Fantasy football Week 5: Start and sit

Here’s a look back at Week 4’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 4 RECAP

Cowboys 20, Giants 15: Rookie receiver Malik Nabers hauled in 12 receptions against Dallas to give him 35 in his first four NFL games. The only player with more receptions in their first four games is the Rams’ Puka Nacua, who had 39 in his rookie season last year.

Falcons 26, Saints 24: According to Pro Football Focus, Tyler Allgeier has a higher first-down rate, more yards per carry, more yards after contact per carry, a higher avoided tackle rate and more carries of 10 or more yards despite having fewer attempts than Bijan Robinson.

Bears 24, Rams 18: DJ Moore’s 9-yard touchdown reception from Caleb Williams in the third quarter made him the first player to catch a TD pass from three different No. 1 overall draft picks. Moore has also caught touchdowns from Baker Mayfield and Cam Newton.

Vikings 31, Packers 29: It’s been clear Tucker Kraft supplanted Luke Musgrave as Green Bay’s starting tight end since the opener in Brazil against the Eagles. Kraft had his best game of the season in Jordan Love’s return against Minnesota, catching six balls for 53 yards and a TD on a robust nine targets. He finished as the overall TE1 in PPR and TE3 in standard last week (only Taysom Hill and Pat Freiermuth topped him in standard). Kraft has top-10 upside going forward with a healthy Love under center.

Colts 27, Steelers 24: You can’t say I didn’t warn you. Justin Fields finished as the QB1 across most fantasy formats, throwing for 312 yards, running for 55 yards and scoring three TDs at Indianapolis.

Broncos 10, Jets 9: Denver is the fourth-highest scoring defense in fantasy through four weeks, scoring double-digit points in three of four games. The Broncos are only allowing 13.8 points per game and rank second in NFL with 16 sacks (only the Vikings have more).

Buccaneers 33, Eagles 16: The last time Rachaad White’s snap percentage dipped below 60% was his rookie season in 2022 when he split the backfield with Leonard Fournette. White played 58% of Tampa Bay’s offensive snaps against Philadelphia, and finished tied with rookie Bucky Irving in carries (10) and yards (49), but Irving ended up with a TD.

Bengals 34, Panthers 24: I anticipated dynamic rookie receiver Xavier Legette seeing an increased role with Adam Thielen (hamstring) sidelined, and I wasn’t disappointed. Legette had six receptions (10 targets) for 66 yards and a TD, and tossed in two carries for an additional 10 yards for good measure.

Texans 24, Jaguars 20: Gabe Davis has three-or-fewer receptions in every game this season and his yardage has decreased every week. He’s a boom-or-bust option at best on a weekly basis and potentially Trevor Lawrence’s fourth option once Evan Engram is healthy.

Commanders 42, Cardinals 14: Washington rookie Jayden Daniels became only the second QB to complete at least 80% of his passes over a four-game span. The other was Peyton Manning in 2008.

49ers 30, Patriots 13: Rhamondre Stevenson has fumbled in four straight games, with the defense recovering in each of the last two games. Stevenson’s the only New England player I had any real hopes for this season in fantasy.

Raiders 20, Browns 16: Davante Adams was sidelined with a hamstring injury, Michael Mayer missed the game due to a personal matter and Brock Bowers finished with two receptions for 19 yards on only three targets. Very disappointing. After receiving at least eight targets in each of his first two games, Bowers only has seven total the last two weeks.

Chiefs 17, Chargers 10: Kareem Hunt took control of Kansas City’s backfield after Carson Steele lost his second fumble in three games. The veteran produced 85 total yards on 16 touches (two receptions) in the divisional matchup at L.A. The quickest way into Andy Reid’s doghouse is ball security issues. K.C. will have to lean on its running backs more with Rashee Rice possibly done for the season. Hunt’s experience and versatility makes him a priority waiver addition this week if he’s available in your league.

Ravens 35, Bills 10: Mark Andrews has two-or-fewer targets in three of four games, including a single target in each of the last two games. Andrews looks healthy, so maybe he’s just not an essential part of the offense anymore. Zay Flowers replaced him last season as Lamar Jackson’s top target and Isaiah Likely is pushing him for reps/targets at tight end. This is starting to feel like the new normal, not a slump.

Titans 31, Dolphins 12: De’Von Achane averaged a ridiculous 7.8 yards per carry last season as a rookie, on his way to 800 rushing yards and 11 total TDs. Achane finished with only 15 yards on 10 carries against Tennessee last week and is averaging a disappointing 3.1 yards per carry this season.

Lions 42, Seahawks 29: Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown became the seventh duo in NFL history to throw and catch a TD from each other in the same game. The last duo to do it was Blake Bortles and Marqise Lee in 2016 for the Jaguars against the Titans. The only duo to do it twice was Eddie Kaw and Benny Boynton of the Buffalo Bisons in 1924 against the Kenosha Maroons and Rochester Jeffersons.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Here are my best bets for Week 5:

TAMPA BAY AT ATLANTA

Obvious starters: Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL).

Who to start: Rachaad White (TB) maintains flex appeal as the overall RB38 in standard formats (RB32 in PPR) through four weeks. Only Jayden Daniels and Lamar Jackson has scored more fantasy points at QB than Baker Mayfield (TB) this season. Bucky Irving (TB) maintains flex appeal with at least 11 touches in two straight games and an increasing role in the Buccaneers’ offense. Cade Otton (TB) is the overall TE14 in standard formats (TE8 in PPR) since Week 3 — he’s had at least six receptions and eight targets in two straight games — and faces a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Kyle Pitts (ATL) is the overall TE12 in standard formats (TE16 in PPR) through four weeks despite laying a goose egg last week against the Saints. Darnell Mooney (ATL) deserves flex consideration with at least three receptions, 56 yards or a TD in three straight games.

Who to sit: Kirk Cousins (ATL) is the overall QB25 through four weeks with only four TD passes against four interceptions. There are better streaming options than the Falcons D/ST or Buccaneers D/ST this week.

Sleeper: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) faces a defense allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to running backs and has double-digit touches in two of the last three games.

N.Y. JETS VS. MINNESOTA AT LONDON

Obvious starters: Breece Hall (NYJ), Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Jets D/ST, Justin Jefferson (MIN), Aaron Jones (MIN).

Who to start: Allen Lazard (NYJ) has at least five receptions, 58 yards or a TD in three of four games. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends, including a TD to the position in two of the last three games. Sam Darnold (MIN) is the overall QB4 with 932 yards and 11 TD passes against only three interceptions through four weeks. The Vikings D/ST is the top-scoring defense in fantasy through four weeks, averaging 14 points per game.

Who to sit: Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) is the overall QB18 through four weeks and has been limited in practice this week with a knee ailment. Braelon Allen (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Jordan Addison (MIN) is TD-dependent against an elite secondary with exactly four targets in both games he’s played this season. Ty Chandler (MIN) is TD-dependent with only 11 touches for 26 yards the last two games.

Sleeper: Targets to Mike Williams (NYJ) have gone up each week and he faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

CAROLINA AT CHICAGO

Obvious starters: Diontae Johnson (CAR), Chuba Hubbard (CAR), DJ Moore (CHI), D’Andre Swift (CHI).

Who to start: Keenan Allen (CHI) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed six TD receptions to wide receivers in four games. Cole Kmet (CHI) is the overall TE5 in standard formats (TE4 in PPR) through four weeks. Caleb Williams (CHI) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in every game this season. The Bears D/ST is the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy through four weeks

Who to sit: Xavier Legette (CAR) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Miles Sanders (CAR) remains TD-dependent with nine-or-fewer touches in three of four games. Andy Dalton (CAR) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Rome Odunze (CHI) is TD-dependent with five-or-fewer targets in three of four games.

Sleeper: Roschon Johnson (CHI) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs and is the overall RB32 in standard formats (RB36 in PPR) since Week 3.

BALTIMORE AT CINCINNATI

Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN).

Who to start: Justice Hill (BAL) maintains flex appeal as the overall RB32 in standard formats (RB27 in PPR) through four weeks. Zack Moss (CIN) maintains RB2/flex upside, despite the difficult matchup, as the overall RB19 in standard formats (RB18 in PPR) through four weeks.

Who to sit: Mark Andrews (BAL) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Isaiah Likely (BAL) is a boom-or-bust option with only six targets in the last three games. I’m fading the Ravens D/ST on the road against Burrow. Chase Brown (CIN) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Andrei Iosivas (CIN) remains a boom-or-bust option with Higgins healthy after receiving only one target against the Panthers last week.

Sleeper: Mike Gesicki (CIN) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to tight ends.

MIAMI AT NEW ENGLAND

Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA), De’Von Achane (MIA), Rhamondre Stevenson (NE).

Who to start: Jaylen Waddle (MIA) maintains flex appeal in most PPR formats (at least four receptions in every game) despite the sad state of affairs of the Dolphins’ offense. Antonio Gibson (NE) is the overall RB32 in PPR formats since Week 2 and faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs.

Who to sit: Raheem Mostert (MIA) would be TD-dependent if he’s active (chest). Tyler Huntley (MIA) only has value in deeper Superflex formats (same can be said for any Dolphins QB not named Tua). Hunter Henry (NE) is TD-dependent with exactly three targets in three of four games this season. DeMario Douglas (NE) and Ja’Lynn Polk (NE) face a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Sleeper(s): The Dolphins D/ST faces an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. The Patriots D/ST faces an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

CLEVELAND AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: Amari Cooper (CLE), Jerome Ford (CLE), Jayden Daniels (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS).

Who to start: Jerry Jeudy (CLE) is the overall WR38 in standard formats (WR32 in PPR) through four weeks and faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers. Brian Robinson (WAS) is an obvious starter if he’s active (knee). Austin Ekeler (WAS) maintains flex appeal if he’s active (concussion), with RB1 upside if Robinson is out. Zach Ertz (WAS) is the overall TE11 in standard formats (TE9 in PPR) through four weeks. The Commanders D/ST deserve streaming consideration at home against an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Browns D/ST on the road against Daniels. David Njoku (CLE) would be TD-dependent if he’s active (ankle) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper(s): Deshaun Watson (CLE) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks (10 TD passes in four games). Jeremy McNichols (WAS) would likely see double-digit touches if Robinson and Ekeler are out.

INDIANAPOLIS AT JACKSONVILLE

Obvious starters: Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Travis Etienne (JAC).

Who to start: Jonathan Taylor (IND) is an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). Anthony Richardson (IND) would deserve streaming consideration if he’s active (oblique) against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, although I don’t blame you if durability concerns keep Richardson on your bench. Josh Downs (IND) is averaging seven targets per game and faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Evan Engram (JAC) is an obvious starter if he’s active (hamstring). Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC) is the overall WR15 in standard formats (WR14 in PPR) through four weeks. Christian Kirk (JAC) maintains WR3/flex upside with 15 receptions on 22 targets the last two games. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Who to sit: Alec Pierce (IND) remains a boom-or-bust option despite the premium matchup with three-or-fewer targets in three of four games. Trey Sermon (IND) would have RB2/flex upside if Taylor is out. Gabe Davis (JAC) remains a boom-or-bust option if he’s active (shoulder). Brenton Strange (JAC) only deserves streaming consideration if Engram remains out. Tank Bigsby (JAC) remains TD-dependent if he’s active (shoulder) until his usage increases.

Sleeper: Joe Flacco (IND) would be a premium streaming option if Richardson remains sidelined against a defense that has allowed six TD passes in the last two games.

BUFFALO AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Dalton Kincaid (BUF), Nico Collins (HOU), Stefon Diggs (HOU), CJ Stroud (HOU).

Who to start: Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (ankle) as the overall WR22 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR) through four weeks. Joe Mixon (HOU) is an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle).

Who to sit: Keon Coleman (BUF) remains a boom-or-bust option with only six targets in the last three games. I’m fading the Bills D/ST on the road against Stroud. Curtis Samuel (BUF) remains a boom-or-bust option with only nine targets in four games. I’m fading Tank Dell (HOU) if he’s active (chest) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Dalton Schultz (HOU) remains TD-dependent with an average of only four targets per game.

Sleeper: Cam Akers (HOU) maintains RB2/flex upside if Mixon is out against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs.

LAS VEGAS AT DENVER

Obvious starters: Brock Bowers (LV).

Who to start: Jakobi Meyers (LV) maintains flex appeal with 19 targets the last two games despite a difficult matchup. The Raiders D/ST are a sneaky streaming option against a rookie QB, even if Maxx Crosby remains out (ankle). Javonte Williams (DEN) has at least 16 touches in two of the last three games and faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs. Courtland Sutton (DEN) has at least nine targets in three of four games this season. The Broncos D/ST has a home game against an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing offenses.

Who to sit: Davante Adams (LV) looks like he will miss another game (hamstring/possible trade). Zamir White (LV) is TD-dependent if he’s active (groin). I’m fading Tre Tucker (LV) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) remains TD-dependent as the overall RB55 in standard formats (RB50 in PPR) through four weeks.

Sleeper: Alexander Mattison (LV) is the overall RB28 in standard formats (RB29 in PPR) through four weeks and has earned a bigger role in the Raiders’ offense with White struggling.

ARIZONA AT SAN FRANCISCO

Obvious starters: Kyler Murray (ARI), Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI), Trey McBride (ARI), James Conner (ARI), George Kittle (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), Jordan Mason (SF), 49ers D/ST.

Who to start: Brandon Aiyuk (SF) has been demoted from obvious starter, but he’s still received at least five targets in every game for a high-powered offense and could erupt at any moment. Jauan Jennings (SF) still led the Niners in receiving yards (88) against the Patriots last week with a healthy Kittle and Samuel in the lineup.

Who to sit: I’m fading Michael Wilson (ARI) and Greg Dortch (ARI) with a difficult matchup on the road and McBride healthy.

Sleeper: Brock Purdy (SF) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

GREEN BAY AT L.A. RAMS

Obvious starters: Jordan Love (GB), Josh Jacobs (GB), Jayden Reed (GB), Kyren Williams (LAR).

Who to start: Tucker Kraft (GB) is the overall TE9 in standard formats (TE11 in PPR) through four weeks and faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Dontayvion Wicks (GB) is the overall WR19 in standard formats (WR29 in PPR) since Week 2. The Packers D/ST has forced three turnovers in every game this season, and has already produced more interceptions (eight) than they did during the entirety of last season. Colby Parkinson (LAR) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends, including a TD to the position in two straight games. Tutu Atwell (LAR) has flex appeal with four receptions and at least 82 yards in two straight games against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Who to sit: Christian Watson (GB) is doubtful with an ankle injury. It’s hard to trust Matthew Stafford (LAR) anywhere outside of Superflex formats despite the positive matchup. Demarcus Robinson (LAR) remains TD-dependent if he’s active (hip).

Sleeper: Romeo Doubs (GB) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers if he’s active (personal reasons).

N.Y. GIANTS AT SEATTLE

Obvious starters: DK Metcalf (SEA), Kenneth Walker (SEA).

Who to start: Malik Nabers (NYG) is an obvious starter if he’s active (concussion), but it’s not looking good. Devin Singletary (NYG) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB23 in standard formats (RB24 in PPR) if he’s active (groin). Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) is the overall WR20 in PPR formats (WR38 in standard) through four weeks and would likely get a boost in target share if Nabers is out. Geno Smith (SEA) is the overall QB8 through four weeks and faces a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in three of four games. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) is the overall WR18 in PPR formats (WR39 in standard) since Week 2. Tyler Lockett (SEA) maintains flex upside if he’s active (thigh) with at least seven targets in three of four games. The Seahawks D/ST is a solid streaming option at home against an offense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: I’m fading Daniel Jones (NYG) on the road and potentially without two of his top offensive weapons. Darius Slayton (NYG) would see more targets if Nabers is out, but he still remains a boom-or-bust option. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) only has value in deeper PPR leagues with Walker healthy. Noah Fant (SEA) remains TD-dependent if he’s active (toe).

Sleeper: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) would have flex appeal if Singletary is sidelined with a groin injury.

DALLAS AT PITTSBURGH

Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Dak Prescott (DAL), Jake Ferguson (DAL), Justin Fields (PIT), George Pickens (PIT), Steelers D/ST.

Who to start: Najee Harris (PIT) has at least 16 touches in every game this season and faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Cowboys D/ST on the road without Micah Parsons (ankle) and Demarcus Lawrence (foot). Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) and Rico Dowdle (DAL) face a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m fading Pat Freiermuth (PIT) against a defense that has only allowed four receptions for 41 yards to tight ends in the last three games. Jaylen Warren (PIT) — knee — and Cordarrelle Patterson (PIT) — ankle — are both dealing with injuries that have kept them from practicing this week.

Sleeper: If you’re desperate, Jalen Tolbert (DAL) will likely see an increased role in the Cowboy’s pass attack with Brandin Cooks out (knee infection).

NEW ORLEANS AT KANSAS CITY

Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC).

Who to start: Rashid Shaheed (NO) received double-digit targets for the first time in his career last week against the Falcons and is the overall WR18 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) through four weeks. Xavier Worthy (KC) is the overall WR19 in standard formats (WR31 in PPR) through four weeks, and should see more targets with Rashee Rice out. Kareem Hunt (KC) has flex appeal if he’s active (shoulder) as the Chiefs’ de facto top running back.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Saints D/ST on the road against Mahomes. Derek Carr (NO) has cooled off significantly since his blazing hot start to begin the season. Taysom Hill (NO) missed Thursday’s practice with rib fractures. The Chiefs D/ST are a borderline streaming option at home, but you should have better options available to you this week. Carson Steele (KC) and Samaje Perine (KC) are TD-dependent if Hunt is active.

Sleeper(s): Juwan Johnson (NO) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (forearm) against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends, especially if Hill is out. JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) was actually the Chiefs leading wide receiver in 2022 with 78 receptions for 933 yards and three TDs — Mahomes trusts him and he could see an increased role with Rice out.