Welcome back to my Week 5 Must-Start players! These aren’t necessarily the obvious names you’re already planning to put in your lineup. Instead, I’m focusing on players I like because of their matchups, recent usage, potential opportunities, and the situations surrounding their teams. I’m considering must-starts, especially with so many injuries and bye weeks.
Fantasy football isn’t just about starting your best players. Sometimes, it’s about identifying the right matchups. Whether it’s a quarterback flying under the radar, a running back set up for a bounce-back performance, or a receiver whose role makes him a perfect matchup fit, these are four players I’m targeting in Week 5 dubs.
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Must-Start QB: C.J. Stroud
Everyone seems to be jumping on the Jacoby Brissett train this week, and rightfully so; he has a beautiful matchup. But if everyone is looking in the same direction, I’m willing to take a different route to give you another name. My quarterback pick for Week 5 is C.J. Stroud.
Stroud has averaged 285.3 passing yards per game through his first four games, while throwing for 1.3 touchdowns per game without an interception. That’s a solid foundation for a quarterback who can deliver a strong fantasy performance when the passing game is clicking, as Nico Collins is back. Houston’s biggest concern is its lack of a consistent rushing attack; Montgomery and Marks haven’t been able to create much on the ground, which could force the Texans to lean more heavily on Stroud’s passing.
The matchup against Tennessee is interesting because the Titans have been more vulnerable against the pass than the run. Tennessee has allowed opposing quarterbacks an average of 13.6 fantasy points per game entering Week 5, ranking sixth-best in the league in that category. That means this is not a matchup to blindly attack, but Stroud has the passing volume and talent to make it work.
I’m betting on the Texans putting more responsibility on their quarterback, especially if their ground game struggles to get going. While Brissett might be the more popular fantasy conversation this week, I like taking a shot on Stroud’s passing ability and potential to outperform expectations. Both the Titans and Texans are 0-4; I expect Houston to get their first win in Week 5.
Must-Start RB: D’Andre Swift
I’m calling for a bounce-back game from D’Andre Swift in Week 5. Last week was frustrating for Swift managers, especially after he lost a fumble and saw Kyle Monangai take over the backfield. Ben Johnson kinda put Swift in the doghouse the rest of the game. But I’m not ready to give up on Swift, particularly with a matchup against Green Bay.
Through four games, Swift has averaged 77.8 rushing yards per game and scored three rushing touchdowns. Even after last week’s disappointing finish, he has shown he can be productive when Chicago gives him opportunities, as Chicago is one of the more run-focused teams in the league. The Packers are allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs, making this a juicy matchup for Swift. Green Bay has also allowed seven rushing touchdowns to running backs, which gives Swift legitimate touchdown upside.
Another reason I like Swift is Chicago’s offensive approach. With Caleb Williams sidelined for another week, the Bears have leaned heavily on the ground game, ranking second in rushing rate at 55.1% over the previous two games. If Chicago continues to rely on its running backs, Swift should have opportunities to produce through carries and receptions.
Swift is dealing with hip and knee injuries, and Monangai has also been dealing with injuries. Monangai has officially been ruled out, and Swift is active; the backfield is all his! I’m expecting a smash start for him and possibly more weeks if Monangai misses more time.
Must-Start WR: Josh Downs
I’m going right back to Josh Downs after last week’s disappointment. Plenty of fantasy managers expected a big performance from him in Week 4, and it never really materialized. He was everyone’s favorite must-start selection. But one quiet outing isn’t enough for me to abandon a receiver who continues to earn opportunities in the Colts’ offense.
Downs has recorded 17 receptions on 25 targets for 202 receiving yards through four games. More importantly, he has a 20.5% target share and leads Indianapolis with a 26.8% first-read target share. Those numbers tell me he remains an important part of the passing game, even if the fantasy production hasn’t been consistent every week. Alec Pierce is still sidelined, and I’m not too concerned with Keenan Allen.
The matchup against Pittsburgh is where things get interesting. Downs does much of his damage from the slot, and one Week 5 matchup analysis has him running 72% of his routes from that alignment. Pittsburgh’s coverage has been inconsistent this season, creating an opportunity for Downs to find space underneath and turn short receptions into useful fantasy production.
There is some risk here: Pittsburgh has actually done well against slot receivers so far, allowing the 14th-fewest yards per target and the seventh-fewest fantasy points per opportunity to the position. So this isn’t a matchup I’d call a guaranteed smash spot. I’m betting more on Downs’ established role, his ability to create separation, and the possibility that he bounces back after a pathetic Week 4.
Must-Start TE: Mike Gesicki
My tight end pick this week is Mike Gesicki, and there are several reasons I like him. First, he’s quietly been a productive fantasy TE so far. He’s currently the TE12 in fantasy points per game, and he’s scored at least 12.7 PPR points in three of his first four games. That’s the kind of consistency I want to target at a position where reliable production can be hard to find, especially at this volatile position.
The biggest factor is Cincinnati’s injury situation. Both Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are questionable heading into the Bengals’ matchup against Miami. Chase is dealing with a concussion, while Higgins has been battling injuries and missed practice earlier in the week. If either receiver misses the game, Gesicki will easily see an increased role in the passing offense. If both are unavailable, his opportunity becomes even more appealing.
Gesicki has already shown he can be productive when given opportunities when either star WR misses. Outside of his Week 2 disappointment, he has scored a touchdown in every other game this season. He has also produced a 20% target-per-route-run rate and 2.09 yards per route run when excluding that Week 2 performance.
And then there’s the matchup: a revenge game against his former team, the Miami Dolphins. Beyond the storyline, Miami has struggled to defend tight ends, allowing the most yards per target and the fifth-most fantasy points per opportunity to the position. T.J. Hockenson just torched Miami last week. That is the kind of matchup that can turn a lower-profile tight end into a legitimate fantasy difference-maker.
