Week 5: Box Score Bandit

Week 4 officially showed fantasy owners that last year was last year. The once defensive machines of the Bears and Ravens got torched, the Chargers offense continued to stumble, and the Bucs and Cards out-muscled teams that they had no business pushing around (the Panthers and Steelers).

The day, however, belonged to Brett Favre, who not only threw his 421st and 422nd TD passes of his career to break Dan Marino's all-time passing record, but led the Packers to a surprise 4-0 start. It's also no coincidence that the other two teams to go 4-0 (Indianapolis, Dallas) were led by stellar QB play from Peyton Manning and Tony Romo that gave fantasy owners monster points.

Don’t have time to scour the box scores? No need to worry, the Bandit is here every week to break down all of the games for owners - fantasy style. Check out the latest quick hits on the studs, bench plays, sleepers, and injuries from the week that was.

Packers Stay Undefeated, Beat Vikings, 23-16
Fantasy Stud: QB-Brett Favre (GB) broke the NFL's TD passing record with his 2 TDs and also added 344 yards. It was a historic day in the dome - a place that has given Favre trouble in the past.
Bench Play: RB-Chester Taylor (MIN) was back in the lineup and was able to total 51 yards. But it's tough to see him putting up better numbers than that with rookie Adrian Peterson running very well (112 yards on 12 carries).
Sleeper: WR-Bobby Wade (MIN) continues to get targeted often in the passing game. His 5 receptions for 83 yards represent serviceable fantasy numbers for owners who are looking for more options at WR.

Arizona Turns the Heat on Pittsburgh, 21-14
Fantasy Stud: WR-Santonio Holmes (PIT) had a monster game. The speedy wideout grabbed 6 passes for 128 yards and scored both Steeler TDs.
Bench Play: WR-Willie Parker (PIT) ran into a surprisingly tough defense, which held him to his worst game this season. His 66 total yards were far short of what owners wanted from him this week.
Sleeper: QB-Kurt Warner (ARI) appears to slowly be working his way back as the team's starter. He again entered the game and sparked life into the offense, throwing for 132 yards and 1 TD.

Detroit's 34-Point 4th Quarter Propels Them Over Chicago, 37-27
Fantasy Stud: QB-Jon Kitna (DET) was extremely efficient, going 20-24 with 247 yards and 2 TDs. He remains one of fantasy's steadiest #1 QBs for owners.
Bench Play: RB-Cedric Benson (CHI) is proving to be a subpar back for not only fantasy, but for the Bears. His 50 yards rushing were saved by his 5 catches for 24 yards. Trade him away if you can.
Sleeper: WR-Shaun McDonald (DET) is making a name for himself in this offense. The ex-Ram scored another TD and added 3 receptions for 31 yards.

Colts Prove too Much for Broncos, 38-20
Fantasy Stud: TE-Dallas Clark (IND) is having a career year and has become an elite fantasy TE. He caught 6 passes for 76 yards and 2 TDs.
Bench Play: WR-Marvin Harrison (IND) rarely is a bench play, but his 1 catch for 8 yards hurt owners that were relying on him.
Sleeper: WR-Brandon Marshall (DEN) continues to impress and owners should try to steal him in a trade. He had 3 receptions, 23 yards, and 1 TD.
Injuries: Harrison (IND) left the game with a knee injury. RB-Travis Henry (DEN) banged up his knee.

Chiefs Shoot Down Punchless Chargers, 30-16
Fantasy Stud: RB-LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) finally got going this week, totaling 154 yards, scoring 1 TD, and catching 5 passes. It wasn't enough though.
Bench Play: QB-Philip Rivers (SD) has regressed this season, which is the reason this team is 1-3. He looked gun-shy as he missed receivers and failed to get rid of the ball, throwing for 211 yards, 0 TDs, and 2 INTs.
Sleeper: WR-Dwayne Bowe (KC) is putting up big numbers and deserves a serious look from owners. This week he hauled in 8 balls for 164 yards and scored a game-changing TD.