Fantasy football managers know that every lineup decision can make or break a week, and choosing the right players to start or sit is where championships are won. With the 2025 NFL season underway, matchups, stats, and trends are more important than ever. Each week, we’ll break down the top fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em picks at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, defense, and kicker to help you set the best possible lineup. From favorable matchups and scoring trends to players you should avoid in tough spots, my weekly guide is built to give you an edge.
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Quarterbacks to Start
Drake Maye NE
Drake Maye has been one of the most consistent fantasy football quarterbacks through the first month of the season, and Week 5 gives him another chance to shine. The Bills have given up the most rushing yards to quarterbacks this year, with Lamar Jackson, Justin Fields, and Spencer Rattler all posting at least 4.9 fantasy points on the ground alone. Maye’s legs have been a difference-maker, producing two rushing scores and multiple games with 30-plus rushing yards, giving him a strong floor in tough matchups. He’s also averaging over 23 fantasy points per game since Week 2, showcasing both his ceiling and consistency. Maye also ranks within the top 10 in EPA per play this year. While Buffalo has been stingy against quarterbacks through the air, Maye’s dual-threat ability neutralizes that edge.
Maye already proved he can hang with the Bills last year, scoring 17.4 fantasy points as a rookie in Week 16, and his development since then makes him even more dangerous. He has thrown multiple touchdowns in three straight games and hasn’t dipped below 15 points in any outing this season. His rushing ability should keep him fantasy-relevant even if the passing game stalls at times, and his volume will be pushed higher trying to keep pace with Josh Allen. The matchup may look tough on paper, but his blend of mobility and efficiency makes him a clear top-10 fantasy option. If you’ve been riding the Maye hype train, there’s no reason to hop off now. He remains a confident start in Week 5.
Justin Herbert LAC
Justin Herbert has cooled off after a blazing start, but this week sets up perfectly for him to bounce back. Washington has been a defense to target recently, giving up at least 20 fantasy points to three straight quarterbacks, all of whom threw for 289+ yards and multiple scores. Herbert’s struggles the last two weeks were not because of volume decreases, as the Chargers are still throwing much more than they did in 2023. He still has one of the league’s best skill groups with three strong wideouts and a versatile running back, which makes him dangerous in potential shootout scripts. With the Commanders surrendering nearly 300 passing yards per game over their last three outings, Herbert is set up for a rebound at home.
Volume and efficiency point toward Herbert reclaiming QB1 status this week. Despite back-to-back sub-15-point games, Washington ranks bottom 10 in pressure rate, which should help him find rhythm behind an offensive line that has struggled against elite fronts. Jayden Daniels is back, and the Chargers will need to keep their foot on the gas, increasing Herbert’s ceiling. Given his talent, supporting cast, and matchup metrics, fantasy managers should confidently put Herbert back in lineups. He’s a strong start candidate in Week 5 with top-eight upside.
Dak Prescott DAL
Dak Prescott is coming off a monster performance against Green Bay with 31 fantasy points, and even without CeeDee Lamb (ankle), he remains firmly on the fantasy radar. The Jets look like a tough matchup at first glance, but their secondary has slipped significantly this season. They’ve given up the ninth-highest yards per attempt, eighth-most passing touchdowns, and fourth-highest passer rating to opposing quarterbacks. Prescott has been thriving despite injuries to his receiving corps, averaging 44 attempts per game over his last three contests. With George Pickens and Jake Ferguson stepping up, the Cowboys have enough firepower to challenge this Jets defense.
Prescott’s advanced metrics suggest his big Week 4 was no fluke. He ranks third in passing yards per game, ninth in completion percentage over expected, and second in catchable target rate among qualifying quarterbacks. Even when pressured, his accuracy has been excellent, and he should benefit this week from facing a Jets pass rush that ranks eighth lowest in pressure rate. He has already delivered top five finishes in two of his last three games, showing his ceiling is among the best in fantasy football. While Lamb’s absence lowers his floor slightly, Prescott’s volume and efficiency give him a strong path to another QB1 finish. He should remain a locked-in start for fantasy managers in Week 5.
Quarterbacks to Sit
Bo Nix DEN
Bo Nix delivered a fantasy breakout with 25.7 points against Cincinnati last week, but that matchup was as favorable as it gets. Now he draws the Eagles, a defense that has kept names like Dak Prescott, Patrick Mahomes, and Matthew Stafford in check. Mayfield is the only quarterback to top 200 yards against Philadelphia this season, and Nix averaged just 178 passing yards in his first three games before his Bengals blow-up. His efficiency metrics also paint a troubling picture: he ranks bottom-tier in yards per attempt, completion percentage over expected, and catchable target rate while carrying one of the highest turnover-worthy throw rates in the league. This is not the kind of profile you want to trust against an elite defense.
Philadelphia has been one of the toughest matchups for opposing passers, allowing the eighth-fewest yards per attempt, seventh-lowest passer rating, and top-five marks in success rate per dropback. Nix has already been volatile, with two QB1 finishes and two outside the top-15, showing how matchup-dependent he is. Without a reliable track record of volume or efficiency, betting on him to succeed in this spot is risky. Unless you’re in a Superflex or two-quarterback league, he’s better left on the bench this week. Fantasy managers should consider Nix a clear sit in Week 5.
Trevor Lawrence JAC
The Jaguars may be winning games, but Trevor Lawrence has not been winning over fantasy managers. In three Jacksonville victories this year, he has scored 13.7 points or fewer, showing that team success hasn’t translated into reliable fantasy production. His only notable outing came against a weak Cincinnati defense, while he has struggled against better units. On the season, Lawrence ranks 31st in fantasy points per game and has only one top-12 finish, with every other week landing him outside the top-20. Kansas City looms as another tough matchup, which has allowed just a combined 29.6 fantasy points across the last three weeks. That defensive stretch highlights why Lawrence is best avoided this weekend.
Kansas City’s defense is giving up the tenth-lowest passer rating and fifth-fewest passing touchdowns, making it unlikely that Lawrence delivers the kind of ceiling you’d need to justify starting him. Even if the Jaguars are playing from behind, he hasn’t shown the ability to capitalize on negative game scripts. Fantasy managers should keep Lawrence out of lineups in Week 5, making him a strong sit.
Tua Tagovailoa MIA
Tua Tagovailoa has been a frustrating fantasy quarterback to trust, and Week 5 looks like another tough hill to climb. He has one of the lowest average depth of targets in the league (6.2 yards) and ranks outside the top-20 in yards per attempt, passer rating, and highly accurate throw rate. Nearly 60% of his passing yards come after the catch, meaning he relies heavily on playmakers rather than pushing the ball downfield himself. This week, he’ll be without Tyreek Hill, leaving a major void in Miami’s passing attack. While Carolina’s defense isn’t elite, they have held quarterbacks to the eighth-lowest passer rating and fifth-fewest passing touchdowns this year, making efficiency hard to come by.
Historically, Tagovailoa has had success against Carolina, throwing for 262 yards and three scores in 2023, but circumstances are much different now. He has failed to post strong fantasy totals in most of the season’s first month, and opposing quarterbacks have averaged fewer than 15 fantasy points per game against the Panthers since last year. Even with weapons like Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane, Tua’s conservative style and matchup limitations cap his ceiling. This isn’t the spot to bank on a big bounce-back. Fantasy managers should treat him as a low-end option at best, preferably a sit in Week 5.
Running Backs to Start
David Montgomery DET
David Montgomery has been a volatile fantasy option, but Week 5 sets up as a spot to put him back in starting lineups. He’s the RB22 in fantasy points per game, but his role near the goal line is hard to ignore. This season, he is tied for the fifth-most goal-line attempts among running backs and sits seventh in total touchdowns. Montgomery has been extremely efficient after contact, ranking first in yards after contact per attempt, which makes him particularly dangerous against a Bengals defense that has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards per game and six total touchdowns to running backs. Five RBs have already scored 15.4+ PPR points against Cincinnati this year, and Montgomery has every chance to join them.
Fantasy managers know the risk: Montgomery is touchdown-dependent and has posted both ceiling weeks (29.4 points in Week 3) and disastrous floors (1.2 in Week 4). But Cincinnati ranks No. 2 in fantasy points allowed to running backs, and their struggles tackling runners after contact line up perfectly with Montgomery’s strengths. While he’s unlikely to see the same workload as Gibbs, Montgomery doesn’t need it, just red-zone carries and efficiency behind Detroit’s strong offensive line. He profiles as a strong RB2 this week with legitimate touchdown upside. Start him confidently in all formats.
Cam Skattebo NYG
Cam Skattebo continues to establish himself as a reliable fantasy option with both a high floor and ceiling. Since Week 2, he’s been the RB11 in fantasy points per game, logging at least 13 points in every contest. In Week 4, he dominated backfield usage with 27 touches and 75% of the snaps, handling six red-zone carries while Devin Singletary received only one. His advanced metrics back up his effectiveness, eighth in missed tackles forced per attempt and 12th in yards after contact per attempt. Against the Saints’ defense that has given up at least 14.4 PPR points to every starting RB they’ve faced, Skattebo projects for another strong performance.
The Giants’ trust in Skattebo, whether they are leading or playing from behind, makes him a safe play. He has already earned the third-most red-zone carries among all RBs since Week 2, showing the team’s willingness to lean on him in scoring opportunities. With Tyrone Tracy Jr. sidelined and rookie QB Jaxson Dart still settling into the offense, Skattebo’s usage looks secure. Expect him to see 20+ touches again, and given New Orleans’ defensive struggles against the run, he should have no problem producing RB2 numbers. Start him as a locked-in fantasy option for Week 5.
Woody Marks HOU
Woody Marks turned heads in Week 4, seizing control of the Texans’ backfield and finishing as the RB6 on the week with 119 total yards and two touchdowns. He played 58.5% of the snaps and handled 21 touches, including Houston’s only red-zone carry, while also maintaining a strong 43.8% route share. Marks’ ability to produce chunk plays shows up in the metrics, 10th in explosive run rate and 20th in yards after contact per attempt. His Week 5 matchup against Baltimore is as good as it gets, with the Ravens ranking No. 1 in most fantasy points allowed to running backs and surrendering six rushing TDs already. With Baltimore also giving up the fifth-most receiving yards to the position, Marks’ dual-threat skillset puts him in a smash spot.
Marks is no longer just a stash; he’s an every-week starting candidate. He outpaced Nick Chubb in both carries and targets last week, signaling that Houston is ready to feature the rookie in a bigger role. The Ravens’ defensive injuries have turned their once-elite front into one of the league’s most generous run defenses. Seven RBs have scored at least 10 fantasy points against them this year, with three topping 21 points, and Marks’ usage profile suggests he could easily join that group. He belongs in all starting lineups this week as a high-upside RB2 with top-15 potential.
Running Backs to Sit
Chase Brown CIN
Chase Brown has been stuck in a tough situation, and fantasy managers shouldn’t expect a turnaround in Week 5. Without Joe Burrow does not help, but the offensive line has been the biggest problem, ranking dead last in yards before contact per attempt. Brown has had an impressive workload this season, but is not finding the end zone, breaking tackles, and is averaging under 55 total yards per game. His production has been entirely touchdown-dependent, and in this offense, those chances are rare.
Detroit poses another nightmare matchup, ranking seventh in fewest rushing yards allowed per game and limiting opponents to one of the lowest missed tackle rates in the league. They’ve allowed only four RB touchdowns all year, and Cincinnati’s offense simply hasn’t shown the ability to move the ball consistently. Brown’s receiving work hasn’t been enough to salvage his fantasy value either, with most of his targets coming in garbage time. He hasn’t scored since Week 1, and unless he lucks into a short-yardage touchdown, his outlook is bleak. Brown should be firmly on the sit list this week, with no more than desperation flex value.
Jordan Mason MIN
Jordan Mason is set up for disappointment in Week 5 against Cleveland’s defense. The Browns have been suffocating against the run, holding Chase Brown, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and David Montgomery all under 50 rushing yards this season. They’ve allowed just two explosive runs all year, both to Jahmyr Gibbs, and consistently hit runners behind the line of scrimmage. Mason, who managed just 57 rushing yards on 16 carries in Week 4, doesn’t have the dynamic skillset to overcome this matchup. With Zavier Scott expected to handle most passing-down work, Mason is unlikely to see much involvement outside of early downs.
Cleveland ranks No. 2 in fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing RBs, and their defensive front has dominated nearly every opponent. The only back to find consistent success against them was Gibbs, who thrives on speed and receiving usage, traits Mason doesn’t offer. While Mason did record three catches against the Steelers, that’s not enough to elevate him into a reliable role in PPR formats. Unless he scores a touchdown, he’s unlikely to return flex-level value this week. Sit Mason against the Browns and look for a safer option with more upside.
Isiah Pacheco KC
Isiah Pacheco’s 2025 fantasy season has been trending downward, and Week 5 looks like another rough outing. His snap share dipped to 37% in Week 4, and while he salvaged his day with a touchdown, the usage tells a different story. Pacheco has averaged just 9.5 touches and 36.1 yards per game, and his role continues to shrink with Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith cutting into the workload. Week 4 marked his best fantasy showing of the year (12.8 points), but even that was inflated by a touchdown and came in a soft matchup against Baltimore. Against Jacksonville, the sledding will be much tougher.
The Jaguars’ run defense has been one of the most stingy in football, allowing the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game and zero rushing touchdowns to RBs through four weeks. They also rank among the best in limiting explosive plays, giving up just two runs of 10+ yards all season. Kansas City’s backfield rotation is a fantasy headache, with no clear lead back, and Mahomes often leads the team in rushing himself. With reduced snaps, a brutal matchup, and a declining role, Pacheco is simply too risky to trust. He belongs on benches this week and is trending closer to droppable territory in shallow leagues.
Wide Receivers to Start
Chris Olave NO
Chris Olave has been one of the most heavily utilized receivers in football this season, ranking second in total targets behind only Puka Nacua. He owns a 28.2% target share and has logged double-digit targets in three of his four games, which makes him an automatic fantasy football start regardless of quarterback limitations. The Giants’ defense has been a gift to opposing wideouts, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game and the fourth-most yards on deep passes. That plays directly into Olave’s strengths, as he ranks top 20 in deep targets and ninth in red zone opportunities. Even though Week 4 was a dud with just 20 yards on six targets, he still found the end zone for the first time this year, showing that his floor remains steady with his workload.
This week, Olave is set up to rebound in a big way against a secondary that has already allowed six different receivers to score 15+ PPR points. The Giants have also allowed the most receptions in the NFL to wide receivers, which further cements Olave’s chances at a WR2 or even WR1 finish in Week 5. The Saints will need him to exploit mismatches on the outside, and he has the talent to deliver splash plays in this matchup. Fantasy managers should lock him into lineups with confidence as a high-upside starter.
Xavier Worthy KC
Xavier Worthy’s return to the field in Week 4 changed the Chiefs’ offense. He commanded eight targets, turned them into 83 yards, and added two carries for 38 yards, proving the Chiefs will find creative ways to get the ball in his hands. Worthy ran a route on 62.5% of snaps and carried a 21.6% target share, which is strong usage for his first game back from injury. More importantly, Patrick Mahomes clearly trusts him, and the duo built on their 2024 success right away. Against Jacksonville in Week 5, he faces a defense that has surrendered the 12th-most yards to wide receivers.
Jacksonville has already given up three games of 14.6+ PPR points to receivers, and Mahomes is going to continue leaning on Worthy while Rashee Rice remains sidelined. Worthy’s ability to stretch the field and pick up chunk gains makes him a high-upside WR2 for fantasy football this week. Kansas City’s offense looked noticeably sharper with him back in the lineup, and that momentum should carry into Week 5. Fantasy managers should start Worthy with confidence, as his explosive playmaking gives him top-15 upside at the position.
Tetairoa McMillan CAR
Tetairoa McMillan has been one of the more underrated fantasy football wideouts so far, finishing inside the top 36 at the position in three of his first four games. He’s seen at least eight targets in every outing, owns a 22% target share, and leads the Panthers in air-yard share at 39.5%. Despite not finding the end zone yet, his three red zone targets over the past three games suggest his 1st career touchdown is on the way. This week, he draws the Dolphins’ defense has struggled to contain perimeter receivers, giving up the ninth-most PPR points per target in those matchups.
Other top receivers like Michael Pittman and Garrett Wilson have taken advantage of Miami’s secondary for 20+ PPR games on just eight targets. With his steady usage and the potential for his first touchdown, McMillan enters Week 5 with his highest breakout potential yet. McMillan profiles as more of a low-end WR1 and a High-end WR2 this week. Fantasy managers looking for a high-volume starter should roll him out again in Week 5.
Wide Receivers to Sit
Zay Flowers BAL
Zay Flowers has been efficient to start the year, sitting at WR16 in fantasy football points per game, but his Week 5 matchup against Houston presents major problems. He hasn’t seen a single red zone target this season and will be without Lamar Jackson this week. The Texans have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per target to perimeter receivers and will likely assign Derek Stingley Jr. in shadow coverage. Stingley has already shut down a plethora of talented receivers this season, holding them all under 60 yards with no touchdowns. Without Lamar Jackson in the lineup, Flowers’ efficiency is expected to take a hit, making him more volume-dependent than usual.
Although Flowers has a strong 27.5% target share and has topped 70 yards in three of four games, this is a brutal spot for him. Houston has been disciplined against explosive plays and will key in on Flowers as the Ravens’ primary weapon. His low average depth of target (61st among WRs) further reduces his big-play potential in this matchup. Given his expected points per game (12.8) aligns closer to a WR27 profile than his current WR16 standing, fantasy managers should consider sitting Flowers in Week 5 unless desperate. He profiles as a low-ceiling WR3 in this tough matchup.
Brian Thomas Jr. JAC
Brian Thomas Jr. remains a frustrating fantasy football option, currently ranked as the WR46 in points per game; he’s only cracked the top 36 once all season. His highest outing came last week at just 10.6 PPR points, which is a step in the right direction but still frustrating considering where we drafted him. The encouraging part is that Thomas caught 5/7 passes, which is much higher than his 37.5% catch rate this year. Now, he faces Kansas City, who rank top 10 in fewest yards and fantasy points allowed to perimeter receivers, right where Thomas plays 71% of his snaps.
The Chiefs have also gone three straight weeks without allowing a wideout to score a touchdown, shutting down elite groups like the Eagles and Ravens. Thomas still hasn’t found the end zone in 2025, and it’s unlikely he breaks that streak against such a disciplined secondary. While he is getting targets, the lack of efficiency and tough coverage make him a poor Week 5 start. In deeper formats, you might have to plug him in, but in standard 10- or 12-team leagues, he should remain on your bench. Thomas will likely be another bust candidate in Week 5, making him a solid buy-low heading into Week 6.
Jerry Jeudy CLE
Jerry Jeudy has been one of the biggest fantasy football disappointments this season, currently averaging 7.8 PPG. He hasn’t scored a touchdown, despite ranking 5th in deep targets, and it does not look much more encouraging with Dillon Gabriel, taking over at quarterback. He’s posted fewer than 12 PPR points in all four contests this season. Now, he draws a brutal Week 5 matchup against Minnesota, which has allowed the fewest fantasy points and fewest receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
Outside of one long touchdown to DK Metcalf last week, the Vikings have clamped opposing receivers all season. Even with Cedric Tillman sidelined, Jeudy’s role doesn’t project to expand meaningfully given Cleveland’s quarterback uncertainty. He’s combined for just four catches on 14 targets across the past two weeks, which makes him an easy sit in Week 5. At this point, Jeudy should only be considered in deep leagues as a WR4/5 flier, but he has no business in standard starting lineups this week.
Tight Ends to Start
Dalton Kincaid BUF
Dalton Kincaid continues to be a strong fantasy football start despite his part-time role in Buffalo’s offense. Splitting time with Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes, he still averages 2.24 yards per route run, and nearly 45 receiving yards per game. What makes Kincaid especially valuable is his red-zone involvement, as his five red-zone targets rank second among all tight ends. He has already scored three touchdowns in four games and has topped seven PPR points in every contest, with two games above 14. That type of consistency provides a safe floor at a position where reliability is rare.
This week’s matchup against the Patriots sets up nicely for another productive outing. New England has allowed the seventh-most receiving yards and eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends, including two touchdowns to the Panthers last week. Kincaid has also had success against the Patriots in the past, scoring at least 12.7 PPR points in two of three career matchups. Even if the volume remains modest, his role near the goal line and consistent usage as a first-read option make him a locked-in TE1. Fantasy managers should continue to start Kincaid confidently as a top-10 tight end play in Week 5
Darren Waller MIA
Darren Waller wasted no time making an impact in his Dolphins debut, finishing as the TE4 in Week 4 with two touchdowns despite playing just 37% of routes. He earned a strong 16% target share and a 20% first-read rate, which shows Miami prioritized getting him involved in the offense immediately. While his usage was limited, Waller turned three catches into 27 yards and two scores, proving he can deliver fantasy points even on reduced volume. With Tyreek Hill sidelined for the season, Waller projects as the Dolphins’ top red-zone option moving forward, giving him a path to sustainable TE1 value. His snap count should also increase as he gets more acclimated, boosting his fantasy outlook.
The matchup against Carolina is an ideal spot for Waller to keep the momentum going. The Panthers have allowed the second-most receiving yards to tight ends and have given up at least 9.9 PPR points to the position in three of four games. Waller’s red-zone usage is especially important given Miami’s need to replace Hill’s touchdown production. Even if he only sees four to six targets again, the scoring upside makes him a must-start. Coming off a 17-point fantasy outing, Waller should be treated as a No. 1 fantasy tight end across all formats in Week 5.
Mason Taylor NYJ
Mason Taylor finally broke out in Week 4, finishing as the TE11 with five catches for 65 yards against Miami. His 25.9% target share and 33.3% first-read rate showed that the Jets trust him as a featured option in the passing game. Taylor has 13 targets over the last two weeks, putting him firmly in the TE1 streaming conversation for fantasy football. While his red-zone usage has been light with just one target, the overall volume is encouraging. With Garrett Wilson drawing coverage outside, Taylor should continue to see valuable looks as the Jets’ No. 2 receiving option.
In Week 5, Taylor faces a Dallas defense that has been beatable by tight ends. Dallas Goedert caught all seven of his targets against them, and Tucker Kraft hauled in five for 56 yards, showing the Cowboys can be exploited at the position. Taylor’s role in the Jets’ short-to-intermediate passing game makes him a strong candidate to rack up catches and yards once again. With his route participation and target share trending upward, Taylor is a start-worthy option in deeper leagues and formats that reward receptions. He carries low-end TE1 upside this week in what should be a high-scoring matchup.
Tight Ends to Sit
Hunter Henry NE
Hunter Henry has been one of the most productive tight ends in fantasy football this season, ranking as the TE3 in points per game with three double-digit PPR outings. His role has been strong, with 51 yards per game, and a league-leading number of red-zone looks at the position. However, the matchup against Buffalo in Week 5 makes him a risky fantasy play. The Bills have allowed the fewest receiving yards and the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends, making this one of the worst spots possible for Henry. Even with his consistent usage, the odds are stacked against him this week.
Henry’s track record against Buffalo also raises red flags. In his last five games versus the Bills, he has combined for just 15 receptions, 130 yards, and one touchdown. He’s been held under 5 PPR points in three of those matchups, which highlights the floor risk in this divisional rivalry. With Buffalo shutting down every tight-end they have faced this year, Henry is unlikely to produce TE1 numbers. While his red-zone usage could keep him afloat, fantasy managers should consider him more of a low-end starter or bench option in Week 5.
TJ Hockenson MIN
T.J. Hockenson has struggled to find consistency in fantasy football this season, and his outlook doesn’t improve in Week 5 against the Browns. With Carson Wentz under center, Hockenson has averaged just 44 receiving yards per game and sits at a modest 15.7% target share. The return of Jordan Addison has also cut into his opportunities, leaving him fourth in targets last week. Even though he’s seen four red-zone looks in his last two games, he has posted only one top-five finish at the position this year. This type of volatile production makes him a risky start in a difficult matchup.
The Browns have been one of the toughest defenses against tight ends, allowing the fourth-fewest receiving yards and ranking eighth in fewest fantasy points allowed. They have held opposing tight ends like Mark Andrews and Tucker Kraft to just 14.2 combined PPR points across four games. Cleveland’s pass rush is also elite, and the Vikings’ offensive line has struggled, which could limit Wentz’s ability to find Hockenson downfield. With Justin Jefferson and Addison commanding the majority of targets, Hockenson’s path to a big fantasy day is slim. For Week 5, he’s better viewed as a sit candidate or low-end starter at best.
Harold Fannin Jr. CLE
Harold Fannin Jr. has cooled off dramatically since his solid Week 1 showing, finishing outside of the top 12 every week since then. He has just two red-zone targets this season, and his fantasy usage has been further complicated by splitting snaps with David Njoku. Fannin’s underlying numbers are mediocre, with a 14% target share, 40 yards per game, and 1.62 yards per route run. The committee approach in Cleveland’s tight end room has been a major issue for fantasy purposes, as neither player has managed more than nine PPR points in a game since the opener. That type of low ceiling makes Fannin an easy sit in Week 5.
The matchup against Minnesota does him no favors either. The Vikings have allowed the 9th-fewest fantasy points and 11th-fewest receiving yards to tight ends, shutting down the position consistently this year. With rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel making his first NFL start, the Browns’ offense is a question mark as a whole. Fantasy managers should avoid Fannin this week, as he carries little upside and a high probability of another disappointing outing.
DEF to Start
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals’ defense hasn’t been a fantasy powerhouse this season, but the matchup with Tennessee makes them a strong streaming play. The Titans are averaging a league-worst 12.8 points per game while producing only 210.5 yards of total offense. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward has been under constant duress, taking 17 sacks (second-most in the NFL) while turning the ball over five times. To make matters worse, Tennessee’s wide receivers continue to struggle with drops, further stalling drives. Opposing defenses have been thriving against the Titans, with three of their four matchups producing at least 13 fantasy points. Given the offensive struggles and protection issues in Tennessee, the Cardinals’ defense has a great chance to exceed expectations this week.
Detroit Lions
The Lions’ defense has caught fire recently, racking up 14 sacks and six takeaways in their last three games. They’ve scored at least eight fantasy points in each contest during that stretch, including a 19-point explosion last week. Their Week 5 opponent, the Bengals, rank dead last in pass block win rate and will start backup quarterback Jake Browning. Opposing defenses have crushed Cincinnati in recent weeks, with the Vikings scoring 30 and the Broncos posting 10 against them. With momentum and matchup both on their side, the Lions D/ST is a must-start option this week.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ defense has been inconsistent, but Week 5 sets them up for success against the Las Vegas Raiders. Geno Smith has thrown a league-high seven interceptions and already has two games with three picks this season. The Raiders are also giving up sacks at the sixth-highest rate, which is ideal for a defense looking to capitalize on pressure. Indianapolis has produced six takeaways this year, including four interceptions, showing they can take advantage of sloppy quarterback play. Las Vegas also ranks as a bottom-10 scoring offense, failing to generate consistent points. With both turnover and sack potential in this matchup, the Colts D/ST is firmly on the streaming radar.
DEF to Sit
Denver Broncos
Denver’s defense has been strong both in real life and in fantasy, but this is not the week to deploy them. The Broncos face the Philadelphia Eagles, who haven’t allowed more than five fantasy points to any defense this season. Philadelphia has scored 31+ points in each of the last two games while committing only one turnover all year. Jalen Hurts has also been sacked just nine times, showing how efficient and well-protected the offense has been. While Denver’s defense can usually be trusted, this matchup simply doesn’t provide enough upside. If you’re in a must-win situation, pivot to another unit with more turnover and sack opportunities.
Washington Commanders
Washington’s defense has been one of the weakest fantasy options this season, and a road matchup with the Chargers won’t change that. The Commanders have forced only one turnover all year and continue to struggle generating consistent pressure. While the Chargers lost rookie tackle Joe Alt, their offense should still be able to put up numbers against a defense that hasn’t shown much resistance. Given the lack of turnovers, low sack production, and tough matchup, the Commanders D/ST is one to avoid in Week 5.
Kickers to Start
Ka’imi Fairbairn HOU
Fairbairn has been one of the most reliable streaming kickers this season, putting up at least nine fantasy points in two of his first three games. This week, he draws a favorable matchup against the Ravens, who lead the NFL in points allowed per game (33.3) and also give up 9.3 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers. Baltimore’s defense also will be missing multiple key starters. Fairbairn has shown consistency from the mid-range, making him a safe floor option with upside for double-digit production. If you’re looking for a plug-and-play starter, he’s one of the best options in Week 5.
Spencer Shrader IND
Shrader has been a surprise breakout at kicker, averaging an impressive 13.5 fantasy points per game through four weeks. Despite his production, he’s still widely available in fantasy leagues, making him a strong add-and-start option. This week, he faces the Raiders, who allow the third-most fantasy points to opposing kickers. Las Vegas also ranks in the bottom third of the league in scoring defense. Shrader’s volume has been steady, as the Colts’ offense has moved the ball well but often stalled in field goal range. With a strong matchup and steady usage, Shrader should once again deliver reliable fantasy production.
Kickers to Sit
Tyler Loop BAL
Loop has been steady as a rookie, averaging 10.3 fantasy points per game, but the matchup this week is brutal. The Ravens will be without Lamar Jackson, which lowers their overall scoring potential. On the other side, Houston’s defense has allowed the fewest points per game in the league (12.8) and is the toughest matchup for opposing kickers. The Texans have yet to allow more than five fantasy points to a kicker this season, and they’ve given up just one made field goal through four games. Loop has only three field goals in his last two outings, further limiting his upside. Given the circumstances, he’s a kicker to avoid in Week 5.
Daniel Carlson LV
Carlson has long been a dependable fantasy kicker, but his recent production has fallen off sharply. After scoring 10+ points in each of the first two weeks, he’s managed just nine combined over his last two games. Volume is a problem, as he’s attempted only three field goals in that stretch, including a blocked 54-yarder last week. Now he faces the Colts, who have been one of the toughest defenses against opposing kickers, allowing just 5.6 fantasy points per game. Until Las Vegas’ offense stabilizes, Carlson is best left on the bench.
