Fantasy Football: Top 10 Sleeper Picks for Week 5

Heading into Fantasy Football Week 5 action, here are the top 10 sleeper picks to keep an eye on.

Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scrambles for a first down in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

It’s Week 5 of fantasy football and by now you should already have a weekly routine in place. Obviously, you’re going to want to check your lineup for busts, byes, and injuries before heading into the new week.

The sooner you do this, the sooner you can put in a claim for this week’s top sleepers or fill-ins. This is the most nerve-wracking part of the entire week.

Trying to figure out which player offers the most fantasy football value and which player to start at the other is an intense feeling. Lucky for you I identified 10 sleeper choices heading into Week 5.

Now, you may look at the list and question a few players but, it’s the sleeper list right? So, you have to go in with an open mind. Okay, let’s get to it!

Next: 10. This Eagle will soar in Week 5

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) runs after a catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

10. Darren Sproles, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

In the beginning of the season, Darren Sproles owners questioned his fantasy football value. In the first two weeks of the year, he had a combined fantasy score of 10 points.

Then, in Week 3 he brought home over 40 fantasy football points. After a breakout game like that, fantasy owners were excited to see what the future had in store for Sproles but, his Week 4 bye put a stop to his explosiveness.

It’s now Week 5 and Sproles is taking on the Detroit Lions. The Lions are 25^th against the position, and have struggled early this season.

Sproles is anticipated to have 70 or more yards with at least one touchdown in the Week 5 matchup. Sproles is a top sleeper option this week.

Next: 9. This quarterback has risen to the occasion

9. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott has done a great job holding down the fort for the Dallas Cowboys. Sure, he’s no Aaron Rodgers but, he has earned close to 20 or more fantasy points per game.

Now, I am not saying he should be your QB1 for the rest of the season but, in a week that has several bye quarterbacks and a few injured and concussed quarterbacks, this is the week to take a chance with Prescott.

Last week, Prescott completed 23-of-32 passes for 245 yards. He also had two touchdowns and added three yards on five carries bringing in a little over 20 points for the week.

This week he takes on the Cincinnati Bengals whose pass defense ranks 10^th in the NFL. However, week after week we see Prescott become more confident and in control.

He may not earn above average points this week but, he’s been having a better fantasy football year than some seasoned quarterbacks like Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tyrod Taylor.

Next: 8. His opponents have offered five touchdowns to the position

Sep 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) runs the ball during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bears won 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

8. Jordan Howard, RB, Chicago Bears

If you were lucky enough to scoop up Jordan Howard in the absence of Jeremy Langford you were doing the happy dance last week. If you didn’t want to chance it, let last week’s performance draw you in this week.

Week 5 was Howard’s first starting week and he nailed it; actually, he did things we never saw Langford do. He carried the ball 23 times for over 100 yards. He also added 21 yards after completing 3-of-4 passes earning almost 30 fantasy football points in Week 4.

This week, Howard takes on the Indianapolis Colts who have struggled to defend the run. The Colts have offered opponents a little over 105 rushing yards per game and five rushing touchdowns this season.

Look for Howard to keep the momentum going in Week 5. Howard is a must start sleeper pick this week.

Next: 7. He's not a weekly starter except in Week 5

Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Brian Quick (83) carries the ball to score a touchdown after making a reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

7. Brian Quick, WR, Los Angeles Rams

A true sleeper is a player who doesn’t get a weekly start on your roster. That’s the case with Brian Quick, who although seems to be slowing down, is a week to week start depending on his matchup.

The first two weeks of the season were almost non-existing for Quick. In Week 1 he barely earned five fantasy football points and in Week 2 he earned one; that explains his 9 percent ownership.

However, in Week 3 he earned over 20 points in his matchup. Then, last week he completed two passes for 69 yards and two touchdowns earning almost 30 fantasy points.

This week he takes on the Buffalo Bills. With his last two outings and red zone capabilities, he is sure to score big against a lacking Bills defense.

Next: 6. He might be the only Jet taking off this week

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) runs with the ball during the first half of their game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

6. Bilal Powell, RB, New York Jets

I thought long and hard before adding any players of the New York Jets to any of my lists this week (aside from my sit ‘em list). However, this seems to be the week we see Bilal Powell emerge.

It’s no secret Matt Forte is the main workhorse for the Jets but, there are a few things to keep in mind. One, Forte is dealing with a foot/ankle injury and is listed as questionable. Two, Forte was just shut down in his last two matchups.

Also, the Jets take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have allowed opponents four yards per run this season. They also have offered two backs 100 receiving yards and a touchdown in the last three games.

This is the week to take a chance with Powell. If you don’t test the waters now, you never will so why not take the plunge with a favorable fantasy football matchup? Start him

Next: 5. His matchup offers true sleeper results

Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) blocks during a field goal attempt during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

5. Hunter Henry, TE San Diego Chargers

Antonio Gates has missed a couple of weeks due to an injury and second string Hunter Henry has stepped in as a decent replacement. Although Gates did attend practice this week, he is still limited and it is unsure if he will suit up in Week 5.

Should Gates miss Week 5, Henry will start. Keep in mind, even if Gates starts, Henry should still some play time as Gates would probably be limited.

Last week, Henry completed 4-of-7 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown. He earned about 16 fantasy football points which are decent for a tight end.

This week he takes on the Oakland Raiders who have only allowed one touchdown to the position this season. But, he’s a sleeper for a reason. Start Henry in your Week 5 fantasy football lineup.

Next: 4. He could be the Ravens feature back this week

Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

4. Terrance West, RB, Baltimore Ravens

When it comes to the Baltimore Ravens, we can never assume who will be highlighted in their weekly matchup. Although the Ravens have yet to decide if Terrance West will be the featured back this week, his last week’s performance suggests otherwise!

Over the last two weeks, West had 31 touches averaging 5.1 yards per carry and a touchdown. In Week 4, West earned almost 30 fantasy football points.

This week, West plays the Washington Redskins who struggle to defend the run. Within their last four games, the Redskins have given up seven touchdowns to opposing backs.

Given his recent success and the weekly matchup, it’s hard to not start West in Week 5. He’s a top sleeper pick for this week’s roster.

Next: 3. Nothing is small about this running back

3. Wendell Smallwood, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Although Ryan Matthews is practicing in full this week, the Philadelphia Eagles plan on using a run by committee approach in Week 5.

I know what you’re thinking; using multiple backs will decrease fantasy football value. Yes, that’s true but, Smallwood led the Eagles in carries in their last game.

Wendell also had great success finding a hole making his way down the field, which impressed head coach Doug Pederson. So, why would they come from a bye week with regression? They wouldn’t!

So, what does that mean for Smallwood? A huge game, especially if he’s impressing the coaches. Not to mention, the Eagles are playing the Detroit Lions who have offered almost six yards per carry to opposing backs.

On paper Smallwood is expected to explode! Fill your bye and injured players with Smallwood before his ownership increases.

Next: 2. He is the Raiders leading back this week

September 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (33) runs with the football past Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) during the third quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Falcons defeated the Raiders 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

2. DeAndre Washington, RB, Oakland Raiders

Listen loud and clear! DeAndre Washington needs to be owned this week and is only owned in about 30 percent of leagues.

Latavius Murray suffered a toe injury and if he does play will be limited. The Oakland Raiders have said Washington will “likely” be their starter in Week 5.

This is great if you need a running back and there are no free agents in your fantasy football league. Washington is projected to earn about 15 points this week with the potential to do more.

This week Washington meets the San Diego Chargers. Although the Chargers are only allowing opposing backs 82 yards per game, Washington is looking to have his first NFL breakout game. He’s a definite RB1 heading into Week 5.

Next: 1. No, he's not on this list as a joke

Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) calls a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

1. Brian Hoyer, QB, Cleveland Browns

Never in my wildest dream would I have thought I would be adding Brian Hoyer to this list. But, then again never did I expect most of what this season is panning out to be.

Hoyer has been looking good these past two weeks earning a combined total of 50 fantasy football points. He also has had back-to-back 300-yard games.

Last week alone, Hoyer completed 28-of-36 passes; yes I was surprised too! He also had two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Must Read: Fantasy Football: Top 10 Sit 'Em Picks for Week 5

I don’t know about you but, that is definitely a quarterback I want on my team. Hoyer is a top sleeper pick this week and deserves a spot on any roster in Week 5.