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.

Jalen Tolbert delivered the Cowboys’ clutch overtime 34-yard grab against Green Bay, a 7.2% completion odds moment that proves readiness matters in Dallas. He’s grown beyond targets, contributing with blocks, precise routes, and special-team value.

With Cooks gone and Pickens added, Tolbert must adapt to a shifting depth chart. If Lamb or Turpin are out, Tolbert could command a bigger, versatile role, especially in a looming Jets matchup where reliability and situational playmaking matter for fantasy managers.

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.