Week 5 Fantasy Football: Start/Sit Rankings for QB, RB, WR, TE

As Week 5 of Fantasy Football approaches, players must make critical start/sit decisions amidst international games and bye weeks. This guide provides essential rankings for quarterbacks (QB), running backs (RB), wide receivers (WR), and tight ends (TE) to help managers refine their lineups and maximize scoring opportunities.
Week 5 Fantasy Football: Start/Sit Rankings for QB, RB, WR, TE
Quarterback Rankings
When defining quarterback choices, players are categorized into tiers based on performance, matchup, and projected risk:
- Tier 1: Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) – Continues to dominate as the leading QB in fantasy.
- Tier 2:
- Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) – Showcases a revitalized passing attack.
- Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles) – Leads QBs in rushing, providing a strong weekly floor.
- Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) – Faces a challenging defensive line but remains a strong option.
- Drake Maye (New England Patriots) – Impressive completion rate solidifies his position.
- Tier 3:
- Justin Fields (New York Jets) – Returns strong from injury; potential for explosive plays.
- Daniel Jones (Indianapolis Colts) – Needs a comeback following a tough outing against the Raiders.
- Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders) – Expected to return but faces a tough match.
Running Back Rankings
Evaluating running backs this week highlights key matchups and player statuses:
- Tier 1:
- Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions) – Poised for a strong performance against Cincinnati.
- Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts) – Faces a favorable matchup.
- James Cook (Buffalo Bills) – Dominates the backfield in usage.
- Tier 2:
- De’Von Achane (Miami Dolphins) – Emerging as the no. 1 fantasy weapon.
- Bucky Irving (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – Could share touches but remains high risk.
- Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles) – Volume is high, though efficiency needs improvement.
Wide Receiver Rankings
This week, several wide receivers stand out due to matchups and their recent performances:
- Tier 1:
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions) – Leads the league in receiving touchdowns.
- Garrett Wilson (New York Jets) – Consistently targets in the Jets’ offense.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle Seahawks) – Great volume and matchup ahead.
- Tier 2:
- Nico Collins (Houston Texans) – Capitalizing on a weak pass defense.
- George Pickens (Dallas Cowboys) – Thriving without the star and producing high yardage.
- Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) – Aiming for a strong performance after recent success.
Tight End Rankings
Tight ends can also influence scoring significantly, and key players emerge as must-starts:
- Tier 1:
- Trey McBride (Arizona Cardinals) – A leading option with substantial targets.
- Tyler Warren (Indianapolis Colts) – Rising in reliability and production.
- Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys) – Capitalizes on the injury to CeeDee Lamb.
- Tier 2:
- Hunter Henry (New England Patriots) – Leading the team in targets and touchdowns.
- Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs) – Although experiencing a slight decline, remains a reliable option.
Important Considerations
As you finalize your lineups for Week 5, consider the following:
- Matchup details – Identify key defensive matchups that could impact player performance.
- Injuries – Keep an eye on player statuses to adjust your lineup accordingly.
- Bye weeks – Manage your roster effectively to account for missing starters.
Use these rankings and insights to inform your Fantasy Football strategies this week. Good luck as you gear up for an exciting Week 5!