Over the past few years, Week 5 has featured jaw-dropping feats from wide receivers, establishing it as a high point for pass-catchers. From mammoth yardage totals to multi-touchdown games, Week 5 seems to spark the best from NFL wideouts, and 2023 was no different.
In 2023, Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase delivered the best fantasy football performance of the season in Week 5. Chase hauled in an incredible 15 catches for 192 yards and 3 touchdowns, amassing over 50 fantasy points in most scoring formats. His explosive day didn’t just stand out on the fantasy leaderboard; it reminded fans of Chase’s game-breaking ability when he’s at the top of his game.
What’s even more remarkable is that Chase had already eclipsed this mark in a previous Week 5. In 2021, during his rookie season, he posted 11 catches for an astounding 266 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs. Both performances highlight his big-play potential and his knack for stepping up in Week 5.
Another standout performance in 2023 came from Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore, who shredded the Washington Commanders’ secondary for 230 yards on just 8 catches, scoring 3 touchdowns. It was a career night for Moore, who had long been considered a reliable, yet not often explosive, target.
Moore’s 2023 Week 5 performance cemented him as one of the top receivers in the league that season, as he repeatedly broke away from defenders for big gains, including a stunning 56-yard touchdown reception.
Meanwhile, Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill also got in on the Week 5 fireworks in 2023, racking 181 yards and a touchdown on 8 catches. Hill, known for his lightning speed and ability to make plays downfield, continued to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. His big game was another example of how dynamic Week 5 has been for receivers in recent years.
The 2023 Week 5 receiver domination wasn’t an anomaly. Week 5 has been a standout week for wide receivers for several consecutive seasons.
In 2022, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout Mike Evans had a game to remember, totaling 207 yards and 3 touchdowns. His performance marked the third straight year that a receiver notched over 200 yards and 3 touchdowns in Week 5. Evans, known for his physicality and ability to win contested catches, made sure his name was etched into the record books with that showing.
While wide receivers have largely dominated Week 5 in recent seasons, running backs have also made their mark. In 2020, two of the league’s premier power backs, Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor, surpassed the 250-yard rushing mark in Week 5. Their incredible performances underscored the importance of the ground game, with each back displaying an uncanny ability to carry their respective offenses.
Henry, in particular, bulldozed his way through defenses, while Taylor demonstrated his elusiveness and speed, proving that Week 5 isn’t just about flashy wide receiver stats – it can be a showcase for elite running backs as well.
For single-game records, Week 5 has been relatively quiet in NFL history. However, it has not been without its notable achievements.
One such performance occurred in 2019 when quarterback Deshaun Watson posted a perfect passer rating of 158.3 in a Week 5 game, completing 28 passes in a dominant showing. Watson’s precision passing that day was a clinic, proving that Week 5 can be a platform for quarterbacks to shine.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.