Fantasy football results: Week five stand-outs

Though the Cardinals continue to struggle on offense, the defense, both on the grass and on the internet, dominated. Who else is standing out around the league?

Cardinals:

Cardinals D/ST - 20 pts

The defense's best performance of the season was also the best of the week. You'll likely want to play match-ups with this group as they only managed two fantasy points against the Saints, but they're definitely worth a look with 33 points over the last two weeks.

Rashard Mendenhall - 10 pts

Carolina did an excellent job shutting down Mendenhall but the team committed to letting him grind out a few tough yards and one of the offense's two touchdowns. It wasn't exactly redemption for his dreadful game against Tampa Bay last week, but at least he scored. With all the young legs on the team it won't be a surprise if Mendenhall continues to receive limited rushing attempts.

Andre Ellington - 8 pts

The spark plug of the Cardinals' offense, Ellington made the most of his opportunities with over a seven yards/carry average and four catches. A possible flex play, Ellington has more value to the Cardinals than to your fantasy team, but is worth a spot on the bench. Though the starter, Mendenhall, has done very little to earn the bulk of the snaps, he's more well-suited to short yardage situations than Ellington is.

NFL:

Tony Romo - 40 pts

Romo may not be capable of winning NFL games but he won a lot of matches in fantasy this week. With the exception of Peyton Manning (36 pts), Romo blew away the competition for the top spot, outscoring the third-best quarterback, Russell Wilson, by 16 points. It's the first time this season he's surpassed 20 points, however, and his average of 17 points over the first four weeks mean you might not want to adjust your starting line-up quite yet.

Alshon Jeffery - 27 pts

Another excellent week for Jeffery, this time seeing him at number one amongst NFL wide receivers. He may have started slow but has emerged as the focal point of Chicago's passing attack the last couple weeks. Brandon Marshall may not be happy about it, but fantasy owners certainly are.

Julius Thomas - 24 pts

The primary benefactor of the Peyton passing parade this week, Thomas is proving to be a vital part of the Broncos' offense and a must-start in yours.

Fred Jackson - 22 pts

Once again proving to be one of the best values in the game, accounts of Jackson's demise were widely exaggerated. Don't expect many weeks like this, with C.J. Spiller on the road to recovery -- he was listed as questionable this week -- but as long as Jackson is the main rusher in Buffalo, you'll be lucky to have him.

Waiver Mentions:

Terrance Williams, WR Dal - 24 pts; Reuben Randle, WR NYG - 21 pts
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB Ten - 20 pts
Charles Clay, TE Mia - 11 pts
Donald Brown, RB Ind - 9 pts