Fantasy football Week 5 recap: Buy or sell struggling Breece Hall, Bijan Robinson?

Oct 7, 2024 at 12:50 PM

Navigating the Fantasy Football Landscape: Insights and Strategies for Weeks Ahead

This comprehensive article delves into the key fantasy football questions and trends following the Week 5 games. It offers a deep dive into various systems and metrics, providing valuable insights to help you make informed decisions and gain an edge in your fantasy leagues.

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Breece Hall: A Temporary Setback or a Buying Opportunity?

Breece Hall's fantasy managers have experienced a rollercoaster ride in recent weeks. After a dominant start to the season, the young running back has seen a significant dip in production, averaging just 5.3 points per game over the past two weeks. However, this downturn can be largely attributed to a brutal schedule, as Hall faced off against the stifling defenses of the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings.The good news is that Hall's schedule is about to take a turn for the better. Over the next two weeks, the New York Jets will face the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers, both of whom rank in the bottom half of the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Furthermore, the Jets' schedule becomes even more favorable in the latter part of the season, with five green-rated rush defense matchups from Weeks 10 to 16.This presents a fantastic buying opportunity for fantasy managers who don't currently have Hall on their roster. If you can put together a reasonable trade offer, now may be the perfect time to acquire this talented young running back before his production skyrockets once again. For those who already have Hall, it's crucial to resist any temptation to trade him away and instead exercise patience, as the high-scoring days are likely just around the corner.

Bijan Robinson: Staying the Course or Cashing In?

Fantasy managers who invested a high draft pick in Bijan Robinson may be feeling a bit disappointed with his current ranking of RB22 after Week 5. However, it's important to look beyond the surface-level numbers and consider the underlying factors that suggest Robinson's value is poised to rise.Despite the relatively modest fantasy point totals, Robinson has been heavily involved in the Atlanta Falcons' offense, ranking 13th among running backs in total scrimmage plays. The lack of touchdowns has been a concern, but with the Falcons' offense showing signs of life and a favorable upcoming schedule, that trend is likely to change.Over the next four weeks, the Falcons will face the Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, and Dallas Cowboys, all of whom rank in the bottom half of the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. This presents an excellent opportunity for Robinson to showcase his talent and find the end zone more consistently.Rather than panicking and considering a trade, fantasy managers should stay the course with Robinson. His combination of talent, volume, and upcoming schedule makes him a prime candidate to deliver league-winning performances in the coming weeks and months. If you don't currently have Robinson on your roster, this may be an opportune time to put in a trade offer and acquire him before his value skyrockets.

Caleb Williams: A Must-Start or a Trade-High Candidate?

Caleb Williams' fantasy production has been a rollercoaster ride so far this season. After a slow start, the Chicago Bears' quarterback has seen a significant uptick in his scoring, ranking 10th in pass points per game over the past three weeks.One of the key factors working in Williams' favor is the Bears' upcoming schedule. From Weeks 5 to 11, Chicago will face four green-rated rush defenses, suggesting the team will likely lean heavily on the ground game during this stretch. However, the schedule takes a dramatic turn in Weeks 11 to 16, with five consecutive red-rated rush defenses.This shift in the schedule could lead the Bears to rely more on Williams' passing skills, potentially boosting his fantasy value during the crucial fantasy football stretch run and playoffs. Additionally, the Bears' schedule is littered with "shootout points" opportunities, where both teams are likely to score 24 or more points, further enhancing Williams' potential for high-scoring outings.Given these favorable schedule factors, fantasy managers should seriously consider starting Williams during his upcoming green-rated matchups. Alternatively, if you can orchestrate a trade for Williams during the Bears' Week 7 bye, it could prove to be a savvy move that pays dividends later in the season.

Daniel Jones: A Reliable Fantasy Starter or a Fleeting Mirage?

Daniel Jones has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers this season, posting three games with 18 or more points over the past four weeks. This puts him in elite company, as only five quarterbacks have achieved this feat so far in 2023.What makes Jones' performance even more impressive is that he has accomplished this without relying heavily on rushing touchdowns, which have been a significant part of his fantasy production in the past. This suggests that his current level of production may be more sustainable, as it is not solely dependent on touchdown-dependent scoring.The Giants' upcoming schedule further bolsters Jones' case as a reliable fantasy starter. Four of their next five games are against the Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and Carolina Panthers, all of whom rank in the bottom half of the league in terms of pass defense. The only potential stumbling block is a Week 8 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but outside of that, Jones should have ample opportunities to continue his strong fantasy performances.Fantasy managers should feel confident in starting Jones during his favorable upcoming matchups. If he is not currently on your roster, this may be an excellent time to explore a trade for the Giants' quarterback, as his value is likely to continue rising in the coming weeks.