This article is part of our FantasyDraft NFL series.
Each week, RotoWire will provide picks and values for FantasyDraft lineups. Users have a salary cap of $100,000 to select a lineup comprised of one quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, one tight end, two flex spots and one defense. The scoring is standard point-per-reception.
To roster some top-tier players in tournaments, you will need some lower-priced sleeper options.
Here are our fantasy football picks for Week 5 on FantasyDraft. Good luck!
QUARTERBACK
Philip Rivers, $12,300 vs. PIT
Rivers is one of the few cash options that are worthy at quarterback in Week 5, and on FantasyDraft he allows you to fit other good options at just $12,300. Rivers and the Chargers face the Steelers at home on Sunday, which gives Rivers an excellent matchup. The Steelers gave up six touchdowns and over 600 yards through the first two weeks, but have been better in the last two games, allowing just one touchdown. With that being said, those two games were against Nick Foles and Joe Flacco, who captain two struggling pass offenses. The Chargers boast one of the better passing attacks in the NFL, and return Antonio Gates to their stable of weapons. The Steelers do not have the depth to cover all of the Chargers' weapons, especially if Cortez Allen misses the game.
RUNNING BACK
Jamaal Charles, $15,200 vs. CHI
With all the people in the industry playing Le'Veon Bell as their top running back, Charles could go under owned on FantasyDraft in a good matchup in Week 5. Charles and the Chiefs face the Bears, who have allowed almsot 4.5 yards per carry and have allowed three touchdowns to opposing running backs. Charles is the most talented back the Bears will have faced this season, and with his expected volume in the passing game, as well as on the ground, he makes for a very good option that will be lesser owned considering the number of people on Bell.
Dion Lewis, $10,200 vs. DAL
Lewis signed a two-year extension with the Patriots on Thursday and will attempt to prove his worth Sunday against a Cowboys team that has allowed 333 receiving yards to opposing running backs this season. The Cowboys have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs, and with Lewis having a very safe floor as a receiver, he makes for a great option at just $10,200. He has 15 catches in three games, catching at least four passes in each. His floor is 16 points on FantasyDraft this season, so pair that with a good matchup and he is one of the top options.
WIDE RECEIVER
Julian Edelman, $13,700 vs. DAL
Edelman's production just screams for him to be used in cash games because of his PPR scoring ability. So far this season, the Patriots receiver has 30 catches in three games and has at least eight in all three contests. This is a floor of eight fantasy points without including the yards. Edelman is averaging 93 yards per game and has even scored two touchdowns so far, which makes him a top play in cash games each week. In Week 5 he will line up against Tyler Patmon, who is notorious for playing outside coverage in the slot. This means he will allow his receiver to work towards the middle of the field, which directly benefits Edelman's strengths. He is worth using in cash and tournaments on FantasyDraft given the upside and floor.
Willie Snead, $6,900 vs. PHI
With all the attractive options on FantasyDraft, you are going to need a cheap player without having to sacrifice production. Look no further than Snead, whose price will likely rise after this week. He has 16 catches on the season, including 15 in the last three weeks. His targets have risen as well, seeing at least six in three straight games. Snead and the Saints will face the Eagles, who have two cornerbacks that have allowed a lot of catches to opposing receivers. Wide receivers have caught 69 passes against the Eagles this season, which bodes well for Snead's value in a PPR scoring format like FantasyDraft.
TIGHT END
Antonio Gates, $9,100 vs. PIT
Gates returns after a four-week suspension to a Chargers offense that has been very good through the air without him. If you choose to use Rivers in tournaments, adding Gates as a stack option at tight end makes for an interesting duo that will likely be under owned. Gates faces a Steelers secondary that has allowed four touchdowns to tight ends this season, though three came in one game. Pittsburgh has not faced an offense that uses their tight ends much in the last two games, though in Weeks 1 and 2 a Rob Gronkowski and Vernon Davis-led tight end corps combined for 14 catches for 178 yards and four touchdowns. Gates is fresh, and he will look to find the end zone in his first game back.
DEFENSE
New England, $6,500 vs. DAL
There has been much discussion about the Patriots offense against the Cowboys, but their defense makes for an interesting play as well. The Cowboys are without Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, and Lance Dunbar, who are arguably their top three weapons. The Patriots have had an extra week to prepare coming off a bye, and with the Cowboys missing key players, expect the Patriots to get after Brandon Weeden and try to force turnovers. New England is favored, so Dallas should be playing from behind, meaning the Cowboys will have to throw a lot. This gives the Patriots defense more opportunities to score fantasy points with sacks and interceptions.
