5 breakout fantasy football stars to pick up for Week 5

Below are the five players poised for fantasy football breakout games in Week 5.

Unfortunately, the NFL handed the first COVID-19 related postponement this past week. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans were scheduled to play on Sunday but have rescheduled the game after a COVID outbreak within the Titans team.

Why is this relevant to fantasy football? Both teams have heavily rostered players such as JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Conner, and Derrick Henry. Meaning, you might have had to scramble to replace said players, which may have resulted in a loss in Week 4.

Hey, stuff happens. Especially in this current world climate. Therefore, this list will try to help you have a rebound week this week.

In this edition, the list leans heavily to the receivers. Not many other position players claimed a spot. With the bye weeks beginning, you need to keep your finger on the pulse of the waiver wire. In Week 5, the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers are off. So, you are going to need replacements for players such as Aaron Jones, Kenny Golladay, and possibly even Marvin Jones.

Substituting waiver claims for players of that talent is never easy. In fact, it is 100% a gamble. However, the gamble seems a lot easier to digest after you take a look at this list. Do not overthink it. Here are the five players who may have massive games in Week 5 of the NFL season.

*All stats and roster percentages as of 10/4/2020.

ESPN rosters: 27.8 %

Yahoo rosters: 24 %

Laviska Shenault Jr.’s name has been either typed out or copy and pasted and then deleted in previous editions of this article numerous times. Each time, it felt like other players were in better positions to breakout.

Now, Shenault’s name is firmly inputted into this document, therefore he is one of the players to try and pick up ahead of Week 5.

Why did Shenault not quite make it on other lists? Honestly, he is just too tricky to fully figure out. The Jacksonville Jaguars have used him in very dynamic ways so far in the young season.

For example, the rookie has seen as many as six targets in one game. He has also been handed the ball in the backfield and been given as many as five rushing attempts in a single game too.

You see?

However, with the team’s number-one receiver DJ Chark stealing action, do not let this worry you. Shenault still finished with 86 yards and five receptions in Week 4, even with Chark having a big day.

In Week 3, Shenault had a career-high five catches for 33 yards on six targets. He ran the ball once. In Week 1, he picked a receiving score.

Now, the Jaguars visit the Houston Texans. So far, the Texans have not been a sound defensive team, as they are in the top portion of the league in most points allowed so far this season. Although, they have been strong against the pass.

Do not let that scare you. Shenault is dynamic enough where he can get a steady volume of targets and be used as a rusher out of the backfield.