Welcome to Week 5 of the NFL season. As we delve into this week’s matchups, we’ve identified under-the-radar players who are solid flex options based on their performance thus far and the favorable defensive matchups that await them. In this article, we’ll explore touchdown opportunities for these players and unveil the hidden gems that could provide that extra boost to your lineup this week. Whether you’re navigating bye weeks or injuries, these overlooked talents may just be the difference-makers you’ve been searching for. Here are the best flex options for Week 5 Fantasy Football!
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Week 5 Fantasy Football Flex Options Based on TD Opportunity
Rashee Rice – WR – Kansas City Chiefs
With no one stepping up in the Kansas City wide receiver corps, Rashee Rice is on the verge of a breakout. Through four games, Patrick Mahomes has targeted him on 34.5% of his routes (No. 2 in the NFL). His yards per route run also rank No. 13 in the NFL, making him one of the more efficient wide receivers this season.
The problem? Rice has only run a route on 37.2% of Kansas City’s pass plays in 2023. However, he has begun to seize a larger role as the season has progressed, playing over 45% of the snaps in two straight games. This has come at the expense of Sky Moore and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, both of whom have seen their snap share dwindle.
Rice will also be in a great position to catch a touchdown this weekend against a poor Vikings’ pass defense as well. They rank 21st in pass yards allowed and have given up 7 touchdown passes through four games. Patrick Mahomes is bound to get this offense clicking, and Rice is the most talented Chiefs’ wide receiver. He is a borderline WR3 with upside this week and a solid start in leagues with multiple flex positions as we enter bye weeks.
Week 5 Fantasy Football DFS Advice
Jayden Reed – WR – Green Bay Packers
With the absence of Christian Watson through the first three games of the season, Jayden Reed has had an opportunity to take on a larger role. Reed’s snap percentage has increased each of the last three weeks, and he will play in three wide receiver sets along with Watson and Romeo Doubs. Watson clearly wasn’t himself last week either and could still be nursing a hamstring injury.
Reed has already developed a knack for the end zone too, scoring two touchdowns in week two. In addition, he has received 9 red zone targets, which ranks second in the NFL. Given that Reed ran 29 routes last week to only 19 for Watson, this role should be safe for at least one more week.
The Raiders’ defense is ripe for the picking as well, as they rank 29th in the NFL in pass touchdowns allowed. They are dead last in the NFL in forced turnovers, putting Jordan Love in a good position to deliver for his wide receivers. Reed is a WR3 and a must-add waiver target if he is still available in fantasy football leagues.
Robert Woods – WR – Houston Texans
Robert Woods has enjoyed a bounce-back season with rising young star CJ Stroud leading the Houston offense. Despite the emergence of other young receivers, Woods has carved out a nice role as well. He has a 22% target share and has received 12 targets over the last two weeks despite quieter fantasy performances.
Additionally, Woods is No. 12 in the NFL in red zone targets (5), even though he hasn’t scored a touchdown. Woods is always exactly where he needs to be and is very intelligent, which is the type of player a young quarterback depends on. Expect Woods to continue to be a factor out of the slot and be a flex option when healthy.
Although the Falcons present a tougher defensive matchup, they have been poor against slot receivers this season. They are actually fifth in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to NFL slot receivers (RazzBall). This bodes well for Woods and Nathaniel Dell, who will line up in the slot as well. If fantasy managers are facing a tough week due to bye weeks or injuries, they could do worse than Woods, who is my WR39 for the week.
Gus Edwards – RB – Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ backfield is a mess, and they could continue to ride different hot hands throughout the season. However, Gus Edwards received a 71% snap share in Week 4 and is the favorite to be the lead back once again in Week 5 against the Steelers. He’s No. 22 in True Yards Per Carry and is beginning to look healthy after clearly not appearing 100% in 2022.
Edwards notably suffered a torn ACL in 2021 and was never quite himself last season. It’s not surprising he’s just now rounding into form, and Edwards has never averaged under 4.98 yards per carry in a year prior to 2023. He’s regaining his speed and is making defenders miss with three Breakaway Runs already through four games.
Edwards is in a very positive matchup against an overrated Pittsburgh Steelers defense as well. They are fourth in the NFL in rush yards allowed, and the Ravens are once again one of the most run-heavy teams in the NFL. The Steelers’ offense is struggling, too, which means Edwards will be given plenty of opportunities to control the time of possession. He’s a borderline top-24 option this week, given the state of the running back position.
