NFL Week 5 News and Preview
As always, there are tons of moving parts week to week in the NFL. Here are some of the bigger news and notes as we head into the second month of the season, as well as our preview for tonight’s huge game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons.
Week 5 Headlines
Davante Adams On the Move?
It appears that Davante Adams has truly played his last game as a Las Vegas Raider. The disgruntled veteran is not expected to play this weekend, per Adam Schefter, and has made it clear to the organization he prefers a trade elsewhere. It appears both of his former QBs, Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr, are at the top of his wishlist.
Early Week 5 Injury Round-Up
As we progress towards the end of the week, injury news is already rolling in. Before I get to that…what’s going on with Rashee Rice? It has yet to be confirmed that he has a torn ACL, while Andy Reid was quick to put a damper on any sort of optimism surrounding the situation.
Brandin Cooks has already been ruled out for the Cowboys this weekend, forcing Jalen Tolbert into strong streamer consideration in all leagues. Both Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson are in jeopardy of missing this game for the Colts, which would allow Joe Flacco and Trey Sermon to start. Malik Nabers also looks in doubt to play this weekend, while both Nick Chubb and TJ Hockenson are returning to practice and could return soon.
Thursday Night Football Preview
We have a key early-season divisional clash between the Buccaneers and Falcons tonight, featuring a Vegas total of 43.5 points and installing the Falcons as short 2.5-point home favorites. Tampa Bay sits atop the NFC South currently with a 3-1 record, but the Falcons remain the favorite to hoist the divisional crown at the sportsbooks with +165 odds. This will be a big stylistic match-up, with two Sean McVay disciples squaring off – Raheem Morris defensively for the Falcons and Liam Cohen offensively for the Buccaneers. These two teams feature offenses loaded with star-level talent, but we could be in for another low-scoring affair. Over the last five seasons, primetime games have gone under the total over 60% of the time – with that number climbing to 66% in 2024.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay has been excellent offensively this season, outside of one stinker against the Denver Broncos. Baker Mayfield is having a renaissance season after getting paid and has finished as a top-five fantasy QB in three of four weeks. He has crushed zone-coverage, which the Falcons almost exclusively play. This sets up as another smash spot for Mayfield fantasy-wise, as well as Chris Godwin. Atlanta is bottom-ten in FPPG allowed to slot receivers this season, primarily where Godwin operates. It’s also worth noting that rookie RB Bucky Irving continues to ascend in this offense. He finally got worked into a red-zone role a week ago, scoring a touchdown from inside the ten. He leads the team in both rushing yards and YPC.
Atlanta Falcons
As for the Falcons, they have escaped with two narrow wins over the Eagles and Saints this season, but are in line for a serious run with the easiest remaining schedule in the NFL after four weeks. Todd Bowles has done wonders navigating secondary injuries this season; despite being banged up, the Bucs rank 25th in Net Yards gained per pass attempt (5.3). Tampa loves to get after the QB on defense, ranking top-six in both blitz% and hurry% this season. That’s where my worry for Cousins comes in tonight, given that he hasn’t been super mobile coming off his Achilles tear. I think this sets up for a high-volume receiving role for the running backs, potentially catching plenty of dump-offs and screens. Tampa has allowed the second-most (26) receptions to running backs this season – setting up well for Bijan Robinson.