New England Patriots Week 5 injury report ahead of the primetime clash with Buffalo shows key questions on the edge and in the secondary. K'Lavon Chaisson knee and Jaylinn Hawkins hamstring leave both outside linebackers and safeties in flux, while Jahlani Tavai returns as a limited participant after IR. Several Patriots linemen and linebackers logged limited work, and Will Campbell came back to full participation after a shoulder issue. Bills' side lists multiple non-participants or limited players as well, setting up a high-stakes fantasy showcase.

Buffalo’s Dorian Williams knee kept him out, Matt Milano (pectoral) and Ed Oliver (ankle) were limited, Spencer Brown (calf) and Jackson Hawes (ankle) followed with limited practice. No Bills players were listed as fully participating. The Week 5 picture hinges on edge depth, LB rotation, and the health of interior lines, with fantasy managers eyeing snap shares and potential upside if injuries linger.

Gonzalez returns as the Patriots finally get their starting corner trio back, anchoring a healthier defensive unit for Week 4 against Carolina. With Davis outside and Jones or Austin in the slot, New England’s secondary is the unit to watch as they try to slow a Panthers receiving corps led by Tetairoa McMillan. The line minimal changes aside from Wilson’s absence, Ben Brown steps in at left guard, and the offense lines up to counter Derrick Brown’s interior push.

The game-day roster also features elevated practice-squad depth and a handful of inactives, underscoring the Patriots’ focus on ensuring stability on both sides of the ball. For fantasy bettors, the restored defense presents a streaming opportunity, while the Patriots’ offense looks to maintain consistency behind a shuffled line in a pivotal Week 4 showdown at Gillette.

Patriots vs Panthers kicks off at 1 p.m. ET; keep an eye on Gonzalez’s exposure and how the corner rotation impacts overall pass defense and fantasy upside for NEP defenders and Panthers pass-catchers alike.

Watt must light a fire after two games with no sacks, even as his 13% pressure rate shows he’s winning his matchups. Pittsburgh faces a quick-throw attack from Fields and Darnold in Week 3, and the plan hinges on carving out finishing pressure while stunts and angles test a Patriots line featuring a rookie left tackle and a veteran right tackle.

Fantasy takeaway: Watt’s ceiling hinges on converting pressure to sacks, turnovers, or TFLs. If he unlocks a splash play, the Steelers' defense gains a higher floor and Watt becomes a must-start, whereas a conservative line could keep him in low-ceiling fantasy leagues until he breaks through.