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NFL DFS Picks: Top OwnersBox Plays in Week 5

OwnersBox is one of the unique DFS sites that still has traditional daily salary cap contests in addition to their Lightning Lineups contests.

In Lightning Lineups, the OwnersBox app will provide three sets of lineups for a given sport and slate, each lineup with three players. From there, users pick which lineup they think will score the most points. If you don’t like the options, you can spin for new lineups.

Spin. Pick. Win. OwnersBox innovative Lighting Lineups format is the most electric way to play daily fantasy sports.

Another reason to sign up with OwnersBox is their current Big Game Giveaway promotion. When you enter a lineup, you’ll earn “giveaway entries” for their Big Game drawing. What can you win? Two FRONT ROW tickets to Super Bowl LVIII + a VIP Fan Experience + Meet & Greets + Flights & Accommodations — over $40K in value!

Also, our OwnersBox promo code delivers new users a $500 sign-up offer. Their 100% deposit match up to $500 is by far the best among DFS sites.

Anyway, this article will focus on the more traditional salary cap DFS lineups that we’re all accustomed to. The best part about OwnersBox is their DFS product is a Superflex format with no defense.

I’ll be highlighting my favorite play at each position using our NFL projections inside our NFL Player Models.

Don’t forget to check out our Lineup Builder if you like to hand build your lineups or our Lineup Optimizer for those of you who like to enter multiple lineups into tournaments.

NFL DFS Quarterback Pick

Jalen Hurts ($7,500) at Los Angeles Rams

The two elite QB options on the main slate this week are Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes. While Mahomes and the Chiefs will try and get back on track against the Vikings, Hurts and his Eagles fly west to face the Rams. Hurts has a slightly higher ceiling projection in our OwnersBox projections and also comes a little bit cheaper than Mahomes.

Hurts always brings a little extra potential due to his rushing touchdowns. He already has run for three touchdowns this season while also throwing five scores in four games. He’s coming off his strongest game of the season last week in a close home win over the Commanders. In that game, he threw for multiple touchdowns for the first time this season and also set a season-high with 319 passing yards. Hurts has produced multiple touchdowns (passing or rushing) in each of his past three games and should be able to post another strong showing in this matchup with the Rams.

Last week, the Rams let Anthony Richardson throw two touchdowns and run for a third, and they also gave up a QB rushing touchdown in Week 2 against the 49ers. While the Rams’ overall numbers for the season are decent, some of that has to do with their matchups. If Richardson can rip them up, Hurts should have no trouble delivering another big week as he works to keep his team undefeated.

NFL DFS Running Back Pick

Joe Mixon ($6,000) at Arizona Cardinals

Whenever Christian McCaffrey is on the main slate, he’s a great option to build around. Spoiler alert: he’s not on the main slate this week. You’ll have to find other options at running back, and one option that seems poised to out-produce his salary this week is the Bengals Joe Mixon. Mixon has the second-highest ceiling, median, and floor projection of all running backs on OwnersBox, which makes him a deal at just $6K since eight running backs are priced higher than he is.

Mixon is the workhorse back for the Bengals and has played over 75% of snaps in three of their four games this season. He is averaging 17.1 touches and 78.6 total yards per game but has found the end zone only once. Last week, he and the Bengals were stymied by an excellent Titans’ run defense, but he did manage to set a season-high with 67 rushing yards.

His best performance of the year came in Week 3 in Cincinnati’s Monday Night Football win over the Rams. In that game, Mixon had his one rushing touchdown while totaling 65 yards on 19 carries and tacking on a five-yard reception.

With at least 65 rushing yards in each of the past two weeks, he’s trending up, and his reliable volume makes him worth a look in a game the Bengals can not afford to lose in Arizona. The Cardinals have been a great matchup for running backs this season, allowing the third-most fantasy points to the position. They gave up four running back touchdowns last week to the 49ers. In their four games this season, they allowed an average of two touchdowns and 146 yards per game rushing and receiving to the position.

Since Mixon gets almost all of the work in the Bengals backfield, he should be a good way to get an elite ceiling at a mid-range salary.

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NFL DFS Wide Receiver Pick

Justin Jefferson ($7,900) vs. Kansas City Chiefs

There are times to try and save salary, but there are also times when paying up for a star player in a smash spot is the way to go. Even though Justin Jefferson is the most expensive receiver on Sunday’s slate, his consistent excellence and potential upside are too good to overlook. He has the highest ceiling, median, and floor projections at wide receiver, and he also brings the highest projected Pts/Sal at the position. Using SuperFlex, there are extra opportunities to find bargains and compensate for paying up for Jefferson this week.

According to our Vegas Dashboard, Jefferson’s matchup with the Chiefs is expected to be the highest-scoring game of the week. The game has a point total of 51.5. Just a few weeks ago, the Vikings hosted the Chargers in a similar spot, and the teams combined for 52 points, and the previous week, the Vikings were in a 62-point game with the Eagles. There should be points being scored on both sides of this matchup, and Jefferson usually thrives in that kind of game environment.

In each of his first three games of the season, the 24-year-old posted at least 149 yards. Last week, he only had 85 yards in a lower-scoring game against the Panthers, but he still had a good fantasy day since he had his first multi-touchdown game of the season.

One of the keys to Jefferson’s success is volume. He is averaging a massive 11.75 targets per game, with 1.25 targets per game in the red zone. With that many passes coming his direction and his incredible catch radius, he should continue to be virtually matchup-proof as a receiver to build around.

The Chiefs have been solid against the receivers they have faced, although they haven’t taken on anyone in Jefferson’s league. They have allowed three receiver touchdowns and 130.25 yards per game to the position. This isn’t the spot to steer clear of Jefferson for matchup reasons, though, since he brings such a high ceiling and such consistent production.

NFL DFS Tight End Pick

Sam LaPorta ($4,900) vs. Carolina Panthers

If you’re paying up at tight end, Travis Kelce and T.J. Hockenson going head-to-head is a great place to start. Both have been elite this season and are at the top of the projections again this week. They’re also at the top of the salary structure, though, so if you need to spend under $5K at one of your spots, check out Lions rookie TE Sam LaPorta.

LaPorta has been targeted at least five times in every game this season and ranks fourth at his position with 27 targets on the season. He has been targeted twice in the red zone and hauled in both passes, although neither ended up in a touchdown. He caught his one score of the season from outside the red zone in Week 3.

In his four games, LaPorta has averaged 5.5 catches for 60.5 yards per game and hasn’t been held under 50 yards since Week 1.

The Panthers should be a great matchup for LaPorta. They haven’t faced a lot of great tight ends but have allowed 4.0 catches for 44.75 yards per week. They have allowed the 11th-highest yards per reception to the position. With Amon-Ra St. Brown (abdomen) banged up, the Lions could lean even more heavily on LaPorta, and the rookie from Iowa has been up to the challenge so far. He is a solid way to save a little salary and still get top-shelf production.

OwnersBox is one of the unique DFS sites that still has traditional daily salary cap contests in addition to their Lightning Lineups contests.

In Lightning Lineups, the OwnersBox app will provide three sets of lineups for a given sport and slate, each lineup with three players. From there, users pick which lineup they think will score the most points. If you don’t like the options, you can spin for new lineups.

Spin. Pick. Win. OwnersBox innovative Lighting Lineups format is the most electric way to play daily fantasy sports.

Another reason to sign up with OwnersBox is their current Big Game Giveaway promotion. When you enter a lineup, you’ll earn “giveaway entries” for their Big Game drawing. What can you win? Two FRONT ROW tickets to Super Bowl LVIII + a VIP Fan Experience + Meet & Greets + Flights & Accommodations — over $40K in value!

Also, our OwnersBox promo code delivers new users a $500 sign-up offer. Their 100% deposit match up to $500 is by far the best among DFS sites.

Anyway, this article will focus on the more traditional salary cap DFS lineups that we’re all accustomed to. The best part about OwnersBox is their DFS product is a Superflex format with no defense.

I’ll be highlighting my favorite play at each position using our NFL projections inside our NFL Player Models.

Don’t forget to check out our Lineup Builder if you like to hand build your lineups or our Lineup Optimizer for those of you who like to enter multiple lineups into tournaments.

NFL DFS Quarterback Pick

Jalen Hurts ($7,500) at Los Angeles Rams

The two elite QB options on the main slate this week are Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes. While Mahomes and the Chiefs will try and get back on track against the Vikings, Hurts and his Eagles fly west to face the Rams. Hurts has a slightly higher ceiling projection in our OwnersBox projections and also comes a little bit cheaper than Mahomes.

Hurts always brings a little extra potential due to his rushing touchdowns. He already has run for three touchdowns this season while also throwing five scores in four games. He’s coming off his strongest game of the season last week in a close home win over the Commanders. In that game, he threw for multiple touchdowns for the first time this season and also set a season-high with 319 passing yards. Hurts has produced multiple touchdowns (passing or rushing) in each of his past three games and should be able to post another strong showing in this matchup with the Rams.

Last week, the Rams let Anthony Richardson throw two touchdowns and run for a third, and they also gave up a QB rushing touchdown in Week 2 against the 49ers. While the Rams’ overall numbers for the season are decent, some of that has to do with their matchups. If Richardson can rip them up, Hurts should have no trouble delivering another big week as he works to keep his team undefeated.

NFL DFS Running Back Pick

Joe Mixon ($6,000) at Arizona Cardinals

Whenever Christian McCaffrey is on the main slate, he’s a great option to build around. Spoiler alert: he’s not on the main slate this week. You’ll have to find other options at running back, and one option that seems poised to out-produce his salary this week is the Bengals Joe Mixon. Mixon has the second-highest ceiling, median, and floor projection of all running backs on OwnersBox, which makes him a deal at just $6K since eight running backs are priced higher than he is.

Mixon is the workhorse back for the Bengals and has played over 75% of snaps in three of their four games this season. He is averaging 17.1 touches and 78.6 total yards per game but has found the end zone only once. Last week, he and the Bengals were stymied by an excellent Titans’ run defense, but he did manage to set a season-high with 67 rushing yards.

His best performance of the year came in Week 3 in Cincinnati’s Monday Night Football win over the Rams. In that game, Mixon had his one rushing touchdown while totaling 65 yards on 19 carries and tacking on a five-yard reception.

With at least 65 rushing yards in each of the past two weeks, he’s trending up, and his reliable volume makes him worth a look in a game the Bengals can not afford to lose in Arizona. The Cardinals have been a great matchup for running backs this season, allowing the third-most fantasy points to the position. They gave up four running back touchdowns last week to the 49ers. In their four games this season, they allowed an average of two touchdowns and 146 yards per game rushing and receiving to the position.

Since Mixon gets almost all of the work in the Bengals backfield, he should be a good way to get an elite ceiling at a mid-range salary.

Become an All-Access Member Today

Lineup builder and optimizer

Real-time DFS models & projections

Data-driven analysis & tutorials

NFL DFS Wide Receiver Pick

Justin Jefferson ($7,900) vs. Kansas City Chiefs

There are times to try and save salary, but there are also times when paying up for a star player in a smash spot is the way to go. Even though Justin Jefferson is the most expensive receiver on Sunday’s slate, his consistent excellence and potential upside are too good to overlook. He has the highest ceiling, median, and floor projections at wide receiver, and he also brings the highest projected Pts/Sal at the position. Using SuperFlex, there are extra opportunities to find bargains and compensate for paying up for Jefferson this week.

According to our Vegas Dashboard, Jefferson’s matchup with the Chiefs is expected to be the highest-scoring game of the week. The game has a point total of 51.5. Just a few weeks ago, the Vikings hosted the Chargers in a similar spot, and the teams combined for 52 points, and the previous week, the Vikings were in a 62-point game with the Eagles. There should be points being scored on both sides of this matchup, and Jefferson usually thrives in that kind of game environment.

In each of his first three games of the season, the 24-year-old posted at least 149 yards. Last week, he only had 85 yards in a lower-scoring game against the Panthers, but he still had a good fantasy day since he had his first multi-touchdown game of the season.

One of the keys to Jefferson’s success is volume. He is averaging a massive 11.75 targets per game, with 1.25 targets per game in the red zone. With that many passes coming his direction and his incredible catch radius, he should continue to be virtually matchup-proof as a receiver to build around.

The Chiefs have been solid against the receivers they have faced, although they haven’t taken on anyone in Jefferson’s league. They have allowed three receiver touchdowns and 130.25 yards per game to the position. This isn’t the spot to steer clear of Jefferson for matchup reasons, though, since he brings such a high ceiling and such consistent production.

NFL DFS Tight End Pick

Sam LaPorta ($4,900) vs. Carolina Panthers

If you’re paying up at tight end, Travis Kelce and T.J. Hockenson going head-to-head is a great place to start. Both have been elite this season and are at the top of the projections again this week. They’re also at the top of the salary structure, though, so if you need to spend under $5K at one of your spots, check out Lions rookie TE Sam LaPorta.

LaPorta has been targeted at least five times in every game this season and ranks fourth at his position with 27 targets on the season. He has been targeted twice in the red zone and hauled in both passes, although neither ended up in a touchdown. He caught his one score of the season from outside the red zone in Week 3.

In his four games, LaPorta has averaged 5.5 catches for 60.5 yards per game and hasn’t been held under 50 yards since Week 1.

The Panthers should be a great matchup for LaPorta. They haven’t faced a lot of great tight ends but have allowed 4.0 catches for 44.75 yards per week. They have allowed the 11th-highest yards per reception to the position. With Amon-Ra St. Brown (abdomen) banged up, the Lions could lean even more heavily on LaPorta, and the rookie from Iowa has been up to the challenge so far. He is a solid way to save a little salary and still get top-shelf production.

About the Author

Zach Thompson writes NBA, MLB, NFL, golf and soccer content for Fantasy Labs. Zach's fantasy experience dates all the way back to high school when he would manually tabulate fantasy football scores using Tuesday morning's newspaper. Even though he was raised on the island of Guam on the opposite side of the world, Zach is a hardcore Boston sports fan who loves playing fantasy sports in almost any format. He's always in search of a great bargain play and keeps a close eye out for rising talent that can provide leverage. Zach joined the FantasyLabs team in 2022 and is also a contributor for DraftKings Network.