Week 5 knocked several fantasy managers off balance as a slate of players underperformed across QB, RB, WR, and TE. Cooper Rush and Geno Smith delivered subpar showings, while rookies and veterans at RB and WR struggled to produce consistent fantasy value. The piece flags which names are still trustable moving forward and which quantities might rebound against softer matchups in Week 6.

Targets for bounce-back potential span multiple positions, with explanations on how volume, opponent, and in-game role could shift expectations. The analysis also surfaces late-stage obvious fades and identifies sleepers who flashed upside despite disappointing Week 5 totals.

Cooper Kupp's fantasy value has cooled in Seattle as age and a long injury history limit upside. Week 5 looks dicey, pushing many managers toward benching or dropping him in shallower leagues.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has surged as Seattle's top fantasy option, while Isaiah Bond in Cleveland is emerging as a viable late‑season target if Cedric Tillman remains sidelined. Houston's Stroud connection with Christian Kirk also hints at improved ancillary value in the Texans' passing attack.

Waiver priorities center on Bond and Kirk, with Dillon Gabriel and other Browns receivers in the mix. Use the Who Should I Pick Up tool to compare options and optimize Week 5 lineups and rest‑of‑season upside.

Baltimore lands second in The Athletic's front-office power ranking, a nod to culture, stability, and smart talent evaluation that executives and coaches alike notice.

Lamar Jackson anchors an offense with Derrick Henry in a backfield, plus Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers, and Devontez Walker at receiver. The defense features Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, and Marlon Humphrey. With DeCosta's blueprint and Harbaugh's leadership, Baltimore is positioned for a quick, high-upside rebound, and peers like Hopkins and Alexander weigh in as respected voices.