An ankle sprain has put Lamar Jackson’s status for Week 5 in doubt. The two-time MVP left in the middle of last Sunday’s game vs. Tennessee, an ominous sign going forward. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the injury gives Jackson only an “outside chance” at playing vs. Atlanta this weekend.
If Baltimore’s face of the franchise is sidelined, plenty of fantasy managers will be scrambling for a quarterback. Which names on the waiver wire are worth a pickup in Week 5?
Fantasy football quarterbacks to replace Lamar Jackson in Week 5
Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals vs. DET
Sunday’s game was not a highlight of Jacoby Brissett’s career. Arizona’s starting quarterback looked off all game, handing out three interceptions to the Giants. That includes a game-ending pick-six for New York cornerback Deonte Banks. The pocket passer threw for 166 yards and two touchdowns, leading to an unremarkable 13.4 fantasy points on Sunday. For the third time in four games this season, Brissett has failed to crack more than 17.0 fantasy points in a game.
If there was ever a time for the veteran to get back on track, it’s this weekend. Week 5’s opponents, the Lions, have been nothing short of abysmal on defense. That’s highlighted by a subpar secondary, hampered by injuries and an inability to stop opposing passers. Detroit is giving up an average of 31.1 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season, most in the NFL. That includes a whopping 304.0 passing yards per game, also last in the league. It’s not as if the Cardinals are lacking weapons; tight end Trey McBride leads a solid group pass catchers. Playing in front of a friendly Arizona crowd, Brissett has top-ten potential this week under center.
Jameis Winston, New York Giants at WAS
When looking over Week 5’s quarterback rankings, Jameis Winston might not be the first name that comes to mind. After all, New York’s starting quarterback has looked mediocre at best since replacing the injured Jaxson Dart. However, some context is needed when assessing the former Heisman winner’s statistics so far. His first game was on the road against a tenacious Rams defense, while he battled through a massive storm in Week 3. Last Sunday, we finally saw the gunslinging Jameis of old. The 32-year-old threw for 250 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions (20.0 FPTS).
Assuming this week’s weather isn’t too bad, there’s no reason to assume Winston can’t put together another solid stat line. Washington is allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. As a unit, this defense has allowed the league’s eighth-most passing yards per game (242.5). In addition, the Commanders are tied with the Lions and Cardinals with a league-worst 11 passing touchdowns allowed. For a dirt-cheap waiver wire quarterback, fantasy football managers could do a lot worse than Jameis.
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons vs. BAL
Atlanta’s season has turned around almost overnight. The team has reeled off two straight wins, coinciding with the return of Michael Penix Jr. to the starting lineup. The Washington alum isn’t putting up gaudy numbers, but he’s shown flashes of greatness this season. Through two games, he’s thrown for 479 yards and two touchdowns while giving up one interception. While those statistics are conducive to real-life winning, it’s not exactly eye-popping for fantasy purposes.
It’s no secret that this Falcons offense is all about pounding the rock. Head coach Kevin Stefanski is more than willing to give superstar running back Bijan Robinson 20+ carries on any given week. Still, a strong running game alone may not be enough to earn a win. We’ve seen the Ravens remain competitive before with Jackson injured. To boot, the team is allowing the 11th-fewest yards per carry in football (3.9 YPC). If Baltimore is able to keep Atlanta’s ground game in check, more passes should be in store for Penix this weekend.
