Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell could be in line for another solid outing in Week 5. After a strong day in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, the second-year quarterback has the privilege of taking on the Chicago Bears' bottom-five pass defense. So far this season, Chicago has allowed a top-10 fantasy performance to opposing quarterbacks in three out of their first four weeks. In addition, the Bears will be without two of their top defenders in the secondary. That being safety Eddie Jackson (foot) and cornerback Jaylon Johnson (hamstring). All things considered, the circumstances couldn't be much better for Howell to continue his success. He's a strong streaming option for quarterback-needy rosters in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said he expects wide receiver Sterling Shepard to play more in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. Daboll indicated the team had more personnel packages with Shepard in them for the Monday night game against the Seattle Seahawks, but they didn't use them. The Giants' receiver room is crowded, but apparently they want to get the 30-year-old more involved after he hasn't played more than 20 percent of the offensive snaps through the first four weeks. He has only two receptions on three targets for 10 yards. Even if Shepard sees the field more this Sunday, none of New York's pass-catchers can really be trusted right now in an offense that has been putrid early on.

From RotoBaller

Several NFL teams think that the Chicago Bears will end up releasing wide receiver Chase Claypool. "I think that's where it's trending," one NFL executive said. The Bears would prefer to get a late-round pick for Claypool, but his locker-room presence will be a strong consideration for any prospective team after he outstayed his welcome in both Pittsburgh and Chicago in the last two years. In 10 games in Chicago, he went over 30 yards receiving just twice. The 25-year-old has size and speed, though, so he might attract some interest from a few contending teams. Claypool's fantasy value has now hit rock bottom, and he shouldn't be rostered in the majority of single-year leagues. However, a trade to a contender could make him slightly more attractive the rest of the year.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas could be a decent option in Week 5. Against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, the veteran was an okay streamer with three receptions for 41 yards. Now in Week 5, the Commanders are taking on the Chicago Bears, owners of a bottom-five pass defense. With that in mind, Thomas could have another week of decent streaming value ahead. With the tight end position being a complete wasteland for fantasy scoring, the 32-year-old should be in consideration for needy teams.

From RotoBaller

Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (abdomen), who missed the first four games of the season while on Injured Reserve, is not yet ready to practice and the Dolphins will not yet open the 21-day window for him to return from IR. It was previously reported that Wilson would be ready for the Week 5 contest against the New York Giants, but that doesn't look to be the case as of Wednesday. Miami doesn't have any reason to rush the 27-year-old back at this point, with both Raheem Mostert and rookie De'Von Achane looking great in tandem through the first four weeks of the season. Wilson is worth stashing in an IR spot in fantasy leagues if you have the room, but don't expect him to have a big role upon his return as long as both Mostert and Achane remain healthy.

From RotoBaller

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (groin) remains on the injury report and was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday. Sanders has been banged up this year, but he hasn't managed to miss a game so far in his first year with the organization. Aside from a two-touchdown performance in Week 3, Sanders has been a disappointment to fantasy managers so far in 2023. He played less than 50 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 4 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and had just 13 carries for 19 yards. The 26-year-old is averaging a weak 2.93 yards per carry on 54 rushing attempts through four games. If his efficiency doesn't approve, he could start losing more work to backfield mate Chuba Hubbard.

From RotoBaller

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (calf) said he's optimistic about his calf injury after Sunday was the best he's felt this year after a game. Health-wise he was feeling good, but Burrow couldn't have felt good about his performance in the Week 4 loss to the Tennessee Titans. In the loss, Burrow went 20-for-30 for just 165 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. It was the third time in four games he didn't have a touchdown pass and the second time he was held under 200 yards passing. The 26-year-old's calf issue has severely limited his mobility, but the good news is he continues to feel better. Fantasy managers will continue to wait for the good Burrow to show up. We wouldn't blame you for benching him until that happens in single-QB fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin had a strong outing in Week 4, and he could have another in Week 5. Washington is facing the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football, a team that ranks bottom-five against the pass. While he's been splitting more targets with his teammates than what was expected, McLaurin is still the target and reception leader in this offense. If quarterback Sam Howell can keep targeting the veteran receiver at a decent clip, he should be a solid contributor for fantasy rosters. He's a high-end WR2 during this advantageous matchup.

From RotoBaller

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet will look to build off a breakout Week 4 performance Thursday night against the Commanders. Kmet caught seven passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears heart-breaking loss. But the talented tight end flashed what inspired the Bears front office to give him an extension before the season began. He will face a Commanders defense that currently is allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends. They have not allowed a single tight end to post more than 25 yards against them. This could be a matter of sample size but fantasy managers should proceed with caution before blindly inserting Kmet into fantasy starting lineups in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) participated in a walkthrough at practice Wednesday after the team opened the 21-day window for him to return from the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) List. However, head coach Shane Steichen is not saying whether the 2021 rushing champion will play in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans. He wants to see Taylor in a full practice before making any decisions but said he is up to speed on the Colts' offense. Fantasy managers will need to monitor updates on Taylor for the remainder of the week.

From RotoBaller

Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert should continue to lead Chicago's backfield in carries Thursday night against the Commanders. Herbert was fantastic in Week 14, racking up 103 rushing yards on the ground and chipping in 19 yards from the air with a receiving touchdown. He showed off his speed, elusiveness and ran tough between the tackles. He will go up against a Commanders defense that has allowed three rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs through four games. Washington's defensive front is loaded with talent and could make for a tough night for Herbert coming up. The Bears lead running back will carry RB3/4 value into Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans offensive tackle Tytus Howard (hand) suffered a broken hand this offseason, resulting in him missing the team's first four games while on Injured Reserve. The Texans designated him to return from IR on Wednesday, and he returned to the practice field. The 27-year-old signed a three-year, $56 million contract extension this offseason and should provide additional pass protection for rookie C.J. Stroud, who has gotten out to a hot start. Houston's offensive line has battled injuries this season, so getting Howard and Leremy Tunsil (knee) back would be huge for its offense.

From RotoBaller

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields will kick off Week 5 Thursday in Washington against the Commanders. Fields is coming off his best game of the season and easily his best passing game as a pro. The third-year quarterback totaled 335 passing yards and four touchdowns against the Broncos last week but two critical turnovers doomed Chicago late. He will now face a Commanders defensive line that ranks among the best in the NFL. Washington's defense, as a whole, has surrendered 20-plus fantasy points to each of the last three quarterbacks they have faced. Fields carries boom-or-bust potential Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel (quad) has seen some unexpected usage to start the season. After being an afterthought throughout the offseason, the veteran receiver is currently second on the team in receptions through four weeks. Now, Samuel has the advantage of taking on a bottom-five pass defense in the NFL, the Chicago Bears. With the strong matchup and Samuel reportedly being cleared to play despite being limited during the short week, he could continue his run of successful outings. Consider him a flex option in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Keaton Mitchell (shoulder) began the 2023 season on Injured Reserve. On Wednesday, he returned to practice as the team activated his 21-day window to be activated from IR. The undrafted rookie rushed for 2,584 yards and 23 touchdowns and caught 49 passes for 505 yards and two touchdowns over his final two collegiate seasons at East Carolina. Although he has no guaranteed path to playing time, there's a chance he could carve out a role in a running back room consisting of Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, and Melvin Gordon III. He's not worth picking up in fantasy football yet, but he is worth monitoring moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (knee) suffered a bone bruise to his knee in the Week 4 loss to the Houston Texans. His status is up in the air against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5, but the second-year signal-caller said, "I'll be ready to go by Sunday." For now, there's good reason to be optimistic about his availability for the AFC North contest, but it's too early in the week to take his word for it. Even if Pickett does play, he should remain on the bench in fantasy football. The Ravens have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterback this season, and the Steelers' offense is one of the worst units in the NFL. If Pickett's mobility is limited by his injury, this game has the chance to get ugly quickly. Mitch Trubisky will draw the start if Pickett is ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson (ankle) could be an intriguing option in Week 5. Dotson was limited throughout the short week, but has reportedly been cleared and will be active for Thursday Night Football. After saving his day with a last-second touchdown in Week 4, the former first-rounder has the privilege of taking on a bottom-five pass defense in the Chicago Bears. He's been a disappointing fantasy option to start the season, but if there were any game for him to get back on track, it would be this one. Consider him a WR3 or flex option against Chicago.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens wide receivers Rashod Bateman (hamstring) and Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) returned to practice on Wednesday after missing the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns. It's unclear to what extent they participated in practice until the official Wednesday injury report comes out later today, but it's a good sign for their return. That said, neither are safe fantasy options until proven otherwise. Beckham has totaled just 66 yards in two games, and Bateman has posted 59 yards in three games. Against an overmatched Pittsburgh Steelers team in Week 5, Baltimore will likely have its way in this matchup and fail to pass with enough volume to support Beckham or Bateman in fantasy football. Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers seem to be ahead of both receivers in the target pecking order.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders wide receivers Jahan Dotson (ankle) and Curtis Samuel (quad) will be active against the Chicago Bears in the Week 5 Thursday Night Football contest against the Chicago Bears. Both players either missed practice or were limited this week, but they are good to go. The Bears have allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to wideouts this season and are without safety Eddie Jackson (foot) and cornerback Jaylon Johnson (hamstring), so Dotson and Samuel are intriguing DFS options or low-end PPR league flex considerations. However, neither has a safe floor based on what we've seen thus far this season.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (foot) has not appeared in a game this season after undergoing foot surgery in August. The 27-year-old took the practice field for the first time since his operation on Wednesday so he could make his season debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5. The three-time Pro Bowler could provide a nice boost to the Baltimore defense that has been decimated by injuries so far this season. However, there's a chance it could take him a few weeks to get back to game action and 100% ready for contact.

From RotoBaller