Fantasy football Week 5: Start, sit and sleepers

Here’s a look back at Week 4’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 4 RECAP

Seahawks 23, Cardinals 20: Kenneth Walker continues to be the more explosive option in Seattle’s backfield, and dominates early-down usage, but Zach Charbonnet has been the primary passing-down back and more utilized at the goal line, which led to Charbonnet’s score from the 1-yard line last Thursday night. Both backs have received at least 12 touches in every game this season.

Steelers 24, Vikings 21: Jaylen Warren was ruled out with a knee injury right before the early game in Dublin kicked off on Sunday. Kenneth Gainwell seized the opportunity, producing 134 total yards and two touchdowns on 25 touches, including six receptions in a victory over Minnesota. Pittsburgh is on a bye this week, and Warren will probably be fine in Week 6, but Gainwell will maintain flex appeal in deeper leagues even after Warren returns.

Falcons 34, Commanders 27: Michael Penix completed 76.9% of his passes for 313 yards, two TD passes and an interception against Washington. Penix has finished as the weekly QB10, QB32, QB31 and QB12 this season. Atlanta is on a bye this week, but Penix is a stash candidate if you aren’t settled at the position. Despite the roller-coaster ride so far, I still believe in the upside paying off in the near term.

Bills 31, Saints 19: Dalton Kincaid is the overall TE2 in standard formats (TE6 in PPR) through four games, but Buffalo’s tight end rotation, despite already making room for Dawson Knox, has expanded to include rookie Jackson Hawes, one of the better blockers at the position in the NFL already. Kincaid played a season-low 37.3% of the offensive snaps against New Orleans. This might be a sell-high opportunity.

Lions 34, Browns 10: Harold Fannin Jr. played 85.1% of Cleveland’s offensive snaps at Detroit, beating his previous high of 72.4% when he finished with seven receptions for 63 yards in Week 1 against the Bengals. Fannin’s production has declined since then, but this was the first week the talented rookie played more than David Njoku in single-tight-end sets on early downs and third down. Fannin tied for second on the team with fellow rookie Isaiah Bond in targets (six). This feels like a buy-low opportunity.

Patriots 42, Panthers 13: Drake Maye is the overall QB4 through four games, completing an NFL-best 74% of his passes for 988 yards, and seven TD passes against only two interceptions. Maye has also contributed 98 rushing yards and two TD runs to the fantasy coffers. It feels like we’re witnessing his breakout.

Giants 21, Chargers 18: The most exciting aspect of Jaxson Dart’s debut, as it pertains to fantasy, was his 54 rushing yards and a TD on 10 carries against the Bolts. That’s a solid foundation to build upon — he finished as the overall QB11 in Week 4 — and I anticipate him not being afraid to use his legs going forward, especially considering he won’t have Malik Nabers to target for the rest of the season.

Eagles 31, Buccaneers 25: Chris Godwin made his season debut, played 80.6% of Tampa Bay’s offensive snaps, and finished with three receptions for 26 yards, but the 10 targets were encouraging.

Texans 26, Titans 0: Nick Chubb has been the starter in Houston, but Woody Marks was the star in Week 4, finishing as the overall RB5 in standard formats (RB6 in PPR) with 119 total yards and two touchdowns on 21 touches, including four receptions. Marks supplanted Dare Ogunbowale as the preferred back on third downs in Week 3. This continued on Sunday, but the talented rookie also topped Chubb in snaps, routes run, targets and touches in a game the Texans led from start to finish. He was one of the best pass-catching backs in the 2025 draft class, with 261 receptions out of the backfield in his five seasons at Mississippi State and USC, 88 more than any other running back in the nation during that stretch. There’s a chance he moves ahead of Chubb on the depth chart, if he hasn’t already.

Rams 27, Colts 20: Blake Corum is a premium handcuff to Kyren Williams, but it’s been clear Sean McVay wants him more involved this season. The second-year back has seen his touches increase each game, and he received a career-high in opportunities against Indianapolis with nine carries and four targets. If Corum takes advantage of the increased usage and/or Williams falters, this could become more of a committee down the stretch.

Jaguars 26, 49ers 21: Through four games, Christian McCaffrey is on pace to shatter his career high in touches with 425, averaging 25 touches per game. McCaffrey had 403 in 2019, his third season with the Panthers. He also had an NFL-record for a running back with 116 receptions that season. He’s currently on pace to top that with 131. Only Puka Nacua has more targets (50) this season. McCaffrey is tied with Chris Olave for second with 43.

Chiefs 37, Ravens 20: Brashard Smith played 19 offensive snaps against Baltimore, producing 36 total yards on seven touches, including three receptions on four targets. Andy Reid has had a lot of success in the past with the running back position, helping backs like Brian Westbrook, LeSean McCoy and Jamaal Charles all achieve All-Pro status. Smith fits the archetype and Reid has already made it clear he wants to get the talented rookie more involved.

Bears 25, Raiders 24: Ashton Jeanty is the overall RB11 in standard formats (RB13 in PPR) through four games, and just had the breakout performance we’ve all been waiting for, exploding for 155 total yards and three total TDs against Chicago. Jeanty is exactly who I thought he was when I had him as my top overall player on my 2025 NFL Draft Big Board. He’s a generational dual-threat back who makes tacklers miss at an elite level.

Packers 40, Cowboys 40 (OT): Dak Prescott is the overall QB2 since Week 2, and has completed at least 73% of his passes in three straight games, while leading the NFL in completions (121), attempts (166) and yards (1,119) this season. Prescott is playing at an MVP level. It’s very reminiscent of Joe Burrow last year.

Dolphins 27, Jets 21: After nearly two seasons away from the NFL, Darren Waller only played 16 snaps in his 2025 debut on Monday Night Football. Waller finished with three receptions on four targets for 27 yards and two TDs. He is a weekly TE1 as long as he’s healthy, and he’ll certainly be needed now with Tyreek Hill done for the season.

Broncos 28, Bengals 3: J.K. Dobbins finished with 101 yards on 16 carries against Cincinnati, becoming the first Denver running back to eclipse 100 yards in 37 games. According to Fantasy Points Data, Dobbins has gained at least 10 yards on almost 20% of his carries in four games with the Broncos.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Here are my best bets for Week 5:

SAN FRANCISCO AT L.A. RAMS

Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), Puka Nacua (LAR), Davante Adams (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR).

Who to start: Demarcus Robinson (SF) has sneaky flex appeal against his former team with both Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall out and George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk on IR. Mac Jones (SF) was the overall QB11 in his two starts this season, with at least 39 pass attempts in both games — the Niners will need to throw the ball to have a chance on Thursday night. Jake Tonges (SF) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed at least five receptions or a TD to tight ends in every game this season. The Rams D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against a depleted offense.

Who to sit: Brian Robinson (SF) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. The 49ers D/ST allowed 26 points, looked weaker against the run and didn’t record a stat against the Jaguars at home in their first game without Nick Bosa. I’m fading Matthew Stafford (LAR) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Blake Corum (LAR) remains TD-dependent with double-digit touches in only one of four games. Tyler Higbee (LAR) is doubtful with a hip injury.

Sleeper(s): Both Kendrick Bourne (SF) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (SF) are lottery tickets with all the injuries against a defense that has allowed four TDs to wide receivers in the last three games — especially Bourne, considering his history with Jones. Rams coach Sean McVay could unleash Terrance Ferguson (LAR) if Higbee is out against a defense that has allowed a TD to tight ends in three straight games.

MINNESOTA VS. CLEVELAND AT LONDON

Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Vikings D/ST, Quinshon Judkins (CLE).

Who to start: Jordan Addison (MIN) was Week 4’s WR20 in standard formats (WR21 in PPR) with four receptions for 114 yards on eight targets after missing the first three games due to suspension. The Browns D/ST face an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Both David Njoku (CLE) and Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) deserve streaming consideration with a rookie QB making his first start for the Browns.

Who to sit: I’m fading Jordan Mason (MIN) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs. T.J. Hockenson (MIN) is TD-dependent against a defense that has only allowed 14 receptions to tight ends in four games. Adam Thielen (MIN) only has eight targets in four games. I’m fading Jerry Jeudy (CLE) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Isaiah Bond (CLE) will likely see an increase in usage with Cedric Tillman on IR, but this is a terrible matchup. Jerome Ford (CLE) only has value in the deepest PPR formats. Dylan Sampson (CLE) only has a single carry in each of the last two games. Dillon Gabriel (CLE) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks in his first start.

Sleeper: Carson Wentz (MIN) is the overall QB11 since replacing an injured J.J. McCarthy in Week 3.

LAS VEGAS AT INDIANAPOLIS

Obvious starters: Brock Bowers (LV), Ashton Jeanty (LV), Jonathan Taylor (IND), Tyler Warren (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND).

Who to start: Jakobi Meyers (LV) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Geno Smith (LV) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed eight TD passes to quarterbacks in four games. Tre Tucker (LV) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in the last three games. Daniel Jones (IND) is the overall QB7 completing 71.9% of his passes for 1,078 yards with seven total TDs, including three rushing in four games. The Colts D/ST are at home and face an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Dont’e Thornton Jr. (LV) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only five receptions in four games. Josh Downs (IND) only has value in deeper PPR formats with Warren’s addition affecting his usage this season.

Sleeper: Alec Pierce (IND) practiced fully on Wednesday after missing last week with a concussion and faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

N.Y. GIANTS AT NEW ORLEANS

Obvious starters: Cam Skattebo (NYG), Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO).

Who to start: Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR29 in standard formats (WR28 in PPR) through four games and should see increased usage with Malik Nabers sidelined for the season. Jaxson Dart (NYG) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing multiple TDs to quarterbacks in every game this season. The Giants D/ST face an offense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Theo Johnson (NYG) deserves streaming consideration with Nabers out and a rookie QB under center. Rashid Shaheed (NO) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Who to sit: Juwan Johnson (NO) missed Wednesday’s practice with an ankle injury and faces a defense that has only allowed 10 receptions for 62 yards to tight ends in the last two games.

Sleeper(s): Darius Slayton (NYG) received 11 targets in both games Nabers missed last season and produced 14 receptions for 179 yards and a TD. Kendre Miller (NO) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs, including five TDs in four games this season.

DALLAS AT N.Y. JETS

Obvious starters: George Pickens (DAL), Javonte Williams (DAL), Jake Ferguson (DAL), Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Breece Hall (NYJ).

Who to start: Dak Prescott (DAL) has finished as the weekly QB5, QB17 and QB1 the last three games. Justin Fields (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Mason Taylor (NYJ) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed at least six receptions or a TD to tight ends in three of four games.

Who to sit: KaVontae Turpin (DAL) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 11 receptions in four games. Miles Sanders (DAL) is TD-dependent if he’s active (knee/ankle). Jaydon Blue (DAL) is a lottery ticket if Sanders is out.

Sleeper: Jalen Tolbert (DAL) has flex appeal as Week 4’s WR39 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) with CeeDee Lamb sidelined.

DENVER AT PHILADELPHIA

Obvious starters: Courtland Sutton (DEN), J.K. Dobbins (DEN), Jalen Hurts (PHI), Saquon Barkley (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI).

Who to start: Bo Nix (DEN) is the overall QB5 since Week 2.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Broncos D/ST on the road against an offense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Evan Engram (DEN) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. R.J. Harvey (DEN) is TD-dependent with double-digit touches in only one of four games this season. Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 16 targets in four games. I’m fading DeVonta Smith (PHI) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. I’m also fading Dallas Goedert (PHI) if he’s active (knee) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. The Eagles D/ST face an offensive line that has only allowed three sacks in four games this season.

Sleeper: Troy Franklin (DEN) has flex appeal with at least four receptions and 44 yards or a TD in three of four games.

MIAMI AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: De’Von Achane (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA).

Who to start: Darren Waller (MIA) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends. The Dolphins D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Chuba Hubbard (CAR) is an obvious starter if he’s active (calf). Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR30 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) through for games with at least eight targets in every game. Bryce Young (CAR) deserves streaming consideration in deeper leagues against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Who to sit: Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Ollie Gordon (MIA) remains TD-dependent with six-or-fewer touches in three of four games. Malik Washington (MIA) remains a boom-or-bust candidate against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers despite Tyreek Hill being sidelined. I’m fading Xavier Legette (CAR) until we see his hamstring hold up in a game. Rico Dowdle (CAR) remains TD-dependent if Hubbard is active — Dowdle has RB2/flex upside if Hubbard is out against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs. Hunter Renfrow (CAR) only has value in the deepest PPR formats.

Sleeper(s): Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (MIA), Hill’s actual backup, should see more opportunities with the speedster out — nine of Westbrook-Ikhine’s 32 receptions were TDs last year with the Titans. Tommy Tremble (CAR) deserves streaming consideration if Ja’Tavion Sanders remains out (ankle) against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to tight ends.

HOUSTON AT BALTIMORE

Obvious starters: Nico Collins (HOU), Texans D/ST, Derrick Henry (BAL).

Who to start: Both Nick Chubb (HOU) and Woody Marks (HOU) have RB2/flex upside against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs. C.J. Stroud (HOU) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including nine TD passes in four games. Dalton Schultz (HOU) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed at least six receptions or a TD to tight ends in three of four games. Zay Flowers (BAL) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR19 in standard formats (WR16 in PPR) through four games, even with Lamar Jackson expected to miss 2-3 weeks with a hamstring injury.

Who to sit: Jayden Higgins (HOU) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only six targets in four games. Cooper Rush (BAL) was the overall QB21 in eight starts for the Cowboys last season — QB18 if you throw out his stinker against the Eagles in Week 10, his first start after taking over for an injured Dak Prescott. I’m fading Mark Andrews (BAL) with Rush under center against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Rashod Bateman (BAL) remains TD-dependent with two-or-fewer receptions in three of four games. Justice Hill (BAL) only has value in the deepest PPR formats. Isaiah Likely (BAL) is TD-dependent after not seeing a target in his season debut last week. DeAndre Hopkins (BAL) only has seven targets in four games.

Sleeper: Christian Kirk (HOU) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including six TDs in four games this season.

TENNESSEE AT ARIZONA

Obvious starters: Trey McBride (ARI).

Who to start: Tony Pollard (TEN) maintains RB2/flex upside with at least 17 touches in every game this season. Chig Okonkwo (TEN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed at least eight receptions, 76 yards or a TD to tight ends in three of four games this season. Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Kyler Murray (ARI) deserves streaming consideration at home against a defense that has allowed multiple TDs to quarterbacks in two of the last three games. The Cardinals D/ST face an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Both Emari Demercado (ARI) and Michael Carter (ARI) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs, including six TDs in four games this season.

Who to sit: Calvin Ridley (TEN) didn’t practice Wednesday (knee/elbow), and you can’t trust him even if he’s active. Tyler Lockett (TEN) would only have value in the deepest PPR formats if Ridley is out.

Sleeper: Elic Ayomanor (TEN) has flex appeal as the overall WR32 in standard formats (WR38 in PPR), especially if Ridley is out.

TAMPA BAY AT SEATTLE

Obvious starters: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), Kenneth Walker (SEA).

Who to start: Bucky Irving (TB) is an obvious starter if he’s active (foot/shoulder). Emeka Egbuka (TB) is the overall WR6 in standard formats (WR8 in PPR) through four games, and saw 10 targets with Mike Evans out against the Eagles — Evans will be out again this week. Rachaad White (TB) maintains flex appeal, especially in PPR formats, but if Irving misses any time, White becomes worthy of RB2 consideration. The Seahawks D/ST has scored the most points in fantasy, including double-digit points in three straight games. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) maintains flex appeal with at least 12 touches in every game he’s played this season, including a TD in two of three. Sam Darnold (SEA) deserves streaming consideration at home against a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Who to sit: I’m fading Baker Mayfield (TB) on the road against an up-and-coming defense. I’m fading a rusty Chris Godwin (TB) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Sean Tucker (TB) only has value if Irving is out. Cooper Kupp (SEA) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Tory Horton (SEA) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 10 targets in the last three games. Both Elijah Arroyo (SEA) and A.J. Barner (SEA) are TD-dependent.

Sleeper: Cade Otton (TB) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends, including at least seven receptions in every game and three total TDs this season.

DETROIT AT CINCINNATI

Obvious starters: Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN).

Who to start: David Montgomery (DET) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs. Jared Goff (DET) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes to quarterbacks in three straight games. The Lions D/ST face an offense without Joe Burrow, allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Jameson Williams (DET) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Chase Brown (CIN) maintains flex appeal as the overall RB35 in standard formats (RB31 in PPR) with at least 13 touches in every game this season.

Who to sit: Isaac TeSlaa (DET) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only four targets in four games. Tee Higgins (CIN) is TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in every game.

Sleeper: Jake Browning (CIN) has flex appeal in Superflex formats against a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes to quarterbacks in three of four games.

WASHINGTON AT L.A. CHARGERS

Obvious starters: Jayden Daniels (WAS), Justin Herbert (LAC), Omarion Hampton (LAC), Quentin Johnston (LAC).

Who to start: Zach Ertz (WAS) deserves streaming consideration with Daniels back. Keenan Allen (LAC) has at least five receptions or a TD in every game this season. Ladd McConkey (LAC) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed five TDs to wide receivers in the last three games.

Who to sit: I’m fading both Terry McLaurin (WAS) and Deebo Samuel (WAS) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points. Both Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) and Chris Rodriguez (WAS) are TD-dependent against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. The Chargers D/ST face an offense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses, including two games without Daniels.

Sleeper: Luke McCaffrey (WAS) has flex appeal in deeper leagues if both McLaurin (quadriceps) and Samuel (heel) are out — McCaffrey has a TD in two straight games.

NEW ENGLAND AT BUFFALO

Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF).

Who to start: Drake Maye (NE) is the overall QB1 since Week 2. Both TreVeyon Henderson (NE) and Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed four TDs to running backs in four games this season. Stefon Diggs (NE) has flex appeal in his return to Buffalo. Dalton Kincaid (BUF) faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR26 in standard formats (WR30 in PPR) through four games.

Who to sit: I’m fading Hunter Henry (NE) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends, including only nine receptions in four games. The Patriots D/ST face an offense allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. DeMario Douglas (NE) only played eight offensive snaps against the Panthers last week. Keon Coleman (BUF) remains TD-dependent with only three receptions in each of the last three games. If you toss out the zero the Bills D/ST scored against the Ravens in Week 1, they’re still only averaging six fantasy points per game. Ray Davis (BUF) remains TD-dependent with only 12 touches in four games.

Sleeper: Kayshon Boutte (NE) faces a defense that has allowed five TDs to wide receivers in four games.

KANSAS CITY AT JACKSONVILLE

Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Xavier Worthy (KC), Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC), Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC).

Who to start: JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) has flex appeal in deeper PPR formats with at least four receptions, 55 yards or a TD in three of the four games this season.

Who to sit: Isiah Pacheco (KC) is the overall RB42 in standard formats (RB43 in PPR) and has yet top 48 total yards in a game this season. After seeing 16 targets in Week 1, Marquise Brown (KC) has 16 total targets in the last three games. Kareem Hunt (KC) is the overall RB43 in standard formats (RB45 in PPR) and has yet to top 47 total yards in a game this season. The Chiefs D/ST face an offense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) faces a defense that has only allowed one TD to quarterbacks in the last three games. Travis Hunter (JAC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 13 targets in the last three games. Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) remains TD-dependent with six-or-fewer touches in three of four games this season. Brenton Strange (JAC) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. I’m fading an opportunistic Jaguars D/ST against an offense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Sleeper: Tyquan Thornton (KC) is the overall WR15 in standard formats (WR24 in PPR) since Week 2 with eight receptions on 16 targets for 141 yards and three TD receptions.