TNF Preview, Week 5

It’s Thursday, and that means another week of the NFL Season begins. This time we get an intriguing matchup of two offenses stuck in neutral s the Indianapolis Colts travel to Denver to take on the Broncos. A week ago, this would have been a battle that featured two of the best running backs in the league in Jonathan Taylor and Javonte Williams. Unfortunately, tonight, both are out. So, it’s on to plan B.

The Colts are not only without Taylor but start defensive player Shaq Leonard. The Broncos, meanwhile, figure to have both Russell Wilson and Melvin Gordon on the field, but both are dealing with injuries. Wilson banged up his throwing shoulder, which adds another challenge to the Broncos’ offense. Meanwhile, defensively, the Broncos are still without safety Justin Simmons and now will be without pass rusher Randy Gregory, who landed on IR after Sunday’s loss to the Raiders.

Enough about who is missing, let’s focus on who’s available. Both teams are looking to get the offense going and to do that they’ll need a strong passing day. For the Colts, it’s all about Michael Pittman, Jr. He’s the team’s top receiver but should also see plenty of Patrick Surtain II, which could limit his upside. Beyond Pittman, the Colts have used a variety of other players but are still waiting to see which other receiver will step up. Meanwhile, Nyheim Hines figures to primarily carry the backfield load.

For the Broncos, Wilson got Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy going last week and will have to hope that continues. Tonight’s game is also a chance for Gordon to atone for a fumble in Week 4 that turned the tide of the game and left him shaken in the post-game press conference. Beyond Gordon, expect a bigger contribution from Mike Boone, who looked decent in his stint in Week 4.

For fantasy, I’m still starting Pittman and also looking at Hines as a flex option. For the Broncos, I like Sutton and Jeudy, and I’m still playing Gordon. I suspect he’ll be in for a big game. Wilson is a QB2 option. Matt Ryan is likely a low-end QB2 option, but I’m not confident.

NFL Picks, Week 5

Broncos Over Colts
Packers Over Giants
Bills Over Steelers
Chargers Over Browns
Vikings Over Bears
Lions Over Patriots
Seahawks Over Saints
Jets Over Dolphins
Buccaneers Over Falcons
Commanders Over Titans
Jaguars Over Texans
49ers Over Panthers
Cowboys Over Rams
Eagles Over Cardinals
Ravens Over Bengals
Chiefs Over Raiders

Last Week: 9-7
Season: 29-34