Here are some of the key offensive line updates from Week 5 that will impact fantasy:
1. Redskins run over Eagles
Recap: The Washington line had its best performance of the season, as the team continues to outperform preseason expectations. The offense ran all over the league's best run defense (which came into the game allowing just 53.8 yards per contest), to the tune of 203 yards on 44 carries (4.6 yards per carry). The line provided good pass protection as well, as the unit allowed just one sack in 30 pass attempts. Right tackle Jon Jansen filled in for injured starter Stephon Heyer, and appears to be on the verge of re-claiming his starting position.
2. Chiefs line returns to form
Recap: After having success over the previous two weeks, the Chiefs' line had a performance more indicative as to where it actually stands heading into Week 6 -- one of the worst in the NFL. Against the Panthers, the offense had just 35 yards rushing (16 of which came on quarterback scrambles) on 17 carries (2.1 YPC), and running back Larry Johnson had just 2 yards rushing. Pass protection was average, as the line allowed three sacks in 31 pass attempts, but with the game out of hand, the Panthers switched into a prevent defense and applied little pressure on the quarterback.
Up Next: The Chiefs have a bye in Week 6.
3. Backups boost Panthers
Recap: The Panthers were without starting tackles Jordan Gross (concussion) and Jeff Otah (ankle) in Week 5. However, with backups on the ends of the offensive line, Carolina was efficient on the ground and through the air -- albeit against a horrible Kansas City defense. The offense ran for 205 yards on 48 carries (4.3 ypc), led by DeAngelo Williams' 123 yards and two scores. Pass protection was excellent, as the unit did not allow a sack in 22 attempts. Keep in mind that the Chiefs came into the week allowing over 176 YPG on the ground and that they had only three sacks on the season, giving the Panthers a healthy advantage from the start.
Up Next: at Tampa Bay. The Bucs' defense kept the high-powered Denver offense in check in Week 5, and the Bucs play even better defense at home. The Panthers' line has a difficult matchup against a Tampa Bay defense that allows less than 100 yards rushing per game, and comes into Week 6 allowing just 18.8 points per game. The Panthers are hopeful that both Gross and Otah will be ready to go in Week 6 against a tougher opponent, as the backups will likely not fare as well.
4. Giants run all over the Seahawks
Recap: The Giants' offensive line continues to perform at a high level and is a main reason for the team's undefeated start. The line bulldozed the Seattle run defense, which came into Week 5 allowing just 88.0 rushing YPG, as the offense ran for 254 yards on 36 carries (7.1 YPC), led by running back Brandon Jacobs' 136 yards and two touchdowns. Pass protection was excellent again, as the line allowed just one sack in 26 pass attempts. Tackle Kareem McKenzie left the game in the first half, after suffering a concussion, so his status is up in the air for Week 6.
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Up Next: at Cleveland (Monday night). On paper, this is a mismatch in favor of the Giants' offensive line. The Cleveland defense has struggled to put pressure on the quarterback this season (six sacks) and gives up 126.0 ypg on the ground. Keep in mind, however, the Browns are playing in a national spotlight game and are coming off a bye week, so they've had two weeks to prepare for the defending Super Bowl champions.
5. 49ers allow just one sack
Recap: Although it was against a subpar New England pass rush that came into Week 5 with just six sacks on the season, the 49ers' line had its best pass protection performance of the season, as the line allowed just one sack in 29 attempts. The offense also had success in the running game, albeit on a limited basis, totaling 77 yards on just 18 carries (4.3 YPC).
Up Next: vs Philadelphia. The Eagles were run over by the Redskins in Week 5; rest assured they will be shoring up problems in that area and will pose a tough matchup for Frank Gore and the San Francisco offensive line. Given the issues that the Niners have had with pass protection this season, they'll be overmatched facing a blitz-heavy Philly defense currently tied for the league lead in sacks (18).
Corey Bertram is a fantasy writer for Rotowire.com. For more information, please visit Rotowire.com
