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.

Stevenson’s fumble woes persist into 2025, with three lost games in five outings, keeping fantasy rosters vigilant. New England leans on a three‑way backfield with TreVeyon Henderson and Antonio Gibson sharing work, while Vrabel publicly backs his veteran. In Week 5, Stevenson’s latest miscue coincided with Henderson’s breakout potential and Gibson’s steady receiving role, signaling a sustained committee and a risk/reward dynamic for fantasy lineups.

While Stevenson still carries the early-down workload and goal-line upside, the ever‑present turnover risk could push New England toward a more balanced approach as Henderson gains comfort and Gibson stays involved in the passing game. The trio remains relevant in fantasy, especially in full‑PPR formats where Henderson’s multi‑purpose usage could unlock value if ball security improves.

Buffalo hosts New England on Sunday Night Football in Week 5, chasing a 5-0 start behind Josh Allen as the Bills ride a 404-yard, 33.3-point offense into a high-profile showdown. New England counters with Drake Maye at QB, a revitalized pass defense led by Christian Gonzalez, and a mix of Stevenson and Henderson in the backfield that could test Buffalo’s rushes. Buffalo has won four straight at Highmark against the Patriots, making this a seat-tilt game for fantasy managers.

With a 49.5-point total—the highest of Week 5—the matchup carries heavy fantasy upside for Allen and Maye, plus path-specific value for the Patriots’ backfield and NE’s young secondary. The SportsLine projection leans toward the over and flags a near-70% edge on one side of the spread in its top-rated picks, offering a structured lens for dfs and betting bets this Sunday night.

Buffalo aims to keep its perfect start intact as it hosts New England on Sunday Night Football, a clash that pits a high-flying Bills offense against a Patriots defense showing signs of life. Kickoff is 8:20 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium, with Buffalo installed as an 8.5-point favorite and a 49.5 over/under. The betting market highlights Buffalo’s home dominance and the Patriots’ improving defense, setting the stage for a critical early-season division showdown.

SportsLine’s projection model leans toward an over and a spread edge, underscoring a chalky yet sharp playbook: Buffalo’s offense powers a 404-yard, 33.3-point per game average, while New England brings a more balanced attack led by Drake Maye. Factor in the Patriots’ pass defense upgrade with Christian Gonzalez and the Patriots’ 77.5-yard rushing defense against a Bills rushing attack that must prove it can beat a stout run defense. The matchup doubles as a fantasy pivot, with Allen’s track record against New England and Maye’s Week 4 momentum shaping lineups.

Fantasy and betting angles hinge on pace, play-calling, and game script. Buffalo’s home-stretch leverage and NE’s potential for a back-and-forth shootout create avenues for multiple fantasy routes, from Allen’s efficiency to Patriots pass-catchers’ upside in a high-total contest.

SNF Week 5 centers on a Patriots-Bills clash, with Drake Maye lining up as a solid mid-range QB1 and Rhamondre Stevenson anchoring the Patriots’ backfield behind him. TreVeyon Henderson sits behind Stevenson but could pop for a score, while Stefon Diggs, Dalton Kincaid, and Khalil Shakir anchor Buffalo’s aerial attack. Hunter Henry toning up as a reliable tight end adds a safe floor.

The free Who Should I Start tool shines for Week 5, letting you compare up to four players and derive a precise start/sit verdict. The week’s hottest searches show a mix of upside and risk, underscoring the nuance of SNF decisions in fantasy football.