Now, the fun begins. Now, we see how Fantasy managers can truly manage their rosters. Are you ready?
We have four teams on a bye in Week 5 with Philadelphia, Detroit, Tennessee and the Chargers all off. That's a lot of star power missing from Fantasy rosters.
Add in the injuries, which we know have been brutal, and it makes it even more challenging to set your lineups for this week. But don't worry, we have you covered.
The good news is players have emerged as starting options over the past few weeks, from Sam Darnold to Chuba Hubbard to Wan'Dale Robinson to Tucker Kraft -- and many more. And these players will hopefully continue to be helpful in Week 5 and beyond.
So let's see which players can fill those holes in your lineup due to injuries and the bye. Let's manage your roster to a win.
Start of the Week
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It's been a choppy start to the season for Brock Purdy so far. He lost Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) until November, dealt with a hold in from Brandon Aiyuk, and Deebo Samuel and George Kittle already missed a game at the same time due to injury. Ironically, in the Week 3 game when Samuel and Kittle were out at the Rams, Purdy had his best game of the season with 31.8 Fantasy points thanks to a heroic performance from Jauan Jennings. Things will hopefully start to look normal for Purdy from this point forward, and I expect him to have a big game against the Cardinals in Week 5. Arizona is No. 7 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, and Josh Allen in Week 1 and Jayden Daniels in Week 2 each scored at least 26 Fantasy points against this defense. Purdy has a great history against the Cardinals with at least 23.3 Fantasy points in each of his three meetings with Arizona, and he's averaging 27.6 Fantasy points over that span. I like Purdy as a top-10 Fantasy quarterback in Week 5, and he has top-five upside in this matchup at home.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Quarterbacks
QBs to Start
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Love got off to a slow start in Week 4 against Minnesota in his first game back from a two-game absence with a knee injury, but he finished strong with 389 passing yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions for 36.2 Fantasy points. He should stay hot this week at the Rams, who are No. 4 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. Kyler Murray and Brock Purdy each had more than 31 Fantasy points against the Rams, and Love has the chance to be in that range also in Week 5.
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Mayfield has scored more than 20 Fantasy points in three of four games this season, including two outings with more than 32 points. He scored 24.1 Fantasy points at Atlanta in Week 14 last year and averaged 21.2 points against the Falcons in 2023. Two quarterbacks have already topped 20 Fantasy points against Atlanta this season, and Mayfield should make it three on Thursday night.
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DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) is out in Week 5, and Micah Parsons (ankle) could also miss this game for the Cowboys. That's great news for Fields, who is coming off his best outing of the season in Week 4 at Indianapolis with 33.9 Fantasy points, and he also scored 20.4 points against the Chargers in Week 3. He topped 30 pass attempts in both of those outings, and I hope the Steelers continue to allow him to make plays. And he has three rushing touchdowns in his past two games. I'll buy into Fields as a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback in Week 5, especially if Parsons is out for Dallas. And Derek Carr and Lamar Jackson have already scored at least 25 Fantasy points against the Cowboys, with each of those quarterbacks rushing for a touchdown against Dallas.
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Smith has yet to throw multiple touchdowns in a game this season, but he's scored at least 19.8 Fantasy points in three of four outings. And he just had his best game of the season in Week 4 at Detroit with 23.6 Fantasy points. Now, he threw 56 passes in that game, and it would be a surprise if he had that many attempts against the Giants. But Smith has attempted at least 34 passes in three games in a row. The past two quarterbacks against the Giants, Deshaun Watson and Dak Prescott, have scored at least 20.5 Fantasy points, and Smith should also be in that range this week.
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Darnold comes into Week 5 having scored at least 23.9 Fantasy points in three games in a row against the 49ers, Texans and Packers, and now he faces another tough test against the Jets in London. It's another revenge game for Darnold in a difficult matchup since the Jets are No. 2 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. But the Jets have faced Brock Purdy, Will Levis, Jacoby Brissett and Bo Nix to open the season, and I'm not benching Darnold while he's this hot. I still consider Darnold a No. 1 quarterback in all leagues in Week 5.
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Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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Lawrence hasn't been a good Fantasy quarterback this season, but this week he has a great matchup against Indianapolis. Lawrence just had his best game of the season in Week 4 at Houston with 18.7 Fantasy points, but he scored 13.3 Fantasy points or less in each of his first three games. This week, he's facing a Colts defense that is No. 3 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. Malik Willis is the lone quarterback who failed to score at least 21.3 Fantasy points against Indianapolis in four games. And Lawrence has scored at least 21.7 Fantasy points in four of his past five meetings with the Colts.
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The Commanders are No. 1 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, and hopefully Watson can take advantage of this matchup. He's scored 15.4 Fantasy points or less in three of four games this season, including just 14.2 points at Las Vegas in Week 4. But he has the chance for a quality performance in Week 5 at Washington, and the Commanders are allowing 25.8 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this year. If the Browns can protect Watson this week -- which is hard to do since he's been sacked 19 times -- then he could be a useful starter in all one-quarterback leagues.
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It's tough for Fantasy managers to trust Williams since he's scored 13.5 points or less in three of four games, but this is a favorable matchup against the Panthers. Carolina is No. 5 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, and three teams have scored at least 20.3 points against this defense. I would only start Williams in deep, one-quarterback leagues in Week 5, but given the matchup, he could surprise us with a top-10 performance at home.
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QBs to Sit
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Mahomes has scored more than 20 Fantasy points just once in his past nine regular-season games. And you have to go back to Week 7 of last season for the last time when he topped 25 Fantasy points. He's now down Rashee Rice (knee), who has been his best receiver all year, and it's hard to recommend starting Mahomes in one-quarterback leagues. We know he's capable of magical moments, but he's clearly more concerned about wins than padding his stats. And the Saints haven't allowed a quarterback to score more than 15.2 Fantasy points this season, including matchups with Dak Prescott in Week 2 and Jalen Hurts in Week 3.
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Prescott has looked more like himself the past two games against the Ravens and Giants, and he's averaging 27.3 Fantasy points over that span. Prior to that in matchups against Cleveland and New Orleans, Prescott averaged 14.2 Fantasy points in those outings. This week, I expect Prescott to be closer to that level of production. No quarterback has scored more than 19 Fantasy points against the Steelers this season. And Prescott is averaging 19.2 Fantasy points per game in his past five outings on the road.
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Dalton is off to a great start in his first two outings with the Panthers. He scored 19.7 Fantasy points in Week 4 against Cincinnati after he had 30.6 points in his season debut against the Raiders in Week 3, and that's probably a good idea of what he can do for his ceiling and his floor. But he has a tough matchup in Week 5 at Chicago, and I would only start Dalton in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues. The Bears are No. 1 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, and only one quarterback has topped 10 Fantasy points against Chicago, including matchups with C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson.
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Carr topped 25 Fantasy points in each of his first two games against Carolina and Dallas, but he's been under 10 points in each of his past two outings against Philadelphia and Atlanta. This week, Carr will likely struggle again at Kansas City, and the Chiefs are allowing an average of just 18.7 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, including Kirk Cousins and Justin Herbert each scoring fewer than 14 points in the past two games. Carr is only worth starting in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues in Week 5.
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Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
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Murray scored 34.5 Fantasy points against the Rams in Week 2, but he's been under 17 points in his three other games against Buffalo, Detroit and Washington, with the latter two great matchups. Murray also has a mediocre history against the 49ers. In his past four games against San Francisco, Murray has scored fewer than 16 Fantasy points in three of those outings. The 49ers haven't faced a lot of top-tier talent at quarterback with matchups against the Jets, Vikings, Rams and Patriots, but Sam Darnold is the only one with more than 19 Fantasy points and 221 passing yards. If you can, sit Murray in one-quarterback leagues in Week 5.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Running Backs
RBs to Start
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Hubbard delivered as the Start of the Week in Week 4 against the Bengals with 18 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown and four catches for 17 yards on four targets. He's now scored at least 22.1 PPR points in each of the past two games started by Andy Dalton, and Hubbard got good news this week that the Panthers aren't ready to make Jonathon Brooks (knee) active. The matchup against the Bears isn't scary since Chicago is No. 10 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and Hubbard once again has top-10 upside in all leagues in Week 5.
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I was wrong about Swift in Week 4 against the Rams, and he was dominant with his best game of the season by far. He had 16 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown and seven catches for 72 yards on seven targets for 29.5 PPR points. To put that in perspective, Swift had 19.4 PPR points combined in his first three games. I'm hopeful this is the caliber of play we'll get from Swift moving forward, and he has a great matchup in Week 5 against Carolina for an encore performance. The Panthers are No. 3 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and six running backs have scored at least 12.1 PPR points against Carolina this year. Swift is worth trusting as a No. 2 running back in all leagues.
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Singletary was a huge dud in Week 4 against Dallas with 14 carries for 24 yards and one catch for 14 yards on one target. He scored just 4.8 PPR points, which snapped a two-game streak of him scoring at least 14.5 PPR points. I expect him to get back on track in this matchup with Seattle. The Seahawks are beat up defensively with linebackers Uchenna Nwosu (knee) and Boye Mafe (knee) and defensive linemen Byron Murphy II (hamstring) and Leonard Williams (ribs) missing Week 4 at Detroit, and safety Julian Love (thigh) injured against the Lions. Three running backs this season have scored at least 15 PPR points against Seattle, and Singletary is worth trusting as a No. 2 running back in all leagues.
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We'll see what happens with Jaylen Warren (knee) and Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) this week, but if both are out, then Harris should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy running back in all leagues. He's been disappointing this season with no touchdowns, and he's averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. But in the past two games with injuries to Warren and Patterson, Harris has come alive as a receiver with eight catches for 70 yards on 11 targets. The Cowboys have allowed three running backs to score at least 18.9 PPR points this season, and hopefully, this can be Harris' best game of the year.
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Ford's time is running out as the starting running back for the Browns, with Nick Chubb (knee) close to making his 2024 debut. Ford will remain the lead running back in Week 5, and he has a great matchup against the Commanders, who are No. 11 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Washington has allowed one running back each week to score at least 16.5 PPR points, and I'm hopeful Ford can keep that streak alive. It helps that Ford has also scored at least 15.5 PPR points in two of four games this year.
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Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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We're waiting to see what the Chiefs will do with their backfield in Week 5, and it could be messy if Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) is activated off the NFI list. Carson Steele and Samaje Perine are also in the mix, although Steele's role could be reduced after he fumbled in Week 4 against the Chargers. That miscue likely opened the door for Hunt, and he should be the lead running back for the Chiefs against the Saints no matter what happens with Edwards-Helaire. Hunt played well against the Chargers with 14 carries for 69 yards and two catches for 16 yards on three targets, and he's worth using as at least a flex against the Saints in the majority of leagues.
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Williams has yet to score a touchdown, but he's coming off one of his better games of the season in Week 4 at the Jets with 16 carries for 77 yards and two catches for 3 yards on three targets. He's now scored at least 10 PPR points in two of his past three games, and Week 5 could be his breakout performance against the Raiders. Las Vegas is No. 8 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and five running backs have scored at least 11 PPR points against the Raiders this year. Williams should be considered at least a flex in the majority of leagues in Week 5.
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Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said Monday that Mattison has earned more work and that he's "going to get it." Zamir White has struggled, and Mattison just averaged 12 yards per carry in Week 4 against Cleveland. He also scored a touchdown in each of the first three games and scored at least 13.4 PPR points in two of those outings. Mattison could be a flex in all leagues if he becomes the starter in Week 5, and the Broncos have allowed three running backs this season to score at least 11.5 PPR points.
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I still like Rhamondre Stevenson as the best running back for the Patriots, but Jerod Mayo might decide to give Gibson more work in Week 5 against the Dolphins. On Wednesday, Mayo said it is "definitely under consideration" that Gibson starts over Stevenson, who has fumbled in each of the first four games. For the second time in three games, Gibson scored at least 10.9 PPR points in Week 4, and he might be worth using as a flex option against the Dolphins. Miami is No. 5 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and a running back has scored at least 13.9 PPR points against the Dolphins in every game this season.
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Josh Jacobs should have the chance for a huge game in Week 5 at the Rams, but everyone knows to start him. I like Wilson as a flex, and the Rams have allowed four running backs this season to score at least 16.3 PPR points, with five different running backs scoring touchdowns. Wilson didn't do much in Week 4 against Minnesota, with eight carries for 27 yards and no catches on one target, but it's clear he has an established role in tandem with Jacobs. And if that continues, especially in Week 5, Wilson could be a spot-starter for Fantasy managers in deeper leagues.
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RBs to Sit
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White is still playing more snaps than Bucky Irving, but the rookie might be on the verge of taking over the starting job in Tampa Bay. White actually had a good outing in Week 4 against Philadelphia with 10 carries for 49 yards and two catches for 35 yards on three targets, but his role in the passing game has shrunk. He only has eight catches in his past three games on 10 targets, and Irving had 10 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles with one catch for 6 yards on two targets. I would only use White and Irving as flex options this week against the Falcons, who are No. 9 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Alvin Kamara, in Week 4 is the lone running back to score a touchdown against Atlanta this year.
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Dowdle is coming off his best game of the season in Week 4 at the Giants with 13.1 PPR points, and he should be rostered in all leagues in case he's ready to take over the Dallas backfield completely. But that doesn't mean you need to start him in Week 5 at Pittsburgh. The Steelers are No. 2 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and Pittsburgh has allowed just one touchdown to a running back this season. Dowdle is just a flex at best in Week 5 in the majority of leagues.
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White is on the verge of losing his job, and there's no reason to start him in the majority of Fantasy leagues in Week 5. He's scored 6.8 PPR points or less in every game this season, he hasn't scored a touchdown, and he hasn't caught a pass in the past two games. It's time for the Raiders to turn to Alexander Mattison, who is worth using as a flex against the Broncos. White should be kept on your bench, or you might consider cutting him if you need a roster spot.
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Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
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Moss has been great so far this season, and he's scored at least 14.1 PPR points in three of four games, including two in a row. But in Week 4 at Carolina, Chase Brown emerged as a legitimate threat to Moss' job, and it's a situation to monitor heading into Week 5 against Baltimore. Brown played a season-high 40 percent of the snaps against the Panthers, and he finished with 23.2 PPR points with 17 total touches (two catches), which was just two shy of Moss. In Week 5, both Bengals are flex options against the Ravens, who are No. 3 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Isiah Pacheco, in Week 1, is the lone running back with more than nine PPR points against Baltimore this year.
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Who should you start and sit this week? And which surprising running back could lead you to victory? Visit SportsLine now to get Week 5 Fantasy projections for every position, plus see which RB comes out of nowhere to crack the top five, all from the model that has outperformed experts big-time.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Wide Receivers
WRs to Start
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I'm starting a pair of Packers this week with Reed and Dontayvion Wicks, and both should have the chance for a big game with Christian Watson (ankle) out. Reed has played two games with Jordan Love this season, and he scored at least 27.1 PPR points in both. And Wicks just had five catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns on 13 targets in Week 4 against Minnesota in the game where Watson was injured. The Rams are No. 9 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, and Reed has top-10 upside in Week 5, while Wicks a high-end No. 3 receiver in all formats.
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I'm starting a pair of 49ers this week with Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, and this should be the first time where both of San Francisco's top receivers go off. Samuel scored at least 18 PPR points in his first two games of the season before missing Week 3 with a calf injury. He returned in Week 4 and scored just 10.2 PPR points against New England, but I'm expecting him to get back to his dominant ways in Week 5. He has scored at least 21 PPR points in two of his past four meetings with the Cardinals. Aiyuk has scored at least 16 PPR points in three of his past five games with Arizona, and hopefully this matchup gets him going. Aiyuk has yet to score even 10 PPR points in any game this year. Both 49ers receivers have top-20 upside this week.
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I'm starting a pair of Jaguars receivers this week with Thomas and Christian Kirk, and I love the matchup for both against the Colts, who are No. 7 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers. Thomas is coming off a huge game in Week 4 at Houston with 21.9 PPR points, and this is the second time in four outings where he's scored at least 14.7 PPR points. And Kirk is rolling now with at least 15.9 PPR points in each of his past two games, including 22 targets over that span. Kirk has scored four touchdowns in his past three games against the Colts, who have already allowed five receivers to score at least 15.2 PPR points this year.
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I'm starting a pair of Browns receivers this week with Cooper and Jerry Jeudy, and I love the matchup for both of them against the Commanders, who are No. 1 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers. Cooper only has one game this season with more than 7.5 PPR points, but it was the last time he was in Cleveland in Week 3 against the Giants when he scored 27.6 PPR points. Jeudy just had six catches for 72 yards on nine targets at the Raiders in Week 4, and he's now scored at least 11.5 PPR points in three of four games this season. Six receivers have scored at least 15.5 PPR points against Washington this season, and Cooper should be considered a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver in all leagues, with Jeudy a high-end No. 3 option.
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Higgins got on track in Week 4 at Carolina with six catches for 60 yards on 10 targets, and 12 PPR points will hopefully be his floor moving forward. He has a great history against the Ravens with two games of at least 28 PPR points in his past four meetings, and Baltimore has already allowed five receivers to score at least 13.2 PPR points this season. Ja'Marr Chase and Higgins should both have dominant performances in this matchup, which is projected to be the highest-scoring game of the week at 50.5 points.
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Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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Keep an eye on Malik Nabers (concussion), and hopefully he will play in Week 5. If Nabers is out then Robinson might be looking at double digits in targets once again. Robinson just had 11 catches for 71 yards on 14 targets in Week 4 against Dallas, and that's his third game this season with at least eight targets and six catches. He's also scored at least 13.1 PPR points in each of his past two games and has just one game this season below 11.8 PPR points. Robinson should be considered a No. 3 PPR receiver for Week 5 at Seattle, and the Seahawks defense is dealing with several key injuries heading into this game.
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Sutton has at least nine targets in three of four games this season, and he scored at least 13.8 PPR points in each of his past two games against Tampa Bay and the Jets. He should be considered a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues in a plus matchup against Las Vegas in Week 5. The Raiders have already allowed five receivers to score at least 13 PPR points, and Sutton has scored at least 13 PPR points in three of his past four games against Las Vegas.
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Keep an eye on Shakir's ankle since he missed practice Wednesday, but as long as he's active he should be considered a high-end No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues. Shakir has scored at least 13.2 PPR points in two of four games this season, and the Texans are No. 10 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers. In four games, six receivers have already scored at least 12.4 PPR points against this Houston defense.
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I like Whittington and Tutu Atwell as No. 3 Fantasy receivers this week against the Packers. Whittington just had six catches for 62 yards on eight targets at Chicago in Week 4, and Atwell has consecutive games with at least 12.2 PPR points with eight catches for 175 yards on 11 targets over that span. I like Whittington better than Atwell in PPR, but both should be productive this week against the Packers, who have allowed six receivers to score at least 15.4 PPR points in four games this season.
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It's worth taking the chance on Worthy as at least a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues now that Rashee Rice (knee) is hurt. Worthy has yet to eclipse four targets in any game this year, but that's about to change. And despite the low volume, Worthy still has two games this season with at least 16.3 PPR points. He doesn't have an easy matchup in Week 5 against the Saints, but the past three No. 1 receivers against New Orleans (CeeDee Lamb, DeVonta Smith and Drake London) have all scored at least 12.4 PPR points. I'm hopeful Worthy can do better than that as the new top receiver for Patrick Mahomes in Week 5.
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WRs to Sit
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D.J. Moore is the only Bears receiver to trust in Week 5 against Carolina, and he gets a revenge game against his former team. Allen has to show he can co-exist in this crowded receiving corps for the Bears and connect with Caleb Williams consistently. The two have played just two games together this season, but Allen only has seven catches for 48 yards and no touchdowns on 14 targets. I'm hopeful better days are ahead for Allen, but he's just a low-end No. 3 Fantasy receiver in most leagues for Week 5.
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Addison returned from a two-game absence with an ankle injury with a bang in Week 4 at Green Bay with 22.9 PPR points. He scored two touchdowns, one on the ground, but he only had four targets and three catches for 72 yards. I'm hopeful we'll get more volume for Addison moving forward, but this is a tough matchup to trust him against the Jets. They are No. 7 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, and while Justin Jefferson remains a must-start option in all leagues, Addison should only be started in three-receiver formats in Week 5.
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Meyers is the No. 1 receiver for the Raiders again in Week 5 with Davante Adams (hamstring) not expected to play. That means Meyers will likely be facing Denver cornerback Patrick Surtain, who we are calling "The Eliminator." Through four games this season, Surtain has eliminated the opposing No. 1 receiver, holding DK Metcalf (three catches for 29 yards on four targets), George Pickens (two catches for 29 yards on four targets), Mike Evans (two catches for 17 yards on three targets) and Garrett Wilson (five catches for 41 yards on eight targets) to minimal production. Meyers is next, and he should only be used in a desperate situation in most leagues.
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Dell missed Week 4 with a rib injury, but he's expected to play in Week 5 against the Bills. He should only be considered a low-end No. 3 Fantasy receiver in the majority of leagues. Nico Collins is the best receiver for the Texans, and Stefon Diggs is playing at a high level. This is also a revenge game for Diggs, so expect him to be peppered with targets. Dell has struggled so far this season with 11.2 PPR points or less in his first three games before missing Week 4. He'll have to prove himself first before Fantasy managers can trust him again, and this is a tough matchup against the Bills, who are No. 2 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers.
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Bust Alert
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It's time to consider benching Hill in two-receiver leagues with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) sidelined. We're already benching Jaylen Waddle outright in the majority of leagues, and Waddle has scored 8.5 PPR points or less since Week 2 when Tagovailoa got hurt against the Bills. Hill has scored 8.2 PPR points or less over that same span, and it's tough to watch. Now, Hill needs one play to change his Fantasy fortune, as we're all aware. But trusting Tyler Huntley to help Hill make any plays is frustrating. I'm still starting Hill in all three-receiver leagues, but it's time to consider benching him in two-receiver formats, possibly until Tagovailoa returns in Week 8.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Tight End
TEs to Start
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Freiermuth scored his first touchdown of the season in Week 4 at the Colts with five catches for 57 yards on seven targets. He's scored at least 7.3 PPR points in three games in a row, and he has the potential to be a low-end starter in all leagues this week. Dallas hasn't allowed a tight end to score a touchdown this season, including matchups with David Njoku, Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, but the Cowboys pass rush could be without Micah Parsons (ankle) and DeMarcus Lawrence (foot). This could be a quality outing for Freiermuth in Week 5.
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Is Kraft entering must-start territory already? That would be the hope. He just had a huge game in Week 4 against Minnesota with six catches for 53 yards and a touchdown in nine targets, and hopefully that's a sign of things to come. He's been the top tight end for the Packers all season ahead of Luke Musgrave, and now Kraft is needed in Green Bay's offense with Christian Watson (ankle) out. Last season, Kraft had four games with at least six targets, and he scored at least 10 PPR points in three of them. I like Kraft as a No. 1 Fantasy tight end in Week 5 at the Rams, who are No. 10 in most Fantasy points allowed to the position.
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The Buccaneers will be without Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion) in Week 5 against Atlanta, which should allow Otton to be the No. 3 target behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Otton has 17 targets in his past two games against Denver and Philadelphia, and he has 13 catches over that span for 99 yards. He's scored at least 9.7 PPR points in each outing, and he scored a touchdown in his last meeting with the Falcons in 2023. I'm willing to trust Otton as a low-end starter in all leagues in Week 5.
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Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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Conklin is worth using as a low-end starter in Week 5 in a revenge game against the Vikings in London. He has 14 targets in his past two games against the Patriots and Broncos, and he has nine catches for 110 yards over that span. He should continue to be a factor for Aaron Rodgers this week, and Conklin has a favorable matchup in Week 5 at Minnesota. The Vikings have allowed two tight ends in the past three games to score at least 17.3 PPR points, and hopefully Conklin can find the end zone for the first time this year.
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The Ravens are No. 2 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends, and I hope All will continue to be a factor for the Bengals. I like him better than Mike Gesicki in Week 5, and All has four targets and four catches in each of his past three games against Kansas City, Washington and Carolina. Now, he's been at 32 receiving yards or less in each contest with no touchdowns, but this could be his best game of the year. Baltimore has allowed a tight end to catch at least five passes in three games in a row, and All could be on the verge of breaking out if Joe Burrow keeps looking in his direction.
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We'll see if Evan Engram (hamstring) can return in Week 5 against the Colts, but if he remains out then consider Strange a low-end starter in all leagues. Indianapolis has allowed a tight end to score at least 16.7 PPR points in each of the past two games against Cole Kmet and Pat Freiermuth, and Strange has scored at least 9.2 PPR points in two of three outings in place of Engram, including one touchdown over that span.
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TEs to Sit
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I thought Schultz would have played well in Week 4 against Jacksonville with Tank Dell (ribs) out, but Schultz managed just three catches for 34 yards on five targets. He's now scored 6.4 PPR points or less in four games in a row, and it's tough to trust him against the Bills with Dell expected to return. When all the Texans receivers are healthy, Schultz is only worth using in tight-end premium leagues.
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I'll reluctantly start Andrews again in Week 5 against the Bengals with the hope he starts getting more targets, but I'll sit Likely this week in the majority of leagues. He scored 26.1 PPR points in Week 1, but he's since combined for 9.6 PPR points in his other three games. I'm hopeful Andrews and Likely start playing better soon, but Andrews is still worth holding out hope for given his history.
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Henry scored 18.9 PPR points in Week 2 against Seattle, but he's combined for 9.9 PPR points in his other three games. Austin Hooper has as many targets as Henry in the past two weeks (six), and Hooper scored a touchdown in Week 4 at San Francisco. The Dolphins have yet to allow a tight end to score a touchdown, and Henry is only worth using in deeper leagues in this matchup.
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Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
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Pitts just had no catches on three targets in Week 4 against New Orleans, and that didn't bother coach Raheem Morris one bit. "It was just about going out there and winning the game," Morris said when asked about Pitts' zero-catch game. "Really, for me, man, stats are for losers, man. I don't get involved in that stuff." That's no fun, and it's hard to trust Pitts, who scored 11.6 PPR points in Week 1 but combined for 12.9 PPR points in his past three games. Tampa Bay has yet to allow a tight end to score a touchdown this year, and Pitts should be considered a low-end starter at best in the majority of leagues.
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START 'EM & SIT 'EM
DST
DST to Start
Vikings (vs. NYJ)
Aaron Rodgers (knee) said he's "feeling a little banged up" heading into this Week 5 game in London, and that doesn't bode well for him against this Minnesota pass rush. The Vikings have at least five sacks in three of the first four games and have generated eight turnovers and two fumbles while allowing fewer than 10 points in two contests. The Jets scored just nine points in Week 4 against Denver at home, and Rodgers was sacked five times in that game.
Sleepers
- Broncos (vs. LV)
- Packers (at LAR)
- Dolphins (at NE)
DST to Sit
Cowboys (at PIT)
The Cowboys DST will be tough to trust if Micah Parsons (ankle) is out alongside DeMarcus Lawrence (foot). And while the Steelers aren't the most explosive offense -- the 24 points they scored in Week 4 is a season high -- Pittsburgh has just three turnovers on the season and 10 sacks allowed. If Dallas was healthy then the Cowboys DST would be a solid starting option, but I would bench the Cowboys DST in Week 5 if Parson and Lawrence are out.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
KICKERS
Kicker to Start
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Myers started the season with at least 10 Fantasy points in each of his first two games against Denver and New England, but he combined for just 11 Fantasy points in his past two outings against Miami and Detroit. I expect him to get back on track in Week 5 at home against the Giants, who are among the league leaders with nine field goals made and 11 field goal attempts.
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Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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Kicker to Sit
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Prater had a big game in Week 2 against the Rams with 14 Fantasy points, but he scored nine points or less in three other games, including just two in Week 4 against Washington. The 49ers have allowed just seven field goals on the season, and only Will Reichard in Week 2 on the road has scored more than nine Fantasy points. You can safely avoid Prater in this matchup at San Francisco.
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