We’re through four weeks, and the fantasy landscape is starting to take shape. Week 5 brings some appealing matchups for players who have been heating up, while a few tough spots could put a damper on otherwise strong fantasy options. Here are some of the best and worst matchups to keep in mind when setting your lineups this week.
Quarterback
Best: QB Jameis Winston, New York Giants (@ Washington Commanders)
Jameis Winston gave the Giants’ passing game a much-needed spark Sunday, completing 18-of-29 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-24 win over Arizona. Winston struggled badly in his first two starts after Jaxson Dart’s season-ending injury, failing to throw a touchdown while averaging fewer than 120 passing yards. He looked much more comfortable against the Cardinals, pushing the ball downfield and helping the Giants generate more offense through the air.
He has a chance to build on that momentum this week against a Washington defense that has surrendered 23.3 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and 11 touchdown passes, tied for the league lead. Winston’s two interceptions remain a concern, but he is a strong streaming option this week.
Worst: QB Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (@Jacksonville Jaguars)
Jalen Hurts has struggled to maintain his early-season fantasy production, scoring fewer than 14 points in each of his last two games. He did throw two touchdowns against the Rams, but the Eagles managed only 172 total yards and 68 net passing yards in the 24-20 loss. The bigger concern is the state of Philadelphia’s offense, with DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and Dallas Goedert all currently sidelined by injuries.
Jacksonville presents a tough challenge in Week 5, allowing just three passing touchdowns while picking off six passes through four games. Hurts remains a strong superflex option because of his rushing upside, but he could be in for some tough sledding in standard lineups this week.
Running Back
Best: RB Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears (@ Green Bay Packers)
Kyle Monangai has a chance to be a sneaky fantasy option against Green Bay this week after his breakout performance against the Jets. He took over after D’Andre Swift fumbled and finished with 146 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries. Swift is expected back, so Monangai probably won’t approach that workload again, but Chicago should keep him involved after what he showed in Week 4.
That’s especially appealing against a Packers defense that has been extremely vulnerable to running backs, allowing an average of 27.6 fantasy points per game to opposing backfields, the second-most in the league. Swift’s knee issue could also lead to a more balanced workload. Even if Monangai settles into a complementary role, the matchup gives him enough upside to warrant RB2/FLEX consideration.
Worst: RB Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (vs. Minnesota Vikings)
We got a vintage Alvin Kamara fantasy stat line in Week 4, as the 31-year-old hauled in 5 of 7 targets and found the end zone twice. With Travis Etienne on IR for at least three more games, it looks as if Kamara will operate as New Orleans’ No. 1 back. It would be wise to temper expectations this week though.
The Saints will play host to a Minnesota Vikings team that has bottled up running backs through the first four weeks of the season. The Vikings allow a league-best 12.6 fantasy points per game to running backs, and are one of the best overall defensive units in the league. I wouldn’t bet on a fluky touchdown either, as Minnesota is allowing just 12.8 total points per game to opponents.
Wide Receiver
Best: WR Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Detroit Lions)
Michael Wilson continues to establish himself as Arizona’s top receiving option. He caught 7 of 13 targets for 95 yards against the Giants last week, giving him a team-high 44 targets through four games. That kind of workload should keep him firmly in starting lineups, especially with a favorable matchup coming against Detroit in Week 5.
The Lions just gave up a massive 14-catch, 192-yard, two-touchdown performance to Tetairoa McMillan, and only Houston has allowed more fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Wilson has already answered the questions about whether his late-2025 breakout was sustainable, and another strong performance could be coming in Week 5.
Worst: WR Mike Evans, San Francisco 49ers (@ Seattle Seahawks)
Mike Evans has put together a nice start to his time with San Francisco, compiling 17 catches for 213 yards and 2 TDs. But Week 5 presents a much tougher test. Seattle has been one of the NFL’s stingiest defenses through four games, and Evans will likely be shadowed by Devon Witherspoon all day.
The Seahawks have also done an excellent job limiting opposing passing attacks. Seattle has allowed the fewest passing yards and net yards per pass attempt in the NFL while giving up the second-fewest fantasy points per game (16.8) to opposing wide receivers. Evans remains a threat to score anytime he takes the field, but his target volume and yardage upside could take a hit this week. He’s still worth considering in deeper leagues, but Evans is more of a touchdown-dependent WR3 this week.
Tight End
Best: TE T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings (@ New Orleans Saints)
T.J. Hockenson broke out against Miami last week, catching all 13 of his targets for 119 yards in a dominant performance. Justin Jefferson’s absence certainly helped create that massive target total, but Hockenson’s increased usage is encouraging heading into Week 5.
Hockenson’s route participation climbed to 79.1% while he played 88.1% of Minnesota’s single-tight-end early-down snaps. He likely won’t see 13 targets every week, but the increased playing time should keep him involved. That’s especially appealing this week against a Saints defense allowing 14.3 fantasy points per game to tight ends, eighth-most in the league. Hockenson should be in the TE1 conversation this week.
Worst: TE Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills (@ Los Angeles Rams)
Dalton Kincaid has cooled off considerably after opening the season with back-to-back strong performances. He’s managed just three catches for 45 yards over his last two games, making it difficult to trust him as a weekly starter right now. That’s especially true with a difficult matchup against the Rams on tap in Week 5.
Los Angeles has been one of the NFL’s best defenses against tight ends, allowing just 5.1 fantasy points per game to the position, third-fewest in the league. Kincaid still has the talent and quarterback connection to turn things around, but this is a tough spot to bet on a rebound. I’d keep him on the bench in favor of a safer option this week.
