Week 5 NFL Picks: FanDuel Core Lineup Strategy

After a successful set of NFL DFS picks last weekend, we look to keep the momentum going into Week 5. This article will outline the Week 5 NFL DFS picks for core players at each position to hammer into your FanDuel lineups this week.

Week 5 NFL DFS Picks for FanDuel

Quarterbacks

Kyler Murray ($8,500)

With quarterbacks such as Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson playing in primetime games, Kyler Murray is left as the only top-tier NFL DFS quarterback on the slate. He gets a matchup that’s average at best against the 49ers, but the presence of new starting quarterback Trey Lance can improve the pace of this game. With Murray playing in MVP form, he has a strong chance of returning as the top QB in Week 5.

Joe Burrow ($7,000)

There are many sufficient value plays at quarterback this week, and Joe Burrow is my clear-cut favorite. Burrow will face off against a Packers defense that is depleted by injuries in a game with the second-highest over/under of the slate (50.5). He will get back star receiver Tee Higgins to join top receiver Ja’Marr Chase, both of which are great stacking options.

Other NFL DFS Options: Kirk Cousins ($7,500), Ryan Tannehill ($7,200), Trevor Lawrence ($6,500)

Running Backs

Alvin Kamara ($8,600)

Alvin Kamara has been a little different this season, strangely lacking receiving production but receiving a high workload on the ground. He has 50 carries in his last two games while only hauling in three catches for 29 yards. Still, Kamara is the clear bell cow, shown by him playing an 86.8% snap share last week. With Tony Jones recently placed on IR, Kamara could see a ridiculous workload in Week 5 against Washington.

Leonard Fournette ($6,400)

After splitting work with Ronald Jones all of last year, Leonard Fournette has clearly emerged as the lead back in 2021. After carrying the rock 20 times last week against the Patriots, Fournette gets a much easier matchup against Miami’s poor run defense. With Tampa heavily favored, Fournette will get plenty of opportunities and is a steal at just $6,400.

Damien Williams ($5,800)

Damien Williams will take over the lead role in Chicago, with David Montgomery hurting his knee last week. He was efficient last week, taking eight carries for 55 yards and a touchdown. In an upcoming matchup against the Raiders’ below-average defense, Williams is a solid DFS value play.

Other NFL DFS Options: Dalvin Cook ($9,000), Saquon Barkley ($7,800), Najee Harris ($7,300), Damien Harris ($6,500)

Wide Receivers

Deebo Samuel ($7,700)

Deebo Samuel lands on our list for the second straight week after torching the Seahawks for 156 yards and two scores. With Trey Lance at the helm and George Kittle placed on IR, Deebo will look to add on to his league-leading 490 receiving yards. Trey Lance will have to air the ball out to his star wide receiver in order to keep up with Kyler Murray, so Samuel could be in for a big day.

Ja’Marr Chase ($7,300)

My favorite stack of the week is Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, as the receiver holds a 23.8% target share in this offense. With Green Bay’s top corner Jaire Alexander out for multiple weeks, this secondary is extremely vulnerable. Even with Tee Higgins returning, Chase will draw plenty of targets in what should be a high-scoring game.

A.J. Brown ($6,900)

A.J. Brown returns from injury this week while teammate Julio Jones remains sidelined. Brown will hope to give life to a Titans team that is coming off an overtime loss to the Jets. Drawing a matchup against a terrible Jaguars secondary, the Titans star wideout will put up strong numbers in his return.

Jakobi Meyers ($5,900)

Jakobi Meyers has flown under the radar in the early season as he ranks seventh in the league in targets and ninth in receptions. For a receiver drawing in this level of volume, the price tag of $5,900 is simply too low. Meyers will see plenty of volume once again, as opposing teams have had no issue moving the chains against the Texans.

Other NFL DFS Options: Davante Adams ($8,200), Justin Jefferson ($8,000), CeeDee Lamb ($6,900), Kenny Golladay ($6,200), Laviska Shenault Jr. ($5,800)

Tight Ends

Darren Waller ($7,400)

With Kelce playing on Sunday night and Kittle out for multiple weeks, the tight end position is looking horrible. Darren Waller is the only tight end projected for double-digit NFL DFS points on the main slate. The strategy here is simple, if you have the salary to roster Waller, do it.

Noah Fant ($5,900)

With Courtland Sutton questionable to play this week, Noah Fant can become Denver’s top receiving option. Coming off a game where he racked up 10 targets and a touchdown, Fant will look to continue the momentum into this week. The matchup isn’t great against the Steelers, but we’ll take any points we can get from our tight ends.

Other NFL DFS Options: T.J. Hockenson ($6,400), Cameron Brate ($5,000)