Week 5 of the 2026 fantasy football season delivered standout performances from Drake Maye, Jaylen Warren and Jahmyr Gibbs, while Jonathan Taylor and Chase Brown struggled. ESPN writers Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft break down the biggest winners and losers from the fifth week.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye posted 39.46 fantasy points, far above his previous career high. The performance eased concerns about his weak September, and Cockcroft says he is now playing at a clear fantasy QB1 level as New England faces a demanding stretch of games.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren had a career-high 36.8 points in a win over the Colts, rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown while adding 87 receiving yards and another score. Bowen recommends keeping him in the higher-end RB2 range for a tougher Week 6 matchup against the Buccaneers. Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored 37.7 points and now leads all running backs with 153.7 points through five games. He gets a bye in Week 6 before returning to what could become an all-time season.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw for 367 yards and two touchdowns against the Bears, finishing with 25.28 points. Receiver Christian Watson added 143 yards and two touchdowns, and Bowen suggests viewing him as a WR1 in 12-team leagues. New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers and tight end Isaiah Likely also posted strong numbers in an overtime win over Washington, with Likely setting a career high at 32.4 points.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing