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The third and final block of Week 5 NFL games is here, covering the late-afternoon matchups along with Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football. This breakdown groups the games for easy reference: Block 1 includes TB-DAL, PHI-JAC, HOU-TEN, CIN-MIA, and LV-NE; Block 2 features MIN-NO, CLE-NYJ, IND-PIT, NYG-WAS, and CHI-GB; Block 3 consists of DEN-LAC, DET-ARI, SF-SEA, BAL-ATL, and BUF-LAR. The Outlook delivers details, statistics, angles, and recommendations to assist fantasy football decisions, profiling every fantasy-relevant player in these games. The goal is to help readers win championships, and questions can be directed via Bluesky (@ktompkinsii.bsky.social). All game totals and implied point totals were sourced from DraftKings Sportsbook on Thursday evening. Teams on bye in Week 5: Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs.
Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers
Favorite: Broncos by 3.5; Game Total: 41.5; Implied Points: Broncos 22.5, Chargers 19.
Denver's offense has struggled, scoring just three points through three quarters in Week 4. Quarterback Bo Nix completed 25 of 42 passes for 214 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt, without being sacked or intercepted. The downfield passing game has been a major issue, prompting reports that Sean Payton will resume play-calling duties starting this week. Nix remains a fringe QB1/QB2 option, but a matchup against a Chargers defense missing Derwin James and Donte Jackson, combined with Payton's play-calling, could provide a boost.
In the backfield, R.J. Harvey was heavily involved as a receiver in Week 4, catching all 10 of his targets for 68 yards and adding seven carries for 25 yards. His 50% target per route run rate was exceptional, and he finished as RB12 in PPR formats. J.K. Dobbins handled 11 carries for 40 yards and caught two passes for 12 yards, but many of his touches came on early downs with low value. Harvey is a high-end flex with low-end RB2 potential, while Dobbins is a low-end flex.
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle saw a team-high six targets, catching five for 35 yards and a 13-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Aside from an 8-138 outburst in Week 2, Waddle has been quiet, with just eight catches for 47 yards in his other games. Payton's return as play-caller should help the passing game, making Waddle a high-end WR3 with upside. Other Broncos receivers are not recommended, though Pat Bryant (ankle) is a stash candidate if he misses time.
For the Chargers, the running back situation is a three-way split. Keaton Mitchell led in snaps, touches (15), and total yards (63). Kimani Vidal played 35% of snaps, co-led in routes, and scored a receiving touchdown among his 36 total yards. Omarion Hampton saw the fewest routes but was efficient with 45 rushing yards on nine carries, a rushing touchdown, and two catches for eight yards. Hampton and Mitchell are flex options, but the backfield is frustrating for fantasy.
Wide receiver Ladd McConkey aggravated a foot injury and did not return after halftime, failing to catch either of his two targets. Tre Harris (3-60) looks like the best receiver currently, especially with Quentin Johnston ruled out (chest). If McConkey plays, he's only a desperation flex; Harris is a flex option.
Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals
Favorite: Lions by 5.5; Game Total: 54.5 (tied for highest); Implied Points: Lions 30, Cardinals 24.5.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw for 412 yards and a touchdown on 32-of-52 passing, with no interceptions and a Week 4-high 479 air yards. He has nine touchdowns and zero interceptions through four games. With a high-volume passing attack and a weak defense, Goff is nearly a must-start and has another great matchup against Arizona.
Wide receiver Jameson Williams finally broke out with six catches for 102 yards on eight targets, including 136 air yards and 100% route participation. He's a high-end WR3 with massive upside in a potential shootout. Tight end Sam LaPorta had his best game of the season, catching eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown, finishing as TE2 for the week. He's an upper-echelon TE1 against the Cardinals.
Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett struggled in Week 4 with three interceptions and just 166 passing yards, but he had a QB4 finish in Week 3 with 52 attempts, 280 yards, and two touchdowns. In a game with a 54.5-point total, Brissett is worth a start as a QB who can blow up. The backfield duo of Jeremiyah Love (14 carries, 63 yards) and Tyler Allgeier (8 carries, 42 yards, TD) both have high-end flex appeal, though game script could limit them if the Lions pull away.
Wide receiver Michael Wilson saw 13 targets, catching seven for 95 yards. He and Trey McBride combined for 25 targets (73% of team total). Wilson has 30 targets in his last two games and is a high-end WR2 with a great matchup.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Favorite: Seahawks by 3; Game Total: 45.5; Implied Points: Seahawks 24.25, 49ers 21.25.
49ers wide receiver Mike Evans played through a fractured rib, running routes on 96% of dropbacks and leading the team with eight targets for a 5-76 line. He didn't practice Thursday but returned limited Friday and carries no injury designation. He's a solid WR2 with upside despite a tough matchup against Devon Witherspoon.
Deebo Samuel was used creatively, catching a 1-yard touchdown and adding a 22-yard run and a 20-yard end-around. His combined workload makes him a solid WR3 with upside. Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson took advantage of injuries, rushing 21 times for 81 yards and two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) while catching three passes for 39 yards. With the 49ers' defensive line banged up, Wilson is a solid RB2 with upside.
Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons
Favorite: Ravens by 3; Game Total: 43.5; Implied Points: Ravens 23.25, Falcons 20.25.
Ravens tight end Mark Andrews had a 5-27 line and a touchdown but remains a touchdown-dependent TE2, especially with Lamar Jackson ruled out. Falcons running back Brian Robinson had 14 carries for 62 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing standalone value in Atlanta's run-heavy offense. He's a high-end RB3 or flex play.
Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams
Favorite: Rams by 3; Implied Points: Rams 28.75, Bills 25.75.
Bills wide receivers Keon Coleman (6-116-1) and Khalil Shakir (7-82) led the passing game, while DJ Moore left with a shoulder injury after one catch for 11 yards. If Moore is out, Coleman and Shakir become more relevant. Both are flex plays with upside. Tight end Dalton Kincaid has been quiet the last two weeks but remains a TE1 in a good offensive environment.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 317 yards on 32-of-51 passing but had two interceptions and no touchdowns. With Puka Nacua back, Stafford is a must-start QB1 against Buffalo. Running back Kyren Williams dominated with 16 carries for 80 yards and 10 receptions for 67 yards, scoring twice. Blake Corum had just five carries for 14 yards; he remains a low-end RB2 or flex. Wide receiver Davante Adams saw nine targets but caught four for 32 yards. He's a borderline WR1/WR2 against the Bills. Tight end Tyler Higbee had a 5-67 line and is a usable streamer or low-end TE1.
Originally reported by yahoo.