Fantasy Football Hot Takes: Week 5

Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) celebrates with quarterback Derek Carr (4) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) celebrates with quarterback Derek Carr (4) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) celebrates with quarterback Derek Carr (4) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) celebrates with quarterback Derek Carr (4) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

Fantasy Football Hot Takes: Week 5

So while the bargain bin articles are reserved for the value, and often, safer plays. This article will be geared more for those fiery takes that may lead to taking down a tournament in fantasy football week 5. Not only is playing the chalk boring, but it’s quite unprofitable in most tournament formats. Here are my red-hot Fantasy Football Hot Takes.

Derek Carr will be a top 5 fantasy scoring quarterback

Okland will welcome in the injury ridden Chargers in a game which has shootout potential. The total currently sits at 50.5, with the Raiders projected to score 27 points. I touched on Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree in my bargain bin article, but to reiterate, the Chargers have been decimated by injuries on both sides of the ball. Earlier this week, news was released informing us that stud cover corner, Jason Verrett, will be out with a torn ACL. Brandon Flowers was out last week with a concussion and has yet to practice this week. This should set up an outstanding opportunity for Derek Carr to take advantage of. Oakland’s lead back Latavius Murray is doubtful for Sunday, and while DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard are capable backs, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Raiders lean on the passing game.

More from FanSided

Ryan Tannehill will throw for 3 or more touchdowns (1 or more to DeVante Parker)

Miami’s match up has some of the same factors involved as the game previously described. Miami has failed to produce any semblance of a running game and has relied on Tannehill and the receiving core to make up for it. Miami will face off with Tennessee, at home, in a game where they’re 3.5 point favorites. Parker is a talented wide out, who will be able to benefit from a good match up against the struggling, Perrish Cox. As the Miami running game continues to struggle, Tannehill should continue to rack up fantasy points.

Jerick Mckinnon will score over 20 DraftKings points

Jerick Mckinnon put on an impressive performance on Monday night, rushing for 4.7 yards per carry, a touchdown, and catching 3 balls on 5 targets. Minnesota is a home favorite again, with a line of -6.5. We would hope that the coaching staff soon figures out that Matt Asiata has no value outside of goal line work (6 carries for 6 yards last week) and that Mckinnon should be the bell cow, however, even if things do not change, he should still have the volume and ability, for a big week. Mckinnon is a freak athlete and at some point, will break off a huge run. I wouldn’t be surprised if it came this week, in a spot where Minnesota should be running the ball often.

Cameron Meredith will score a touchdown this week

Sep 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Cameron Meredith (81) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Cameron Meredith (81) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Cameron Meredith will now be thrust into the Bear’s offensive game plan, with the injury of Kevin White. The Bears were force feeding White targets, and now his targets will have to go elsewhere. Eddie Royal missed practice again Thursday and if he can’t go, it may be time to fire up Meredith. Meredith showed signs of promise last week as he caught 4 of his 5 targets. More importantly, he played a full complement of snaps after White went down. With Alshon hobbled as well, Brian Hoyer may have slim pickings at wide receiver this week.

Ryan Fitzpatrick won’t suck this week (For real, Fitz will score over 20 DraftKings points)

This game if filled with “Fantasy-goodness.” I’ll have a ton of exposure spread throughout this game, as I’m projecting it to shootout and feature the highest amount of offensive snaps. The Jets are a true funnel defense and I think Pittsburgh is aware of this. The Steelers should look to move the ball through the air with short passing routes (ie. Bell/Brown). In turn, more passes lead to less time being taken off the clock. In a game script in which the Steelers should be leading, I’d expect Ryan Fitzpatrick to be playing catch up. While Decker being sidelined will hurt the offense’s efficiency, it will provide a tremendous fantasy opportunity for Brandon Marshall and Quincy Enunwa.

Next: FanDuel NFL Week 5 Picks and Pivots

Good luck!