Marcus Mariota surprises fantasy owners in week five review

Those owners accustomed to working the waiver wire may have fared better than predicted as it was the underdogs who came up on top this week.

Quarterback - Marcus Mariota

A potential waiver wire pick up in many leagues, Mariota had an encouraging second year but has so far struggled to get the most out of a run-heavy Tennessee offence. 

However he came good in week five, throwing for three touchdowns and scoring one of his own, tying his career high. If your first choice quarterback is approaching a bye week, Mariota might be finding form just at the right time.

Running back - David Johnson

Arizona took advantage of San Francisco's weak run defence, saddling up Johnson and letting him go to work. It had the desired effect as the Cardinals won 33-21 on the road, Johnson rushing for 157 yards and two touchdowns, as well as 27 yards receiving.

Cowboys rookie Ezekiel Elliot was the only other rookie that had two rushing scores, though Theo Riddick did find the end zone off two catches. 

Wide receiver - Sammie Coates

It is the first time in the 2016 season that a Steelers wide receiver has top scored in fantasy points, and surprisingly it wasn't Antonio Brown. Though Brown went for 78 yards and a touchdown, it was the second year Coates who caught 6-of-11 targets, wracking up 137 yards and two scores, helping Pittsburgh to a 31-13 victory over the New York Jets.

Fantasy owners who selected Brown with their first pick have no reason to worry though, as the seven-year veteran still leads all receivers in fantasy points so far this season.

Tight end - Martellus Bennett

Bennett basked in the return of Tom Brady as the tight end had almost double the amount of points as his nearest rival. Three touchdowns from 67 yards proved that he is still a worthy offensive option, despite Rob Gronkowski playing a more active role. 

Bill Belichick revels in playing two tight ends and the four time Super Bowl winning head coach has a worthy partner for Gronk. Don't expect his carries to diminish as the New England Patriots will look to utilise both players.

Kicker - Adam Vinatieri

The oldest player in the NFL looks as good as ever. At 43 years old, Vinatieri kicked five field goals, including two over 50 yards, and made both his extra points. The Colts kicker hasn't missed a three pointer in 38 attempts, the third longest streak in NFL History.

Defence - Buffalo Bills

It was a weekend where defences came back down to earth a little, after putting up monster numbers in week three and four.

The Bills were the pick of the bunch, reclaiming the ball three times (two interceptions and a fumble recovery), including a 41 yard pick six from Nickell Robey-Coleman. 

Credit must also go to the Arizona Cardinals pass rushers, who sacked 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert seven times on Thursday night. Before that game, San Francisco were ranked second in pass protection.