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Falcons in comfort zone after consecutive comeback victories

Fri Oct 4 5:07pm ET
Field Level Media

If there is a constant with Raheem Morris' Atlanta Falcons, it is a flair for the dramatic.

Through five games of the Morris regime, the Falcons sit 3-2, with each contest decided by eight points or less. Over the past two weeks, Atlanta has been able to get the job done late in each game.

After beating the New Orleans Saints 26-24 on a last-second Younghoe Koo field goal in Week 4, the Falcons used an improbable comeback on Thursday to top the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 36-30 in overtime.

On defense, and trailing by three points with less than two minutes left, the Falcons forced a punt before Kirk Cousins - who set a single-game franchise with 509 passing yards - led the offense to the 34-yard line with one second remaining. It was just enough time for Koo's game-tying 52-yarder as regulation expired.

It then took Atlanta just four plays in overtime to go home a winner, as Cousins found the seldom-used KhaDarel Hodge on a walk-off 45-yard touchdown in overtime.

With its work done in Week 5, the franchise is now able to take a collective deep breath ahead of a stress-free Sunday viewing slate.

"I gave the guys a ‘Victory Friday,'" Morris said a day after the most recent win. "They are probably coming in on their own, getting a little bit of treatment if they need it, doing what they need to do in the weight room, but they weren't required to be in the building today."

As thrilling as the last two victories have been, the opponents the Falcons have beaten has made the wins even more impressive. In the midst of a three-week stretch against NFC South foes, Atlanta now sits in first place in the division, while holding tie breakers over New Orleans and Tampa Bay.

"The importance of division games are always of high magnitude," Morris said. "We've talked about it from the beginning. To outrun the South, the only way you can do that is beating South opponents. It's always a big deal to get back-to-back like that, and to do it in a dramatic fashion."

Now, Morris and the team get a mini-bye week before traveling to face the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 13.

"I'm going to watch everybody play on Sunday," Morris said, when asked if he'll watch the Panthers this weekend. "This is the best part about playing on Thursday night. You're home sitting on your couch on Sunday, watching RedZone on one TV, the local game on the other. I can't wait."

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Raheem Mostert Oct 4 6:00pm CT
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running backs Raheem Mostert (chest) and Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) have both been cleared to play in Week 5 on Sunday against the division-rival New England Patriots. Mostert has been out of action since the season-opening win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before being taken off the final injury report after a full practice on Friday. Fantasy managers should be hesitant to use Mostert as a flex play unless they are desperate, though, as head coach Mike McDaniel said that the 32-year-old veteran would likely have his snaps scaled back in his first game back. On top of the expected limited workload, Miami's offense will have far less upside altogether for as long as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) remains sidelined. Miami will likely mix in Mostert and rookie Jaylen Wright behind starter De'Von Achane against New England.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Oct 4 6:00pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has struggled for a good portion of the 2024 season, throwing for just 727 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions through four games. He has a good chance to bounce back, however, in Week 5's road matchup against the Washington Commanders. Washington's defense has struggled against quarterbacks this season, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Watson's play has been up-and-down this year but he has a shot at posting his best fantasy outing of the season in Week 5 thanks to his opponent. Fantasy gamers can treat him as a high-end QB2 on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Dontayvion Wicks Oct 4 6:00pm CT
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks is set to start for the team as they head west to Los Angeles and SoFi Stadium to take on the Rams in Week 5. Wicks smashed last week in the Packers' rally that fell short against the Vikings, with five receptions, 78 yards and two touchdowns. After finishing as the overall WR3 last week, Wicks is looking for an encore and he'll have a clearer runway to do just that. Romeo Doubs (personal) and Christian Watson (ankle) are both listed as doubtful on the final injury report for the Packers, so Wicks will need to be relied upon by Jordan Love as a key component in the passing game. With the Rams allowing the second-most receiving yards per game to outside wide receivers, this matchup is a great one for Wicks. Slot him into your fantasy lineups as a low-end WR2 with clear WR1 upside in Week 5.

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Josh Jacobs Oct 4 5:50pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has a solid matchup on tap as the Packers head to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. While Jacobs has been solid this season, he hasn't put up a top-20 fantasy finish in any of the four games he's played this season despite plenty of opportunity. Jacobs is also looking to get into the scoring column, as he hasn't scored a touchdown this season either. Despite the Packers' willingness to give fellow running back Emanuel Wilson more and more opportunity, Jacobs has a great matchup as the Rams are one of the worst defenses in football stopping the run, as they're 31st in DVOA against the run. Positive regression is on Jacobs' side here, so fire up Jacobs as a low-end fantasy RB1 in this excellent matchup.

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Jayden Reed Oct 4 5:50pm CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed has a beautiful matchup on tap as the Packers travel west to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. Last week, Reed put up a WR2 overall week with 139 receiving on seven receptions, adding a touchdown grab in the Packers' comeback bid that fell short to the Vikings. In fact, in the two games Reed has played with quarterback Jordan Love, he's been overall WR1 in Week 1 and WR2 last week. The Packers may also be down a couple of receivers as Romeo Doubs (personal) and Christian Watson (ankle) are both listed as doubtful on the injury report, leaving Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Tucker Kraft as the primary pass-catchers for Love and the Packers. Lock in Reed as a fantasy WR1 in an exploitable matchup against the Rams this week.

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Tucker Kraft Oct 4 5:40pm CT
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft is trending upwards for the Packers and with Luke Musgrave (ankle) not having logged any practice time this week, Kraft should be in line for a massive workload as the Packers face the Rams in Week 5. Last week, Kraft ran more routes per dropback (86%) than he has all season and came away with his best fantasy performance of the season, finishing overall TE1 on the week. After a 6-53-1 line against the Vikings, Kraft should be ready to go against the Rams, a defense that allows the highest catch rate to the tight end position. Not to mention that Romeo Doubs (personal) and Christian Watson (ankle) are both doubtful, and the target tree is likely condensed even further. Kraft is a TE1 this week and a worthy fantasy start in the majority of leagues.

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Anthony Richardson Oct 4 5:40pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (concussion) is listed as questionable for Week 5 against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. In addition to Hines-Allen, linebackers Yasir Abdullah and Devin Lloyd and safeties Darnell Savage (quadriceps) and Daniel Thomas (hamstring) are questionable. Hines-Allen missed practice on Wednesday but was listed as limited on Thursday and Friday, so he's at least progressing through the league's concussion protocol. He still needs to be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to play on Sunday. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues need to have a backup plan in place in case the 27-year-old pass-rusher doesn't get the green light. The Jags defense/special teams unit hasn't moved the needle in fantasy in 2024, but they could be a streaming option in deeper leagues with running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) out and quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) questionable.

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Greg Zuerlein Oct 4 5:40pm CT
Greg Zuerlein

New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein will head to London to take on the Minnesota Vikings in London in Week 5. Zuerlein has been a bit erratic of late, having missed two of his six attempts over the past two games. He will look to get back on track but he may have a hard time against a Vikings defense that is allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing kickers this season. To make matters worse, the Jets offense plays slow and hasn't been very high-scoring this season, which has limited Zuerlein's attempts. He settles in outside the top-20 fantasy kickers this weekend.

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Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 4 5:30pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) was officially listed as questionable for the Week 5 contest against the Cleveland Browns. Robinson popped up on the injury report this week and was unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday. However, he returned to the field with a limited practice on Friday to give himself a chance to play this weekend. He's expected to be a game-time decision, but the good news is he's "trending in the right direction" to be active, and we'll know whether he's active or not before the first slate of games kicks off on Sunday. Austin Ekeler is returning after a one-game absence due to a concussion, so if Robinson is active against Cleveland, he'll definitely have more competition for touches, making him more of an RB3/flex in fantasy. If B-Rob is inactive, expect Jeremy McNichols, who scored two rushing touchdowns last week, to split the backfield with Ekeler.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Oct 4 5:30pm CT
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running backs Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) and Tank Bigsby (shoulder) were both limited in practice all week and have been removed from the final injury report for Week 5 on Friday. They will both be active on Sunday to take on the division-rival Indianapolis Colts. Even though Bigsby is coming off his best game of the year in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans, Etienne should be considered a strong RB2 choice for fantasy lineups with Etienne cleared to play. Etienne has averaged 4.6 yards per carry for 214 yards and two rushing touchdowns on 47 carries through the first four weeks, also catching 10 of his 15 targets for 48 yards in the air. He will continue to be Jacksonville's primary RB, but Bigsby may be a thorn in his side all year long as the Jaguars look to give Bigsby a bigger role.

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Maxx Crosby Oct 4 5:20pm CT
Maxx Crosby

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle), who missed the first game of his career in the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns, is listed as questionable for Week 5 against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday. Crosby missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday but returned to a limited session on Friday, giving him a chance to play this weekend. Cornerback Decamerion Richardson (hamstring), safety Trey Taylor (knee) and linebacker Luke Masterson (knee) have been ruled out, while linebackers Divine Deablo (oblique) and Kana'i Mauga (calf) are questionable. Fantasy managers in IDP fantasy formats will want to return Crosby to their starting lineups if he's active, but he's not a lock to return against Denver. Against a shaky Broncos offense and a rookie QB, the Raiders D/ST is on the streaming radar this weekend, regardless of Crosby's status.

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Michael Mayer Oct 4 5:20pm CT
Michael Mayer

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) missed practice all week and has been ruled out for the Week 5 contest on the road in Denver against the division-rival Broncos. Mayer left the team to tend to a personal matter last week, so this will be his second straight absence. It's bad timing for the 23-year-old, too, with receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) also missing a second straight game. He has taken a clear back seat to impressive rookie Brock Bowers at the position through his first three games in 2024, with Mayer catching only four of his seven targets for 21 yards and no touchdowns. Bowers disappointed last week with Adams and Mayer out, but he's a weekly TE1 play for fantasy managers. With Mayer out again this week, Harrison Bryant should have a bigger role once again behind Bowers. Bryant isn't worth starting in fantasy.

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Jordan Love Oct 4 5:20pm CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) was limited in practice on Wednesday but turned in two full practices on Thursday and Friday and was not on the final injury report heading into Week 5's matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. Love's first game since a knee injury in Week 1 was excellent, as he shook off some early rust and ended up with 389 yards and four touchdowns as the Packers rallied but ultimately came up short against the Vikings in Week 4. That kind of passing volume was great to see and bodes well for the team going forward. The Rams have allowed the third-most passing touchdowns (8), which is a plus matchup for Love and the Packers. Love makes for an easily startable option at quarterback in what should be a fantasy-friendly matchup.

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Davante Adams Oct 4 5:10pm CT
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) has officially been ruled out for Week 5 against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday after missing practice all week. Adams injured his hamstring last week and also missed the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns. His hamstring injury isn't considered too serious, but Adams is likely to sit out for the Raiders until he's traded, with him reportedly angling to be dealt to the New York Jets so that he can reunite with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Fantasy managers have to keep him benched and hope the Raiders can work out a trade to send him out of town sooner than later. With the 31-year-old out this week and likely not playing against for the Raiders, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker and DJ Turner would start in three-receiver sets. Tucker is only rostered in 17% of Yahoo leagues. He has WR4/flex appeal in deeper leagues in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 4 5:10pm CT
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) was considered doubtful to play in Week 5 against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday, but he's now officially been ruled out after missing practice all week. The disappointing White is probably being dropped in shallower fantasy formats after disappointing through the first three weeks and now sitting out. Head coach Antonio Pierce already said after the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns that Alexander Mattison has deserved more touches in the backfield moving forward. Mattison will get his chance as the unquestioned lead back this weekend, albeit in a matchup against a Broncos defense that has been surprisingly strong so far in 2024. Behind Mattison, Ameer Abdullah and rookie Dylan Laube will back him up. With White officially out, Mattison jumps into RB3/flex territory for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Oct 4 5:10pm CT
Cooper Kupp

The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit heads west to play the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5 and could be a solid unit to start in fantasy this week. The Rams' offense has been decimated by injury with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua this season, whittling the pass-catchers down to Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, and Jordan Whittington at wide receiver. This should be a plus matchup for the Packers as they have been opportunistic, to say the least. Green Bay has been a top-14 fantasy D/ST in every game they've played this season and has averaged two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and just over four sacks per game as a unit. In a plus matchup, the Packers are definitely startable in fantasy given how they've performed so far.

From RotoBaller

Brayden Narveson Oct 4 5:00pm CT
Brayden Narveson

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson was a top-10 fantasy kicker through the first three weeks of the season, going 9-of-11 in field goal attempts while making each of his six extra-point attempts. In Week 4, the wheels fell off last week against the Vikings. Narveson missed both field goal attempts on the afternoon but converted on all three extra-point attempts in the Packers' furious comeback bid that fell short. The Packers did not release Narveson after his lackluster performance as he got a vote of confidence from head coach Matt LaFleur, but the leash on Narveson can't be too long heading into Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams. Even with a quartet of teams on bye this week, there are safer, less volatile options as your fantasy kicker than Narveson.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Oct 4 4:50pm CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz tallied a season-low 22 yards in their Week 4 victory over the Arizona Cardinals but remains a solid low-end TE1 this weekend. Throughout the early part of the season, the veteran tight end has seen at least three targets in every game and averaged 7.5 PPR points. He caught a season-high 62 yards in Week 2, and a season-high five catches the following week. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels continues to improve as a passer every week, and all Washington pass catchers should eventually benefit from this. With several top options at the position on their byes (Dallas Goedert and Sam LaPorta) this week, Ertz is worth a look as he could see an uptick in opportunities with Noah Brown (groin) ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Austin Seibert Oct 4 4:50pm CT
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert has remained perfect since moving to the DMV and has now entered streaming territory in Week 5. Seibert started his Washington career in an impressive manner, going 7-for-7 against the New York Giants. Over the past two weeks, Seibert has not been called upon as often, but still went a perfect 3-for-3 on attempts and 9-for-9 on extra points. The Commanders offense has looked quite impressive over the past two weeks and, as a result, has put Seibert in several scoring opportunities. The Commanders may struggle to find the end zone, facing a tough Cleveland Browns defense, making Seibert a sneaky streaming option.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Oct 4 4:40pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels should be viewed as a high-end QB1 this weekend as he faces the Cleveland Browns. Since losing the first game of the season, the former number-two overall pick has led Washington to three straight victories. During this stretch, Daniels has averaged 24.2 PPR points per game with an average of 237 passing yards and 43 rushing yards. He has found the end zone five times (three through the air and twice with his legs) and has only turned the ball over once. Given his current performance, he should be locked into all lineups despite the difficult matchup against the Browns, who have allowed the seventh-fewest points to opposing QBs.

From RotoBaller