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Sunday football start 'em sit 'em advice for your Who Should I Start fantasy football lineup questions in Week 5 (2025). We tell you who to start.
Who Should I Start? Who Should I Sit? Some common Week 5 fantasy football lineup decisions are regarding players like Jaylen Waddle, Jaxson Dart, Tony Pollard, Chase Brown, Jameson Williams, Chris Olave, DeVonta Smith, Kenneth Walker, David Montgomery. But not to worry, we are here to help make these decisions and build winning lineups in Week 5. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups for Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season. Our free Who Should I Start? tool will help make your fantasy football lineup decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to start... all free! Get your winning lineups set, and make the right decisions.
Compare up to four players and we'll tell you who to start...
Sunday Fantasy Football Lineup Decisions
Another Sunday of NFL action is upon us. The calendar has flipped to October, and don’t look now, but we are slowly inching toward the fantasy football playoffs. If you’re off to a slow start, it’s important you do everything within your power to turn things around. If you get a little too nonchalant, your season could soon be over, and you might be on your way to performing an embarrassing last-place punishment.
Bye weeks have also begun. If you’re scrambling for replacement options or are just uncertain which players to insert into your lineup, we’ve got you covered here with several start and sit options for each position.
Make sure you’re following RotoBaller on X and download the RotoBaller app for all your fantasy football needs. Let’s discuss our start ‘em and sit ‘em picks for Week 5.
QB Starts - Week 5 Fantasy Football
Jaxson Dart - QB, New York Giants at New Orleans Saints
Dart began his NFL career with a bang last week against the Los Angeles Chargers. He only threw for 111 passing yards and one touchdown, but Dart was highly effective with his legs. 54 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown helped him finish Week 4 as the overall QB11.
Jaxson Dart takes it in himself for the TD!
LACvsNYG on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/uO4uK3jxvO
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025
New York now faces a Saints defense that’s allowed the sixth most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks per Fantasy Football Today. Throw in the fact that Dart offers gamers a nice floor thanks to his rushing upside, and this becomes another good spot to start the rookie.
Consider him a viable streamer in single quarterback leagues and a solid QB2 play in superflex formats.
C.J. Stroud - QB, Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens
Stroud has not played well for most of the last two seasons. However, he showed some signs of improvement last week against the Tennessee Titans. Stroud threw for a season-high 233 passing yards and two passing touchdowns in Week 4.
Houston travels to Baltimore and will face a Ravens defense that is struggling with injuries and poor play. Baltimore currently ranks 24th in defensive passing DVOA per FTN Fantasy. The Ravens have also allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks through four weeks.
I agree with my RotoBaller colleague, “Thunder Dan” Palyo, that this game will be more competitive than some people think, and the Ravens could be live for an upset. That would be good news for Stroud, as that would ensure Houston cannot lean on Woody Marks and Nick Chubb for the entire game.
Stroud is a good bye-week filler if your regular starter is not playing today.
Bryce Young - QB, Carolina Panthers vs. Miami Dolphins
Okay, this is an admittedly gross suggestion given the play we’ve seen from Young so far this season. However, Miami’s defense has been a complete mess.
The Dolphins rank 31st in PFF’s pass coverage grade, 31st in defensive passing DVOA, and have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing signal-callers. Miami has also allowed the most rushing touchdowns and third-most rushing yards to quarterbacks this year. So, this could be a sneaky spot for Young to use his legs and find the endzone on the ground, too.
Start him as a backend QB2 in superflex and two-quarterback leagues.
QB Sits - Week 5 Fantasy Football
Bo Nix - QB, Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles
Nix is coming off his best game of the season in Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, he turned the ball over again in that game and threw his fourth interception of the season. Nix has had moments where he’s looked good, but there have been too many questionable decisions and unnecessary off-platform throws. That could be an issue this weekend when going against an Eagles defense that’s one of the best in the league.
This game could be another defensive slog, and it wouldn't be shocking if head coach Sean Payton relies on the running game and short-area passes as a way to protect his young quarterback. Even though Nix scored a rushing touchdown last week, he is not running for as many yards per game as he did in 2024. That could mean his ceiling is really limited in this game.
If you can afford to pivot off Nix, consider doing so.
Trevor Lawrence - QB, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Jaguars take on the Chiefs in a highly intriguing Monday Night Football matchup. Through four games, Lawrence’s best fantasy result has been a QB12 finish in Week 2. His other three finishes are:
Week 1: QB23
Week 3: QB28
Week 4: QB28
It looks like Lawrence is still experiencing growing pains in his first season in Liam Coen’s offense. This week does not look like the time Lawrence will figure things out, as Kansas City ranks first in PFF pass coverage grade and has allowed the sixth-fewest passing yards to opposing quarterbacks.
The Chiefs' defense has been vulnerable on the ground and only ranks 24th in defensive rushing DVOA. This could be a spot where Jacksonville relies on Travis Etienne Jr., Bhayshul Tuten, and its strong rushing attack to score an upset victory.
Lawrence and this passing game should have some good outings as the season progresses, but we may not see that this week.
Cooper Rush - QB, Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans
Rush gets the nod today while Lamar Jackson is out nursing a hamstring injury. It’s a tough first assignment as the Texans' defense has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks and ranks ninth in defensive passing DVOA.
While I expect the Ravens to be competitive in this game, this looks like a spot where Baltimore relies more on Derrick Henry rather than its backup quarterback. That means gamers in superflex and two-quarterback leagues should leave Rush on their bench.
RB Starts - Week 5 Fantasy Football
Michael Carter - RB, Arizona Cardinals vs. Tennessee Titans
After Trey Benson was surprisingly placed on injured reserve earlier this week, many fantasy gamers are forced to pivot to other options. There’s also been some speculation regarding whether Carter or third-year back Emari Demercado will function as the team’s lead back.
My RotoBaller colleague, Andy Smith, laid out his thoughts very nicely on this situation earlier this week. Ultimately, I agree with Andy and believe that Carter will receive the majority of the work. Arizona had zero issues using Carter in a bell cow manner when James Conner missed time last year, so it’s likely they will do so again later today.
The Cardinals have a fantastic matchup as they will face a Titans defense that allows 141.5 rushing yards per game (fifth-most in the league) and has allowed the fourth-most PPR points per game to opposing backs. Arizona is also listed as 8.5-point favorites today, so that means they will likely be playing with a lead for the majority of this game.
There are some concerns regarding how efficient Carter will be as a rusher. However, he should see plenty of volume to offset these concerns. Start him as a flex play in all formats.
David Montgomery - RB, Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals
We recommended fantasy gamers send Montgomery to the bench in this article last week, as he was facing a stout Cleveland Browns rushing defense. He flopped massively and only ran for 12 rushing yards on nine carries and finished Week 4 as the PPR RB64.
Montgomery has a much easier matchup this time around as Detroit takes on a Bengals defense that allows an average of 135.8 rushing yards per game. The Lions are listed as 10.5-point favorites here, so Montgomery should have plenty of rushing opportunities.
Start him as a flex play or RB2 in a pinch.
Woody Marks - RB, Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens
Marks broke out in a huge way last week. He accumulated 119 scrimmage yards on 21 touches and scored two total touchdowns. As a result, Marks finished the week as the PPR RB6.
MAKE IT 2️⃣ FOR THE ROOK 😤
📺: @nfloncbs / @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/MAHDH3j7Zu
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 28, 2025
He also played a season-high 56% of offensive snaps. Marks gets another tasty matchup today as Houston takes on a Ravens defense that currently ranks dead last in PFF rushing defense grade and has allowed the fifth-most rushing yards to opposing backs.
Nick Chubb will still have a role, but Marks should remain involved as a receiver and could post another solid outing as a rusher. Start him in all formats.
RB Sits - Week 5 Fantasy Football
Chase Brown - RB, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Detroit Lions
Brown was a popular pick among many fantasy players and pundits alike. But through four games, Brown has been one of the worst running backs in the league.
Among 44 backs with 25+ carries, Brown ranks:
33rd in PFF elusive rating
40th in PFF rushing grade
43rd in Next Gen Stats rush yards over expected
He also has not eclipsed 47 rushing yards in any game this year. Facing the Detroit Lions this weekend, Brown has another tough matchup ahead of him. Cincinnati’s offensive line might be the worst in the league, and while Brown hasn't been good, he has gotten zero help from this unit.
Better days are ahead for the Bengals' offense, but it’s unlikely they figure out the run game this week against the Lions' defense. Luckily, the Bengals' schedule opens up a bit in a few weeks, but gamers should consider leaving Brown on the bench for this contest as he is likely to struggle once again.
Tony Pollard - RB, Tennessee Titans at Arizona Cardinals
Pollard has received at least 17 touches in every game this year, but he’s only posted one top-24 finish. That’s because the Titans' offense has been embarrassingly ineffective all season.
This is not the worst matchup for Pollard, as Arizona has allowed the eighth most PPR points to opposing running backs. However, given the anemic play of Tennessee’s offense, Pollard may not be able to take advantage of this matchup.
Until the Titans' offense shows some signs of improvement, it’s hard to justify starting Pollard even with the volume he's been getting.
Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet - RBs, Seattle Seahawks vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have one of the best run defenses in the league. Tampa Bay allows the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game, and ranks third in PFF’s rushing defense grade. Seattle only ranks 19th in offensive rushing DVOA, so they could really struggle to gain traction on the ground in this matchup.
If you have to start one, Charbonnet is the preferred pick as his north/south running style could be more effective against the Tampa Bay front. However, this is a tough matchup for both backs, and it’s better to leave them on the bench if you have other viable options at running back.
WR Starts - Week 5 Fantasy Football
Jaylen Waddle - WR Miami Dolphins vs. Carolina Panthers
After Tyreek Hill suffered an unfortunate injury this past Monday night, Waddle is set to take over as the Dolphins' undisputed WR1. He has a good opportunity to showcase what he can do in this role, as the Panthers rank 20th in defensive DVOA against opposing WR1s and rank 26th in PFF’s pass coverage grade.
The Dolphins should have no issues moving the football against the Carolina defense. Waddle has also seen an uptick in usage this year.
Per Fantasy Points Data Suite, his first read target rate is 25.6% which is up from the 17.7% number he posted in this metric last year. Miami has made it a priority to scheme up looks for Waddle, and with Hill no longer in the picture, Waddle is set for an even bigger role.
He has a good matchup here and could crack triple digits for the first time this year. Start Waddle in all formats.
Chris Olave - WR, New Orleans Saints vs. New York Giants
Olave has yet to post a top-12 PPR finish this season. However, he has a good chance to do so this weekend. The Giants have allowed the second-most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers and rank eighth in passing yards allowed per game. Olave also has a plus matchup in RotoBaller’s Week 5 WR/CB matchup chart, so he could be live for a strong performance.
Gamers should consider the Saints WR1 a solid WR3 or flex play this weekend with a boost in PPR formats.
Jameson Williams - WR, Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals
Williams posted a total dud in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns. However, he could bounce back in a big way later today.
The Bengals' defense remains one of the worst in the NFL and has allowed the eighth most PPR points to opposing wide receivers. Cincinnati has also allowed multiple long receptions in every game this season, so this projects as a spot where Williams could pop for one of his famous week-winning performances.
Keep Williams in your lineups this week as this matchup is too good to ignore. Don’t be shocked if he has his best game of the season.
WR Sits - Week 5 Fantasy Football
Ladd McConkey - WR, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Washington Commanders
As good as McConkey was in 2024, he has been a complete disaster for gamers in 2025. Here’s a look are some of McConkey’s advanced metrics from this year compared to his 2024 season (data courtesy of Fantasy Points Data Suite):
2024
24% Targets per route run
2.57 yards per route run
22.9% target share
29.1% first read percentage
2025
17% targets per route run
1.12 yards per route run
18.1% target share
23.6% first read percentage
The emergence of Quentin Johnston, paired with the return of Keenan Allen, has undoubtedly hurt McConkey’s production.
Even though McConkey has a good matchup in front of him against a poor Washington Commanders pass defense, there is not much here to suggest a turnaround this week outside of pure hope. At this point, we might need an injury to either Johnston or Allen for McConkey to really get rolling.
Until that happens, or until McConkey shows some signs of life, gamers should consider him more of a WR3 or flex candidate. Several of my RotoBaller colleagues have pegged today as the "Ladd McConkey game." It's certainly possible, as this is a good matchup, but I remain skeptical as the usage just hasn't been there.
If you’ve got some depth at receiver, you should give strong consideration to leaving McConkey on your bench.
Emeka Egbuka - WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Seattle Seahawks
Egbuka has been one of the season’s best rookie performers. Through four games, he has an 18-282-4 line and is the PPR WR9 on the year.
However, today could be a matchup where he struggles, as the Seahawks have been very good at limiting wide receiver production. Seattle currently ranks second in defensive passing DVOA, first in DVOA against opposing WR1s, and has allowed the second fewest receiving yards to opposing wide receivers.
This game could also morph into a low-scoring, defensive battle, and points could be at a premium. This would also be bad news for Egbuka’s outlook.
If you’ve got plenty of receiver depth, consider pivoting off Egbuka this week. If you don’t have any other options, just know he might have a disappointing game.
DeVonta Smith - WR, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Denver Broncos
The Eagles' passing offense has been one of the most frustrating parts of the 2025 season. The offense seems to lack creativity, and it seems content to run a bland design, pound Saquon Barkley, and ride its elite defense to wins. Smith has been one of the casualties of this approach, and he has yet to surpass 60 receiving yards in a game this year.
Philadelphia now takes on a Denver Broncos team that's allowed the sixth-fewest PPR points to opposing receivers and ranks eighth in DVOA against opposing teams’ WR2s. Today’s contest against the Broncos projects as another where the Eagles could rely on their defense and running game to get the job done.
Philadelphia’s offensive philosophy just hasn’t been a great equation for fantasy football success. Leave Smith on the bench this week, as there are better options available.
TE Starts - Week 5 Fantasy Football
Darren Waller - TE, Miami Dolphins at Carolina Panthers
Waller returned to the field for the first time since 2023 this past Monday night. He caught two touchdown passes and finished as the PPR TE4.
Miami has said they plan to further integrate Waller in the offense moving forward. Given the Dolphins' opponent today, Waller could be set for another big game. Carolina has been one of the worst teams in the league defending tight ends and ranks dead last in DVOA against the position. The Panthers also allow an average of 5.3 receptions and 71.3 receiving yards to tight ends, too.
Gamers should confidently fire up Waller as a streamer this week.
Oronde Gadsden - TE, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Washington Commanders
Gadsden only saw three targets last week after getting targeted seven times in Week 3. However, he played nearly 50% of offensive snaps and has a good matchup in Week 5.
Washington allows the eighth-most PPR points per game to opposing tight ends and ranks 31st in DVOA against the position. That makes Gadsden a solid bye-week filler or streaming option for deeper leagues,
Tommy Tremble - TE, Carolina Panthers vs. Miami Dolphins
Hold your nose for this pick, but Tremble did play a season-high 75% of offensive snaps last week and was targeted eight times with Ja’Tavion Sanders sidelined due to an ankle injury. Sanders is not expected to suit up this weekend, and that means Tremble is once again in line for a larger role on offense.
Miami has given up the most receiving yards to tight ends this year. So, if you’re in a deep league and need a replacement tight end, Tremble is a viable replacement option.
TE Sits - Week 5 Fantasy Football
Evan Engram - TE, Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles
So far, Engram has been a complete afterthought in Denver’s offense. He hasn’t eclipsed four receptions or 29 receiving yards in a game this year and has yet to find the endzone.
Denver now faces a Philadelphia Eagles team that ranks first in DVOA against tight ends and allows 24.3 receiving yards per game to the position. Gamers can safely leave Engram on their benches again this week.
Brenton Strange - TE, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Strange currently leads the Jaguars in receptions and receiving yards. He’s arguably been the most reliable pass-catcher on the team, but he has a tough assignment ahead of him on Monday night.
Kansas City has allowed the sixth-fewest receiving yards to tight ends this year and has not allowed a tight end to score a touchdown either. We previously mentioned how Jacksonville may rely heavily on its ground attack to win this game, and that would negatively impact Strange’s outlook, too.
He’s been a decent option in PPR leagues to begin the season, but gamers should look elsewhere for a tight end.
Mark Andrews - TE, Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans
Andrews followed up his 6-91-2 Week 3 performance with a 7-30-0 performance last week. Andrews was an okay play in full PPR leagues thanks to those seven receptions, but other than that, he was a disappointment to managers who started him.
Andrews is now dealing with a backup quarterback and is going against a Texans defense that ranks fifth in DVOA against tight ends and allows 32 receiving yards per game to the position. Isaiah Likely should be more involved in the offense, too, as he continues to work his way back from injury.
There are a lot of factors working against Andrews here. Better streaming options are available, and gamers should leave Andrews on the bench.
Who Should I Start Tool
Not sure who to start? Check out the Who Should I Start tool:
Week 5 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players - Jaylen Waddle, Jaxson Dart, Tony Pollard, Chase Brown, Jameson Williams, Chris Olave, DeVonta Smith, Kenneth Walker, David Montgomery. These are some of the most common searches for fantasy football lineups in Week 5.
Using The Tool. This is a simple tool but very powerful. The first step is to enter the player names that you want to compare. In the first box, search for the first player's name. In the second box, search for the second player's name. Compare up to four NFL players at once, and then click the Who To Start? button to see who the recommended starts are based on weekly fantasy football matchups.
Improvements For Who Should I Start? You may have noticed our Who Should I Start? tool has gotten an overhaul. We've added lots of great features for you to give you as much information as possible to win your fantasy football matchups each week. You'll see NFL player tiles with headshots and bye weeks, enhanced search results with data to compare, and a slick new interface. We hope you enjoy!
How It Works. Each week, our RotoBaller staff puts together their weekly fantasy football rankings and projections based on their research. That information is the core data that is powering the decision-making in this tool. When you search for player names, you will only see those players who are ranked. If someone is out for the week, they will not appear in the search results.
Scoring Formats. Fantasy football managers play in various types of leagues, and this tool allows you to choose whether it's PPR scoring, Half-PPR scoring, or Standard (Non-PPR) scoring. The second thing you want to do is to select the scoring format. There are three small radio buttons (small circles), so click on the scoring format you prefer. The results may vary based on the scoring format you select.
Popular Week 5 Searches. Curious to see some tough lineup decisions for Week 5 (2025)? Below you will find a list of some popular Who Should I Start? searches that RotoBaller readers are looking at this week. Click any of the links to see the result and recommendation.
Popular Week 5 Searches - Start/Sit Player Comparisons
Below are some popular Week 5 searches and comparisons from our 'Who To Start' tool for Jaylen Waddle, Tony Pollard, Chase Brown, Jameson Williams, Chris Olave, DeVonta Smith, Kenneth Walker, David Montgomery compared to others:
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