Fantasy Football DvP Mismatch Report for Week 5: Target Malik Nabers Against Washington

Playing in the NFL can be a true blessing, but Jalon Daniels’ first start blew up in his face like one of Wile E. Coyote’s malfunctioning ACME contraptions.

And while Daniels was dealing with his own disaster, both Mr. Robinsons on the Falcons were busy creating another one on the ground. Watching them dismantle that run defense made me realize just how outmatched the Saints were.

But I’ll admit it: I may have miscalculated the Falcons. I was ready to throw them in the garbage after that loss to the Panthers.

I’m here to say it now: If Atlanta keeps playing the way it did under the primetime lights, the Falcons are going to put the NFC on notice.

Yeah, even those Seahawks out west. What a matchup that would be with the way both teams are playing right now.

We’ll save that matchup for another day. For now, let’s get into some players with plus matchups in Week 5 and one matchup I’m staying far away from.

Week 5 Fantasy Football DvP Matchups To Target

RB D’Andre Swift vs. Green Bay Packers

Eleven times D’Andre Swift has faced the Packers, and he’s had his share of success against them.

But this time feels a little different.

Teammate Kyle Monangai is coming off a massive 30-carry performance while also dealing with a minor thumb injury that isn’t expected to keep him out. That could open the door for Swift to see a little more work this week.

And there’s one thing Swift has never done in those 11 games against Green Bay: top 100 total yards.

Ben Johnson knows this Packers defense, and I expect him to get Swift the ball early and often, especially in space.

Then there’s the matchup. Green Bay has allowed the third-most fantasy points to RBs this season.

Eleven tries without cracking 100 total yards? Don’t make it an even dozen, because Swift is breaking that streak this week.

WR Malik Nabers vs. Washington Commanders

With a nasty double move on a seam route, Malik Nabers had his wake-up week, finishing inside the top 10 in Week 4.

Nabers seemed to circle the four-week mark as the point he’d know how much he could trust that knee. Afterward, he said, “I knew it was coming. I just didn't want to jinx myself.”

Averaging over 18 yards per catch, he let the game come to him nicely.

With Jameis Winston, expect two things: some drawn-out sermon about the mountaintop and aggressive throws into tight coverage. For Nabers, I’ll take it.

Washington allows 38 PPR points per game to WRs and the second-most fantasy points to QBs. Winston will give Nabers chances, and he’s good enough to turn those YOLO balls into fantasy points.

Week 4 might be just the beginning.

Use Caution with This Week 5 DvP Matchup

RB James Cook vs. Los Angeles Rams

Surely you’re not benching a healthy James Cook in Week 5, but consider this your fair warning: This week he faces the Rams. The Rams are one of only two teams that have yet to allow a touchdown to an opposing RB this season. They’ve been stuffing running backs all year, and it isn’t even November yet.

It gets even tougher for visiting RBs, as the Rams have allowed only 52 total rushing yards.

Zoinks!

But tough matchups are made to be busted, and Cook is exactly the type of RB who can do it. Temper your expectations, but I’m still expecting high-end FLEX numbers from Cook in Week 5.

Don’t even think about sitting him unless you’re stupid stacked at RB. And even then, that decision should come with caution flags waving.