Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin does have a plus matchup in Week 5 against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, a defense that is allowing the eighth-most half-PPR fantasy points to RBs through four weeks in 2024. That's about where the positives end for McLaughlin, though, coming into this game. He's the No. 2 back behind Javonte Williams, is averaging a lackluster 3.2 yards per carry and is in an offense that has averaged just over 100 yards rushing per game. McLaughlin did have 5.1 yards per carry and 46 yards on nine carries in the Week 4 win over the Jets and found the end zone in Week 3 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He checks in as the RB50 in half-PPR scoring and also ranks 45th in carries (27) and 47th in passing targets (seven). McLaughlin has a better matchup this week, but Denver's low-scoring offense hasn't been able to support one fantasy RB, let alone two.

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Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard has a favorable matchup this Sunday when the team takes on the Chicago Bears in Week 5. Hubbard is coming off two stellar performances in which he recorded 100-yard games on the ground and caught at least four passes while scoring a touchdown. It's back-to-back superb efforts for the fourth-year RB, who has his arrow pointing up with quarterback Andy Dalton remaining under center. The former fourth-round pick will eventually see less work out of the backfield with the looming activation of rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee). However, he's a locked-in RB2 with upside while he has a stranglehold on the Panthers' lead-back duties. Chicago's defense hasn't allowed many points this season, but they're letting up 4.5 yards per carry, and opposing offenses have scored five times on the ground against them -- the sixth-most in the league. Hubbard is RotoBaller's PPR RB11 in this week's rankings.

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Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams has the opportunity to get his season kickstarted in a matchup this Sunday at home against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders in Week 5. The Raiders defense is allowing the eighth-most half-PPR fantasy points to RBs through four weeks, also giving up 137.5 rushing yards per game (ninth-most). Now the question is whether the 24-year-old can exploit the matchup, but maybe more so, can the Broncos' offense be more consistent in sustaining drives? Williams hasn't been great -- he's the RB41 in half-PPR scoring -- and is averaging a career-low 3.2 yards per carry. He also has yet to find the end zone. But he did have his most efficient game last week (16 carries for 77 yards) against the Jets and could be facing a Raiders defense without Maxx Crosby (ankle). Although the upside remains on the low end in Denver's low-scoring offense, Williams has RB2 upside this week.

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton will have low-end streaming appeal in Week 5 when the team takes to the road to face the Chicago Bears. It's been two weeks since the 36-year-old took over for Bryce Young as the Panthers' signal-caller, and the transition has paid off thus far for the team's offensive outlook. Dalton has racked up 539 yards and five touchdowns over that time frame while completing 65.4% of his passes (51-of-78). He and Carolina's skill players will have a more challenging task Sunday against a Bears defense, allowing the eighth-fewest points per game in the league through the season's first month (18.8). Still, the former second-round pick is performing well and has the Panthers offense looking far better off than the first two weeks. This will be his most difficult matchup to date, but Dalton has earned weekly lineup consideration in multi-quarterback formats and a longer look than usual, considering the start of bye weeks. He's RotoBaller's QB19 this week.

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Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix will hope to end the franchise's long losing streak in Week 5 on Sunday at home against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Nix comes into this game as the QB23 in overall fantasy points through his first four NFL games. The 12th overall pick out of Oregon has completed only 60.1% of his passes for 660 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions, adding two touchdowns on the ground. It's safe to say he's struggled early on, but to be fair, it's not like he has great weapons around him in Denver. The 24-year-old threw for just 60 yards and his first NFL TD in the 10-9, Week 4 upset over the New York Jets. The Raiders defense (possibly without Maxx Crosby) presents a softer matchup at home, but fantasy managers should already know not to expect too much for the young signal-caller. Nix should be considered a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues against a Raiders D that ranks 18th in fantasy points allowed to QBs per week through four games.

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Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. has a chance to have a great week in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts. Etienne Jr. was limited in practice all week, but fortunately will enter Sunday's game without an injury tag. While the Colts are better against the run than the pass, they aren't great against either. Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor may both be out for the Colts offense, meaning the Jaguars have a great chance to earn their first win of the season. That means more time spent leading and more running the ball. The main thing that has limited Etienne Jr.'s upside has been less volume than expected. It's hard to get a lot of carries for a team always playing from behind, but that could change on Sunday. Tank Bigsby has been good in limited touches, so he could continue to eat into Etienne Jr.'s workload. However, in a good matchup with potential for more volume, Etienne Jr. should be viewed as an RB2 with RB1 upside in Week 5.

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Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram is officially questionable heading into Sunday's matchup with the Indianapolis Colts after limited participation in practice all week. The star tight end hasn't played since Week 1, and the Jaguars offense has suffered without him. Brenton Strange has been a solid replacement but hasn't come close to the production Engram was expected to provide entering the season. While the former New York Giant had only one catch in Week 1, fantasy managers should be happy to start him if he returns from injury. His upside is higher than most alternative tight ends, which is all fantasy managers can really rely on at the position so far this season. Engram will have to compete with Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas Jr. for targets, but his red zone threat is something the team sorely lacks without him. The offense has steadily improved week-to-week, meaning Week 5 against a poor Colts pass defense could be the perfect week for Engram to return from injury with a bang.

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Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence should be upgraded this week in a great matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are one of the worst defenses in the NFL against the pass this season, so if Lawrence were to have a breakout game, this would be the game to do it. The former first overall pick has not been reliable to start the season, but the offense does seem to be improving, albeit slowly. Lawrence finally tossed multiple touchdowns last week, one to Christian Kirk and one to Brian Thomas Jr. There's a great chance he has another multi-touchdown effort this week, especially if star tight end Evan Engram returns from injury. The Colts will be without Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor on the offensive side, so it's possible the Jaguars will be playing ahead for the first time all season, meaning more runs than passes. Still, Lawrence should be viewed as a QB2 with QB1 upside in Week 5.

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New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo revealed on Friday that running back Rhamondre Stevenson won't make the start in Week 5 this Sunday against the division-rival Miami Dolphins. "Had a conversation with Rhamondre [Stevenson] and he won't be starting I'll be upfront and transparent. But he will play. And he understands he has to protect the football going forward," Mayo said. The head coach said earlier this week that he'd consider starting Antonio Gibson over Stevenson this week, and it looks like that will happen. Stevenson has had trouble hanging onto the football (four fumbles) while averaging 4.1 yards per carry on 65 rushing attempts. Gibson has been more efficient, averaging a career-best 5.3 yards per tote on just 29 carries. Stevenson should still be involved on Sunday, but now he'll be an even lower upside RB3/flex for fantasy managers.

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The Los Angeles Rams expect cornerback Darious Williams (hamstring) to play in Week 5 against the visiting Green Bay Packers on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, according to head coach Sean McVay. Williams said he felt good being back at practice this week. Williams is currently on Injured Reserve, but he returned to practice on Wednesday and should be activated on Saturday before making his 2024 debut this weekend against Green Bay. The Rams could ease the 31-year-old defensive back into the fold, but he will now start opposite Tre'Davious White. It's good news for a struggling Rams secondary, but Williams' expected return this week won't make the Rams' defense/special teams until worth streaming in fantasy against the Packers. In 17 games with the Jaguars in 2023, Williams had 53 tackles (44 solo), a career-high-tying four interceptions (one TD), 19 pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

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Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (ankle) is listed as questionable to play on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Diggs popped up on the injury report on Thursday and was limited in practice before sitting out on Friday. In addition, cornerback Caelen Carson (shoulder) and rookie linebacker Marist Liufau (quadriceps) are questionable. The vaunted Cowboys defense has not only disappointed so far in 2024, but they're also without star pass-rushers DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) and Micah Parsons (ankle) in Week 5. Steelers wide receiver George Pickens would benefit the most if Diggs is unable to play this week. With all the injuries to that side of the ball, Dallas' defense/special teams unit is merely a streaming option against Steelers dual-threat quarterback Justin Fields on the road this weekend.

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) is listed as questionable to play this Sunday in Week 5 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Warner injured his ankle in the Week 4 win over the New England Patriots and is now up in the air to play this weekend. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before being limited on Friday, giving himself a chance to suit up. The 49ers' defense/special teams unit should still be considered a must-start against Arizona in Week 5, but Warner being on the field would certainly give them much more upside. He is a must-start linebacker in IDP fantasy leagues whenever he's active. The 27-year-old three-time Pro Bowler is a tackle machine with 100-plus combined tackles in all six of his NFL seasons. Through four games this year, he already has 27 tackles (17 solo), a sack, two interceptions (one for a TD) and three forced fumbles.

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Through four games in 2024, the Cleveland Browns defense has failed to live up to the high standard they set last year. They will look to change that in a Week 5 road matchup against the Washington Commanders. Thanks to record-setting rookie QB Jayden Daniels, the Commanders have been a problem for fantasy defenses in 2024, allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to the position through four games. Due to the tough matchup and their own underachieving ways this season, the Browns defense should not be in starting lineups for Week 5.

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New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe (hip) practiced in full on Friday after he was given an DNP tag on Thursday. Grupe was looking iffy for Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football after popping up on the initial injury report, but a return to a full practice a day later on Friday should put him in the clear to be available to close out Week 5 action. The 25-year-old has been a top-10 fantasy kicker through the first four weeks of the season, and there's no reason why fantasy managers should be going away from him this week as long as he's active. Grupe is currently the No. 7 kicker in terms of fantasy points this year. He's made all eight of his field-goal attempts and has missed just one of his 14 extra-point tries. The Chiefs defense has allowed 7.5 fantasy points per game to kickers through four games, which ranks 20th in the league.

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New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (forearm) was able to put in a full practice on Friday after he had a limited showing in Thursday's session. Johnson is on track to be available to play on Monday Night Football in Week 5 on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. Fellow TE Taysom Hill (ribs) is dealing with fractured ribs and is looking doubtful to play, which will open up some more pass-catching opportunities for Johnson this week. Foster Moreau will continue to be a road block in terms of playing time and targets for Johnson, though, so fantasy managers should continue to ignore him. Through the first four games in 2024, Johnson has only caught four of six targets for 39 yards and one touchdown. There should be better TE2 sleeper options available in Week 5.

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Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper has mostly struggled in 2024 as he has hit double-digit PPR points just once in four games. He will look to rectify that in Week 5's road matchup against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders could be just what a struggling Browns offense ordered as they have struggled to slow down passing attacks in 2024. Washington is allowing the most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts while allowing at least one touchdown catch to go to a wide receiver in all four of their games. The Cooper-Deshaun Watson connection should be able to take advantage of the soft matchup and can be treated as a mid-range WR1 in fantasy this weekend.

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Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins has been solid this season, hitting five of his six field goals and adding five extra points on six attempts. He will look to add a few more field goals to his tally in Week 5's road matchup against the Washington Commanders. Washington has mostly struggled on defense this season but they have been solid against fantasy kickers, allowing just the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. This is at least partially a result of all the touchdowns they have allowed, but nonetheless, it doesn't help Hopkins' case to be considered as a fantasy starter. He settles in outside of the top 15 options at the position for Week 5.

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New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Friday. Fellow RB Kendre Miller (hamstring) was upgraded to full-go in practice after being limited on Wednesday. Kamara was listed with the same injuries last week before suiting up and touching the ball 26 times for 119 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in the Week 4 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The 29-year-old will most likely be cleared on Saturday to play on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. Kamara should continue to have high volume in the Saints' backfield, especially with Taysom Hill (ribs) looking doubtful to play after fracturing his ribs last weekend. Through four weeks in 2024, Kamara is the RB1 in fantasy in half-PPR scoring with 362 rushing yards and five touchdowns, adding 17 catches for 174 yards and another TD. He's a must-start against KC.

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Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford has been active in the passing game this season, catching 17 passes for 85 yards through four games. The veteran tailback will look to keep it up in Week 5's road matchup against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders have struggled on defense this season, allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to running backs thus far. After a hiccup in Week 2, Ford has reclaimed the majority share of the Cleveland backfield and has reached at least 10.0 PPR points in three of his four contests. Fantasy gamers can treat him as a high-end RB2 heading into a prime matchup against Washington in Week 5.

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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (knee) practiced in full all week but remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list and is questionable to make his 2024 debut in Week 5 against the division-rival New England Patriots. Meanwhile, receivers Malik Washington (quadriceps) and Braxton Berrios (ankle) were removed from the final injury report and will play on Sunday in Foxborough. We'll know by Saturday whether Beckham will come off the PUP list and be active for Sunday's contest. If the 31-year-old does make his debut with the Dolphins, head coach Mike McDaniel already hinted that OBJ will be on a pitch count. Beckham might be interesting as a bench stash in deeper leagues if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) makes a return, but right now, Beckham can be left on the waiver wire in most leagues.

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