👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

NFL DFS Lineup Picks for FanDuel, DraftKings - Chiefs. Vs. Jaguars Monday Night Showdown

Patrick Mahomes - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL DFS

Dawn's top NFL DFS lineup picks for DraftKings, FanDuel -- Chiefs vs. Jaguars MNF slate for Week 5 Monday Night Football (Oct. 6, 2025). Her NFL daily fantasy sleeper picks.

Welcome back, RotoBallers! At first glance, this looks like a classic Mahomes smash spot, but hold on: the 3-1 Jaguars are rolling and sporting the third-best defense in the NFL. More importantly, Jacksonville is desperate to break the Patrick Mahomes curse. The Jaguars are 0-5 all-time against Mahomes, who has averaged over 300 passing yards in those matchups.

Thanks to today's advanced analytics, I'll do my best to provide you with as much in-depth analysis as possible regarding positional matchups and the like to help put some lunch money in your pocket. Let's make some coin this season, gang, and get right to it.

 In this article, I will be providing you with my Week 5 MNF daily fantasy football lineup picks for the 2025 NFL season. These lineups can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on DraftKings. Be sure also to check out our weekly NFL DFS articles and NFL DFS tools to help you win big!

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

MVP/Captain - NFL DFS Lineup Picks

Patrick Mahomes - QB, KC - ($15.9K DK/$20.7K FD)

Mahomes is the chalk play here, and for good reason. He's projected at 21.9 points with a ceiling over 30, making him the highest-projected player on the slate. Everything runs through Mahomes in this offense, and even facing Jacksonville's elite defense (-13.2% DVOA), he's got the weapons and experience to produce.

The key here is that Mahomes' offensive DVOA sits at 11.6%, indicating that the Chiefs remain one of the most efficient offenses in football. Xavier Worthy is back and making his presence known, Travis Kelce remains a (shaky?) security blanket, and Hollywood Brown provides an additional option, if he can hold on to the ball.

Mahomes doesn't need a perfect game; he needs to be himself to provide value at this price.

Xavier Worthy - WR, KC - ($13.2K DK/$15.9K FD)

Worthy finds himself in an excellent position as Mahomes' emerging WR1. He's projecting at 16.29 points with a ceiling near 28, which makes him an intriguing captain option if you want to get contrarian. The second-year wideout has been explosive this season, and against a Jacksonville secondary that will be focused on shutting down Kelce, Worthy should see opportunities downfield.

The game script sets up well for Worthy to have a ceiling game. If Kansas City gets ahead early and starts taking shots, Worthy's speed becomes a matchup nightmare. His 27.87 ceiling isn't fantasy, it's what happens when a speedster like him gets 8-10 targets and finds the end zone twice. At $8,800, he's expensive, but pairing him at captain with Mahomes in your flex gives you incredible Chiefs correlation.

Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to the game, as he was added to the injury report late on Sunday with an ankle injury.

Travis Etienne Jr. - RB, JAC - ($14.7K DK/$17.7K FD)

Etienne is the sneaky captain play that gives you massive leverage while attacking Kansas City's biggest weakness. The Chiefs rank in the bottom five in the NFL against the run in both EPA/Play and yards before contact per attempt. Etienne has been on fire to start 2025, already racking up two 100-yard rushing performances while getting the best run-blocking of his career.

At $9,800, Etienne projects at 13.89 points with a ceiling near 25, which is RB1 production with legitimate ceiling game upside. The matchup couldn't be better: Kansas City's run defense is porous, and Jacksonville should lean on Etienne to control tempo in primetime. If the Jaguars jump ahead early and start grinding the clock, Etienne could see 25+ touches with multiple goal-line opportunities.

The captain angle makes sense in tournaments. While everyone loads up on Mahomes and Worthy, Etienne gives you a sneaky alternative with a player who should dominate his matchup.

Other Captains: Brian Thomas Jr. ($15.3K DK/$18.9K FD), Travis Kelce ($11.4K DK/$13.8K FD)

 

Win more with expert tools and advice from proven winners. A valued RotoBaller Premium subscriber won half a MILLION dollars in Week 3! Join in on the winning and get your edge with our NFL Premium Pass, which includes our exclusive DFS Cheat Sheets, the #1 Lineup Optimizer, and access to our VIP Chatrooms. RotoBaller's Premium Pass comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. Gain access now!

this is my community.. this is my family.. without them this would not happen @WinDailySports @RotoBaller@BaronZito973 @mb_guruDFS #OTC there are others and you know who you are and I love you all for the help! pic.twitter.com/psRCDbCqqL

— Scott (@scottd923) September 25, 2023

 

Flex Plays - NFL DFS Lineup Picks

The Chalk You'll See Everywhere:

Travis Kelce ($7.6K DK/$9.2 K FD) will be the most popular Chiefs pass catcher - he's Mahomes' safety valve and should see 8-10 targets. Brian Thomas Jr. ($10.2K/$12.6K FD) is Jacksonville's alpha receiver with TD upside. There's nothing wrong with these guys, but let's discuss leverage.

Hollywood Brown - WR, KC - ($7K DK/$7.8K FD)

Here's your primary leverage play on the Chiefs' passing game. Brown is $600 cheaper than Kelce (DK) and $1,800 cheaper than Worthy, yet he's still a starting receiver in one of the league's most potent offenses. While everyone loads up on Worthy and Kelce, Brown quietly gets 5-7 targets per game with big-play upside.

The ownership angle is what makes this play shine. Brown will be significantly lower-owned than Worthy or Kelce, giving you the Chiefs' passing game correlation with Mahomes at a discount. In large-field GPPs where you need differentiation, pairing Mahomes with Brown instead of the chalk is the exact type of pivot that wins tournaments.

Brenton Strange - TE, JAC - ($4.6K DK/$4.6 K FD)

Strange is the ultimate salary-relief play with legitimate upside. At just $4,600, he's Jacksonville's starting tight end and projects at 8.89 points with a ceiling near 17. That's incredible value for a player who should see 4-6 targets in a competitive game.

The key here is the game script. If Jacksonville is trailing and Trevor Lawrence needs to throw 35+ times to keep pace, Strange becomes a check-down option and red zone target. Tight ends often find soft spots against zone coverage, and Strange has the size to be a problem in the red zone.

Strange pairs beautifully with Lawrence in a mini-stack or works as pure salary relief when you're spending up on Mahomes and Etienne. His 16.69 ceiling isn't a pipe dream - it's one touchdown and 60 yards, which is absolutely achievable if Jacksonville stays competitive.

Other Flex Options: Travis Kelce, Brian Thomas Jr., JuJu Smith-Schuster

 

Value Plays - NFL DFS Lineup Picks

Kareem Hunt - RB, KC - ($4.2K DK/$5.2K FD)

Hunt is the value RB play that should be in most lineups tonight. At just $4,200, he's Kansas City's lead back, sharing carries with Isiah Pacheco. Hunt projects at 8.06 points with a ceiling over 15, which is an excellent value for someone who will touch the ball 12-15 times regardless of game script.

The beauty of Hunt at this price is his floor. Even if Kansas City gets ahead and Pacheco handles garbage time work, Hunt receives the early-down and passing game work that produces consistent fantasy points. He's averaging 3-5 receptions per game, which in PPR format gives him a safe 8-10 point floor.

Hunt pairs perfectly with Mahomes in a Chiefs stack or works as pure salary relief when you're loading up elsewhere. If Kansas City controls this game and runs the clock in the second half, Hunt could easily approach 80 total yards and a touchdown.

JuJu Smith-Schuster - WR, KC - ($4.8K DK/$6K FD)

Smith-Schuster is the punt play with sneaky upside in this Chiefs offense. At $4,800, he's Mahomes' WR3 but still commands 4-6 targets per game working out of the slot. He projects at 7.86 points with a ceiling near 15, making him an excellent salary-relief option.

The game script works for JuJu if Jacksonville's elite defense forces Mahomes into quick, underneath throws. Smith-Schuster thrives on slants, crossers, and intermediate routes - exactly the type of throws Mahomes makes when pressured. He's also a sneaky red zone target, and one touchdown completely changes his value.

Smith-Schuster is the perfect salary relief option when you're trying to fit Mahomes + Worthy + Etienne into your lineup. He gives you Chiefs exposure without breaking the bank, and in a competitive game where Mahomes throws 40 times, those 5-6 targets can easily turn into 8-10 fantasy points.

Other Value Options: Isiah Pacheco ($6.2K DK/$8.4K FD) - Shares work with Hunt but TD upside, Chiefs D/ST ($3.8K/$6.6K FD) - Cheap defense in a competitive game

More DFS Analysis and Lineup Picks



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tory Horton

Faces Stiff Target Competition Again
Kaleb Johnson

a Cut Candidate in Dynasty Leagues?
DK Metcalf

Has More Competition for Targets in Pittsburgh
Trey McBride

to Repeat Incredible Season with Quarterback Returning?
Mark Andrews

Set Up for a Productive 2026 Season?
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Could Miss Saturday's Game Vs. Hawks
Keegan Murray

to Be Re-Evaluated in Two Weeks
Aaron Gordon

Expected Back Saturday Vs. Lakers
Jamal Murray

Expected to Suit Up Saturday
Collin Sexton

to Miss Third Straight Game
Jalen Smith

is Ruled Out for Friday's Game
Robert Williams III

is Unavailable for Friday's Contest
Cameron Ward

Cleared to Throw the Football
Draymond Green

is Downgraded to Out on Friday
De'Anthony Melton

to Play on Friday
Ayo Dosunmu

is Cleared for Friday's Game
Anthony Edwards

is Available on Friday
Roger McCreary

Lions Agree With Roger McCreary on One-Year Deal
Andre Cisco

Jets Agree With Andre Cisco on One-Year Deal
Geno Stone

Bills, Safety Geno Stone Agree to One-Year Deal
A.J. Brown

Futures of A.J. Brown, Dallas Goedert With Eagles are "Interconnected"
Norman Powell

is Tagged as Questionable for Saturday
Victor Wembanyama

Questionable Saturday Vs. Hornets
Andrew Wiggins

to Miss Fifth Straight Game
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Ruled Out Versus New Orleans
Tobias Harris

is Ruled Out for Friday's Game
Ausar Thompson

Still Out Friday Against Memphis
Sebastian Joseph-Day

Signs Two-Year Deal With Steelers
Josh Hart

is Unavailable on Friday
Caleb Martin

Good to Go Versus Cavaliers
Jeremy Sochan

Won't Suit up on Friday
Laquon Treadwell

Colts Re-Sign Laquon Treadwell to a One-Year Deal
Naji Marshall

Cleared to Play Friday
Dallas Goedert

Eagles, Dallas Goedert Push Back Void Date a Second Time to Monday
A.J. Brown

Eagles "Will Not Trade A.J. Brown at This Time"
Wan'Dale Robinson

Poised for Massive Target Volume with New Team in 2026
Tyler Warren

Profiles as the Clear Lead Target-Earner in Indianapolis
Francisco Lindor

Takes Full Batting Practice on Friday
Brock Purdy

Has a New No. 1 Wide Receiver to Work With in San Francisco
Jalen McMillan

Has Breakout Potential Heading into 2026
Cam Skattebo

Can Cam Skattebo Take on a Workhorse Role in 2026?
Brandon Woodruff

Still TBD for Opening Day
Tyler Conklin

Signs One-Year Deal With Lions
Rasheed Walker

Panthers Add Left Tackle Rasheed Walker on One-Year Deal
Trevor Rogers

to Start on Opening Day for Orioles
Kevin Vallejos

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Josh Emmett

In Dire Need Of Victory
Gillian Robertson

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 114
Amanda Lemos

Set For Co-Main Event
Oumar Sy

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Ion Cutelaba

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Nathan MacKinnon

Racks Up Four Points in Victory Over Kraken
Alexis Lafrenière

Alexis Lafreniere Stays Hot in Winnipeg
Semyon Varlamov

Won't Return This Season
Alexander Romanov

Could Return for Playoffs
Declan Carlile

Hurt on Thursday Night
Wyatt Kaiser

Sustains Upper-Body Injury Thursday
Erik Gudbranson

Could Be an Option Saturday
Auston Matthews

Exits Game With Injury
Jimmy Snuggerud

Scores Twice Versus Carolina
Michael Misa

Delivers Multi-Point Performance on Thursday
Blake Snell

Around Six Weeks From Being Fully Built Up
Bobby Brink

a Game-Time Decision for Meeting with Flyers
Evander Kane

Available Against Predators
Mark Stone

a Game-Time Call Thursday
Carter Verhaeghe

Anton Lundell Won't Play Thursday
Sam Reinhart

Returns to Action Thursday
Andrew Copp

to Sit Out Two Weeks
Dylan Larkin

Ruled Out for Two Weeks
Zack Wheeler

to Face Hitters in Live Batting Practice on Saturday
Gerrit Cole

Could Pitch in a Spring Game Next Week
Matthew Boyd

Named the Cubs' Opening Day Starter
Francisco Lindor

Remains on Schedule for Opening Day
Spencer Knight

Available Thursday
William Eklund

Questionable to Play Thursday
Alex Ovechkin

Records Power-Play Assist
Lane Hutson

Extends Road Point Streak to 10 Games
Bryce Miller

Shuts Down Bullpen Due to More Oblique Discomfort
Zac Gallen

Named Arizona's Opening Day Starter
Kyle Teel

Could Miss 4-6 Weeks With Hamstring Strain
Hideki Matsuyama

Brings Strong Course History to TPC Sawgrass
Josh Hader

to Start the Year on the Injured List
Adam Scott

in Strong Form Ahead of The Players
Kyle Teel

Exits Tuesday's Game With Hamstring Injury
Rickie Fowler

on Quite the Run Heading to TPC Sawgrass
Sepp Straka

Needs to Forget What Happened Sunday at Bay Hill
Jordan Spieth

an Enigma Heading to The Players Championship
Justin Rose

Trying to Pick Up the Pieces in Florida
Maverick McNealy

Bounces Back at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Brooks Koepka

Continues His Florida Swing With Some Momentum
Nicolai Hojgaard

in Strong Form Ahead of The Players
Robert MacIntyre

a Volatile Option at The Players
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looks to Return to Top Form at The Players
Sam Burns

a High-Risk, High-Reward Option at The Players
Keegan Bradley

Hard to Trust at The Players
Xander Schauffele

Rounding into Form Heading to Players Championship
Rory McIlroy

Set to Return at Players Championship to Defend Title
Jake Knapp

Set to Return at Players Championship
Viktor Hovland

Continues Strong Start to 2026 Season
Rasmus Hojgaard

Looking for Bounce-Back at Players Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Will Need to Find Putter to Compete at Players Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Continues Improving Heading to Players Championship
Merrill Kelly

Set to Make Spring Training Debut on Friday
Francisco Lindor

"100 Percent Optimistic" he Can be Ready for Opening Day
Justin Thomas

Continues Competitive Return at The Players Championship
Corbin Carroll

Set to Play in Cactus League Game on Wednesday
Kyle Stowers

to Make Grapefruit League Debut on Saturday
Hunter Greene

to be Sidelined Through July
Jesús Luzardo

Jesus Luzardo, Phillies Agree on Five-Year Extension
Corbin Carroll

Could Make Spring Debut This Week
Max Holloway

Drops Decision At UFC 326
Charles Oliveira

Becomes The New BMF Champion
Caio Borralho

Bounces Back
Reinier de Ridder

Reinier De Ridder Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Rob Font

Gets Dominated
Raul Rosas Jr.

Extends His Win Streak
Michael Johnson

Suffers Second-Round Knockout Loss
Drew Dober

Knocks Out Michael Johnson
Rafael Devers

Back in Cactus League Lineup on Monday
Ryan Blaney

Earns his Second Consecutive Phoenix Cup Series Win
Christopher Bell

Falls Short of Victory Despite Dominating at Phoenix
Kyle Larson

Earns Hard-Fought Finish of Third at Phoenix
Denny Hamlin

Quietly Gains Another Top-Five Finish at Phoenix
Joey Logano

Crashes out at Phoenix Despite Strong Run
Ryan Blaney

is Always A Top Favorite to Compete for the Win At Phoenix
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Worth Rostering for Phoenix?
Christopher Bell

is Likely to have Another Solid Phoenix Run
Chase Briscoe

has Plenty of Upside for DFS Lineups at Phoenix
Joey Logano

Could Dominate at Phoenix This Weekend
Chase Elliott

has Plenty of Upside for Sunday's Race at Phoenix
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher Worth Rostering For Phoenix DFS Lineups?
Ross Chastain

Has Found Speed Again at Phoenix
Josh Berry

a Solid Sleeper at Phoenix
Brad Keselowski

Skips Qualifying After Practice Crash at Phoenix
Tyler Reddick

Spins in Practice at Phoenix
William Byron

Should Be a Contender at Phoenix
Kyle Larson

Is Always a Threat at Phoenix