Week 5 pits Seattle against Tampa Bay in a high-stakes NFC showdown, but both sides ride notable inactive lists. Seattle lists seven absences—DeMarcus Lawrence, Julian Love, Devon Witherspoon, Jared Ivey, Josh Jones, Cody White, Nick Kallerup—while Tampa Bay sits Mike Evans, Jamel Dean, Bucky Irving, Christian Izien, and Benjamin Morrison. With these starters out, fantasy managers should recalibrate expectations and consider how backups could lift or limit the box score in today’s tilt.

Backups stepping in across both teams will shape assignments, targets, and defensive matchups, altering DFS values and ceiling floors. The absence of top playmakers forces coaches to lean on depth and scheme, which can create upside for opportunistic players and more volatility for starters who rely on these absences to drive production.

Seattle’s Week 1 inactive list reshapes the Seahawks’ game plan against San Francisco, with Bobo, Dareke Young and Uchenna Nwosu among seven SEA players out. The 49ers also rolled seven, trimming depth at multiple spots. Expect increased opportunities for Seattle’s top receivers and for linebackers stepping into larger roles, as both teams adjust to missing contributors in a considered Week 1 matchup.

Key Seahawks absences include Bobo and Young at wide receiver and Nwosu on the edge, while the 49ers sit several depth players to open the door for others. In fantasy terms, the biggest shifts come from who absorbs the extra targets and snaps on SEA’s offense and who gains reps in SF’s depth chart, potentially altering streamer and DFS value in a marquee Week 1 battle.

Undrafted free agents often go unnoticed during the NFL Draft, but their potential impact on rosters can be significant. Teams are keen to sign these players, often offering substantial guarantees to secure their talents. Notable success stories in recent seasons, including Jalen Coker of the Panthers and Omar Speights of the Rams, illustrate the valuable contributions these players can make.

This year's crop of undrafted free agents includes standout prospects like Efton Chism III of the Patriots, a slot receiver who has impressed coaches and teammates alike with his connection to quarterback Drake Maye. Others, like Cobee Bryant of the Falcons and Jared Ivey of the Seahawks, showcase the depth of talent across various positions. As training camps approach, the competition for these roster spots will intensify, making it essential for these rookies to prove their value.

Jared Ivey, an undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss, is generating buzz as a potential steal for the Seattle Seahawks. Originally projected to be selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Ivey's talent allows him to stand out among the flock of undrafted players. The Seahawks signed him hoping he will evolve into a key contributor on the defensive line.

Ivey's strong performance at Ole Miss highlighted his quickness and ability to disrupt plays. He possesses the physical tools and skills that NFL teams covet in a defensive end. It’s not uncommon for undrafted players to carve out successful careers in the NFL, and Ivey could very well be on that path.