QB Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Winston returned from suspension in Week 4 and while Ryan Fitzpatrick started the game, he was benched for Winston, who will likely start when the Buccaneers return from a bye in Week 6. The former FSU star went 16 of 20 for 145 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions against the Bears. Winston had a strong finish to last season, with multiple touchdowns in four of his last five games. He had a good preseason, and everything sets up well for him to put up stats. The defense is awful, the running game can’t get going, and he has lots of weapons with Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Chris Godwin, and Cameron Brate.
RB Mike Davis, Seattle Seahawks
Chris Carson was inactive with a hip injury, and instead of relying heavily on rookie running back Rashaad Penny, the Seahawks turned to Davis. He had 21 carries for 102 yards with two touchdowns and caught all four targets for 23 yards against the Cardinals. Even if Carson can play next game against the Rams, the team might be inclined to lessen the workload for Carson after a 34-touch game in Week 3.
RB Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Chubb ownership is lower in deeper formats, but he’s been a good stash in other shallower leagues. Chubb hasn’t received more than three carries in any game or caught a pass. Still, his explosiveness and talent was evident on Sunday as he scored on touchdowns runs of 63 and 41 yards. Carlos Hyde is the workhorse, but if he misses time, Chubb is a difference maker, and after his big runs, it’s possible the Browns use him more.
WR Taywan Taylor, Tennessee Titans
Taylor got a boost when Rishard Matthews was released. Taylor was second among receivers in snaps, playing 45 of 71. Only Corey Davis played more, and Taylor had his most targets of the season. Taylor caught seven of his nine targets for 77 yards, and there’s not much competition for targets outside of Davis. The Titans are without Delanie Walker, and Jonnu Smith hasn’t been involved much. Taylor is in a good spot.
WR Keke Coutee, Houston Texans
Coutee was hurt to begin the season and made his debut in Week 4. The Texans used him all over the formations, and he was consistently open. He had a good camp and then hurt his hamstring, missing the first three weeks. Against the Colts, he had 15 targets in the overtime win and caught 11 passes for 109 yards. He also had two carries for minus-two yards and played 93 percent of the snaps. The Texans needed another weapon in the offense, and with Will Fuller dealing with a hamstring injury, Coutee could play a more prominent role.
WR Taylor Gabriel, Chicago Bears
I mentioned Gabriel in my deep sleeper article for Week 4, and he delivered. The former Abilene Christian alumnus had a great matchup against the Buccaneers, and Anthony Miller sat out with a shoulder injury. Gabriel caught all seven of his targets for 107 yards and two touchdowns. He is second on the Bears with 29 targets. He’s a play in deeper formats in the right matchup. The Bears are on bye in Week 5.
TE Tyler Kroft, Cincinnati Bengals
Tyler Eifert suffered an ugly ankle injury in Week 4 and is out for the season. Kroft did a good job last season filling in for Eifert, catching 42 passes for 404 yards and seven touchdowns. The Bengals offense has been clicking, and it puts Kroft in a position to get a shot at a touchdown, which is all we can ask at a position that has been hammered by injuries.
