Week 5 Lineup: Who To Start For Fantasy Football?

Figuring out who to start in your fantasy football lineup each week can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle. You've got player matchups, injuries, past performance, and gut feelings all swirling around in your head. Week 5 is no different, and with bye weeks starting to kick in, the pressure is on to make the right calls. Guys, don't sweat it! This guide will break down some key players to consider starting – and maybe a few to leave on the bench – to help you dominate your fantasy league this week.

Quarterbacks: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em

At the quarterback position, making the right call can be the difference between a win and a loss. The quarterback is the engine of most fantasy teams, and their performance often dictates your overall score. In Week 5, there are a few quarterbacks who stand out as must-starts due to favorable matchups or recent performance trends. Conversely, there are others who might be tempting based on name recognition, but whose situations suggest a potentially disappointing outing.

Start ‘Em

• Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs): Do I even need to explain this one? Mahomes is a weekly must-start, regardless of the opponent. His arm talent is unmatched, and he always has the potential to put up huge numbers. The Chiefs' offense runs through him, and his ability to extend plays and find receivers downfield makes him a fantasy goldmine. Mahomes consistently delivers top-tier performances, making him the cornerstone of any fantasy team. His connection with Travis Kelce remains a potent weapon, and the emergence of other receiving threats only adds to his upside. Don't overthink this one; lock Mahomes into your starting lineup and watch the points roll in.
• Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): Similar to Mahomes, Allen is a fantasy stud who should be started every week. His rushing ability adds another dimension to his fantasy scoring, and he has a strong rapport with his receivers. Allen's dual-threat capability makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he consistently produces high fantasy scores. His aggressive play style and willingness to take risks often lead to big plays, both through the air and on the ground. Allen's supporting cast in Buffalo is also a major boost, providing him with reliable targets and a strong offensive line. Week in and week out, Allen is a top-tier fantasy quarterback who should be in your lineup.
• Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers): Herbert is another elite quarterback who boasts immense fantasy potential. He has a cannon for an arm and a talented receiving corps at his disposal. Even in tough matchups, Herbert's talent shines through, making him a reliable option for fantasy managers. His ability to make difficult throws and connect with his receivers in tight coverage sets him apart. The Chargers' offensive scheme is designed to showcase Herbert's skills, and he consistently delivers impressive performances. Herbert's combination of arm strength, accuracy, and decision-making makes him a weekly threat to put up huge numbers. If he’s on your roster, he starts.

Sit ‘Em

• Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos): Wilson's performance this season has been underwhelming, and he's facing a tough matchup in Week 5. The Broncos' offense is struggling to find its rhythm, and Wilson's fantasy production has suffered as a result. While he possesses the talent to turn things around, the current situation doesn't warrant a starting spot in your lineup. The offensive line struggles, play-calling inconsistencies, and a lack of connection with his receivers have all contributed to Wilson's struggles. It might be best to keep Wilson on the bench until the Broncos' offense shows signs of improvement.
• Tom Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Brady is a legend, but his fantasy value has declined this season. The Buccaneers' offense is dealing with injuries and inconsistencies, making Brady a risky start in Week 5. While Brady's experience and football IQ are undeniable, the Buccaneers' current situation limits his fantasy upside. The offensive line issues and a lack of a consistent running game put added pressure on Brady to carry the offense. Unless you're in a very deep league, consider exploring other options at quarterback this week.
• Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams): Stafford and the Rams' offense have shown flashes of potential, but consistency has been an issue. A difficult matchup in Week 5 makes Stafford a risky start, especially with other potentially higher-scoring options available. The Rams' offensive line struggles and the departure of key players have impacted Stafford's performance. While Cooper Kupp's return will be a boost, it may take some time for the offense to fully click. It's wise to proceed with caution when considering Stafford as a starting quarterback this week.

Running Backs: The Grind and the Glory

Running backs are the workhorses of fantasy football teams, and identifying the right ones to start each week is crucial for success. The running back position is often unpredictable due to injuries and changing workloads, but careful analysis can help you make informed decisions. In Week 5, there are several running backs poised for big performances, while others might be best left on the bench due to unfavorable matchups or uncertain roles.

Start ‘Em

• Austin Ekeler (Los Angeles Chargers): Ekeler is a PPR machine, and he should be in your lineup every week. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield gives him a high floor, and he's always a threat to score touchdowns. Ekeler's dual-threat ability makes him one of the most valuable running backs in fantasy football. He consistently delivers high fantasy scores, making him a cornerstone of any winning team. The Chargers' offensive scheme is designed to utilize Ekeler's versatility, and he excels as both a runner and a receiver. If you have Ekeler on your roster, he's a must-start every week.
• Nick Chubb (Cleveland Browns): Chubb is one of the most talented pure runners in the NFL, and he should be a focal point of the Browns' offense. A favorable matchup in Week 5 makes him a top-tier running back option. Chubb's powerful running style and ability to break tackles make him a consistent threat to gain yardage and score touchdowns. The Browns' strong offensive line creates opportunities for Chubb to excel, and his volume of carries gives him a high floor in fantasy. Week in and week out, Chubb is a reliable option who should be in your starting lineup.
• Dameon Pierce (Houston Texans): Pierce has emerged as the clear lead back in Houston, and he's showing the potential to be a fantasy star. His strong running style and growing role in the passing game make him a valuable asset. Pierce's combination of power and agility allows him to break tackles and gain extra yards. As he continues to develop, his role in the Texans' offense is likely to expand, further increasing his fantasy value. Consider Pierce as a solid starting option with the potential for a breakout performance.

Sit ‘Em

• Miles Sanders (Philadelphia Eagles): Sanders has been inconsistent this season, and the Eagles' crowded backfield makes him a risky start. While he has the talent to produce big games, his workload is not always guaranteed. The Eagles' offensive scheme often involves multiple running backs, making it difficult to predict Sanders' usage from week to week. Unless you're in a very deep league, there are likely better options available at running back.
• Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Kansas City Chiefs): Edwards-Helaire has had some good games, but his role in the Chiefs' offense can be unpredictable. The Chiefs often use multiple running backs, limiting Edwards-Helaire's fantasy upside. While he's a talented player, the Chiefs' backfield situation makes him a risky start. It's best to proceed with caution when considering Edwards-Helaire for your lineup.
• Darrell Henderson Jr. (Los Angeles Rams): Henderson's role in the Rams' offense is uncertain, and he's facing a tough matchup in Week 5. The Rams' backfield situation is fluid, making Henderson a risky start. While he has shown flashes of potential, his inconsistent usage makes it difficult to rely on him for consistent fantasy production. Consider exploring other options at running back this week.

Wide Receivers: Catching Fire

Wide receivers are the playmakers of fantasy football, capable of delivering big performances with explosive plays and touchdowns. The wide receiver position is often deep with talent, but identifying the right matchups and opportunities is key to making the right starting decisions. In Week 5, there are several wide receivers poised to shine, while others might be better left on the bench due to challenging matchups or uncertain target shares.

Start ‘Em

• Cooper Kupp (Los Angeles Rams): With his return from injury, Kupp is an automatic start in all formats. His connection with Matthew Stafford is undeniable, and he's one of the most targeted receivers in the NFL. Kupp's route-running ability and reliable hands make him a consistent threat to make catches and score touchdowns. His presence elevates the entire Rams' offense, making him a focal point of their passing game. Lock Kupp into your lineup and watch him deliver the fantasy points.
• Stefon Diggs (Buffalo Bills): Diggs is a top-tier receiver who should be started every week. His chemistry with Josh Allen is exceptional, and he's a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Diggs' ability to get open downfield and make contested catches makes him a valuable asset in fantasy football. The Bills' offense is designed to showcase Diggs' skills, and he consistently delivers impressive performances. If you have Diggs on your roster, he's a must-start in all formats.
• CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys): Lamb has emerged as the clear top target in the Cowboys' offense, and he's showing the potential to be a fantasy star. His combination of size, speed, and agility makes him a difficult matchup for opposing cornerbacks. Lamb's growing rapport with the Cowboys' quarterback and his increasing role in the offense make him a valuable asset for fantasy managers. Consider Lamb a solid starting option with the potential for a breakout game.

Sit ‘Em

• Allen Robinson II (Los Angeles Rams): Robinson's performance this season has been disappointing, and he's facing a tough matchup in Week 5. While he has the talent to produce big games, his target share in the Rams' offense has been inconsistent. The return of Cooper Kupp could further impact Robinson's opportunities, making him a risky start. It's best to proceed with caution when considering Robinson for your lineup.
• DeVante Parker (New England Patriots): Parker has shown flashes of potential, but his role in the Patriots' offense is uncertain. The Patriots' passing game has been inconsistent, making Parker a risky start in Week 5. While he possesses the size and skill to make plays, the Patriots' offensive struggles limit his fantasy upside. Unless you're in a very deep league, there are likely better options available at wide receiver.
• Kadarius Toney (Kansas City Chiefs): Toney's talent is undeniable, but his role in the Chiefs' offense is still developing. With a crowded receiving corps in Kansas City, Toney's target share is not guaranteed. While he's an exciting player with big-play potential, his inconsistent usage makes him a risky start. It might be best to keep Toney on the bench until his role in the Chiefs' offense becomes more clear.

Tight Ends: The Elusive Advantage

The tight end position can be a fantasy wasteland, but finding a reliable starter can give you a significant advantage. Tight end production is often inconsistent, but identifying favorable matchups and target shares is key to success. In Week 5, there are a few tight ends who stand out as potential starters, while others might be best left on the bench due to uncertain roles or challenging matchups.

Start ‘Em

• Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs): Kelce is the gold standard at tight end, and he should be in your lineup every week. His connection with Patrick Mahomes is unmatched, and he's a threat to score every time he's on the field. Kelce's consistency and high target share make him a valuable asset in fantasy football. He's a weekly must-start who can provide a significant advantage at the tight end position.
• Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens): Andrews is another elite tight end who should be started every week. He's a favorite target of Lamar Jackson, and he has the potential to put up big numbers. Andrews' combination of size, speed, and reliable hands makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. He's a cornerstone of any fantasy team and a weekly threat to score touchdowns.
• Darren Waller (Las Vegas Raiders): Waller is a talented tight end who is seeing a high volume of targets in the Raiders' offense. His size and athleticism make him a difficult matchup for linebackers and safeties. Waller is a reliable option who can provide consistent production at the tight end position.

Sit ‘Em

• Robert Tonyan (Green Bay Packers): Tonyan's role in the Packers' offense is uncertain, and he's facing a tough matchup in Week 5. The Packers' passing game has been inconsistent, making Tonyan a risky start. While he has shown flashes of potential, his usage is not always guaranteed. It's best to proceed with caution when considering Tonyan for your lineup.
• Tyler Higbee (Los Angeles Rams): Higbee's production has been inconsistent this season, and he's facing a challenging matchup in Week 5. With the return of Cooper Kupp, Higbee's target share could be impacted. Consider exploring other options at tight end this week.

Week 5: Make the Right Calls

Making the right starting lineup decisions in Week 5 can set the tone for the rest of your fantasy season. By carefully analyzing matchups, injuries, and player performance, you can give yourself the best chance to win. Remember, fantasy football is a marathon, not a sprint, so stay patient, trust your research, and don't be afraid to make tough calls. Good luck, guys, and may your fantasy teams prosper!

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