Bucky Irving Injury Shakes Up NFL Week 5 Florida Fantasy Forecast
Injuries are impacting every team across the NFL, and the Florida teams are no exception. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins both see a change in their lineups because of injury.
The talk with the Bucs has been about injuries to their wide receiver room and that continues this week with Mike Evans still sidelined. Add in running back Bucky Irving being in a walking boot and the Week 5 starters will look different from Week 1 for Tampa Bay.
For the Dolphins, wide receiver Tyreek Hill dislocated and tore parts of his knee in Week 4, leaving the top spot in the Miami passing game open. Who is going to step up and fill the void?
Wide Receiver
Must-start
The Carolina Panthers (1-3) have done a good job limiting production for opposing wide receivers this season. With Miami (1-3) hitting the road to take them on, the question becomes if receiver Jaylen Waddle is a must-start. The answer is yes. While the Panthers have been strong defensively, they have allowed the top wide receiver for opponents to find production. Last week Stefon Diggs of the New England Patriots recorded 16.1 points. Fantasy managers should expect similar production from Waddle this week.
Emeka Egbuka is the wide receiver eight on the season, and his matchup this week makes him a must-start. The Seattle Seahawks (3-1) have allowed double-digit points to the opposing wide receiver one in each game this season. Expect a big game from Egbuka, and 20-plus points if he gets into the end zone.
Can-start
Oh how the mighty have fallen. Brian Thomas Jr. is still in the can-start category because of his production last year, but if he does not turn it on soon he will fall out of this category as well. He reached double-figures last week, but faces a difficult matchup in Week 5. The Kansas City Chiefs held Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers to his second lowest output of the season, a week after holding New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers to his worst game. Thomas should still be in your lineup if you drafted him, but be happy if he reaches double-digits again this week.
Emergency-only
Chris Godwin Jr. made his return last week, but should remain on your bench until he proves he is back up to speed. Godwin saw 10 targets in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but caught only three passes. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is looking his way, and if that continues, he will become a player you want in your lineup.
Leave on the bench
A bad matchup coupled with lack of production makes every other Florida wide receiver unplayable. Travis Hunter is not getting snaps on either side of the ball, while Parker Washington is getting more touches on special teams than he does on offense. For the Dolphins, Malik Washington and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine are the two players who may step up with Hill out injured. Until it is seen who gets the targets, neither player should be in your lineup.
Running Back
Must-start
If there is a winner of the Hill injury, it would be running back De’Von Achane, who has been a weapon in the passing game in the past, and this will only grow. The matchup with the Panthers is as neutral as can be, but regardless of matchup Achane will be in your lineup as long as he is healthy.
Playing against the Chiefs (2-2) has been a golden ticket for running backs the last two weeks. Cam Skattebo and Justice Hill each put up their highest point total of the season. Travis Etienne Jr. will have the opportunity to join that group this week. The upside means he should be in your lineup.
Can-start
Rachaad White is the one most likely to step into Irving’s role, which makes him fantasy relevant. Last week the Seahawks limited another backup thrust into the starting role in Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson. Temper your expectations for White, but if he is on your roster, find a way to play him.
Leave on the bench
The fantasy community is whispering the name Sean Tucker. The Bucs running back will see an extended role with Irving out, but until it’s shown how Tucker will be used he should not be in your lineup.
For the Jaguars (3-1), Bhayshul Tuten has seen his work decrease. He only had four carries last week, and that number should remain consistent in a game where the Jaguars are 3.5-point underdogs.
Quarterback
Must-start
The Buccaneers vs. Seahawks game has the potential to be a shootout, which makes Mayfield a must-start. He is missing his starting running back, meaning more of the work will be on his shoulders. Expect more rushing work, and as a hot-take, a rushing touchdown.
Leave on the bench
Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence should both not be played. Neither have been able to find consistent production, and unless you are in a two-quarterback league, neither should be on your roster.
Tight End
Can-start
The Brenton Strange experience is quickly becoming a roller-coaster. Weeks where he is listed as a can-start he struggles, and when he is listed as emergency only he has great production. While this is not a good matchup, the Chiefs have done well limiting tight ends, Lawrence has looked his way constantly. With the Jaguars game script likely to involve throwing the football, Strange should be in line for a big game. Of course now that this is written he will finish with three catches for 20 yards.
Emergency only
Darren Waller was the fantasy darling of Week 4, but do not expect that to repeat. Turning 66% of your catches into touchdowns is not normal, and will not be repeated.
Category: Fantasy Football, Football, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
