Guest of the League
Let's play some football Est. 2020
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

QB Joe Burrow says Bengals 'not a championship-level team'

Sun Oct 6 11:47pm ET
Field Level Media

Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow was brutally honest when speaking about his team after Sunday's 41-38 overtime loss to the rival Baltimore Ravens dropped Cincinnati to 1-4 on the season.

"We're not a championship-level team right now," Burrow said. "We're not. I like to think that we'll come back and improve throughout the season to get to that point, but right now we are not and we have to get better."

Burrow certainly did his part on Sunday.

He completed 30 of 39 passes for 392 yards and a career-high five touchdown passes in a duel with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who was 26-of-42 passing for 348 yards and four TDs. Jackson also rushed for 55 yards on 12 carries.

Burrow's lone interception and mistake came with 3:01 left in regulation. Cincinnati was leading 38-35 when his pass on second-and-15 from the Ravens 33 was picked off by Marlon Humphrey, and Baltimore turned the mistake into Justin Tucker's game-tying 56-yard field goal.

"I know exactly how we are 1-4," Burrow said. "We're not making plays at the end of the game to go and win it. Definitely not in disbelief. I know exactly what's happening."

Cincinnati missed out on the postseason in 2023 after losing in the AFC Championship Game a year prior. It also fell in the Super Bowl to cap the 2021 campaign.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 5

Player Notes
Jakobi Meyers Oct 7 7:50am CT
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers had a solid game against a tough Denver Broncos defense in Sunday's 34-18 loss. Meyers was targeted nine times, hauling in six of them for 72 yards. The sixth-year pro finished second on the team to emerging star tight end Brock Bowers. While lead quarterback Gardner Minshew II was benched for Aidan O'Connell in the third quarter, both quarterbacks targeted Meyers multiple times. Meyers did well, considering Denver boasts the third-least PPR fantasy points allowed to wide receivers this season. He's the clear top receiver for his team as long as lead wideout Davante Adams (hamstring) doesn't return to play, which is possible, considering Adams is involved in trade talks. Meyers deserves WR3/FLEX consideration in Week 6 when the Raiders face the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have held opposing wide receivers to bottom-ten fantasy points scored this season, but Meyers' target volume feels safe for now.

From RotoBaller

Alexander Mattison Oct 7 7:50am CT
Alexander Mattison

Las Vegas Raiders' running back Alexander Mattisonhad his first opportunity as the team's lead rusher against the Denver Broncos in Week 5, but Denver's defense mostly stifled him. The sixth-year pro had just 38 yards on 15 carries, good for 2.5 yards per carry, and added two receptions on three targets for 23 yards in Sunday's 34-18 loss. Mattison also rushed for a two-point conversion on a touchdown by his backup, Ameer Abdullah. Running room has been challenging for the former Viking to find, as the Raiders don't pose much threat to opposing defenses in the passing game. Things are looking grim again for Week 6, when the Raiders will face the Pittsburgh Steelers, who allow the second-least fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. With the potential return of lead back Zamir White (groin) from injury, Mattison is best left on the bench for his upcoming game.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Oct 7 7:40am CT
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers had his biggest game of the season in Sunday's 34-18 loss to the Denver Broncos. Bowers notched a season-high targets and converted that into eight catches for 97 yards and a touchdown. Bowers' signature play came early in the first quarter. Quarterback Gardner Minshew II launched a deep pass, and the rookie leaped over a defender to make a catch and ran it 35 more yards into the end zone. He was widely praised for his run-after-catch ability in college, and it looks like that's translating to the NFL perfectly. Bowers has emerged as one of the top tight ends in fantasy in 2024. The Raiders will face a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that's around the league average in fantasy points allowed to tight ends, but Bowers has the talent to succeed against any defense and is a must-start in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Oct 7 7:40am CT
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker caught just two passes for 18 yards on five targets and rushed twice for eight yards in Sunday's 34-18 loss to the Denver Broncos. It was a quiet day for the second-year pro, but the entire offense struggled against a tough Broncos pass defense outside of garbage time. Tucker's opportunities were limited by a lack of targets and the stifling opposing defense, which caught three interceptions against Raiders' quarterbacks Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O'Connell. Better days should be ahead for the speedster, but the quality of quarterback play in Las Vegas isn't very good. Tucker's matchup in Week 6 is another brutal one. The Raiders will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6, who have allowed the ninth-least fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Tucker should be left out of starting lineups for that contest, but he's still worth rostering, especially if lead receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) is traded or ruled out for Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Oct 7 7:00am CT
Caleb Williams

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams delivered his best performance of the season against the Carolina Panthers. In Week 5, Williams completed 20 of 29 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns while notably avoiding any turnovers. This marks the second time in three weeks that he has thrown for over 300 yards, and it was his third consecutive week without an interception. Williams excelled on passes of at least 15 air yards, completing all four attempts for 108 yards and both touchdowns. Additionally, he demonstrated his mobility with a one-yard touchdown run that was unfortunately called back due to a penalty. The Bears scored 36 points on Sunday, their highest total of the season, indicating that the offense is improving as Williams gains experience. Looking ahead to Week 6, Williams will face a Jaguars defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks (as of Week 5) this season, setting the stage for another potential breakout performance.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Oct 7 7:00am CT
D'Andre Swift

On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift delivered a standout performance against the Carolina Panthers. He recorded 21 carries for 73 yards, a touchdown, and two receptions for 47 yards. Swift's most impressive play came on a 42-yard screen pass from Caleb Williams in the second quarter, where he evaded two defenders and maneuvered across the field to set up his one-yard touchdown run. Although Swift could have added to his tally, a one-yard touchdown run was wiped out by an illegal shift penalty, leading to Roschon Johnson scoring from one yard out just two plays later. After struggling with 42 or fewer scrimmage yards in his first three games with the Bears, Swift has surged with 285 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns over the past two weeks. Following a slow start to the season, he is now hitting his stride. The Bears capitalized on the Panthers' weak defense, which struggled to contain their offense. Swift looks poised for another strong outing in Week 6 against the struggling Jaguars defense in London.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Oct 7 7:00am CT
Roschon Johnson

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson delivered his best performance of the season in Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers. He rushed ten times for 25 yards and scored two touchdowns. While his yardage may seem modest, his goal-line usage adds significant fantasy appeal. Should D'Andre Swift miss any time, Johnson's role in the offense will likely expand even further. Since Week 3, he has been the clear change-of-pace back, averaging ten touches and a touchdown per game. With bye weeks approaching, having a player like Johnsonwho regularly sees opportunities near the goal linecan be invaluable. Johnson aims to maintain his scoring momentum as he heads into a favorable Week 6 matchup against the struggling Jaguars defense in London.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Oct 7 7:00am CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore delivered his best performance of the season against his former team, the Carolina Panthers. He caught five passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns, igniting the Bears' scoring with a 34-yard touchdown in the first quarter and adding another 30-yard touchdown reception just before halftime. Moore set a season high in receiving yards, solidifying his status as the clear top target in a Bears receiving corps that also features Keenan Allen and rookie first-round pick Rome Odunze, who collectively managed 73 yards on 12 targets during the game. This marked Moore's first 100-yard game of the season and the sixth since he joined the Bears last year. Notably, it was only the second time he's scored multiple touchdowns in a game with the team. After a slow start to the season, which included a wait until Week 4 to find the end zone, Moore is building a strong connection with quarterback Caleb Williams. This momentum bodes well for Moore as he heads into a favorable Week 6 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Oct 7 7:00am CT
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen had a subdued outing this Sunday against the struggling Carolina Panthers secondary, finishing with just three receptions for 33 yards. Despite setting a season-high in receiving yards, he has yet to deliver a standout performance since joining the Bears. His two-game absence due to a heel injury has undoubtedly impacted his rhythm, but seeing him healthy and back on the field for the last two games is encouraging. While he remains unstartable in fantasy leagues now, there's optimism that he could find his groove in the upcoming matchup against a vulnerable Jaguars defense.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Oct 7 7:00am CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze had a solid yet modest performance against the Carolina Panthers in Week 5, catching five passes for 40 yards. He tied with Keenan Allen for second on the team in targets, but DJ Moore remained the clear standout in Chicago's passing attack. Notably, this season, 112 of Odunze's 206 receiving yards came during a Week 3 breakout while Allen was sidelined with a heel injury. As the Bears head into a Week 6 matchup against Jacksonville's struggling secondary, Odunze has the potential to make an impact. However, his low floor is a concern as he competes with Moore and Allen for targets in the offense.

From RotoBaller

Cole Kmet Oct 7 7:00am CT
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet delivered a solid performance against the Carolina Panthers in Week 5, recording three catches for 57 yards, including a notable 26-yard reception that showcased his big-play potential. After a slow start to the season, Kmet is starting to find his stride in the offense, averaging five catches and 63 yards over the past three weeks. While he has had one standout game this season, he should be primarily regarded as a reliable fantasy option with a solid floor. Backup Gerald Everett also saw increased involvement, catching two passes for 22 yards. Kmet will look to build on this momentum in a favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Watt Oct 7 2:43am CT
T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt had eight tackles (seven solo), three QB hits, and 1.5 sacks against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Oct. 6. It moved Watt past 100 sacks for his career.

From TheHuddle

Eric Kendricks Oct 7 2:03am CT
Eric Kendricks

Dallas Cowboys LB Eric Kendricks compiled 10 tackles - four solo - forced a fumble and broke up a pass play in Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From TheHuddle

Matthew Stafford Oct 7 1:53am CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford connected on 29 of his 45 passes for 260 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception in a 24-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Oct. 6.

Fantasy Spin: Once again forced to operate without the services of his top two receivers, Stafford was content to work the short and midrange passing game. He was picked off once and was lucky to have a second one go through a defensive back's hands but was otherwise efficient. He's held very little value through five games due to a lack of touchdown passes, but with Cooper Kupp (ankle) targeting a Week 7 return that could change. Stafford is a low-end QB2 right now, but he might be a spot start option as the season progresses.

From TheHuddle

Ezekiel Elliott Oct 7 1:33am CT
Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott rushed six times for 17 yards and did not catch his only target in Week 5 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Fantasy Spin: Rico Dowdle handled the ball 22 times, making it clear that he is now the lead - if not the featured - back. Elliott's role in the offense has declined dramatically since Week 1 to the point where he can probably be dropped in most leagues. Even in the middle of the bye-week season, managers can do better - especially in Week 6 against the stingy run defense of the Detroit Lions.

From TheHuddle

Adonai Mitchell Oct 7 1:30am CT
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell caught four of his seven targets for 38 yards in the team's 34-37 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Adonai also threw a 24-yard completion to running back Tyler Goodson, and carried the ball once himself for four yards on the ground. Mitchell has seen a significant decrease in snaps upon Josh Downs' return from injury, but HC Shane Steichen is manufacturing ways for him to remain involved in the offense. Mitchell's snap count remains low, logging just 19 in the game. While it is encouraging to see that the Colts want him to remain a part of the offense, Mitchell's low-end opportunity share doesn't make him a reliable weekly option in fantasy right now. That could change in the event of an injury to any of the Colts starting receivers. The former Texas Longhorn is better left on the bench in Week 6 when the Colts take on the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Oct 7 1:20am CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught nine of his 12 targets for 69 yards in the team's 34-37 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Downs led the team in both receptions and targets, being a consistently reliable target for QB Joe Flacco throughout the matchup. Downs has been the No. 1 option for Flacco through the last two weeks, and it's unclear how much that production might shift should the Colts go back to Anthony Richardson (oblique) in Week 6. That being said, Downs remains a viable flex option in Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans, with a slightly higher ceiling if Flacco is once again the starter.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 7 1:20am CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught five of his eight targets for 37 yards and a touchdown in the team's 34-37 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pittman opened the scoring for Indy, catching a one-yard touchdown on the team's opening drive. Pittman remained quiet throughout the rest of the matchup, eventually seeing more usage in the second half when the Colts went down by multiple possessions. The touchdown heavily helped Pittman's fantasy production but he did otherwise have an underwhelming performance given the high-scoring affair. Given his favorable target share, the former USC wide out can still be considered a WR2/3 option in Week 6 when the Colts face the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Oct 7 1:10am CT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce caught all three of his targets for 134 yards and a touchdown in the team's 34-37 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pierce was quiet through the first three quarters of the game, not getting his first reception until five minutes left in the fourth quarter. He then caught a 46-yard pass and followed it up with a 65-yard touchdown grab in the team's final drive. Pierce has put together a few games like this so far this season, catching multiple deep passes, whether from QB Anthony Richardson or Joe Flacco. While his target share remains low in the offense, the third-year receiver has shown the ability to be a trusted deep ball target for both QBs. He can be considered a boom-or-bust option in Week 6 when the Colts take on the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Oct 7 1:03am CT
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott finished 29-of-42 for 352 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions in Week 5 versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. Prescott also added three yards on his only carry and lost a fumble.

Fantasy Spin: The Cowboys could only manage two field goals through three quarters before Prescott led a pair of lengthy drives in the fourth quarter to rally his team. The 31-year-old has thrown for two scores in three straight and averaged 317.3 yards passing over that stretch. There is a good chance he will need to approach those numbers in Week 6 against a Detroit Lions defense that has been stout versus the run but beatable through the air. Consider Prescott a low-end QB1 at worst in that matchup.

From TheHuddle