Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 6th, 2024, 1:00 ET
Location: Northwest Stadium, Landover, Maryland
Network: FOX
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback
Deshaun Watson: Sit, QB2
Deshaun Watson has yet to pass for 200 yards in a game this season. The last time he even threw for 250 yards was Week 3 of 2023. It is time to move on. The matchup is strong, which gives him some upside in Superflex leagues, but I am not gambling on Watson right now.
Running Back
Jerome Ford: Start, RB2
Jerome Ford had a strong Week 4 after dealing with a knee injury during practices. He continues to be Cleveland’s only non-Amari Cooper option. He consistently sees 12-18 touches per game, which should normally be enough to give Ford a nice floor. Nick Chubb is practicing, and while he has three weeks before he has to be activated, it is hard not to get excited about Chubb’s potential when he returns. Don’t expect a 70% rush share right away, but he could be a worthy RB2 if he is used in 50% of the running back snaps with how efficient he is as a runner. It also helps that the Browns need him desperately.
Wide Receiver
Amari Cooper: Start, WR2
Jerry Jeudy: Sit
Elijah Moore: Sit
The Browns’ wide receivers are mostly guys you should be avoiding right now, as Deshaun Watson is not even a replacement-level player at this point. The consistency here is something to monitor. While he was unproductive in the first two weeks, Amari Cooper was able to score two touchdowns in Week 3. In Week 4, he came back down to earth again, catching only four of his eight targets and adding only 35 receiving yards. He is in the WR2 conversation with the best matchup for wide receivers this week against the Commanders, but the floor is very low right now. The good news for Cooper managers is that he has been rumored to be involved in a potential trade with the Chiefs. A QB switch from Watson to Patrick Mahomes would certainly be beneficial. The weekly upside is low for Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore as the Browns’ secondary receivers, but they have a better chance to contribute this week than most. Jeudy would be a risky FLEX in this offense but would be the preferred option to Moore.
Tight End
David Njoku: Start, TE1**
David Njoku returned to practice on Wednesday with a limited session but has not been cleared to play in Week 5 just yet. If he does get cleared, he will jump in as my TE10 on the week in my rankings. All other Browns tight ends should be left out of your lineups.
Washington Commanders
Quarterback
Jayden Daniels: Start, QB1
Jayden Daniels has been absolutely incredible in NFL terms and for fantasy football. The rookie looks locked in right now, and he is getting better each week. He is in rarified air as a runner and a passer. I am not afraid to admit when I was wrong, and boy, was I wrong with Daniels. QB12 on the season was way too low, as he is heading for another smash game this week. He is in my top tier of quarterbacks this week as my QB3.
Running Back
Brian Robinson Jr.: Start, RB2*
Austin Ekeler: FLEX Option
Brian Robinson Jr. has struggled with efficiency this season, but the Commanders just keep giving him the ball. The latest news at my time of writing this (Wednesday afternoon) is that Robinson missed practice with a knee injury. It is the first we are hearing of this, so that does cloud his availability in Week 5. That being said, it is still early. Monitor this situation closely, as he is a top-15 running back if he is healthy. Austin Ekeler returned to practice but was also limited. If Robinson were to miss time, Ekeler should be in the RB15-RB18 range if he plays. If both are healthy, Ekeler is a better FLEX play than anything.
Wide Receiver
Terry McLaurin: Start, WR2
Terry McLaurin is the only Commanders player that you can consider among the wide receivers. McLaurin has scored touchdowns in each of the last two matchups, but in Week 5, he may find a hard time extending that streak, as the Browns pose a significant challenge to opposing wide receivers. Pushing the ball downfield will mean good things for McLaurin’s fantasy value. Now that we have seen glimpses of it, the hope is that it will continue. That being said, I wouldn’t assume this will be the case. McLaurin is my WR23 this week, but as he continues to develop chemistry with Daniels, he may find himself more regularly in the high-WR2 range.
Tight End
Zach Ertz: Sit, TE2
Zach Ertz is a low-upside option at this point in his career. He continues to be a great floor play at a position that has been erratic at best this season and is firmly entrenched in that “stream him if you need him” tier along with several other low-upside options.