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Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em and lineup advice for all 2025 Week 5 matchups. Joey analyzes in-depth Week 5 matchups via game-by-game breakdowns.
Welcome back, RotoBallers, to our Week 5 matchups analysis and fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em picks! For anyone new here, this is our main weekly matchups column where we cover all games. Every week of the fantasy season, we will offer in-depth analysis of every player in every game.
Last week, players like Jordan Love, Justin Fields, and Ashton Jeanty were on the love list, while David Montgomery and Ja'Marr Chase were featured on the hate list. This article is a way to help guide you in making winning start/sit decisions based on juicy matchups to target (or tough matchups to consider avoiding).
So, let's dive in and look at the best starts and sits of the week. Good luck with your fantasy teams this week!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
- Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
- Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Kicker (K) fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Matchups Analysis - Sunday 9:30 AM EST (London)
Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns
Matchups We Love:
Since making his season debut in Week 2, Quinshon Judkins has been a workhorse. He is averaging 22 touches and 19 PPR fantasy points per game over the past two weeks. Now, he gets a great matchup against the Vikings in Week 5. Minnesota has allowed three different RBs to total over 75 rush yards this season, including 99 yards to Kenneth Gainwell last week. That makes Judkins a low-end RB1 this week.
Matchups We Hate:
Dillon Gabriel will make his first career start against the Vikings in Week 5. However, fantasy managers should not start Gabriel in any Superflex formats this week. The Vikings have allowed the third-fewest pass yards and fantasy points to the QB position this year, and the rookie will be under pressure all game against a defense that loves to blitz. So, Gabriel is a risky QB2 play.
QB Carson Wentz
If J.J. McCarthy (ankle) can't go again this week, Carson Wentz will draw his third straight start. Even though Wentz has finished as a top-14 fantasy QB in both of his starts this season, it's best to look elsewhere at the position in Week 5. The Browns have given up under 14 fantasy points to QBs in three of four games while allowing the fourth-fewest pass yards. So, he'll come in as a low-end QB2.
RB Jordan Mason
It's not a great idea to start any RBs against this Browns front seven. This defense is allowing just 70.3 rush yards per game and 2.9 yards per carry to opposing backs to begin the season. While the workload will be there for Mason, he will be an extremely risky RB2 this weekend. Only one RB (Jahmyr Gibbs) has totaled over 45 rush yards against Cleveland this year.
Jordan Mason's vision is superb pic.twitter.com/i2gNNRFnED
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) September 25, 2025
Browns WRs
Jerry Jeudy will enter the week as a low-end flex play in 12-plus team leagues. The Vikings have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs this year, and the only WR to have a big fantasy day against them through four weeks was DK Metcalf -- thanks to an 80-yard touchdown. With Jeudy averaging just 7.8 PPR fantasy points per game, it's hard to trust him in a tough matchup.
As for Isaiah Bond, you are likely only starting him in dire situations. Although Cedric Tillman (hamstring) is out for this game, his matchup in the slot isn't the most favorable. Minnesota has given up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to slot WRs this year, where Bond has played 47% of his snaps this year.
Things are not looking great for T.J. Hockenson to begin the year. He has been held to under 10 PPR fantasy points in three of four games, and his 16.8% target share ranks outside the top-12 at the TE position. With a matchup against the Browns on the horizon, Hockenson will be more of a TE2 this week. Cleveland has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to the position so far.
Other Matchups:
Justin Jefferson finally had a big fantasy game last week, catching 10 passes for 126 yards. He'll look to carry that into this Week 5 matchup against the Browns. Jefferson will likely be matched up against Denzel Ward for parts of this game. The good news, though, is that Ward only plays on the left side, meaning he won't shadow the superstar WR in this contest. That makes him a strong WR1 play this weekend.
In his first game off the suspended list, Jordan Addison caught four passes for 114 yards. Most of his damage in that game last week came on an 81-yard catch and run. However, Addison is more of a WR3 this week against an excellent Browns defense. Cleveland has yet to allow an outside WR to total over 65 receiving yards against them this year.
Browns TEs
Both David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. have been a bit disappointing over the past few weeks. Njoku has yet to top 10 PPR fantasy points in a game this season, and Fannin has been held to under 30 receiving yards in back-to-back games. For that reason, both Browns TEs will be outside the top-16 at the TE position this week.
The Vikings have yet to allow a TE to score above 10 PPR fantasy points this year, and only one TE (Drew Sample) has scored a touchdown. Therefore, Njoku and Fannin will be harder to trust in all formats in Week 5.
Injuries:
- Cedric Tillman (hamstring) - out
Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 EST Games
Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens
Matchups We Love:
QB C.J. Stroud
C.J. Stroud looked solid under center last week, throwing for 233 yards and two touchdowns. Those season-high numbers helped Stroud finish as the overall QB15. Now, he gets a favorable matchup against a beat-up Ravens defense. Baltimore will be without Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey, and this secondary has allowed the third-most fantasy points to QBs this year. So, Stroud is a high-end QB2 this week.
Texans RBs
Woody Marks appeared to have taken over the Houston backfield. He played 56% of the team's offensive snaps last week to go with 21 touches for 119 yards and two touchdowns. That breakout game should give fantasy managers confidence in rolling him out in their flex in most 12-plus team leagues this week. The Ravens are allowing the most fantasy points to opposing RBs through four weeks.
As for Nick Chubb, he could still be a solid start in 14-plus team leagues. He saw 13 carries last week and will be a touchdown-dependent option in Week 5. The good news is that Baltimore has allowed the fifth-most rushing yards and fifth-most receiving yards to the RB position this year. So, this is a nice matchup for both Houston RBs.
WR Nico Collins
Nico Collins hasn't really been the strong WR1 option that we all drafted him to be. He has scored above 15 PPR fantasy points just once through four weeks. However, Collins is in a fantastic spot to boom in Week 5. Baltimore could be down its top two corners (Humphrey and Nate Wiggins), and this secondary was already struggling. Six different pass catchers have caught a touchdown pass against the Ravens this season.
Matchups We Hate:
TE Mark Andrews
It was encouraging to see Mark Andrews catch seven passes in last week's blowout loss. However, he will come in as more of a TE2 this weekend against the Texans. Houston has allowed the fifth-fewest receiving yards and seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing TEs through four games. With Cooper Rush likely starting, there are better TEs to roll with in Week 5.
Other Matchups:
QB Cooper Rush
Rush will likely draw the start this week with Lamar Jackson dealing with a hamstring injury. Unfortunately, he should not be started in most cases this weekend. He only averaged 12.8 fantasy points in eight starts with the Cowboys last year, and the Texans have held both Cam Ward and Trevor Lawrence to under 10 fantasy points in back-to-back games. So, he will be a lower-end QB2 in Superflex leagues.
Those who have Derrick Henry are panicking just a bit right now. He has scored under 11 PPR fantasy points in three straight games and played a season-low 38% of the team's offensive snaps last week. Nevertheless, you are still starting Henry in all leagues this week. Houston has allowed four rushing touchdowns this year, and the veteran always seems to dominate this Texans defense.
WR Zay Flowers
The good news for Zay Flowers is that Derek Stingley Jr. will probably not shadow him in this contest. Flowers plays a ton of snaps in the slot, and Stingley has only played 2% of his snaps there this year. The problem is that Rush is his quarterback, and that definitely limits his ceiling/floor this week. Still, the Ravens playmaker will be a solid WR2.
In his first two games with the Texans, Christian Kirk has scored 5.5 PPR fantasy points (Week 3) and five PPR fantasy points (Week 4). Therefore, you should only be starting Kirk in dire situations in 12-plus team leagues. He only had a 14.3% target share last week and ran just 20 routes. He will be a low-floor/low-ceiling flex play in Week 5.
Dalton Schultz is starting to see more work in the passing game. He has seen at least six targets in back-to-back games and just played a season-high 85% of the team's offensive snaps last week. As a result, you could start Schultz as a TE1 in 14-plus team leagues this week. The Ravens have allowed at least four catches to five different TEs this year while giving up the fourth-most receiving yards to the position.
Injuries:
- Lamar Jackson (hamstring) - questionable
New York Giants at New Orleans Saints
Matchups We Love:
QB Jaxson Dart
Jaxson Dart looks like a viable fantasy option moving forward. He totaled 19.8 fantasy points behind 111 pass yards, 54 rush yards, and two total touchdowns last week. Following a strong debut in Week 4, Dart will come in as a low-end QB1 in 14-plus team leagues. The Saints have allowed four QBs to finish top-14 this year while giving up the 11th-most rush yards to the position.
RB Alvin Kamara
Alvin Kamara's receiving work has been somewhat surprising to start the year. He has totaled less than 25 yards in all four games this season and only caught four passes for two yards last week. However, Kamara is in a great spot to have a big fantasy game in Week 5. The Giants have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points and fourth-most rush yards to RBs, making him a solid RB2 option.
RB Cam Skattebo
In his first start of his NFL career, Cam Skattebo saw 27 touches for 90 yards. That type of volume will make him a nice RB2 play in Week 5 against the Saints. Skattebo operated as a workhorse back last week, and his matchup this week is a favorable one. New Orleans has allowed at least 18 PPR fantasy points to an RB in three straight games, including a 22.5 PPR fantasy point day to James Cook last week.
WR Chris Olave
This matchup against New York's secondary couldn't be any better for Chris Olave. The Giants rank 32nd in receptions allowed, 31st in receiving yards allowed, and 31st in fantasy points allowed to the WR position. All that makes Olave a middle-of-the-pack WR2. Given his insane 30.5% target share, he should be fed early and often in this game. That's enough to start him in almost all formats.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Spencer Rattler will come in as a low-end QB2 this week against the Giants. Rattler has finished outside the top-20 at the QB position in three of four games this season, and New York has actually done a solid job at preventing big fantasy games to QBs over the past two weeks. This defense held Patrick Mahomes (13.2 points) and Justin Herbert (14.5 points) to under 15 fantasy points in each of the last two weeks.
Rashid Shaheed will have some flex appeal in 12-plus team leagues this weekend. The Giants have not been great in the secondary, as six different WRs have scored at least 15 PPR fantasy points against this defense to begin the season. Although New York ranks in the top 12 in yards per completion allowed this year (9.2), Shaheed's 4.5 receptions per game give him a higher floor in deeper leagues.
The expectation is that Wan'Dale Robinson will see more targets moving forward with Malik Nabers (knee) out for the season. That makes him a low-end WR3 this week against the Saints. His matchup in the slot will likely be against Alontae Taylor, who is allowing 11.2 yards per reception on his 14 receptions this year.
Darius Slayton was one of the more popular waiver wire pickups this week. With Nabers out for the year, the Giants will need Slayton to step up in his place on the outside. While it might be hard to trust him with Dart under center, the 28-year-old will be a potential flex play in 12-plus team leagues this week. New Orleans ranks in the bottom seven in fantasy points allowed to outside WRs through the first four weeks.
Juwan Johnson didn't have the best fantasy output last week, catching only three passes for 28 yards. However, Johnson will still be a TE1 this week in most formats. He ranks top-12 in PPR fantasy points per game (12.1), yards per route run (1.7), target share (22%), and routes run (30.8) among all TEs.
Considering the Giants are allowing 5.8 catches per game to opposing TEs, Johnson is a nice option this weekend. Managers should monitor his status on Friday in case he faces a setback, as he opened the week as a non-participant but was able to upgrade to limited capacity on Thursday.
Injuries:
- Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder) - questionable
- Juwan Johnson (ankle) - questionable
Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
QB Jalen Hurts
You are probably still starting Jalen Hurts in all formats this week, but this matchup against Denver's defense is tough. The Broncos have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, the fewest rushing yards to the position, and have only let up two passing touchdowns through four weeks. Therefore, expectations may need to be tempered in Week 5.
WR A.J. Brown
Things have not been great for A.J. Brown this season. He has been held to under eight PPR fantasy points in three of four games and is coming off a two-catch, seven-yard performance in Week 4. Unfortunately, things won't get easier this week against the Broncos. Patrick Surtain II will shadow Brown in this game, which is not great news for the wideout.
That makes him more of a WR3 this week.
It's going to be hard to trust DeVonta Smith in fantasy this week. Not only have the Broncos given up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to WRs across the first four weeks, but Smith has finished outside the top-50 at the WR position in three of four games this year. His matchup in the slot will be against Ja'Quan McMillian, who currently ranks ninth in PFF grade among all corners. So, Smith is a riskier flex option.
TE Evan Engram
Evan Engram will be more of a TE2 this week against the Eagles. Engram only caught four passes for 29 yards last week, and his snap share continues to hover around 43%. Additionally, Philadelphia has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing TEs this season. Only one TE has totaled over 25 receiving yards against them through four weeks.
Dallas Goedert has been a sneaky TE1 play in all three games he has played. He has scored in double figures in all three of those games and has caught three touchdown passes in his last two contests. However, Goedert has a tough matchup against the Broncos in Week 5. Denver ranks sixth in fantasy points allowed to the position, making the veteran a riskier TE1 this weekend.
His status for this game could also be in doubt, as he was held out of practice on Wednesday but was able to upgrade to limited capacity on Thursday.
Other Matchups:
QB Bo Nix
Bo Nix appears to be trending up in fantasy heading into Week 5. He has scored above 20 fantasy points in two of his last three games and just threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns in last week's win over the Bengals. Although the Eagles have a solid defense on paper, this unit has allowed a top-12 fantasy QB in two of the past three games. So, Nix is a potential QB1 play in 14-plus team leagues.
Saquon Barkley has not been efficient on the ground to start the season. He is averaging just 3.08 yards per carry to go with 237 rush yards through four weeks. Despite those poor rushing numbers, Barkley will still be an RB1 in fantasy this week. The Broncos are surrendering 4.1 yards per carry this year and have allowed two RBs to finish top-4 at the position in two of the past three contests.
Broncos RBs
Last week, we saw RJ Harvey get more involved on offense. He played a season-high 41% of the team's offensive snaps while seeing 18 touches in the win. Given that Harvey has caught at least three passes in back-to-back games, he can be a solid flex play in 12-team leagues this week. The Eagles gave up nine catches to RBs a week ago.
As for J.K. Dobbins, he will continue to be an RB2 for fantasy managers. The Eagles have given up the 11th-most fantasy points to RBs, and RBs like Javonte Williams, Kyren Williams, and Bucky Irving have all totaled over 19 PPR fantasy points against this defense this year. Although he played a season-low 44% of the snaps in Week 4, he should continue to be Denver's preferred rusher.
There is a good chance that Quinyon Mitchell shadows Courtland Sutton in this game. The CB shadowed Davante Adams two weeks ago and held him to just two catches for 12 yards when he was in coverage. As a result, Sutton will be more of a WR3 this week. The Broncos playmaker has been great for fantasy managers this year, but expectations might have to be tempered if Mitchell winds up shadowing him.
Troy Franklin has no doubt been an inconsistent fantasy option. He has one game over 20 PPR fantasy points and three games under 10 PPR fantasy points. Last week, Franklin had a solid game by catching four of his eight targets for 55 yards. However, his inconsistencies make him only a start in 14-plus team leagues this week.
Injuries:
- Dallas Goedert (knee) - questionable
- Marvin Mims Jr. (hip) - questionable
Dallas Cowboys at New York Jets
Matchups We Love:
QB Justin Fields
Fields is in a great spot in Week 5. The Cowboys have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing QBs this year, and every QB this defense has faced has scored at least 24 fantasy points. Therefore, Fields will enter the week as a top-5 quarterback play. Dallas ranks last in pass yards allowed, last in pass touchdowns allowed, and 27th in rush yards allowed to the QB position.
The Dallas secondary has allowed too many big plays through the first four weeks. This unit ranks dead last in yards per completion, last in receiving yards per game, and has given up the most fantasy points to WRs. All that makes Wilson a must-start WR1 this week. He has scored above 20 PPR fantasy points in three of four contests this year, which feels like his floor in this matchup.
Matchups We Hate:
George Pickens was spectacular last week against the Packers, catching eight passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. With CeeDee Lamb (ankle) still out for this contest, Pickens should continue to see plenty of targets. However, the WR will likely be shadowed by Sauce Gardner in this game. Gardner has shadowed some of the top WRs in the league this year and contained them, pushing Pickens to be more of a WR2 this weekend.
Other Matchups:
QB Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott will remain a solid QB1 this week against the Jets. Although New York has not allowed an 18-point scorer at the QB position in three straight games, it's tough to sit Prescott amid an incredible start to the season. The Pro Bowl signal-caller has finished as a top-6 fantasy QB in two of the past three weeks. That's enough to make him a nice QB1 play.
RB Breece Hall
With Braelon Allen (knee) heading to injured reserve, Breece Hall could see an uptick in snaps. His snap share has hovered around 60% through the first four weeks, but that number could increase to 70% moving forward. As we head into Week 5, Hall will be a solid RB2 option against the Cowboys. This defense allowed Josh Jacobs to run all over them last week with 86 rush yards and two touchdowns.
RB Javonte Williams
Williams continues to be a workhorse running back for the Cowboys. He has totaled at least 17 touches in three of four games this season, which included seeing a career-high 20 carries last week. Given that the Jets have allowed an RB to run for over 95 yards against them in two of the past three games, Williams is a low-end RB1 in Week 5.
Fantasy managers should not be sitting Jake Ferguson in Week 5. He currently ranks as the TE1 in PPR formats on the year and has caught 29 passes over the past three games. After the Jets just allowed Darren Waller to catch two touchdown passes last week, Ferguson will be a top-5 play this weekend.
TE Mason Taylor
Mason Taylor appears to be getting more involved in the New York offense. He caught a career-high five passes for 65 yards in last week's loss and has a 21.5% target share over the past two games. As a result, Taylor could be worth a look in 18-plus team leagues. The Cowboys rank last in yards allowed per completion through four weeks.
Fantasy managers should monitor his status during Friday's practice session, as he was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday.
"Mason Taylor is a very polished rookie. He's surprised me. He's come out here & shown us who he is early by his work ethic, by his execution in practice, by his focus. He's really smart. He's a smooth route runner, has natural hands, & is just a playmaker."- Justin Fields#Jets pic.twitter.com/SlHaMu1wWh
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) October 1, 2025
Injuries:
- CeeDee Lamb (ankle) - doubtful
- Miles Sanders (ankle) - questionable
- KaVontae Turpin (foot) - questionable
- Mason Taylor (ankle) - questionable
Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts
Matchups We Love:
Colts WRs
Both Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs could be in for solid games in Week 5. Pittman will come in as a WR2 after scoring at least 15 PPR fantasy points in three of the first four games. Now, he'll play a Raiders secondary that has allowed big receiving days to outside WRs like Kayshon Boutte (103 yards), Quentin Johnston (71 yards and one touchdown), and Terry McLaurin (74 yards).
As for Downs, he can be a potential flex play in 14-team leagues this weekend. Even though the slot WR has scored under seven PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games, this Raiders secondary isn't great. Las Vegas has given up the 11th-most fantasy points to slot WRs this year, where Downs plays 75% of his snaps.
Matchups We Hate:
RB Ashton Jeanty
While Jeanty finds himself in this section, that doesn't necessarily mean you should sit him. He is coming off a career game in which he totaled 155 yards and three touchdowns. Nevertheless, the Colts have done a nice job against opposing RBs this year. They rank sixth in fantasy points allowed to the position and eighth in rush yards allowed. So, a repeat of last week's performance seems unlikely.
Other Matchups:
QB Geno Smith
Geno Smith has not gotten off to a strong start this season. He has been held to under 13 fantasy points in two of his last three games and completed under 20 passes in consecutive games. Although the Colts have allowed over 20 fantasy points to a QB in two of the past three weeks, Smith is more of a middle-of-the-pack QB2 play this week.
QB Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones didn't necessarily have a great fantasy day last week, but he will remain a borderline QB1 play this week against the Raiders. The 28-year-old has finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in three of four games, and the Raiders have allowed the 10th-most rush yards to opposing QBs so far this season. So, Jones should have some opportunities to run in this contest.
The Raiders have actually been sneakily good against RBs this season. Opposing backs are averaging 4.2 yards per carry on the ground, and only one RB has totaled more than 40 yards against this defense through four weeks. However, none of that really matters for Taylor. He will remain a must-start RB1.
With Smith struggling as a passer, Jakobi Meyers hasn't done much in the passing game over the past two weeks. He has caught a combined seven passes for 93 yards during this stretch. Therefore, Meyers is more of a low-end WR2 this week, especially since he has a tougher matchup in the slot against Kenny Moore II. Moore ranks fifth in PFF grade among all corners.
WR Tre Tucker
Tre Tucker will be a boom-or-bust flex play this week against the Colts. After scoring 40.9 PPR fantasy points in Week 3, Tucker was held to just two catches for 13 yards last week. Although the Colts have given up the fourth-most fantasy points to WRs, they do rank toward the top of the league in yards per completion allowed.
Then again, look at what Tutu Atwell did to this secondary late in last week's game.
TE Brock Bowers
Things haven't been great for Brock Bowers since suffering a knee injury in Week 1. He has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in three straight games and hasn't topped 50 receiving yards during this span. However, you can't sit Bowers this week if he plays. The Colts have given up at least 10 PPR fantasy points to a TE in two of the past three games.
Fantasy managers should closely monitor status on Friday as Bowers was downgraded to non-participation during Thursday's practice due to a knee injury.
TE Tyler Warren
The Raiders have done a nice job against TEs in fantasy this year. Hunter Henry finished as the TE15 against this defense in Week 1, Zach Ertz only totaled three catches, and Cole Kmet was held to just three catches for 46 yards last week. None of that matters, though. Tyler Warren is a must-start TE1 every week. He has finished as a top-7 fantasy TE in three of four contests.
Injuries:
- Michael Pittman Jr. (hamstring) - questionable
- Brock Bowers (knee) - questionable
- Michael Mayer (concussion) - questionable
Miami Dolphins at Carolina Panthers
Matchups We Love:
QB Bryce Young
Bryce Young has definitely not been a strong quarterback option to begin the year. He has scored under 12 fantasy points in three of four games and has thrown for under 155 yards in all three of those contests. However, Young could be a solid QB2 play in Week 5 in a fantastic matchup against the Dolphins.
Miami has given up the second-most fantasy points to QBs and has allowed a top-4 fantasy QB in all four games.
Despite totaling under 10 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games, Chuba Hubbard will come in as a middle-of-the-pack RB2 this week if he plays. The Dolphins have given up the 10th-most fantasy points and seventh-most rushing yards to the position. Additionally, Miami has allowed at least three catches to an RB in all four games this season. That works in Hubbard's favor, as he is averaging 3.3 catches per game.
With Ja'Tavion Sanders out last week, Tommy Tremble played a season-high 75.4% of the team's offensive snaps. That resulted in a solid output of five catches for 42 yards and one touchdown. If Sanders were to miss again, Tremble could be a potential start in 16-plus team leagues. The Dolphins have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing TEs this year.
TE Darren Waller
Waller wasted no time making an impact in his 2025 debut. He caught three passes for 27 yards and two touchdowns in last week's win. Now, he gets a nice matchup against a poor Panthers secondary. Carolina has allowed a top-10 fantasy TE in two of the past three weeks, and Warren figures to see more snaps in Week 5. So, he could be a start in 16-plus team leagues.
Waller logged two limited practice sessions to open the week, but does not appear to be in danger of missing this contest, as his workload is likely being closely monitored.
Matchups We Hate:
The Panthers have actually done a nice job against opposing QBs this season. They rank sixth in fantasy points allowed, ninth in pass yards allowed, and have only let up four passing touchdowns. Therefore, Tua Tagovailoa is a riskier QB2 play this week. Only one QB has scored above 15 fantasy points against Carolina through four weeks.
With Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the season, Jaylen Waddle will operate as the team's WR1 moving forward. As a result, he should see more opportunities in the passing game. However, this isn't the best matchup for him. He will likely be matched up against Jaycee Horn on the outside for most of the game, and Horn ranks fourth in passer rating allowed. That's enough to drop Waddle to a WR3 this week.
Other Matchups:
De'Von Achane will remain a must-start RB1 in Week 5. He totaled a season-high 99 rush yards last week and has scored at least 16 PPR fantasy points in all four games this season. Given that Achane is a significant weapon in the passing game, he should be in all lineups as a high-end RB1.
The biggest beneficiary of Hill's season-ending injury could be Malik Washington. Washington is set to slide into that WR2 role in this Miami offense. While the 24-year-old only has eight catches on the year, he could be a potential flex play in 14-plus team leagues. Just keep in mind that the Panthers have given up the eighth-fewest fantasy points to slot WRs this year.
Better days are surely ahead for Tetairoa McMillan. Although he has finished outside the top-30 at the WR position in three of four games, he will enter Week 5 as a middle-of-the-pack WR2. He currently has a solid 24.5% target share, and the Dolphins have allowed outside WRs like Pittman (20 PPR fantasy points) and Wilson (20.2 PPR fantasy points) to have solid fantasy days.
Injuries:
- Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) - questionable
- Chuba Hubbard (calf) - questionable
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Games
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Seattle Seahawks
Matchups We Love:
QB Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold has been a solid QB2 in Superflex formats this season. He has scored above 16 fantasy points in three straight games and has a great chance to finish above that 16-point threshold again in Week 5. The Buccaneers have allowed a top-12 fantasy QB in three of four games. Therefore, Darnold will be a middle-of-the-pack QB2.
With Bucky Irving dealing with a foot issue, there's a good chance he misses this game. As a result, Rachaad White should be in for a larger workload. He should operate as the top RB in this Tampa Bay offense, and that's enough to start him as an RB2 this week. The Seahawks have allowed the second-most receptions and the most receiving yards to opposing backs this season.
TE Cade Otton
Things have not been pretty for Cade Otton in fantasy this year. He has just six catches through four weeks and has yet to finish inside the top-30 at the TE position. However, Otton could be a sneaky TE1 in deeper 20-plus team leagues in Week 5. The Seahawks have let five TEs score above 10 PPR fantasy points against them this year, while allowing the most receptions to the position.
Matchups We Hate:
Baker Mayfield will have a tough matchup in Week 5 against the Seahawks. Seattle has given up the 11th-fewest fantasy points to QBs and has yet to allow a QB to finish inside the top-15 at the position in any week. Therefore, Mayfield will come in as a lower-end QB1 this week. He's a bit riskier against this legit Seattle secondary.
Seahawks RBs
The Seahawks RBs (Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet) do not have a great matchup against the Tampa Bay front seven in Week 5. Tampa Bay is allowing the fewest rushing yards per game to RBs this year, and players like Bijan Robinson (24 yards), Hall (21 yards), and Barkley (43 yards) have been held to subpar running days. So, Walker will be a riskier RB2, while Charbonnet is a riskier flex option.
Other Matchups:
WR Emeka Egbuka
Although the Seahawks have done relatively well against WRs this year, Emeka Egbuka will still be a nice WR2 option this week. He has scored above 20 PPR fantasy points in two of four games and has totaled over 80 receiving yards in back-to-back games. Since Mike Evans (hamstring) is expected to remain sidelined, he should see plenty of targets on Sunday.
WR Chris Godwin
Chris Godwin made his season debut last week and wasn't really limited. He played 80.6% of the team's snaps, ran 36 routes, and had an 85.7% route rate. While the results weren't there (three catches for 26 yards), his 10 targets should give fantasy managers confidence moving forward. So, he'll be a nice WR3 this week.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba will continue to operate as a WR1 in fantasy this week. He has totaled at least 90 yards from scrimmage in every game this season and will enter Week 5 with a whopping 35.4% target share. The Buccaneers have been solid against outside WRs, but that won't matter for Smith-Njigba this week.
WR Cooper Kupp
There's no doubt that Cooper Kupp has been an inconsistent fantasy option to start his Seattle tenure. He has scored under seven PPR fantasy points in three of four games, and Darnold isn't looking his way much through the air. Kupp is averaging just five targets per game. Even though Tampa Bay has given up the 12th-most fantasy points to slot WRs, the veteran is a low-end flex option in 12-team leagues.
Injuries:
- Bucky Irving (foot) - questionable
- Mike Evans (hamstring) - questionable
Tennessee Titans at Arizona Cardinals
Matchups We Love:
Cardinals RBs
It remains to be seen which Cardinals RB will see the majority of opportunities in this backfield. With Trey Benson (knee) placed on injured reserve, the likely situation is that Emari Demercado and Michael Carter split this backfield almost 50/50. Still, both RBs are potential flex plays in 12-plus team leagues this week against a Titans defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing RBs.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is coming off a solid game last week against the Seahawks in which he totaled six catches for 66 yards and one touchdown. After that performance, Harrison will come in as a low-end WR2 in Week 5 against the Titans. He will likely draw the L'Jarius Sneed shadow in this contest, but Sneed is allowing 25 yards per reception this year to go with a 44.3 PFF grade.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Cam Ward
It has not been a great start to Cam Ward's career. He is averaging just 153.5 pass yards per game and has only thrown two passing touchdowns through four weeks. Given that Ward is averaging just 7.7 fantasy points this season, he should be avoided in almost all Superflex formats this week. The Cardinals have allowed just two pass touchdowns over the past two weeks.
QB Kyler Murray
It hasn't been the best fantasy season for Kyler Murray so far. He has yet to finish as a top-12 fantasy quarterback and is averaging just 16.4 fantasy points per game. Therefore, Murray isn't necessarily a must-start this week. However, he will come in as a low-end QB1 due to his rushing upside. Murray has rushed for over 30 yards in every game this year.
RB Tony Pollard
With Tyjae Spears still working his way back from an ankle injury, Tony Pollard will continue to be a low-end RB2 for fantasy managers. Although he has finished outside the top-30 at the RB position in three of four games, Pollard has a solid matchup in front of him in Week 5. The Cardinals have allowed at least 12 PPR fantasy points to five different RBs this year and have let up the fourth-most receptions to the position.
However, if Spears were to be cleared to return, Pollard would likely see a drop in opportunities and could push him towards FLEX territory.
Titans WRs
Fantasy managers can't possibly start Calvin Ridley this week. He has finished outside the top-55 at the WR position in every game and has just three catches for 57 yards combined over the last two contests. Ridley has also not practiced on Wednesday and Thursday, which puts his status for Sunday's game in doubt.
As for Elic Ayomanor, he might be a better start than Ridley this week.
The rookie had a 30.4% target share last week, and the Cardinals have allowed the second-most receptions to WRs. So, Ayomanor could be a flex play in a 12-plus team league, while Ridley should only be started in 14-plus team leagues.
TE Trey McBride
Trey McBride will remain a must-start TE1 this week. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy TE in every game this season and currently ranks second among all TEs in receptions and receiving yards. So, you are starting him in all formats.
TE Chig Okonkwo
Chig Okonkwo has certainly seen more involvement in the passing game. Although he only caught one pass for four yards last week, his 16.8% target share and 1.3 yards per route run both rank top-20 among all TEs. So, Okonkwo could emerge as a low-end TE1 in 20-plus team leagues this week. The Cardinals have allowed a top-10 fantasy TE in three of four weeks.
Injuries:
- Calvin Ridley (knee/elbow) - questionable
Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Chargers
Matchups We Love:
QB Justin Herbert
Since finishing with 27.9 fantasy points in Week 1, Herbert has finished outside the top-12 at the QB position in three straight games. However, he will be a strong QB1 play this week against the Commanders. Washington has allowed multiple passing touchdowns and over 19 fantasy points to QBs in three straight games.
Matchups We Hate:
Commanders RBs
This entire Washington backfield is a mess right now. Washington is practically running a three-man backfield with Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Jeremy McNichols. Not only will all three RBs play more than 30% of the snaps, but this matchup against the Chargers is tough. Since Los Angeles has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to RBs this year, all three RBs are risky flex plays.
TE Zach Ertz
With Marcus Mariota starting each of the past two games, Ertz didn't do much in the passing game. He caught just five passes for 59 yards in those two contests. The good news is that Jayden Daniels will be back for this contest. The bad news, though, is that this is a tougher matchup for Ertz. The Chargers have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points and receiving yards to TEs this year.
So, he'll be a riskier TE1 this week.
Other Matchups:
Daniels will return in Week 5 following a two-game absence. Even though the Chargers have allowed only three passing touchdowns and fewer than 200 pass yards in three of four different games, Daniels will be a QB1 this week. Los Angeles has given up the second-most rushing yards to QBs this year, including 54 rush yards to Dart last weekend.
We are seeing Omarion Hampton break out right before our eyes. With Najee Harris sidelined for the season, Hampton has finished as the overall RB4 and overall RB7 in back-to-back games. Last week, the rookie played a season-high 89% of the team's offensive snaps to go with a career-high 128 rush yards and one touchdown. So, you are starting him as an RB1 this week.
Chargers WRs
There is potential for all three WRs to feast in fantasy this week. The Commanders have allowed a 100-yard receiver in back-to-back games while giving up the ninth-most fantasy points to the WR position. Therefore, you are likely starting Quentin Johnston in every format and Keenan Allen in most leagues as a WR2. Johnston leads the team in targets, and Allen has scored above 17 PPR fantasy points in three of four games.
As for McConkey, he will drop to WR3 status in this matchup against the Commanders. McConkey ranks third on the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. After catching just one pass last week, it's hard to trust him in most formats. The only thing working in his favor this week is that Washington has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to slot WRs in 2025.
With Terry McLaurin out for this week, Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) will be a solid WR2 this week. He has caught at least six passes in three of four games this year and will operate as the team's top pass catcher. Even though this is a tougher matchup against Los Angeles' secondary, Samuel is still a solid start.
Fantasy managers should monitor Samuel's status on Friday, as he was unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday. If he were also to miss this game, Luke McCarrefy will likely operate as the team's No. 1 WR.
Injuries:
- Terry McLaurin (quad) - out
- Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) - questionable
Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals
Matchups We Love:
QB Jared Goff
Jared Goff will be a fantastic QB1 play in Week 5 against the Bengals. Even though Goff has been held to under 14 fantasy points in three of four games, he is one of the better starts this weekend. Cincinnati has allowed multiple passing touchdowns in three straight games, and Nix just threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns last week against this secondary. So, Goff is a top-8 play this week.
Lions RBs
Both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery should be in for strong fantasy days in Week 5. Cincinnati is allowing over 4.5 yards per carry on the ground this year and has given up the second-most fantasy points to the position through four weeks. That's enough to start Gibbs as an RB1 and Montgomery as a high-end RB2.
The Bengals have allowed a 100-yard rusher in back-to-back contests.
Marlon Humphrey chases down David Montgomery to prevent the touchdown 😳
Humphrey reached a top speed of 21.19 mph while running 77.5 yards to make the tackle, per @NextGenStats 🤯
DETvsBAL on ESPN/ABC
Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN Apppic.twitter.com/P73NeujteP— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) September 23, 2025
Fantasy managers are definitely starting Amon-Ra St. Brown as a WR1 this week. He has scored above 20 PPR fantasy points in three straight games and has a great matchup in the slot. The Bengals have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to slot WRs to begin the season.
TE Sam LaPorta
Despite scoring under eight PPR fantasy points in each of his last three games, Sam LaPorta will enter the week as a TE1. The Bengals have allowed 27 receptions to TEs through four weeks (fourth-most in the NFL), and LaPorta has a solid 17.9% target share on the year. As a result, he should be in for a nice game against a Cincinnati defense that ranks 28th in fantasy points allowed to TEs.
Matchups We Hate:
RB Chase Brown
Chase Brown has been one of the biggest busts in fantasy this year. He is averaging just 9.4 fantasy points per game, and his 33.3 rush yards per game rank 36th among all RBs. On top of his slow start, he has a tough matchup against the Lions in Week 5. Detroit has given up the eighth-fewest fantasy points to RBs this year, and opposing backs are averaging just 3.8 yards per carry on the ground.
Other Matchups:
Fantasy managers can't possibly start Jake Browning in Superflex formats this week. He has looked awful under center over the past two weeks, with fantasy performances of 7.9 points (Week 3) and 5.4 points (Week 4). Therefore, he should only be started in dire situations this weekend. The Lions have also played well on defense recently.
Jameson Williams has been an extremely boom-or-bust WR so far. He has scored under seven PPR fantasy points in three games and over 18 PPR fantasy points just once to start the season. However, Williams could come in as a lower-end WR3 this week. The Bengals are allowing over 10.5 yards per completion this year while giving up a ton of big plays through the air. That's where the playmaker thrives the most.
WR Bengals WRs
Since Browning has taken over as Cincinnati's QB, both Chase and Tee Higgins haven't done much. Chase has just 10 catches for 73 yards in two games, and Higgins has four catches for 47 yards during this span. Since Chase moves around the formation a ton, he won't see just one CB in this game. That'll make him a WR2. As for Higgins, he's a riskier flex play in 12-team leagues.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
Matchups We Love:
Dalton Kincaid has been a reliable TE1 to start the season. He has scored above 14 PPR fantasy points in two of four games and has caught at least four passes in three different games. Now, he gets a nice matchup in Week 5 against the Patriots. New England has allowed two TEs to finish top-12 at the position last week, making Kincaid a solid TE1 on Sunday night.
Matchups We Hate:
WR Keon Coleman
After an outstanding performance in Week 1, Keon Coleman has been quiet in each of the past three weeks. Unfortunately, things don't get easier for him in Week 5 against the Patriots. Christian Gonzalez will likely shadow Coleman in this game, and Gonzalez was fantastic in his season debut last week. He only allowed two receptions last week. So, Coleman is a riskier flex play.
TE Hunter Henry
Henry has been a consistent fantasy option through the first four weeks. He is averaging 13.3 PPR fantasy points per game and has scored in double figures in PPR formats in three of four games. However, this is a tough matchup for the veteran TE. The Bills have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to TEs this year. So, Henry is a riskier TE1 play.
Other Matchups:
QB Drake Maye
Drake Maye has been a sneaky QB1 for fantasy managers to begin the season. He has scored above 20 fantasy points in three straight games and currently ranks as the QB4 in fantasy points per game. Although Buffalo has allowed the fewest pass yards through four weeks, Maye will still be a low-end QB1 this week. The Bills have allowed the most rushing yards to opposing QBs this year, meaning Maye will have a safer floor.
QB Josh Allen
Josh Allen will no doubt be a must-start QB1 this week. He ranks as the QB1 on the year and has scored above 23 fantasy points in three of four games this season. So, you're definitely starting him.
Patriots RBs
It's tough to start any Patriots RB at this point. Rhamondre Stevenson only saw nine carries last week, and TreVeyon Henderson played just 31% of the team's offensive snaps a week ago. Therefore, both Stevenson and Henderson will be RB3s on Sunday against the Bills. Buffalo has only allowed two RBs to score above 13 PPR fantasy points in a game this season.
RB James Cook
Cook will remain an RB1 for fantasy managers this week. He has scored above 20 PPR fantasy points in every game this season and should be in all lineups this week. Cook could also have a nice day in the receiving game, as the Patriots are allowing 5.8 catches per game to opposing running backs.
Khalil Shakir has been a reliable WR2 this year. He has scored above 12 PPR fantasy points in three of four games and has scored a touchdown in consecutive contests. Given that New England ranks around league average in fantasy points allowed to slot WRs, Shakir will be a high-floor WR3 in this Sunday night clash.
WR Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs continues to see his snap share increase as he works his way back from a torn ACL. Last week, Diggs played a season-high 63% of the team's offensive snaps. That resulted in his best output of the season, catching six passes for 101 yards. In a revenge game against the Bills in Week 5, Diggs is a solid flex play.
Buffalo has allowed five different WRs to score in double figures in PPR formats against them.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Monday Night Football
Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars
Matchups We Love:
Xavier Worthy looked great last week, catching five passes for 83 yards while also running two times for 38 yards. With Rashee Rice still on the suspended list, Worthy will remain a solid WR2 for fantasy managers. Jacksonville has allowed some big games to WR1s this year, including Chase (36.5 PPR fantasy points) and Collins (22.4 PPR fantasy points).
Matchups We Hate:
QB Trevor Lawrence
Lawrence has struggled to make much of a fantasy impact this season. He has scored under 12 fantasy points in three of four games and could be in for another subpar fantasy day in Week 5. The Chiefs held Hurts to 11.5 fantasy points in Week 2 and Jackson to 11.7 fantasy points through three quarters in Week 4. So, Lawrence is not a great QB2 start.
Brenton Strange should definitely be on fantasy radars at this point in the season. He has caught six passes in back-to-back games and will enter Week 5 with a solid 20.8% target share over the past two weeks. Nevertheless, Strange will be more of a TE2 this week against the Chiefs. Kansas City ranks fourth in fantasy points allowed per game while letting up just 3.8 receptions per game to the position.
Other Matchups:
QB Patrick Mahomes
What a start to the fantasy season it has been for Mahomes. He ranks third in fantasy points at the position and has scored above 23 fantasy points in three of four games. Given his strong numbers to begin the year, he will be a solid QB1 play in Week 5. The Jaguars have allowed six passing touchdowns over the past three weeks.
Chiefs RBs
At this point in the season, neither Kareem Hunt nor Isiah Pacheco can be started in most 12-team leagues. Pacheco played a season-low 37% of the team's snaps last week, and Hunt is averaging just 3.19 yards per carry this year. With Brashard Smith expected to see more opportunities moving forward, it's hard to trust any Kansas City RB this week.
If you had to start one, Hunt would probably be your best choice. He is the team's goal-line back and has seen double-digit carries in back-to-back weeks.
Travis Etienne has been a nice RB2 play in each of the first four weeks. He is averaging 16.7 PPR fantasy points per game and has rushed for 100 yards in two of his four contests. Even though the Chiefs have been known to have a great run defense, they have allowed some big fantasy days to RBs in recent weeks.
Since this defense has allowed a top-12 RB finish in three straight games, Etienne should be in all lineups as an RB2.
Jaguars WRs
All Jaguar WRs have been disappointing this year. Brian Thomas Jr. is averaging just nine PPR fantasy points per game and will likely be matched up against Trent McDuffie for most of this game. McDuffie is allowing just 8.4 yards per reception this year. That makes Thomas more of a WR3 this week. As for Travis Hunter, he is a sit in most cases after catching just four passes over the past two games.
TE Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce hasn't been the best TE1 option through the first four weeks. He has finished outside the top-16 at the TE in back-to-back games, and his 16.1% target share ranks 18th among all TEs. However, he will still be considered a low-end TE1 this week. The Jaguars just allowed Jake Tonges to score 14.8 PPR fantasy points against them last week.
Injuries:
- Bhayshul Tuten (shoulder) - questionable
More Fantasy Football Analysis
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