Week 5 DFS Cheapskate Plays is here to spotlight a few budget-friendly players who can help you stretch your salary cap without sinking your lineup.
We’re not chasing the “studs”. If I don’t mention the slate’s most expensive QB, it’s not because I think he’s a bad play; it’s because you don’t need me to tell you they will score the most points. The real purpose here is to dig for value, the affordable (cheap) options that make it possible to fit those high-priced studs into your build.
Of course, these picks come with more risk, and they don’t have the same floor as the proven stars. But when they hit, the payoff is huge. DFS is ultimately a game of points per dollar: a $4K player scoring 20 points (5x value) actually outperforms an $8K player scoring 24 points (only 3x). That’s why we hunt for these gems. They give you a better return on investment, even if they whiff more often.
Player prices are referenced from DraftKings, but the concept applies across all major DFS platforms.
Week 5 Cheapskate Quarterback
Sam Darnold $5,100, SEA vs Buccaneers
Sam Darnold is quietly turning into one of the best bang-for-your-buck plays on the Week 5 DraftKings main slate. Priced in the bargain bin, he’s provided 3x value or better in three straight weeks, proving that he doesn’t need elite yardage totals to pay off—just steady efficiency and timely touchdowns. That’s exactly what he’s been delivering. Darnold has settled into a rhythm with his receiving corps, spreading the ball around and showing poise in the red zone, and now he draws one of the most exploitable secondaries in football.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been hemorrhaging fantasy points through the air, surrendering two passing touchdowns to Jalen Hurts by halftime last week before Philadelphia coasted the rest of the way. Their aggressive front creates opportunities for big plays behind coverage, something Darnold has taken advantage of in recent weeks with well-timed deep shots and rollouts. In a game that projects to feature scoring opportunities on both sides, Darnold’s low salary opens up flexibility to jam in elite skill players without sacrificing upside. He’s not flashy, but he’s producing efficiently, and in DFS, that’s pure gold. If he keeps the 3x streak alive, he’ll be the perfect budget quarterback once again.
Week 5 Cheapskate Running Backs
Rico Dowdle $4,300, CAR vs Dolphins
Rico Dowdle presents an intriguing case as a cheap play on the main slate, blending past production with potential opportunity. During his 2024 campaign with the Dallas Cowboys, Dowdle started 15 games and turned in a strong all-around season, rushing 235 times for 1,079 yards (a healthy 4.6 yards per carry) while adding 39 receptions for 249 yards through the air. That kind of dual-threat workload offers legitimate value potential at his price point.
When given volume, Dowdle consistently delivered double-digit fantasy performances, showing that he can handle a heavy snap share without losing efficiency. The appeal this week lies in that proven capability paired with his likely low salary. The downside, however, is worth noting: despite his high usage last season, Dowdle found the end zone only twice, raising questions about his touchdown ceiling. He’s also at risk of falling into a timeshare or being scripted out if the game tilts away from the run. Still, if Dowdle gets 15 or more touches, his combination of efficiency, versatility, and price makes him a viable contrarian option with enough upside to beat salary expectations.
Rachaad White $4,700, TB at Seahawks
Rachaad White stands out as an intriguing low-cost option because of his proven versatility and track record of delivering when given consistent volume. In 2023, he was the centerpiece of Tampa Bay’s backfield, rushing 272 times for 990 yards while catching 64 passes for 549 yards and scoring nine total touchdowns. That season showcased his ability to handle a true three-down workload while maintaining efficiency as both a runner and receiver.
His production dipped in 2024, finishing with 144 carries for 613 yards and 51 receptions for 393 yards, along with three rushing touchdowns, yet he reminded everyone of his ceiling during one spike week, where increased opportunity led to a strong fantasy showing. Suppose Tampa Bay leans on him more heavily in Week 5 and reestablishes his receiving role. In that case, White has enough talent and proven fantasy pedigree to deliver value well above his salary and emerge as a strong tournament play.
Week 5 Cheapskate Wide Receivers
Darius Slayton $4,300, NYG at Saints
Darius Slayton offers both opportunity and upside in a rejuvenated Giants passing attack. When Malik Nabers went down with an injury in 2024, Slayton stepped up as the primary perimeter target and produced quietly strong results. Over a five-game stretch filling in, he averaged 6.8 targets, 4.2 receptions, and 64 yards per game, including two outings with more than 80 receiving yards and a touchdown. His downfield ability remained intact, posting a yards-per-reception rate above 15 during that span and proving he could still separate on vertical routes.
Now paired with Jaxson Dart, who represents a clear upgrade over last season’s rotating cast of quarterbacks, Slayton’s efficiency potential climbs even higher. Dart’s aggressive style and accuracy in the intermediate range align well with Slayton’s skill set, particularly off play-action. The pros are simple: a defined role, proven production when given volume, and a quarterback who can actually push the ball downfield. The cons lie in target volatility and touchdown dependency, as Slayton’s fantasy value often hinges on one big play. Still, at his low salary, he offers legitimate tournament appeal as a player who can beat coverage and smash value on a single deep connection.
Jalen Tolbert $3,600, DAL at Jets
Jalen Tolbert might not be the flashiest name on the slate, but with the right circumstances, he could deliver excellent value in Week 5. In 2024, he stepped into a larger role and finished with 49 receptions for 610 yards (an average of 12.4 yards per catch) and seven touchdowns, showing he can produce when the opportunity exists. With CeeDee Lamb sidelined by a high-ankle sprain (projected to miss multiple weeks), the Cowboys’ receiving corps lacks its usual anchor, making room for secondary targets to flourish.
Meanwhile, defenses are already focusing on George Pickens, who commands attention and coverage, which could leave Tolbert with more favorable matchups and less bracketed opportunities. The matchup against New Orleans gives Tolbert upside, too: the Saints’ pass defense has had vulnerabilities, particularly against the slot or third option receivers. The pros include a clear target runway, prior production under increased volume, and leverage from defensive attention elsewhere. The cons consist of volatility in the target share (given Pickens’ prominence) and touchdown dependency. In a tournament build, Tolbert offers intriguing upside as a contrarian cheap play who could capitalize on this open window.
Week 5 Cheapskate Tight End
Mason Taylor $2,800, NYJ vs Cowboys
Mason Taylor might not be a household name yet, but his recent trajectory and the Jets’ thin pass-catching depth make him a tantalizing cheap target this week. In Week 4, Taylor enjoyed a breakout showing, reeling in 5 receptions on 7 targets for 65 yards, becoming the Jets’ second-leading receiver behind Garrett Wilson, and doing so while commanding a robust snap share. That volume jump is meaningful given how little consistency the Jets have had at the tight end spot.
The Jets entered this season with a severely underwhelming receiving corps: Athlon’s rankings classify New York’s pass-catching weapons in the “F” tier due to a lack of proven playmakers. With few weapons to divert attention away from him, Taylor has an opportunity to carve out favorable matchups against defenses focused on bigger names. The upside rests in his growing target share, his size advantage down the seam, and the possibility that Justin Fields leans on him as one of the few trustworthy options. The caveat, of course, is that Taylor is still unproven in the NFL, and volume might ebb if schemes shift or opponents game plan to limit his role. But at a low cost, he offers upside when target share and opportunity collide.
Week 5 Cheapskate Defense
Houston Texans $2,400, HOU at Ravens
Through 2025, the Houston Texans’ defense has shown flashes. They’ve recorded nine sacks (which ranks middle of the pack) and forced six turnovers, putting them inside the top ten in takeaways. On the other hand, they’re giving up about 29 points per game, which is among the worst in the league. So their upside often comes from disruption rather than consistency. In fact, as a fantasy defense, they’re producing around league average.
What makes Week 5 interesting is that Baltimore will start Cooper Rush instead of Lamar Jackson, after Jackson was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Rush lacks Jackson’s dual-threat ability, which limits the Ravens’ improvisational plays and rushing danger. Houston’s defensive front could lean on that and force Rush into mistakes or negative plays. If Houston can generate pressure, create turnovers, and limit big plays, they have a pathway to outperform their usually modest floor. While there’s risk, in the form of superhuman Derrick Henry, the combination of matchup leverage and upside from sacks/turnovers gives the Texans DST appeal as a value play.
For help filling out the rest of your lineup, check out the FSAN Rankings Page.