Packers Fantasy Forecast, Week 5: Cowboys run game and Rodgers' return to form

As the NFL heads into week five the Green Bay Packers are coming off a disappointing real life week that gave fantasy football players a breakout performance from Aaron Rodgers. Still, there was no big game from the Packers' run game and the injury to Davante Adams came in his best yardage day yet. Still, so many Packers - Cowboys games have been defining moments in seasons past, and there should be plenty to look forward to from a fantasy perspective as well.

Here's what to look for in the week's premier matchup.

QUARTERBACKS

Aaron Rodgers

Finally, we had the top tier fantasy performance from Rodgers that we have been waiting for. At this point, it is pretty safe to say Rodgers is an obvious start. The Packers have cleared the first quarter of the season and this is a general point where the systems of new coaches start to settle in. Rodgers has increased his yardage each game this year. I would not expect to see something higher than last game, but Rodgers should put up some good numbers since Dallas is a middle-of-the-road pass defense.

Dak Prescott

Dak has put up great numbers this season. Still, it should be pointed out that he has played a bunch of bottom tier pass defenses: the Giants are 20th in DVOA, Washington is 26th, Miami 32nd, and New Orleans ranks 24th. It is also fair to point out that the Saints held Prescott effectively in check all game last week. The Packers will be the best pass defense Prescott has faced all year. Additionally, given the Packers' weakness so far in the running game, the Cowboys are likely to lean on the run more. Dak should only really be started in a 2QB league this week.

If you are looking for a streaming option take a look at Jacoby Brissett. He is only owned in 55% of Yahoo leagues and 53% of ESPN leagues. He will have the Kansas City Chiefs this week. The Chiefs defense has a decent enough DVOA (9th), but the have given up big fantasy numbers to Gardner Minshew II, Lamar Jackson and Matthew Stafford. Also, oddly Joe Flacco could be a viable option as well. He has the 28th ranked pass defense in DVOA this week, the Chargers. This is more of a desperation start, but he is available in 92% of Yahoo leagues and 96% of ESPN leagues.

RUNNING BACK

Aaron Jones

Jones has only had one game of 40 or more yards rushing so far in 2019. He has been averaging 17.75 touches per game, but not getting a ton out of it. However, he has been playing difficult rush defenses (Chicago, Minnesota and Philadelphia) so his fantasy scoring has been a little touchdown dependent. He has four rushing touchdowns, but still, you would prefer that he was used more in the passing game. With Jamaal Williams put, this might give Jones more passing reps and help him out, but he should be a high-end RB2 this week.

If you are looking for someone to stream this week, try Matt Breida. He is just 82% owned in Yahoo and 79% owned in ESPN. Breida plays against the Cleveland Browns this week. With the injuries on this team in the backfield he should get good touches and should see some success.

Ezekiel Elliott

He is an easy start and a top three running back. The Packers are currently 27th in run DVOA. While the Saints held Elliott down last week, that only leaves the likelihood of a bounce back game relatively high.

RECEIVERS

Davante Adams / Marquez Valdez-Scantling / Geronimo Allison / Jimmy Graham

Adams is an easy start if he is healty, but he has been ruled out for this week. MVS is a flex start generally, but should be a WR2 in this situation. His usage is the major issue that we cannot predict. MVS is best if given the chance to get downfield, but if he is used in short passes, he has been less successful. Allison is a touchdown dependent player so far. He might be worth starting in a flex role if Adams does not play. Otherwise, he really has been a gamble so far. Jimmy Graham is a gamble too. If he gets a touchdown, he was worth it. If you have him, you likely do not have a better option at this point.

Amari Cooper / Michael Gallup / Randall Cobb / Jason Witten

Cooper has been a nice play so far this year and is the clear first receiver on this team. Amari will get plenty of targets, but the Packers pass defense will be the biggest test of the year so far. You still have to start him, but he will be a WR2 this week. Hopefully you have someone higher up the list. Gallup has not been massivley successful, but with Kevin King not playing then he could be a flex consideration this week if he suits up. While we may love Randall Cobb, he is not a fantasy starter right now. Jason Witten has gotten four targets each game so far and should be good for 50 yards against this Packers defense. The Eagles were the first Packers opponent to really concentrate on getting the ball to the tight end. Witten is a start this week, but he is also a bit touchdown dependent.