🤫 A Sleeper RB Just Took Over The Backfield

Taysom Hill and Geno Smith. The simulation is broken...

In today’s Fantasy Life Newsletter presented by BetMGM:

The fantasy football season is about to get real. Not only do we have bye weeks hitting in Week 6, we also have a host of injuries to navigate from yesterday's action.

• Rashaad Penny (ankle/shin): Penny "seriously" injured his left ankle yesterday, and it seems likely he will miss the rest of the year. We'll discuss more as the week progresses, but rookie Ken Walker is set up for a big finish.

• Damien Harris (hamstring): Harris left the game early yesterday (paving the way for a big game from Rhamondre Stevenson). Harris missed one game last year due to a hamstring injury, so Stevenson might get the backfield to himself for another week.

• Tyreek Hill (foot): Hill was seen in a walking boot on his left foot after the game. This is one we'll have to monitor throughout the week.

• James Conner (ribs): This is a new injury for Conner, who has previously dealt with a chest injury. Keep Eno Benjamin front of mind as we head into Week 6 waivers.

• Chris Olave (concussion): Olave was balling out before exiting the game with a concussion. Considering the league's revamped protocols, it wouldn't be surprising to see him miss a game.

• Tee Higgins (hamstring): Despite no injury designation heading into SNF, Higgins played just 10 of 30 snaps in the first half and did not return to the game in the second half. Zac Taylor said after the game that the ankle injury was still an issue, so it's frustrating this wasn't reported ahead of time.

Read on for the top performers from Week 5, including a late round RB who took full control of their backfield...

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Every Monday, Pete will share his six big takeaways from the week's action compliments of our friends over at Bud Light. Let's crack open that six pack, Pete...

🍺 1. Gabe Davis goes nuts

Right when "bust" whispers were starting to reach a crescendo, Davis promptly silenced the haters to the tune of 171 yards and 2 TDs. The fireworks included this absolutely unreal catch where he not only caught the ball one-handed but then snatched it away from the defender. Davis did all his damage on just three catches, underscoring that his production will continue to be volatile. But when the highs are this high, we can live with the down weeks. Don't ever bench him.

🍺 2. Breece Hall's breakout party

The Jets rookie RB has arrived, and it is glorious. Hall popped off for 18-97-1 on the ground and 2-100 through the air. What's really insane is that his day could have been even bigger if he weren't vultured twice at the goal line by Michael Carter. The Jets got a good thing going with their rookies, now we just need to pray that Zach Wilson doesn't mess it up. Hall is an RB1 going forward.

🍺 3. Geno Smith cannot be stopped

No more caveats. No more disclaimers. No more hedging. It's time to adjust our priors and admit Geno is hashtag good. The Seahawks didn't get the W yesterday, but it's undeniable how well he's playing. He racked up 268 yards and 3 TDs with no interceptions. Forget comparing him to Russell Wilson (that's played out), he's legitimately in the MVP conversation.

🍺 4. Austin Ekeler is on a heater

For the second straight week, Ekeler went nuclear. He accumulated 173 yards and 1 TD on the ground and a 4-26-1 line through the air for 35.9 PPR points. His TD run in the third quarter was electric, and he's now the overall RB1 in PPR leagues through five weeks. Nick Chubb and Saquon Barkley are the three other backs with over 100 points.

🍺 5. Taysom Hill is relentless

Every time you forget about Taysom he miraculously finds a way back into your life. He posted an absurd line yesterday on the ground (9-112-3) as he vultured Alvin Kamara multiple times. If he has TE eligibility in your league, he's now up to TE4 on the season...with one reception. I'd say this production is unsustainable, but I've said that for years and he simply won't stop making me eat crow.

🍺 6. Raheem Mostert, bellcow back

Conventional wisdom heading into the year was that Chase Edmonds would serve as the Dolphins lead back while Mostert would work in as a change-of-pace. Well, that thought has been completely blown to pieces. Mostert capitalized on elite usage yesterday, racking up 19.2 fantasy points while completely banishing Edmonds to a bit role. As long as he can stay healthy, and it's a big if, Mostert will be a league winner. Meanwhile, Edmonds can be cut.

😡 Baker Mayfield is big mad. Don't question his job, bro.

🚀 A new RB1 in Jacksonville? This is the second week in a row with the new lead back.

📗 Who wore it best? Kyler Murray or Hillary Clinton?

🤔 The market is too low on this KC RB. Find out why you need to start him in DFS tonight.

💪 The other top rookie RB goes beast mode. Wowzers.

🍆 This is a family-friendly newsletter. But you might want to watch this on the sly.

👎 No Kyle Pitts, no problem. Just kidding, the Falcons are a disaster.

🌞 It's always sunny in Philadelphia. This is barely safe for work.

Week 5 wraps up with the Chiefs (3-1) hosting the Raiders (1-3) as 7 point home favorites. This divisional tilt features the only total on the entire slate over 50 (51.5), so hopefully we get treated to some fireworks.

Both teams are healthy with the Raiders getting WR Hunter Renfrow back for this one.

Here's everything we like tonight from a fantasy, DFS, and betting perspective: All odds via BetMGM

Timing is crucial when it comes to sports betting. Lines get released late on Sunday night, and every Monday Kendall drops by to give you her first look at the betting markets.

💸 Cleveland Browns (-2.5) vs. New England Patriots

The Browns dropped their Week 5 game against the Chargers while the Patriots put up a stunner with rookie QB Bailey Zappe and shut out the Lions 29-0. While it’s tough to beat a Bill Belichick game plan, the Browns should cover at home next Sunday.

The Patriots will probably be underdogs until starting QB Mac Jones returns (which could be Week 6), but once bettors realize New England took down a depleted Lions team before their bye week, the line will move in favor of the Browns, so jump on it early.

The Browns are a top-10 team in offensive DVOA rating, and RB Nick Chubb wants the RB1 crown at the end of the season. He put up 134 yards and two touchdowns in Week 5, and the Patriots will have a hard time slowing the duo of Chubb and RB Kareem Hunt down. While the Patriots put up a respectable defensive performance against the Lions, they still rank 26th in rushing yards allowed per game.

Expect the Browns to focus on the run game in Week 6 and cover the spread.