For several years, I’ve shared my NFL DFS 50/50 Lineup of the Week with readers for 1 PM ET Sunday games. I’ve won two DFS tournaments versus about 20,000 people combined and two national tournaments versus nearly 400,000 people combined. There is an art and science to outperforming most fantasy football competitors. My 50/50 lineups have hit 65% of the time. Based on FanDuel pricing, here’s my recommended NFL Week 5 DFS 50/50 lineup and picks.
NFL DFS 50/50 Lineup of the Week | Week 5
Which players should you consider in DFS lineups for Week 5 in the NFL?
QB Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings ($7,500)
Simply safe. Kirk Cousins has a great floor against a sub-par Detroit defense and should rebound after last week’s tough slog against the much better Cleveland defense.
RB Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans ($10,400)
I have warned readers repeatedly about the historical impact of 350+ touches on RBs the following season (23% average productivity decline). Nevertheless, Derrick Henry is on pace for 540 touches this year, which would smash the NFL record. In Week 5, fire him up despite his hefty price tag. And in regular leagues, please sell high before it’s too late.
RB Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($6,400)
This feels like a 3-TD day for Leonard Fournette, doesn’t it? Miami has been reeling since Jacoby Brissett took over for the injured Tua Tagovailoa early in Week 2. No doubt, the Bucs will be merciless, and Fournette still hasn’t reached the end zone. That will change soon.
WR Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers ($8,200)
Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s injury removes one obstacle to Davante Adams flooding the box score with catches, yards, and touchdowns. Not that he needs it. Adams can dominate at any time. Last week was Randall Cobb’s turn — today, it’s Adams’ shot. I’d bet on an 11-125-2 line.
WR Laviska Shenault Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars ($5,800)
Two days ago, I traded Kenny Golladay for Laviska Shenault in a deal that could go either way. But I need a win this week, and Shenault has a much higher floor and a comparable ceiling. At this DFS price, he’s a highly probable bargain.
WR Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins ($5,400)
Back to the Bucs-Dolphins game: Miami will be playing catch up, and Jaylen Waddle is arguably their most talented receiver. He’s caught an incredible 25-of-30 targets (83%), which has shades of vintage Michael Thomas. His target share should improve with Will Fuller sidelined and could reach epic proportions if DeVante Parker (questionable) is forced to sit.
TE Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins ($5,600)
Mike Gesicki is finally getting the QB attention he deserves. In fact, 20 targets between Waddle and Gesicki is not a farfetched expectation.
WR Jakobi Meyers, New England Patriots ($5,900)
Jakobi Meyers has received 26 targets in his last two games. I like his odds with the Patriots’ running game struggling.
D/ST Buccaneers ($4,800)
This is a slight hedge after taking two Dolphins. But realistically, this unit could net 3 turnovers and 6 sacks. They might end up being the highest-scoring D/ST of Week 5.
