With four weeks of football in the books, we’re already a third of the way through the fantasy regular season. While there’s still plenty of time to turn things around, it’s also a crucial juncture to evaluate where your roster stands. At this point, we have a decent sample size to assess players, and it’s becoming clear which early draft picks have underperformed. While I’m not suggesting you drop or give up on these players just yet, it’s time to start making tough decisions and consider benching them until they show some signs of life.
This is the time to be aggressive on the waiver wire and in the trade market. Sitting back and hoping underperforming stars will magically turn things around isn’t going to get you to the playoffs. Whether it’s capitalizing on an emerging player who’s still under the radar or making a trade for someone poised to break out, it’s all about making calculated moves. Strengthening your team now can be the difference between a playoff run or missing out entirely.
Week 5 Dynasty Football Risers and Fallers
Risers
Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels is quickly establishing himself among the top-tier quarterbacks for fantasy purposes after an incredible opening month. A true dual-threat, Daniels not only racks up rushing yards but has also completed 80% of his passes, and most importantly, his team is winning. While the competition he’s faced hasn’t been elite, his overall production is hard to argue with. If you’re buying now, expect to pay a premium. However, in six months, that premium might look like a bargain.
Josh Downs
Josh Downs came into the season with plenty of hype after an impressive training camp and preseason, but an injury slowed him down early on. Last week, he picked up where he left off last season, catching eight of nine targets for 82 yards and a touchdown. Whether Anthony Richardson or Joe Flacco is at QB, Downs should remain a key piece of the Colts’ passing attack. His consistent usage makes him a solid buy moving forward.
Erick All
Erick All continues to make steady strides, carving out a bigger role in the offense each week. As a product of TE-University (Iowa), his development shouldn’t come as a surprise, and his consistent involvement shows he’s earning trust. With four catches in each of the last three games, All is flying under the radar. He may not be the next elite TE just yet, but as a cheap TE2 option, he’s worth the investment, especially as he could pay off down the stretch or next year.
Ja’Lynn Polk
Ja’Lynn Polk is a player I’m targeting now, though the major payoff may not come until next season when Drake Maye takes over and the offensive line hopefully improves. Polk’s three catches for 30 yards last week don’t jump off the page, but he was inches away from a highlight grab that would’ve boosted his numbers. I had him ranked 15th among rookies on draft day, and I’m viewing this slow start as a prime buy-low opportunity.
Check out all of our Week 5 Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | Flex
Dynasty Fallers
Anthony Richardson
I’ve officially moved Anthony Richardson down to the highest tier of QB2s in superflex leagues, and it’s not just because of the hip pointer injury he sustained on Sunday. His passing accuracy and consistency haven’t improved as expected, and if not for two deep connections with Alec Pierce, his numbers would look even worse. His inability to protect himself has led to injuries in more than half of his NFL starts. The upside is there, but I’m concerned about his ability to stay healthy and develop as a passer.
Mark Andrews
It’s been tough to hold onto hope for Mark Andrews in fantasy, but after four straight weeks of poor production, I’m struggling to find a reason for optimism. While he’s still playing excellent real football, particularly as a blocker, the Ravens’ offense hasn’t needed him to be a focal point. His role has been reduced, and so has the explosiveness he once had before his string of injuries the past few seasons. He’ll have a few big games, but I’m looking to sell after any spike in production.
Kyle Pitts
Patience has officially run out with Kyle Pitts. After more than two full seasons of disappointment, it’s clear that the dynamic rookie version of Pitts won’t return while he’s in a Falcons uniform. He’s the first read on less than 10% of designed dropbacks, and I don’t see a path to consistent fantasy production unless he follows a similar path to Evan Engram, thriving after a change of scenery. I’ve already moved on from my remaining shares, and I don’t regret cashing out.
Garrett Wilson
It’s time to have a serious discussion about Garrett Wilson. While he’s a highly talented player, the elite upside we once saw seems less realistic with each passing week. Even with Aaron Rodgers, the WR1 ceiling we envisioned feels like a dream, and I’m starting to question his path to even finishing as a top-15 WR. If anyone in your league still values him as an elite dynasty asset, I’d suggest cashing out now while his name value still carries a premium.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 5 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!