Week 5 spotlights the NFL trenches: the Houston Texans surge their defense behind Will Anderson Jr., Rankins, and Settle, while Denver’s front holds the league’s pressure crown led by Bonitto. Browns’ elite line, Lions’ pass rush revival, Cowboys’ front-seven momentum, and Rams’ run-stopping heft shape fantasy value across the board.

Texas leads the run defense alongside interior disruptors; Denver’s trio fuels an elite pass rush; Cleveland’s veterans anchor a top unit; Detroit and Dallas flash top-tier pressure metrics; Rams’ run-stopping breadth keys weekly depth charts. Vikings’ pass rush also bears watching as season-long trends unfold.

In short, the front seizes Week 5—a clear signal for fantasy strategy: chase edge talent with proven pressure rates, monitor interior run-stops, and exploit teams that lean on disruptive fronts for sacks and stops.

Dillon Gabriel flashed NFL-ready poise in his first start, delivering 190 yards and 2 TDs on 19-for-33 while navigating a blitz-heavy Vikings defense. His fast release and 2.54-second average to throw hint at ceiling, even as Browns face three-and-outs on key drives. The run game buoyed the offense with Quinshon Judkins topping 100 yards, while Cleveland’s reorganized attack must improve third-down efficiency to convert drives and protect leads.

London’s environment highlighted positives for Gabriel and Stefanski, but downfield rhythm and time-of-possession remain concerns. With the Steelers looming, Cleveland needs cleaner early downs and a continued push from the rookie, complemented by the run game and a developing receiving corps led by Harold Fannin Jr. and Isaiah Bond. The defense stayed sturdy, providing a path to stay competitive in a tighten-up AFC North in weeks ahead.

Vikings aim to rebound with three key trench battles shaping their London showdown with the Browns. Minnesota’s injury-riddled lineup must lean on disciplined protection and a run-pass balance to slow Cleveland’s relentless front. The battle lines: Darrisaw versus Garrett on the edge, the Vikings’ interior against Maliek Collins, and Jonathan Greenard pressuring Dillon Gabriel while Browns tackles try to slow the rush. A win would put Minnesota at 3-2 before the bye, while Cleveland looks to stabilize behind its rookie QB and a balanced attack.

Myles Garrett's health decision looms over the Browns in London as Cleveland leans on rookie Dillon Gabriel. Garrett's presence powers the league's top end rush, and a limited performance could sap the Browns defense's fantasy upside while inviting Minnesota to test the interior on the road.

Minnesota arrives with travel advantages and a reshuffled line for Cleveland, where Donovan Jackson is out and Brian O Neill is banged up. If Garrett is limited, the Vikings' offense tightens its window of opportunity, while Browns defenders like Maliek Collins and Isaiah McGuire must compensate. Travel, rookie QB start, and injuries tilt this one toward careful fantasy play on both sides.