NFL
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
NFL teams are constantly changing their rosters in pursuit of perfection. Other times, players get too expensive to keep. The point is, teams are always trying to find the right recipe for success. But even the best players don’t always have good days. Humans have bad days too. Down below is one NFL player from each team who will disappoint their fan bases in Week 5.
Related: Week 5 NFL Power Rankings: 49ers, Chiefs, Panthers, Bears, Patriots Ascend after Week 4
Arizona Cardinals, Josh Fryar
NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals30
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Josh Fryar (78) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Franchise left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. tore his bicep and is out for the season, and the Arizona Cardinals don’t exactly have a capable replacement on hand. Former undrafted free agent Josh Fryar is the next man up, but he’s only played 289 snaps on offense in his two-year career. After letting up four sacks in limited action last season, he could be in for a long day against the Lions’ pass-rush.
Atlanta Falcons, Olamide Zaccheaus
NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers30
Sep 24, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) rushes with the football during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
At some point, the Atlanta Falcons have to start finding other players who can make plays. It can’t be all up to Bijan Robinson and Drake London. Can the 29-year-old Olamide Zaccheaus answer the call? Based on the first four weeks of the season, probably not. It’s likely only a matter of time before his opportunities go to third-round rookie Zachariah Branch instead.
Baltimore Ravens, Andrew Vorhees
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys30
Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Andrew Vorhees (72) lines up prior to the snap during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
The Baltimore Ravens have had more than their fair share of injuries along the offensive line. Now, Andrew Vorhees, who started all 17 games last season but began the 2026 campaign in a reserve role, is the team’s new starting right guard. He’s only played 24 snaps in pass protection, but has allowed just one pressure thus far. There’s a reason why Vorhees was only asked to return as a backup after allowing three sacks, eight QB hits, and 17 hurries last season.
Buffalo Bills, Maxwell Hairston
NFL: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills30
Oct 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs #87 makes a catch for a touchdown as Buffalo Bills cornerback Maxwell Hairston #1 defends during the first quarter at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Max Hairston disappointed last week, allowing two touchdowns in coverage and failing to help on Efton Chism’s incredible one-handed catch. The projection here is that the 2025 first-round cornerback continues to struggle on Monday night against Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams. He’ll get outmuscled by Puka Nacua and outsmarted by Davante Adams, both leading to more moments of embarrassment.
Chicago Bears, Tyson Bagent
NFL: New York Jets at Chicago Bears30
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) gives a thumbs up after the game against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The world is about to find out how many times lightning can strike for the Chicago Bears. They’ve gotten back-to-back wins with backup quarterbacks Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent. Now for the first time this season, the Bears will attempt to start and end the game with the same QB for the second week in a row. Bagent performed extremely well in his 2026 starting debut, but now his opponent will have a game’s worth of fresh film to pore over, and it could lead to some struggles on Sunday for the former undrafted QB.
Cincinnati Bengals, Chase Brown
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers30
Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) tackles Cincinnati Bengals halfback Chase Brown (30) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Coming off the second-worst game of his NFL career as a starter, Chase Brown finished with just 10 rushing yards on nine attempts last week. While he still had 71 receiving yards, Brown may struggle to move the chains from the ground again in Week 5 against Miami. Averaging a career-low 3.6 yards per carry, Brown’s season may not get drastically better any time soon.
Cleveland Browns, Luke Wypler
NFL: New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns30
Aug 27, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns center Luke Wypler (56) at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Luke Wypler drew his first start at center last week, and he let up three pressures and three hurries across 36 pass-blocking snaps. With Deshaun Watson getting a good feel for Todd Monken’s offense, chances are the Cleveland Browns won’t shy away from their passing attack any time soon, yet Wypler could struggle against a remade New York Jets defensive front that features the monstrous T’Vondre Sweat in the middle. But hopefully Elgton Jenkins will be back from his concussion by Sunday, which would send Wypler back to the bench and save him from disappointment.
Dallas Cowboys, Ryan Flournoy
NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans30
Oct 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (19) runs with the ball during the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
No receiver has been targeted more than Ryan Flournoy while delivering fewer receiving yards so far this season. The Dallas Cowboys’ third receiver has, for whatever reason, been targeted 23 times, but has caught just 13 of them for 104 receiving yards and no touchdowns. Already a disappointment this season, Flournoy’s luck won’t change against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Denver Broncos, Jahdae Barron
NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos30
Jan 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos safety Devon Key (26) reacts with cornerback Jahdae Barron (23) after a play in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Despite being the 20th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jahdae Barron saw just six snaps on defense through the first two weeks. That number increased to 24 in Week 3, and after Patrick Surtain II suffered an ankle injury in Week 4, Barron played a career-high 40 snaps on defense in Week 4. Yet, there’s a reason the Denver Broncos haven’t been urged to put their prized first-round pick on the field more often, and the NFL world is about to find out why against the winless Los Angeles Chargers.
Detroit Lions, Christian Izien
NFL: New York Jets at Detroit Lions30
Sep 27, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien (5) tackles New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
The Detroit Lions didn’t enter the season asking Christian Izien to be a starter, but that’s been his role for the past two weeks after injuries have taken out the team’s secondary. Now he’s suddenly playing 97% of the team’s snaps. Izien has allowed a reception all 12 times he’s been targeted and has already missed three tackles too. Izien will continue being a nuisance for the Lions’ defense on Sunday against the Cardinals too.
Green Bay Packers, Isaiah McDuffie
NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers30
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie (58) celebrates his interception during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Now that starting outside linebacker Edgerrin Cooper has been ruled out with a season-ending injury, the Green Bay Packers will be turning to Isaiah McDuffie for the first time this year. After playing roughly 50% of the team’s snaps over the past three seasons, McDuffie has seen just 16% of the team’s defensive snaps through four games. Taking on the Chicago Bears, Ben Johnson will find a way to expose McDuffie on Sunday.
Houston Texans, Kayshon Boutte
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans30
Sep 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II (0) tackles Houston Texans wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (14) during the second quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
While he’s only four games into his Houston Texans career, Kayshon Boutte doesn’t look set for a breakout season. The 24-year-old receiver is averaging just 28.8 yards per game, his lowest mark since being a sixth-round rookie in 2023. Despite being targeted 13 times, Boutte hasn’t topped 37 yards in any game this season. That may not change on Sunday either.
Indianapolis Colts, Daniel Jones
NFL: London Games-Indianapolis Colts at Washington Commanders30
Oct 4, 2026; Tottenham, ENG; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) reacts after the game against the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The magic of Indiana Jones has yet to be rediscovered in Indianapolis in 2026. While Daniel Jones showed glimpses of being an All-Pro early on last season, he’s been sluggish in his recovery from last year’s torn Achilles. Last week he recorded just 143 scoreless yards against a subpar Commanders defense, and it won’t be any easier in Week 4 against the Steelers either. Expect another dud from Jones.
Jacksonville Jaguars, Jakobi Meyers
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (3) is introduced before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium on Sunday,30
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (3) is introduced before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Patriots 35-6. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times‑Union]
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded a fourth- and sixth-round pick for Jakobi Meyers last season, then signed him to a three-year, $60 million extension. One might argue they haven’t gotten a good return on those investments early in the 2026 season. Meyers is averaging just 41.3 yards per game, his lowest mark since his rookie season in 2019. Aside from a 64-yard game in Week 3, Meyers hasn’t gone over 40 yards.
Las Vegas Raiders, Jackson Powers-Johnson
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Las Vegas Raiders30
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) enters the field before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jackson Powers-Johnson missed last week with a groin injury, but the former second-round pick is expected to return against the Patriots in Week 5. Yet, he may not be back to 100% yet, which could give him trouble against the likes of Milton Williams and Co.
Los Angeles Chargers, Travis Burke
NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans30
Aug 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers tackle Travis Burke (77) in action during the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
With Rashawn Slater dealing with a high ankle sprain, the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line depth will continue to be tested in Week 5, which is not ideal for a winless team. They’ll be starting fourth-round rookie Travis Burke at right tackle, but he may not be ready for Denver’s defense. Burke has already allowed four pressures and four hurries in just 35 snaps, and chances are he’ll let up his first sack on Sunday.
Los Angeles Rams, Kamren Kinchens
NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers30
Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) makes a catch against Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Kinchens (26) in the second half during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Perhaps still not quite back to 100% after dealing with an early-season hamstring injury, Kamren Kinchens has gotten burned for two touchdowns this season, allowing 75 yards and four receptions on just as many targets. With the Bills up next, Josh Allen will have a field day making Kinchens a frequent target on Monday night, and Los Angeles Rams fans will be cursing his name.
Miami Dolphins, Riley Patterson
NFL: Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders30
Sep 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson (47) misses a field goal in the third quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
Riley Patterson may be in his sixth season and second with the Miami Dolphins, but he’s already missed two of his eight field goal attempts this season. While he’s been perfect on all four extra point attempts, his low volume of point-after attempts just shows how much trouble the Dolphins have had reaching the end zone. That could mean the Dolphins fall short again on Sunday against the Bengals, but they might get close enough for field goal range on several occasions. Unfortunately, Patterson will miss a kick on Sunday, letting Dolphins fans down all over again.
Minnesota Vikings, Joe Huber
NFL: New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings30
Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Joe Huber (60) blocks New England Patriots defensive end Milton Williams (97) in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Donovan Jackson has been ruled out for the season, which is a big loss for an offensive line that had been gelling early on. Now they’ll turn to former undrafted free agent Joe Huber at left guard, which may not be ideal for a team that’s still struggling to find their footing with Kyler Murray leading the offense. Quarterbacks hate pressure up the middle, but Huber will keep Murray under fire all day against New Orleans.
New England Patriots, Andy Borregales
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots30
Sep 20, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots kicker Andy Borregales (8) kicks a field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Andres Borregales is only in his second season, but the New England Patriots are still trying to determine how consistent he can be. The 2025 sixth-round pick has already missed two field goal attempts this season, both of which were under 50 yards. Headed back home to Gillette Stadium, fans would be supremely disappointed if Borregales misses another kick on Sunday.
New Orleans Saints, Alvin Kamara
NFL: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints30
Oct 5, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) scores a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
While the New Orleans Saints found a way to make the money work and keep Alvin Kamara this offseason, maybe in hindsight they should have traded the five-time Pro Bowler to the highest bidder. He may have two rushing touchdowns, but he’s been underwhelming otherwise. The 31-year-old running back has seen 25 carries this season, but he’s averaging just 3.0 yards per carry and has yet to take a rush for longer than 11 yards. While he’s been a thorn in Minnesota’s side in the past, history won’t repeat itself on Sunday.
New York Giants, Cam Skattebo
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at New York Giants30
Oct 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) carries the ball during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Even though he’s their lead back, Cam Skattebo hasn’t exactly been efficient for the New York Giants this season. The rowdy running back has carried the ball 68 times, but he’s taken those attempts for just 235 yards and a touchdown, which means he’s averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. His longest rush has gone for just 13 yards. The Giants need a bit more explosiveness from their starting running back, but they won’t find it this week in Washington.
New York Jets, Austin McNamara
NFL: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills30
Jan 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets punter Austin McNamara (14) kicks the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Punters are people too, and the New York Jets might soon determine they need a new human booting the ball deep. Second-year pro Austin McNamara ranks ninth in net yards per punt this season, but he’s also allowed the fourth-most punt return yards. He’ll give Browns rookie K.C. Concepcion a chance to look good with an explosive punt return on Sunday, putting the Jets in a tough spot.
Philadelphia Eagles, Will Shipley
NFL: Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears30
Sep 28, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley (28) is seen against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia Eagles are now down to their third-string running back after injuries to Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby. Yet, Will Shipley is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry this season. That’s in line with his career average of 3.1 YPC. In his third season, don’t expect Shipley to suddenly have a breakout game against a top-three Jaguars run defense on Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers, Patrick Queen
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers30
Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals halfback Chase Brown (30) runs against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Clips are already floating around the internet of Patrick Queen shying away from contact. More could surface during Sunday’s game, where the Pittsburgh Steelers’ linebacker will want no part of tackling Jonathan Taylor running with full steam.
San Francisco 49ers, Romello Height
NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers30
Aug 20, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Romello Height (94) tackles Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell (34) during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
With Nick Bosa unavailable due to injury, the San Francisco 49ers will be asking more of third-round rookie Romello Height on Sunday, and he may not be up to the task against the defending Super Bowl champions. The 25-year-old rookie has played roughly 54% of the team’s defensive snaps this season, recording a sack in the process. But Sunday is a big game and he won’t be able to answer the call when it comes to pressuring Sam Darnold or helping set the edge.
Seattle Seahawks, Emanuel Wilson
NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Seattle Seahawks30
Oct 4, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson (23) runs for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
The Seattle Seahawks can’t get Jadarian Price back to full speed quick enough. Emanuel Wilson needs some help in this backfield, because he’s averaging just 3.6 yards per carry, which won’t be good enough to repeat as Super Bowl champions. Now he takes on a top-five 49ers defense, which will lead to a disappointing outcome for the 12th Man.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ifeatu Melifonwu
NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets30
Aug 14, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Braelon Allen (0) carries the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (35) defends during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Obviously, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would prefer to have Antoine Winfield Jr., but they won’t have their Pro Bowl safety and now turn to Ifeatu Melifonwu on a short week against Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys’ pair of superstar receivers. Even starters would look silly, but the backup Melifonwu stands no chance of not coming out of this one with at least one sizable mistake in coverage.
Tennessee Titans, Tony Pollard
NFL: Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens30
Oct 4, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (20) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Considering the Tennessee Titans aren’t getting much from their passing game this season, Tony Pollard’s production is probably better than most anticipate. He’s entering Week 5 averaging a respectable 4.1 yards per carry. Yet, the test will get tougher against a Texans defense that has been underperforming but one that may view this as a get-right game.
Washington Commanders, Jayden Daniels
NFL: Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys30
Sep 20, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Jayden Daniels may be set to return against the Giants, but he won’t be 100% after dislocating his elbow in Week 2. While it’s his non-throwing arm, it may take a while for the Washington Commanders QB to get used to playing limited while still trying to make plays through the air and with his legs. He’ll surely be more self-conscious about his elbow, and it could lead to a lot of overthinking.