Week Five in Review Oct 7, 2008 | More

Ballers of the Week

DeAngelo Williams , RB Carolina Panthers

Williams had the best game of his NFL career and surprised every one in fantasy leagues when he rushed 20 times for 125 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a 25-yard TD reception to add to his stellar day. Though this was a breakout game for Williams, I still don’t think he has solidified himself as the number one starter in Carolina as Jonathan Stewart continues to impress and get just as many carries as Williams. He is still worthy of a start in all formats though.

Brandon Jacobs , RB New York Giants

Jacobs put together a great game against Seattle on Sunday as he ran for 136 yards on just 15 carries and found the end zone twice. He had a couple very nice runs and pounded it across the goal line when he was supposed to. So far so good for the bruising RB as Jacobs has remained healthy thus far. As long as he doesn’t get hurt, he should have a very good 2008 season.

Carolina Panthers , DEF

The Panthers “D” looked like the unstoppable force from a few years ago, pitching a shutout against the Chiefs. They had two INT’s, a fumble recovery and three sacks on a day where Kansas City just could not get going. Even though Carolina looked dominant in week five, they still have some work to do as a defense. The Chiefs are one of the worst teams in the league so this performance didn’t come as too much of a surprise.

Busts of the Week

LaDainian Tomlinson , RB San Diego Chargers

After having four TD’s in two games, LT came back with a terrible outing against a subpar Miami Dolphin squad. He ran for just 35 yards and had 22 receiving yards. Tomlinson is still not 100% healthy by any means, so owners should watch him very closely over the next few weeks.

Santana Moss , WR Washington Redskins

Moss had been a Top 5 fantasy WR in 2008 until he got shutout against the Eagles on Sunday. It was a very frustrating day for Santana and his owners as the Philly defense was constantly double teaming him and keeping an eye on him at all times. Moss should bounce back next week against St. Louis so start him with confidence.

Marvin Harrison , WR Indianapolis Colts

Marvin seems to be completely healthy after his offseason knee surgery, but he just hasn’t gotten it going yet and week five was a perfect example of this. Harrison caught four passes for just 32 yards and only has 88 yards in the last three games combined. Reggie Wayne is clearly the number one WR in Indy and you might want to find another option right now until Harrison can get into the flow.

Waiver Wire

Muhsin Muhammad , WR Carolina Panthers

Muhammad is averaging over 100 receiving yards a game and a touchdown over the past two outings and is only owned in less than 65% of most fantasy leagues. He is quietly becoming a trusty target for Jake Delhomme and is cashing in on all the double teams that fellow wideout Steve Smith is attracting. Grab him if you need some WR help.

Shocker Special

Tim Hightower , RB Arizona Cardinals

The backup RB in Arizona put together a nice day in week five, registering his first career two touchdown game. He had seven carries for just 37 yards, but continues to get work on the goal line. That alone makes him somewhat valuable in fantasy. He now has five scores on the year, which is two more than starter Edgerrin James.

Keep on your Fantasy Radar

Steve Breaston , WR Arizona Cardinals

Breaston has become the solid No. 3 WR in Arizona, but with Anquan Boldin out indefinitely he has been given a bigger role in the pass-happy offense. QB Kurt Warner has been consistently looking for Breaston on the sidelines and down field and could emerge as a very good flex player at the very least in 2008.

Must Start of Week Six

Correll Buckhalter, RB Philadelphia Eagles

Right now, it looks very doubtful that starting RB Brian Westbrook is going to play week six against the 49ers because he has two broken ribs, so in all likelihood Buckhalter will get the start. He is a solid RB who can catch the ball out of the backfield and has great speed. If Westbrook does indeed remain on the sidelines, start Correll with confidence and expect around 15 points with a good possibility for more against a weak San Fran defense.

Please Bench of Week Six

Derek Anderson , QB Cleveland Browns

Though Anderson did show some improvement in week four and had a chance to rest in his week five bye week, he comes back in week six with a ton of pressure on him to perform against a solid Giant defense that just tormented Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks. His struggles should continue next week so if you have him put in another option.