We were treated to the full Sam Howell experience during Washington's narrow overtime loss to the Eagles two weeks ago. He was sacked another five times, but he also led five scoring drives against a menacing defence, finishing with 290 passing yards and one of the day's most clutch passing touchdowns as time expired. Howell also added 40 yards on the ground. Then last week Howell had another huge game for fantasy managers vs. the Bears, throwing for 388 yards and two touchdowns. He is the QB5 for Week 5, now having finished as a QB14 or better four times this season. Washington is loaded with weapons in Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel as well as two strong backs in Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson. Perhaps more importantly, though, Howell has a massive fantasy upside because of his mobility. In his final season at UNC, Howell ran for 828 yards and 11 touchdowns on 183 attempts.

newline

Wilson has actually looked like Mr. Unlimited over the past few weeks, despite some struggles with consistency. He’s posted 22-plus fantasy points in two of the last four weeks and just had 18.7 on of the league's top units, despite losing a fumble and taking four sacks. On top of his solid play it's always valuable in fantasy when your QB is at least a running threat. Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying elite Fantasy QB Russ has returned, but solid fantasy QB Russ is here. If he’s still available in your league, grab him for Thursday night against the Chiefs.

James Conner exited with a knee issue on Sunday, leaving Demercado as the next man up in the Cards backfield. The undrafted rookie from TCU was excellent in relief, carrying 10 times for 45 yards with this 11-yard TD included. With James Conner expected to miss multiple weeks with a knee injury, the Cardinals need a replacement. The concern here is that this could devolve into a committee, with Demercado,, Tony Jones (recently signed), and Damien Williams (practice squad), or even a free-agent addition. For now, I'm putting Demercado down as an RB3/flex with significant upside, until we get a better idea of how touches will be distributed this week.

newline

It’s been odd how little the Bears have used Forman this season after signing him as a free agent this summer. However, with both starter Khalil Herbet (name) and change of pace back Roshon Johnson (name) on the injury report, Foreman may be the only option for Chicago heading into Week 6. Fantasy managers should remember Foreman after he posted seven top-30 finishes in his last 11 games in 2023 for the Panthers. What’s most appealing about Foreman will be the opportunity that could come his way with a potentially empty RB room in Chicago. The risk involved in investing in Foreman since we haven’t seen him on the field with Chicago at all, but he could be a solid flex option for fantasy managers who are in a pinch.

Despite just playing 35% of the Chiefs' snaps through five weeks, Rice leads the team's receivers in targets, receptions, and touchdowns. Given his lacking snap count that's a great sign. On top of this Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy acknowledged Monday that the rookie has earned more opportunities. If Travis Kelce's ankle injury causes him to miss the Thursday nighter or limits him in any way, Rice could see an uptick in targets from Patrick Mahomes. Either way, this is the time to acquire Rice before the breakout happens, because it will.

newline

Osborn has a history of coming through in short stints, especially when one of the Vikings' top pass-catchers is injured. Jump to Justin Jefferson suffering a hamstring injury that was bad enough that he has been placed on injured reserve; meaning will miss at least the next four weeks. Though rookie Jordan Addison is the most likely candidate to get the biggest share of Jefferson's targets while he sits out, Osborn is likely to get hot over the next stretch as well. Over the last five games of the 2022 season, Osborn was the WR8 in fantasy points per game, in large part thanks to a pair of 100-yard outings and three touchdowns during that span. Don't be surprised if Osborn is a WR2/3 while Jefferson recovers.

Thomas might be my favourite pickup of the entire column this week. With the Commanders playing on Thursday Night Football last week, your league mates might have forgotten his nine catches, 77 yards and one touchdown (on 11 targets) in that loss. That doesn't mean you should. Thomas has posted seven-plus fantasy points in every game he’s played this season (yes, that is a good number for a tight end, and yes, this includes a game he exited with an injury). Thomas is one of just six TEs with 18-plus catches and multiple touchdowns. At a position with a whole lot of volatility and very little reliability, Thomas might have the best combination of floor and ceiling on the wire.

The Raiders' defence has not been very impressive this season. Heck, but have you watched this New England offence? The Patriots have scored fewer points each successive week since posting a season-high 20 in their opener, totalling a measly 18 over the last three games. Something’s gotta give in this Raiders/Patriots matchup. I don't know about you, but I have more faith in Maxx Crosby than Mac Jones.