Fantasy football guide for Week 5 players to start or sit

It’s that time of year in the NFL calendar when a new wrinkle enters consideration in fantasy football: bye weeks.

The first round of byes hits the league in Week 5 and takes some star fantasy players with it. Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay and Pittsburgh all get a rest which means some of the top running backs (Bijan Robinson and Josh Jacobs), wide receivers (Drake London, Rome Odunze and D.K. Metcalf) and even tight ends (Kyle Pitts, Tucker Kraft) won’t be in action this week.

That makes it tougher to find value in your lineup than over the first month of the season when all 32 teams suited up on Thursdays, Sundays, Mondays or – in the case of Week 1 – even a Friday.

The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers treated us to a thrilling ‘Thursday Night Football’ spectacle that featured lots of fantasy football points. Hopefully, there’s more where that came from.

If you’re still debating how best to set your lineup, we’re here to help. USA TODAY Sports has your guide to sorting out your fantasy lineup at every position for Week 5. Here are our staff start and sit recommendations for the rest of this week:

Fantasy football start ’em: Week 5 QBs

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (at Cincinnati Bengals)

Goff has as high a fantasy ceiling as any quarterback, as he reminded fantasy managers during his 334-yard, five-touchdown outburst in Week 2. The Bengals have allowed the third-most passing yards to quarterbacks this season (1,089), so that could position Goff to have another big game.

The only question is whether the Bengals will be able to keep the game close enough to allow Goff the volume needed to have a top-tier day. But either way, Goff should be a threat to post multiple scores against a weak Cincinnati defense.

Justin Fields, New York Jets (vs. Dallas Cowboys)

Look, Fields wasn’t great as a passer against the Dolphins on ‘Monday Night Football.’ Still, he made up for it with a late passing touchdown to go with 81 rushing yards and a rushing score.

Now, Fields gets a great matchup against a Cowboys defense that has allowed a league-high 1,237 passing yards and 12 total touchdowns to quarterbacks through four weeks. Dallas just allowed Jordan Love to log a 25-yard scramble – the second-longest run of his career – so Fields has a high floor as a bye week fill-in for Week 5.

Jaxson Dart, New York Giants (at New Orleans Saints)

Like Fields, Dart showed his worth as a runner in Week 4. The rookie logged 10 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown in his starting debut, leading the Giants to a surprising win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Will Dart be a high-volume passer? Probably not after logging just 20 pass attempts in his first start. Still, his mobility gives him a good rushing floor while the Saints have allowed the fifth-most FPPG to quarterbacks this season. Consider him a worthwhile streamer.

Drake Maye, New England Patriots (at Buffalo Bills)

The Bills have allowed a league-high 199 rushing yards to quarterbacks this year. Maye has excellent mobility and has posted at least 200 passing yards and two passing touchdowns in three consecutive games. The second-year starter may have the occasional bump in the road, but presently, he’s looking like an every-week starter.

Fantasy football sit ’em: Week 5 QBs

C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (at Baltimore Ravens)

Stroud may draw some consideration as a bye-week filler. On paper, he looks like a good option, as he’s facing a Ravens defense that has allowed the third-most FPPG to quarterbacks this season and is dealing with numerous defensive injuries.

Still, it’s hard to recommend trusting Stroud. He has averaged just one touchdown per game this season and only logged multiple touchdowns against the lowly Titans. If Houston continues to lean on Woody Marks to lead its offense, that could lower Stroud’s ceiling.

Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (at Philadelphia Eagles)

Nix has posted three total touchdowns in two of his games this season. In the other two, he has logged just one touchdown. That inconsistency makes Nix a risky play against the Eagles, who have allowed just six total touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks this season.

Add in that Philadelphia ranks seventh league-wide in average time of possession (31:32) and Nix may not have the opportunities needed to emerge as anything more than a low-end streamer.

Fantasy football start ’em: Week 5 RBs

Cam Skattebo, New York Giants (at New Orleans Saints)

Skattebo followed his breakout Week 4 performance against the Chiefs with a solid stat line of 90 total yards on 27 touches. The rookie running back was overshadowed by the Giants’ rookie starter at quarterback as New York earned its first win and handed the Chargers their first loss of the season.

This week, things could be easier for Skattebo. The Saints are allowing the eighth-most points to opposing running backs this season and those with receiving chops like Skattebo have found lots of success. New Orleans gave up six catches for 52 yards and a touchdown to McCaffrey in Week 2. Most running backs have found room to run in a traditional sense, too, as the Saints are allowing 4.13 yards per carry this season.

As the first round of bye weeks hits the lineup, Skattebo looks to be a perfect spot for a starting role this week.

Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (vs. New York Giants)

On the other side of that matchup in the Big Easy, Kamara appears poised for a great week as well. He has had solid volume in the offense despite the Saints’ 0-4 start to the season; he has had at least 13 touches per week and is averaging 3.9 yards per touch this season.

He hasn’t found the end zone since Week 1 which may change this Sunday. New York has given up at least one rushing touchdown in every game this season. The Giants defense is also allowing more than six yards per touch to running backs. The Saints’ running game is quietly among the top-10 league-wide by expected points added (EPA) per rush. Kamara and New Orleans should capitalize on a weak run defense in Week 5.

David Montgomery, Detroit Lions (at Cincinnati Bengals)

Montgomery was a sit recommendation last week and managed just 12 yards on nine rushes against Cleveland. That was a massive drop off from his incredible night against Baltimore in Week 3. Detroit continues its run against AFC North teams this week and Montgomery should be in for a better performance.

Cincinnati’s defense has allowed 193 total yards per game to opposing running back groups over the last three weeks. If not for a better performance against Cleveland in Week 1, the Bengals’ averages this season would look much worse. Running backs are averaging 5.4 yards per carry against the Bengals in their last three games. This one’s an easy gimme. Even if Gibbs goes off, there should be plenty of opportunity for Montgomery to eat as well.

Emari Demercado, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Tennessee Titans)

This was supposed to be Trey Benson initially but the Cardinals put the second-year back on injured reserve with a knee injury. He’ll be out for at least four weeks so it’s next man up in the Arizona backfield this week against Tennessee.

Demercado is listed next on the depth chart and couldn’t ask for a much better unit to face in his first start replacing Benson. Tennessee is allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Even the Texans – whose offensive woes are well documented this season – managed to get 181 total yards and two touchdowns from their running backs against the Titans.

Tennessee’s defense is allowing five yards per carry this season to opposing running backs. They’ve also given up seven touchdowns in four games. Demercado may be a flier but it’s hard to find a better spot start than him this week.

Fantasy football sit ’em: Week 5 RBs

Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Cleveland Browns)

Cleveland came for the Detroit running backs last week and now they’re coming for Minnesota’s in Week 5. Mason had a tough afternoon against Pittsburgh in Dublin with 72 total yards on 19 touches. That was a far cry from his Week 3 performance against Cincinnati (116 yards on 16 rushes).

Minnesota’s dealing with injuries along the interior offensive line. That would be tough to overcome against most defenses in the NFL. It’s especially tough against the Browns. Opposing running backs are averaging 2.92 yards per carry against Cleveland’s defense. Even with this game taking place across the pond where the Vikings are more adjusted to the time difference thanks to last week’s Dublin game, Mason is a risky choice this week.

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Seattle Seahawks)

White is an appealing start with Bucky Irving out with a knee injury. Even with Irving out, White could be in for a tough day in fantasy football.

Seattle has clamped down on running backs in recent weeks, with just 84 total yards allowed per game in their last two contests. Demercado became the first running back to score on them with a receiving touchdown but it’s been tough sledding for running backs otherwise. White could be the latest to have a rough day against the Seahawks.

Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs (at Jacksonville Jaguars)

Pacheco finally found the end zone for the first time this season in Week 4 against the Ravens. The Chiefs’ offense as a whole played well, but Pacheco still didn’t find much room to run against what’s been the easiest defense for opposing running backs in fantasy football this year.

Kansas City trades that unit for a Jaguars defense riding a high from a big win on the road against the 49ers in Week 4. Jacksonville bottled McCaffrey on the ground to the tune of 2.88 yards per carry. He had better success as a receiver (six catches for 92 yards and a touchdown) but he’s one of the best receiving running backs in the league. Pacheco is not. If you’re in a tough spot with bye weeks, maybe put him in your FLEX spot. Otherwise, keep him on the bench for this one.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders (at Los Angeles Chargers)

‘Bill’ goes from one tough run defense to another one in Week 5. Croskey-Merritt had just 57 total yards on nine touches in the loss to Atlanta last week. On the plus side, he managed over six yards per touch but he didn’t get enough volume to have a significant day in fantasy football.

This week, he’ll get a Chargers defense that remains one of the best units against opposing running backs. The Giants were the first group of running backs to eclipse 100 yards against them but it took 32 carries. Prior to that, opposing running back groups totaled 13 carries at most against Los Angeles. They’re allowing 4.03 yards per carry and not giving much quarter in the receiving game, either, with just 4.18 yards per reception allowed.

Washington could be getting reinforcements on the offensive line soon with Sam Cosmi activated from IR. That will help Croskey-Merritt later on but not in Week 5.

Fantasy football start ’em: Week 5 WRs

Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers matching up against the Washington Commanders in Week 5 is excellent news for Los Angeles’ passing offense. Washington cornerback Marshon Lattimore has been rough in coverage through four games, and nickel corner Mike Sainristil has been inconsistent in his second season. That’s led to the Commanders holding the fourth-worst EPA/play allowed on dropbacks (0.219) in the NFL so far.

Allen, meanwhile, is a member of a Chargers offense that has leaned far more on quarterback Justin Herbert and its passing game than many anticipated. The veteran receiver is ninth in the NFL in targets (35) and leads his team with 24 receptions. Allen has split time in the slot and out wide again this season, meaning he should have a favorable matchup almost anywhere he lines up. Expect a return to form after a season-low, 37-yard outing against the Giants.

Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers

Johnston is a great start option for all of the same reasons that Allen is. The Commanders have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to wideouts this season, and Herbert has looked like one of the best quarterbacks in football this season.

Johnston is having a breakout year and holds the edge over Allen in targets (36), receiving yards (337) and touchdowns (4). There should be plenty of targets for Herbert to spread around on Sunday afternoon, and Johnston and Allen will be two of the biggest beneficiaries.

Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions

Williams had a couple of drops and saw an underthrow from quarterback Jared Goff end in an interception in Week 4, but there’s reason to believe Week 5 will turn out much better for him.

For one thing, his eight targets in Week 4 were a significant uptick from the four he had in Week 2 and three in Week 3. For another, the Cincinnati Bengals – Detroit’s Week 5 opponent – are allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to receivers and have been allowing the eighth-most EPA/play on dropbacks to opponents over the last three weeks. The target share and volume is there, and the opponent is one the Lions can take advantage of in the passing game.

Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts

Pittman’s 10 targets against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday were his most so far this season and made him the Colts’ new leader in the statistic in 2025. He also scored his third touchdown in four games, and his 16.3-yard average depth of target was a new season-high.

The veteran receiver might be able to turn more of his target volume into big receptions against a Raiders defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season.

Fantasy football sit ’em: Week 5 WRs

Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns

Jeudy might be a tempting start because of the Browns’ change at quarterback. He’s been averaging just 7.8 fantasy points per game in PPR leagues, but could his Browns-leading 30 targets translate into more production without veteran Joe Flacco holding him back?

Maybe, but probably not this week. The Minnesota Vikings are the best team in the league at shutting down opponents’ passing offenses through four weeks. Brian Flores’ squad has allowed the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this year and the lowest EPA/play on dropbacks.

Chris Godwin Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Godwin’s 10 targets in his Week 3 return only translated into three catches and 26 yards against the Eagles. He’s not likely to shake off any additional rust against a Seattle Seahawks defense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to receivers this year.

DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles

Smith has largely been underwhelming in a fantasy context this season. He’s averaging 9.7 points in PPR leagues through four weeks even though he leads the Eagles with 158 receiving yards.

The Broncos’ defense is another bad matchup for Smith and the Birds. Denver has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to receivers this year and the second-lowest success rate against dropbacks. Given A.J. Brown’s outspoken frustration recently, Smith might be looking at an especially low target share in Week 5 as the Eagles try to keep their No. 1 wideout fed.

Fantasy football start ’em: Week 5 TEs

Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins at Panthers

Tough to fathom that Waller is a playable fantasy option after he came out of retirement this summer and was dealing with an injury but that’s the landscape of the position. This is the riskiest of starts most fantasy managers will make this week, but with Tyreek Hill now out for the season, Waller steps into a high-volume opportunity alongside Jaylen Waddle.

It was expected that the 33-year-old tight end would be eased into action and he was in Week 4 with just a 28% snap rate but Miami doesn’t have the luxury of holding him back. The matchup on Sunday on the road against the Panthers is also enticing as they’ve allowed the second-most yards to opposing tight ends.

Theo Johnson, New York Giants at Saints

Another tight end who could be thrust into a larger role after a season-ending injury to a teammate is Theo Johnson. Malik Nabers is out for the season, and Jaxson Dart will need to find other receiving targets. A young quarterback’s best friend is often a tight end with quick throws. Johnson is a freak athlete who put on a show at the 2024 combine. Listed at 6-foot-6, 259 pounds, Johnson is a legitimate red-zone threat and was on the receiving end of Dart’s first career passing touchdown, albeit a shuffle pass.

He missed time last season as a rookie due to a foot injury, but he managed an impressive line of 18 receptions for 216 yards over his final five games of 2024. He could finish first or second on the team in targets with Nabers out, as he demonstrated last Sunday by finishing first for New York with a 24% target share. Tight-end-needy teams can start Johnson because of his upside.

Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills vs. Patriots

Dalton Kincaid had a season low in targets (2) in Week 4 but continued to make the most of his opportunities, scoring a touchdown on a 28-yard grab. He has found the end zone in three of four games and is a clear beneficiary of the Bills’ high-octane offense. Red zone usage is key among tight ends to get those high-valued targets because a touchdown a week can be the difference between a top 10 finish or a finish outside the top 20. The Bills host the Patriots in Week 5 on Sunday night, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Buffalo has the highest implied team total of the week yet again (29.5) and this matchup has the highest total of the week (50.5). There should be plenty of fantasy goodness for the Bills, and Kincaid should be in your lineups again in Week 5.

Fantasy football sit ’em: Week 5 TEs

T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings vs. Browns (London game)

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will continue to be sidelined with a high ankle sprain and Carson Wentz is slated to start his third straight game.

Hockenson has been one of the biggest disappointments of the fantasy season so far, finishing outside the top 10 at the position in three of four games. The Browns defense has been spectacular at times through the first month and Minnesota’s offensive line is dinged up entering this matchup. The Vikings will be without three starters up front in Ryan Kelly, Brian O’Neill and Donovan Jackson.

Expect it to be a brutal matchup for Minnesota’s offense against Myles Garrett and Co. Hockenson will finish outside the top 10 at the position again in Week 5.

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots at Bills

The veteran in New England was near entering must-start status but the matchup in Week 5 causes hesitation for Henry. The Patriots’ offense has flowed through Henry, but Stefon Diggs had his highest route participation of the year in Week 4. Drake Maye is blossoming into a great quarterback early in 2025, but a matchup in prime time on the road in Orchard Park is challenging for the 23-year-old quarterback.

The Bills have allowed the second-fewest receptions (nine) and fewest yards (67) to opposing tight ends. They’ve done this without Matt Milano, who is their best linebacker in pass coverage. You should arrange to keep Henry out of lineups this week.

Fantasy football kicker rankings Week 5

1. Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys (at New York Jets)
2. Jake Bates, Detroit Lions (at Cincinnati Bengals)
3. Chase McLaughlin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Seattle Seahawks)
4. Spencer Shrader, Indianapolis Colts (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)
5. Cameron Dicker, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. Washington Commanders)
6. Ka’imi Fairbairn, Houston Texans (at Baltimore Ravens)
7. Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs (at Jacksonville Jaguars)
8. Jake Elliott, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Denver Broncos)
9. Matt Prater, Buffalo Bills (vs. New England Patriots)
10. Joshua Karty, Los Angeles Rams (vs. San Francisco 49ers) – Thursday Night Football
11. Chad Ryland, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Tennessee Titans)
12. Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
13. Matt Gay, Washington Commanders (at Los Angeles Chargers)
14. Wil Lutz, Denver Broncos (at Philadelphia Eagles)
15. Cam Little, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Kansas City Chiefs)
16. Will Reichard, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Cleveland Browns)
17. Nick Folk, New York Jets (vs. Dallas Cowboys)
18. Joey Slye, Tennessee Titans (at Arizona Cardinals)
19. Tyler Loop, Baltimore Ravens (vs. Houston Texans)
20. Daniel Carlson, Las Vegas Raiders (at Indianapolis Colts)
21. Eddy Pineiro, San Francisco 49ers (at Los Angeles Rams) – Thursday Night Football
22. Riley Patterson, Miami Dolphins (at Carolina Panthers)
23. Ryan Fitzgerald, Carolina Panthers (vs. Miami Dolphins)
24. Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns (vs. Minnesota Vikings)
25. Evan McPherson, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Detroit Lions)
26. Andy Borregales, New England Patriots (at Buffalo Bills)
27. Jude McAtamney, New York Giants (at New Orleans Saints)
28. Blake Grupe, New Orleans Saints (vs. New York Giants)

Fantasy football D/STs rankings Week 5

1. Minnesota Vikings (at Cleveland Browns in London)
2. Detroit Lions (at Cincinnati Bengals)
3. Arizona Cardinals (vs. Tennessee Titans)
4. Indianapolis Colts (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)
5. Cleveland Browns (vs. Minnesota Vikings in London)
6. Los Angeles Rams (vs. San Francisco 49ers) – Thursday Night Football
7. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Denver Broncos)
8. Buffalo Bills (vs. New England Patriots)
9. Seattle Seahawks (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
10. New York Giants (at New Orleans Saints)
11. Houston Texans (at Baltimore Ravens)
12. New Orleans Saints (vs. New York Giants)
13. Kansas City Chiefs (at Jacksonville Jaguars)
14. Los Angeles Chargers (vs. Washington Commanders)
15. Denver Broncos (at Philadelphia Eagles)