👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 5 DraftKings Deeper Sleeper Tournament Plays

So you probably noticed that Week 4 felt a lot more "normal" compared to that Week 3 carnival of points. Unless you double dipped on Devonta Freeman, in which case we should be best friends and talk a lot on Saturdays.

Week 5 looks to have a plenty of studs in A+ matchups - which means digging deep for cheap contrarian plays is that much more important as you pay up to get Julio Jones against a terrible Washington secondary, or LeVeon Bell against the Chargers as a Monday night hammer.

Who is going to be that low owned cheap play that is the difference maker this time around? Let's get dirty.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Week 5 Quarterback Sleepers

Jay Cutler, QB, Bears: $5,300 - @KC

Smokin' Jay might see more ownership than projected because people will chase the big green 32nd next to the Kansas City name, representing how they've performed against opposing quarterbacks. Yeah, it hasn't been good. To be fair they've gone against Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and Andy Dalton, so it's not entirely their fault. All the same, here is situation where gameflow and the plan of attack should benefit Jay Cutler and scoring fantasy points. The Chiefs are still good against the run, and the Bears still struggle at running the ball. They just lost their starting center Will Montgomery to a broken leg, so they'll be even worse at trying to pave the way for Matt Forte now. On top of this, the defense is still porous, and the Chiefs should be able to execute their Jamaal Charles oriented attack fairly easily. If Cutler gets Alshon Jeffery back, then I really like this play. Cutler will throw an interception, but he could also give you 300 yards and 3 touchdowns on top of that. Sign me up.

Josh McCown, QB, Browns: $5,100 - @BAL

My computer wanted to run a virus scan after I typed that. I feel ill. Seriously folks, McCown has actually played well these past two weeks. Sure, the image of him being helicoptered by the Jets in Week 1 is seared pretty deeply in my mind, but the Browns seem to finding a groove. Travis Benjamin appears to be sticking around, and Gary Barnidge isn't going away either. The key factor seems to be the involvement of Duke Johnson Jr. in the passing game, as he has 15 receptions in the past two weeks, totaling 117 yards and a touchdown in those contests. The Ravens have been struggling against quarterbacks, getting beaten up by Derek Carr and Andy Dalton, and failing to shut down Mike Vick. If you're willing to roll the dice that McCown can continue to be effective, this is a great spot to save some money while having a good shot at getting 3x-4x value back for the money you spent.

Other deep plays that might have higher ownership: Sam Bradford, $6,000 vs. NO, Blake Bortles, $5,100 @TB.

 

Week 5 Running Back Sleepers

C.J. Spiller, RB, Saints: $3,800 –  @PHI

It's possible that C.J. Spiller's long game winning play on Sunday night will crank up the spotlight on Spiller, but the Saints being on the road and Brees' still ailing along with questions of sustainability outside of big plays should keep that ownership level tempered. The Eagles are playing exceptionally well against the run (fourth overall according to ProFootballFocus with a 20.6 grade), while their pass coverage grade doesn't instill much confidence with an average -1.1 grade. The Saints defense also is not going to keep this game all that close, and while Mark Ingram has seen his usage in the passing game increase, if the Saints need to really start going for some home runs as they fall behind, C.J. Spiller will see plenty of snaps and targets.

T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jaguars: $4,400 – @TB.

This is going to be a very intriguing game, because there are so many mistakes that could be made at the hands of both quarterbacks. Here are the facts though, PFF grades the Buccaneers out as the worst against the run with a pathetic -26.2 grade. T.J. Yeldon is THE guy in Jacksonville, he played 78 out of 84 snaps last week in a close game against the Colts. He hasn't had his real "coming out party" game yet, and his name is flanked by buzzy options in Chris Johnson and Todd Gurley in the DraftKings lobby. If you need a tournament play that goes against the grain but could turn in a 25-125-2 line, here's your guy.

Other deep plays that might have higher ownership: Chris Thompson, $3,300 @ATL, Boobie Dixon, $3,000 @TEN (Dan Herron is not available),  Theo Riddick, $3,000 @ARI, Lorenzo Taliaferro, $3,000 vs. CLE.

 

Week 5 Wide Receiver Sleepers

Leonard Hankerson, WR, Falcons: $4,000 - vs. WAS

Remember when I said how Julio Jones has that great matchup? Well Leonard Hankerson gets the same one. While Julio is matchup proof, it still benefits him that DeAngelo Hall is out and injuries have shuffled things for Washington. On the season though, the Redskins rank out as ninth best against opponents' number one receivers according to FootballOutsiders DVOA stat, while they struggle mightily against the number two receivers (29th). While plenty of people are going to stack Matt Ryan and Julio Jones, sneaking in a Ryan/Hankerson stack that goes off could be a huge separator in tournaments (and allow you to spend the money saved elsewhere).

Willie Snead, WR, Saints: $3,000 – @PHI

Snead has come along nicely for New Orleans, and he ended up having the second most snaps for New Orleans' receivers in Week 4. He's seen six targets in each of the past three games for the Saints, and now appears to have leapfrogged Brandon Coleman and Marques Colston for playing time. Last week's game saw Snead rack up six receptions for 89 yards. As stated in Spiller's blurb, the Saints should find themselves playing from behind and needing to take shots. To date, Brandin Cooks, Brandon Coleman, and Marques Colston have all failed to impress, while Snead has impressed. Take a tournament shot on the lone bright spot in the wide receiver corps in a game that should see the Saints needing to throw. Don't stack Spiller and Snead, but taking one of them could pay off in a big way.

Other deep plays that might have higher ownership: Allen Robinson, $5,500 @TB, John Brown, $5,100 @DET, Kamar Aiken, $3,800 vs. CLE.

 

Week 5 Tight End Sleepers

Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers: $4,100 - vs. PIT

Just have to throw this out, as Gates is back but priced low. He is not coming off of injury, he has an established chemistry with Philip Rivers, the Chargers are banged up with Stevie Johnson and Malcom Floyd getting hurt last week, and Gates is the favorite for red zone looks when he's on the field. Be aware.

Derek Carrier, TE, Redskins: $2,500 - @ATL

Well, Jordan Reed is hurt again. Enter Derek Carrier. It's a real punt type play, but just because Jordan Reed is out now doesn't mean that all of a sudden Kirk Cousins won't instinctively look for his tight end just as he is accustomed to doing. The Falcons should have their way with the Washington secondary as has been pointed out, so Washington should need to throw. If Carrier catches a touchdown, he automatically makes 3x value on his minimum salary. The potential for 4x-5x value on your money is there with Carrier.

Tim Wright, TE, Lions: $2,500 - @ ARI

What was just said about Derek Carrier can also be valid for Tim Wright. The Lions are in a spot where their secondary is really struggling (their run defense has graded out at 13.3 according to PFF, while their pass coverage has gotten a -12.5 grade). Carson Palmer and company should open up their aerial assault, and the Lions should find themselves needing to throw. Eric Ebron is hurt, and while Brandon Pettigrew is getting healthier, he a blocking tight end. Tim Wright showed that he has receiving talent when he caught a ball down the seam last week against Seattle between three defenders. Hopefully Detroit realized this.

Other deep plays that might have higher ownership: Charles Clay, $4,100 @TEN, Maxx Williams, $3,300 vs. CLE, Owen Daniels, $2,700 @OAK.

 

Week 5 Defense Sleepers

Philadelphia Eagles, D/ST: $3,000 - vs. NO

This is hoping that a lot of people opt to duck down and save $100 by taking the Giants D/ST (which is a solid option, but that's not what we're here for). The Eagles have the fourth overall defensive unit according to PFF, and while we highlighted some cheap tournament plays for the Saints, this points to longshots that need to hit and why they themselves should be low owned. The Eagles will be at home in a game that should see them leading early, as well as boasting the second best special teams unit according to PFF, which only helps with those potential return touchdowns.

Jacksonville Jaguars, D/ST: $2,700 – @TB

Going against Jameis Winston seems to be a solid lottery ticket to take. The Jaguars are pretty beat up themselves, and we saw last week that they didn't exactly dominate Matt Hasselbeck, but they didn't fall flat on their faces either. The hope here is that while Hasselbeck was the cagey veteran who opts for the lower risk throws while managing the game, Winston is still young and clearly likes to take his shots. It only helps Jacksonville's case that the Tampa Bay offensive line has the stopping power of a wet store brand paper towel.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]
 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Adonai Mitchell

Can Adonai Mitchell Become the Jets' WR2?
Saquon Barkley

Is Saquon Barkley Still a Safe Bet to Perform Despite His Falling Dynasty Ranking?
Michael Wilson

Varied Opinions on Michael Wilson Could Create Unique Trade Opportunities
Jake Ferguson

Accurately Priced as a Low-End TE1
Tyreek Hill

Faces Uncertain Future
Brock Bowers

Still a Top-15 Player in Dynasty Leagues Despite Injury-Plagued Season
Gavin Sheets

Goes Yard Twice, Including Walk-Off Round-Tripper
Washington Commanders

Commanders Host Omar Cooper Jr. for a Pre-Draft Visit
NFL

Makai Lemon to be a Top-20 Draft Pick This Year?
Corbin Carroll

Expected to Start on Saturday
Wyatt Langford

Forced From Friday's Game With Quad Tightness
Bijan Robinson

Falcons Pick Up Bijan Robinson's Fifth-Year Option
Kris Bubic

Dominates White Sox With 11 Strikeouts on Friday
Royce Lewis

Headed for Injured List
Mack Hollins

Can Mack Hollins Maintain a Starting Role in New England in 2026?
Clay Holmes

Removed With Hamstring Tightness
Malik Washington

Has Breakout Potential After Offseason Movement in Miami
Mike Gesicki

Is Mike Gesicki a Buy-Low Candidate After Down 2025?
Cristian Javier

Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Jayden Reed

Poised for Larger Role in Green Bay Following Offseason Movement
Matthew Golden

Does Matthew Golden Have a Clear Path to a Starting Role in His Sophomore Season?
Jaylon Tyson

Rejoins Cavaliers Lineup as Starter
Klay Thompson

Misses Friday's Game Due to Illness
Kevin Huerter

Back in Action Friday
Sam Hauser

Cleared to Play Friday
Neemias Queta

Ready to Take on Pelicans
Derrick White

Good to Go Friday
Jaylen Brown

Active on Friday
Josh Giddey

Still Out Friday
Miles McBride

Exits Knicks Lineup Friday
Mitchell Robinson

Sidelined on Friday
Norman Powell

Won't Play Against Wizards
Tyler Herro

Out on Friday
Saddiq Bey

Herbert Jones Resting Friday
Immanuel Quickley

Unavailable Friday
Julius Randle

Misses Second Straight Game
Jayson Tatum

Won't Play Friday
Jackson Chourio

Still Not Cleared to Hit
Dontayvion Wicks

Eagles Acquiring Dontayvion Wicks From the Packers
Brent Rooker

A's Place Brent Rooker on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
J.T. Realmuto

Back in Friday's Lineup
Parker Meadows

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Broken Arm, Concussion
Seiya Suzuki

Back From the Injured List
Carlos Ulberg

A Slight Underdog
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Can Become UFC Champion Again
Paulo Costa

Makes his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Azamat Murzakanov

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Josh Hokit

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Curtis Blaydes

A Favorite At UFC 327
DJ Giddens

an Easily Replaceable Insurance Back
Kenny Moore II

and Colts Seeking a Trade
Hunter Henry

Could Be Impacted by NFL Draft
AJ Barner

a Mispriced Dynasty Asset
Cedric Tillman

Nearing Cut Candidacy in Dynasty Leagues
Josh Jacobs

Has a Health-Related Production Dip Left Josh Jacobs Undervalued?
Sam Carrick

to Miss Start of Playoffs
Alex Lyon

Questionable for Start of Postseason
Dakota Joshua

Unlikely to Return This Season
John Gibson

Exits Thursday's Game Due to Neck Problem
Miro Heiskanen

Uncertain for Playoffs
Brandon Hagel

Expected to Return Before End of Regular Season
Roman Josi

Nursing Upper-Body Injury
Trey Murphy III

Unavailable Against Celtics
Dejounte Murray

Remains Out Friday
Zion Williamson

Won't Suit Up Friday
Jalen Williams

Out on Friday
Jarrett Allen

Won't Play Against Hawks
Moritz Seider

has Five-Point Game on Thursday
Cole Caufield

Reaches 50 Goals
Blake Coleman

Unavailable Thursday
Quinton Byfield

Cleared to Play Thursday
Thomas Chabot

Makes Surprise Return Thursday
Luke Hughes

to Miss Rest of Season
Stuart Skinner

Faces Devils Thursday
Nazem Kadri

to "Miss Some Games" With Finger Injury
Seth Jones

to Miss Rest of Season Due to Broken Foot
Corbin Carroll

Dealing With Hip Injury, Not Expected to Miss Much Time
Brent Rooker

Exits Early on Thursday Due to Apparent Injury
Zach Benson

Scores Twice in Comeback Victory
Logan Thompson

Shuts Out the Leafs
Zach Eflin

Undergoes Successful Elbow Surgery, Will Miss Remainder of 2026
Andrei Kuzmenko

to Be Re-Evaluated in 7-8 Days
Mason Appleton

Won't Play Thursday
Tony DeAngelo

Expected to Return Thursday
Cole Ragans

"Should be Good" for Next Start
Reynaldo López

Reynaldo Lopez Handed Seven-Game Suspension
Jorge Soler

Suspended Seven Games, Will Appeal
Cole Ragans

Diagnosed With Thumb Contusion
Cole Ragans

Leaves Early on Wednesday After Being Hit in the Hand
Jacob deGrom

Expects to Make his Next Start
Tyrrell Hatton

a Steady Option at The Masters
Justin Thomas

a High-Risk, High-Reward Option at The Masters
PGA

Sungjae Im a Volatile Option at the Masters
Nicolai Hojgaard

Carrying Momentum Into The Masters
Si Woo Kim

in Strong Form Heading to The Masters
Chris Gotterup

Ready to Make His Masters Debut
Patrick Reed

Brings Momentum to The Masters
Jon Rahm

Looks Poised for His Second Green Jacket
Adam Scott

Form Points to Him Competing at Masters
Jordan Spieth

Finding Consistency Heading to Masters
Hideki Matsuyama

Trending In Right Direction For Masters
Tommy Fleetwood

a Contender if his Putter Cooperates at The Masters
Collin Morikawa

Vegas has Lost Confidence in Collin Morikawa Ahead of Masters Tournament
Ludvig Aberg

One of the Top Plays For This Week's Masters Tournament
Rory McIlroy

Set to Defend his Long-Awaited Masters Victory
Bryson DeChambeau

Looks to Finally Claim a Green Jacket
Patrick Cantlay

Needs Plenty to Go Right at Augusta
Harris English

Playing Solid Golf Heading to Masters
Sam Burns

Bouncing Back Nicely After Slow Start to 2026 Season
Corey Conners

Quietly Putting Together A Strong 2026 Season
Russell Henley

Looks to Bounce Back At Masters
Chris Duncan

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Renato Moicano

Gets Back In The Win Column
Tabatha Ricci

Gets Outgrappled
Virna Jandiroba

Bounces Back
Brendson Ribeiro

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev

Earns First-Round Submission Win
Rafael Estevam

Suffers His First Loss
Ethyn Ewing

Dominates At UFC Vegas 115
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF