Week 5 delivered a slate of surprising fantasy heroes and a few sobering busts as byes began. Rico Dowdle seized the spotlight with a 206-yard rushing day, lifting waiver-wire managers to wins. Dak Prescott continued to deliver top-tier numbers without CeeDee Lamb, while C.J. Stroud dazzled with four TDs. Jacory Croskey-Merritt stepped in as a lead back in Washington, and Jaylen Waddle benefited from Tyreek Hill's absence. On the negative side, Saquon Barkley, Emari Demercado, Quentin Johnston, and Spencer Shrader faced disappointments or setbacks, reshaping Week 6 lineup plans.

Waiver targets and lineup pivots loom as teams navigate byes and injuries. Dowdle's breakout suggests a potential expanded role, Prescott's floor remains solid, and Stroud's Week 5 efficiency argues for continued trust. Waddle's volume reinforced his fantasy upside with playmakers around him, while Barkley's ceiling appears inconsistent. The Chargers' Johnston and Colts' Shrader provided cautionary notes, highlighting the volatility and opportunities ahead for Week 6 rosters.

Carolina rode a second-half surge to stun Miami 27-24 in Week 5, riding a ground-heavy attack and a sharp late rally. Bryce Young shook off early mistakes to finish 19 of 30 for 198 yards and two touchdowns, the second of which sealed it to Mitchell Evans. Rico Dowdle exploded for a career-best 206 rushing yards and a TD on 23 carries, while the 2025 draft class chipped in with McMillan leading with 73 receiving yards. Carolina’s defense bottled up De'Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II to 14 rushing yards on 13 carries, with Rozeboom and Moehrig piling up tackles. Miami’s Jaylen Waddle totaled 110 receiving yards and Minkah Fitzpatrick added an early pick on Young. The Panthers showed resilience and depth that could reshape their fantasy upside as they eye a favorable slate ahead.

Miami’s 27-24 loss to Carolina laid bare a fragile run defense and a stagnant offense, inflaming the franchise’s rebuild narrative. Jordyn Brooks and Zach Sieler spoke with authenticity as the defense was carved for 234 rushing yards on 30 attempts through three quarters, while the offense flashed a brief spark from Tua Tagovailoa to Jaylen Waddle.

The questions surrounding GM Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel intensified as a pattern of missteps and soft play emerged. With a looming evaluation of identity and accountability, fantasy managers should watch for roster churn, internal rotations, and how quick the Dolphins pivot to more fundamental toughness in the weeks ahead.