after a tough loss in Detroit which was very high scoring.
The Giants will have some big shoes to fill with Nabers and Singletary out of the lineup. The next men up would be Wan’Dale Robinson and Tyrone Tracy Jr. to take over the lead roles at their positions. It’s not the most tempting to take a shot on, but Tracey provides a ton of cap space and will not need much production to meet value. Instead of Robinson, who is already priced up ($5,600 on DraftKings), take a shot on Darius Slay ton ($3,900 on DraftKings). There’s a ton of chemistry between him and Jones since he entered the league in 2019, and if Robinson draws the majority of attention from Woolen or Witherspoon, Slayton could cash you in.
If New York does in fact struggle offensively come Sunday, Seattle should eat up a lot of clock with Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet if it gets out of hand. DK Metcalf will draw the matchup of the week in Deonte Banks, who was just scorched last weekend by CeeDee Lamb who took an 86-yard catch to the house last Thursday night. The Seattle DST is also a play in this contest, since we may see some turnovers from a thin Giants’ offense.
Cash: Seattle DST, Kenneth Walker, D.K. Metcalf
GPP: Tyrone Tracy Jr., Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Zach Charbonnet
Thanks for reading my NFL DFS Game by Game Breakdown for Week 5! Remember to check back daily for more content up until kickoff. You can reach me on X @JoeDiCarlo78 or in our Discord tag me @DiCarlo78 for any lineup build opinions or questions, always here to help! Gain access to our Projection Models and jump into our Discord where we will have our experts and myself talking plays across every sport 24/7/365!
