Justin Herbert is facing an outright drop in fantasy football leagues after the Los Angeles quarterback struggled through a five-game losing streak that culminated in a defeat against the Denver Broncos, Blasting News reported on October 12, 2026.
Through the opening five weeks of the NFL season, Herbert has failed to surpass 226 passing yards in any single contest and has accumulated nine total turnovers. Despite initial expectations surrounding the offensive adjustments brought by Mike McDaniel, fantasy managers who invested high draft capital in the quarterback are now advised by analysts to discard him from rosters due to his declining statistical output and a brutal upcoming schedule.
Arizona and Denver Skill Players Land on Fantasy Benches
Beyond the quarterback position, several high-profile players are being relegated to fantasy benches following underwhelming performances in Week 5. Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love is recommended as a bench option after managing just 12 carries for 22 yards against the Detroit Lions while visibly hampered by an ankle injury that limited his usage as the game progressed.
Jaylen Waddle of the Denver Broncos faces a similar demotion. Following a high-profile offseason trade from the Miami Dolphins that cost Denver a first-round draft pick, Waddle caught just two passes for 19 yards in the team’s latest victory. Although head coach Sean Payton has resumed play-calling duties, the Denver offense remains sluggish, making Waddle a risky start ahead of a challenging matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
Chris Olave and Harold Fannin Jr. Emerge as Bounce-Back Start Candidates
While several stars head toward the waiver wire or bench, other players are being targeted for immediate inclusion in starting lineups. New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave stands out as a priority start despite recording season-low numbers—four receptions for 46 yards on six targets—during a Week 5 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Analysts view that outing as an outlier given his established production, and a favorable upcoming fixture against the New York Giants makes him a strong bounce-back candidate.
Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. joins Olave on the recommended start list. Fannin endured a quiet afternoon at MetLife Stadium during a 17-12 victory over the New York Jets, catching just one pass for four yards on four targets on a wet, difficult playing surface. Despite that low output, his role in the Cleveland offense keeps him viable for fantasy managers heading into Week 6.
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