Sunday morning observations -- Week 5

Wow, time really flies in Fantasyland, ya know? It's Week 5, and since there's absolutely nothing else newsworthy going on the world that I could possibly make a snarky comment about, let's dive right into the latest news we can use to dominate our matchups...

In Denver, the Paxton Lynch Era begins. At least until he implodes or Trevor Siemian is 100%. And he couldn't have asked for a much friendlier opponent to face today in the Falcons. He's too green to start in my book, but I wouldn't hesitate to roll with Demaryius or Emmanuel with the rookie under center in this matchup.

Derek Anderson will start for the concussed Cam Newton on Monday night. Again, Anderson is only for the truly desperate, but I don't have any trouble riding Greg Olsen, and I would start Kelvin Benjamin if I owned him. With Jonathan Stewart out again, the Panthers' backfield will continue to spare us to death with Cameron Artis-Payne and Fozzy Whittaker running the ball.

With both Doug Martin and Charles Sims doubtful, the Bucs are preparing to go with Jacquizz Rodgers as their lead RB on MNF. Of course, the Panthers' defense has been off its game lately, so Rodgers could fill a one-week hole in your flex spot if you are injury- or bye-challenged. But Martin is expected to return after the team's Week 6 bye, so Rodgers a risky -- and short-term -- fix only.

Of course, the big news of the day is Pretty Boy Brady returning to the controls for the Patriots. And none to soon, as I stashed him on one of my teams that Carson Palmer has been leading so far. We'll see if he can resuscitate the values of Gronk (hamstring) and Edelman (foot) out of the gates. My bet is that he will.

Dez Bryant will be a game-time decision again, but you know he won't play, right? Also out or fully expected to be out: Jay Cutler (thumb), Jeremy Langford (ankle), Arian Foster (hamstring), Eric Decker (shoulder), Eric Ebron (ankle, knee), Larry Donnell (concussion) and Jordan Cameron (concussion).

Rashad Jennings (thumb) is expected to miss tonight's game, giving Orleans Darkwa another audition for the Giants' starting gig.

In Oakland, Latavius Murray (toe) is out, meaning the backfield should be shared between DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard. Both speedy backups can take it to the house, and Washington is the one to bet on if you have to choose; but there's not a long track record for us to bank on.

Others with a Q behind their names who are expected to be suited up and ready to roll: Shady McCoy (hand), Matt Forte (knee, ribs), Marvin Jones (foot), Alshon Jeffery (knee), Quincy Enunwa (knee), Zach Miller (ribs) and Dan Bailey (back). Antonio Gates is also expected to return after sitting out the last couple of games, but could be on a snap count since his hammy is not yet 100%.

We should also see the NFL debut of promising rookie RB Kenneth Dixon for Baltimore today. Ravens watchers are virtually unanimous in their assessment of Dixon as the most talented of the motley crew of tailbacks in the team's stable, so don't be surprised if Terrance West's starting job is fleeting.

Tyler Eifert won't play against the Bengals, but signs point to his long-awaited return in Week 6. If the guy/gal who drafted him has given up on Eifert, this may be your last chance to scoop up one of last year's elite TEs before he's in high demand.

Another preemptive move to consider: James White has fallen off the radar thanks to his lack of use by the Patriots' backup QBs. With Brady back, I think White returns to fantasy relevance today and is very likely to be among my waiver wire recommendations tomorrow. He's owned in only 37% of ESPN fantasy leagues.

In other pressing news...Will Dak Prescott or Carson Wentz throw their first interceptions today? My Magic 8 Ball says "Most Likely" for both...


That's it for now. Inactives and other late-breaking news still to come via Twitter (@ladd_biro). May your fantasy points runneth over today!