The Fantasy Football USAGE Report | Week 5, 2026

by Wyatt Bertolone · Featured
Usage Report

Welcome to the Weekly Fantasy Football Usage Report. Volume is paramount in fantasy football, and a player’s usage determines the type of volume they receive. Each week, I’ll look at different usage trends across the NFL to help us prepare for the rest of the season and beyond. Let’s dig into Week 5.

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Week 5 Usage Report

Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Texans

To say Marvin Harrison Jr.‘s 2026 season has been a disappointment thus far would be an understatement. Rumors that he could be traded this season started to swirl early and often. On Saturday, we got a report that a trade was imminent; we just didn’t know the team yet. During the games on Sunday, we got word that he would be headed to the Houston Texans.

Marvin Harrison Jr. certainly looked like he needed a change of scenery. We’ve all seen the video of his lack of effort. The Texans might not be the best location for him to flourish, though. Nico Collins is a through-and-through alpha, and that won’t change because of Harrison. Projecting how Harrison would fit into the offense, he should remain the X, and that could free up Collins to move around the formation more. The big difference for Harrison is that the X has been a valuable role with the Texans. This could pan out for him, but I’m not holding my breath.

Bucky Irving Snip Snap

It’s only been five weeks, and yet it’s still been a roller coaster with Bucky Irving‘s usage. In Week 1, Irving had an enviable role that brought excitement to his projection. Then, in Week 4, we got a rude awakening when he lost goal-line opportunities to Sean Tucker and Kenneth Gainwell. In Week 5, Irving got back to where we want him to be.


Against the Cowboys, Bucky Irving played 54.2% of the snaps, handled 66.7% of the backfield opportunities, and had a 12% target share. Maybe most importantly, got two of the four goal-line snaps. I wish the Buccaneers could decide how much of a role they want to give Irving. He can be a high-end fantasy asset if he gets this kind of workload consistently, and it makes sense given how productive he can be. You’re already starting Irving, but hopefully, he can keep this going.

Brenton Strange’s Consistent Production

Don’t look now, but Brenton Strange has put together back-to-back great games as a reliable pass catcher for Trevor Lawrence. Strange has always been a near-full-time player for the Jaguars as a solid two-way tight end, but recently his production has taken a jump. Strange’s rapport with Trevor Lawrence is clear, and he can help pick up any slack in the passing game when needed.

Over the past two games, Brenton Strange has seen eight targets and seven receptions while averaging 15.2 PPR points per game. For the season, he’s now playing 79.2% of the snaps, is running 92.5% of the routes, and has a 16.4% target share, which is second on the team. It’s hard to ask for much more from a tight end in terms of role. 

Jayden Daniels Returns

Jayden Daniels returned this week from his dislocated elbow, and how the injury would affect him was top of everyone’s minds. It was his non-throwing elbow, so it less concerning for his passing, but you have to wonder if it would discourage Daniels from running as much as he normally does. Daniels is great at avoiding big hits most of the time when running; however, knowing that one wrong move could end his season could give him pause before taking off.


Turns out, though, that a zebra can’t change his stripes. Jayden Daniels got right back to being his old self against the Giants. Daniels ran nine times for 103 yards and two touchdowns, a rushing performance few quarterbacks are capable of producing. Daniels will carry some amount of risk all season due to his elbow, but you can start him with full confidence as long as he’s playing.

The Packers are Relying on Jordan Love’s Arm

This offseason, one of the predictions I held strong to all summer was that you wanted to be invested in the Packers’ passing game. After bringing on Josh Jacobs, the offense became one of the more run-heavy teams in the league. But with Josh Jacobs potentially slowing down and facing a long suspension, along unproven backs behind him, I predicted the Packers would go back to relying on Jordan Love. Through five weeks, that’s exactly what’s happening. 

This season, the Packers are passing at a 68.5% rate and look like they’ll compete for the league’s most pass-heavy offense. They’re having success too. Jordan Love is averaging 281.4 passing yards per game and has thrown 10 touchdowns, while averaging 18 fantasy PPG. Additionally, Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Tucker Kraft are all must-starts.

Cam Skattebo Looks Rough

Before fracturing his fibula, Cam Skattebo was having a great rookie season in 2025. Heading into the 2026 season, he looked as though he was back to being healthy and could pick up where he left off. Unfortunately, Skattebo’s role in 2026 hasn’t been as good as it was when he was a rookie, and he’s not producing as well on the opportunities he gets.

Through five games this season, Cam Skattebo is playing 64.6% of the snaps and handling 65.5% of the backfield opportunities, but only has a 6.4% target share. All three marks lead the Giants’ running backs, and it’s great to see Skattebo handling so much of the backfield. However, without enough usage in the passing game, his ceiling is lowered significantly. That’s especially concerning because he’s been inefficient as a runner thus far and is averaging only 10 PPR PPG. It’s important to remember that player roles can change under new coaching staffs, even when that player thrived in a similar role the year prior.

Is Kyler Murray Back?

In his first two full starts, Kyler Murray was underwhelming, and his flaws were showing themselves. He did, however, essentially play without Justin Jefferson for both games. Two starts isn’t much to go on but considering how Murray’s departure from Arizona went down, it’s easy to judge him quickly. In Week 5, we got to see Murray and Jefferson play a whole game together, and the results were great.


Against the Saints, Kyler Murray scored 18.26 fantasy points and rushed for 51 yards on 10 carries, which was the most encouraging aspect of his performance. In the two weeks prior, he had carry totals of two and six. Murray getting back to running the way we know he can will help him reestablish consistent fantasy success. 

Bo Nix is Getting Worse

Bo Nix came into the NFL with a lot of experience, which allowed him to hit the ground running and produce. He’s had his shortcomings, but Nix at least was productive for fantasy football and was able to support his weapons. But so far in 2026, Nix is playing the worst football of his career, and the Broncos’ offense is suffering because of it.

This season, Bo Nix is completing only 59.9% of his passes, down from 66.3% and 63.4% in his first two seasons. Even worse, the number of completions he averages per game is down, lowering the production of everyone around him. In 2026, he’s completing 19.4 passes per game, down from 22.1 and 22.8. He’s running less as well, with only 35 total yards thus far, which lowers his fantasy ceiling. It’s looking rough in Denver, and it’s hard to start Nix at this time.

Sam LaPorta Should be Getting More Press

It’s kind of funny how little excitement there was for Sam LaPorta this offseason. We’re talking about a player who finished first at his position as a rookie and has played well since, only to be held down somewhat by injuries. Injuries are often fluky and shouldn’t be projected to hold down most players. LaPorta is showing why so far in 2026.


After another great game in Week 5, Sam LaPorta is playing 87.5% of the snaps, running 91.3% of the routes, and has a 17.3% target share. Few tight ends play as much and run as many routes as LaPorta does. His target share doesn’t look elite on the surface, but on a team that passes as much as Detroit does, he’s still getting 6.6 targets per game. Even better, he’s highly productive with them and is now averaging 15.3 PPR PPG. LaPorta is a smash-start every week and a top-five tight end.

Mike Evans is Turning Back the Clock

Mike Evans has long been one of the NFL’s best wide receivers, and despite a down season in 2025 while battling injuries, his advanced metrics still looked good. When he signed with the 49ers this offseason, many thought he could be this year’s version of Davante Adams. After Week 5, it looks like he could be even better.

Coming off his best game of the season against the Seahawks, Mike Evans is off to a great start with the 49ers. So far, even with an early exit in Week 3, Evans is playing 57.9% of the snaps, running 70.3% of the routes, and leading the team with a 20.9% target share. The 49ers have been using Evans strategically by limiting his workload to ensure his play stays at a high level. Evans is now averaging 16.9 PPR PPG this season and is a must-start every week.


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