Byes are here. Honestly, the first wave of bye weeks—Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh—hits like a ton of bricks. You’ve likely spent the last 48 hours staring at your roster, wondering how on earth you're going to replace Bijan Robinson or Jayden Reed.
Relax. It’s manageable.
Fantasy football is basically a game of managing chaos, and start sit nfl week 5 is where the real managers separate themselves from the casuals. We have London games, rookie QBs making their first starts, and a handful of injuries that have completely flipped the backfield hierarchies in cities like Houston and New York.
Quarterbacks: Don't Fear the "Bad" Matchup
A lot of people are terrified of starting Drake Maye against the Buffalo Bills this week. Stop it. Buffalo has been stingy against the pass, sure, but they are getting gashed by mobile quarterbacks. They are currently allowing nearly 9 yards per carry to QBs. Maye has a high floor because of his legs, and if the Patriots fall behind (which they will), he’s going to be chucking it in garbage time.
On the flip side, Justin Fields is a smash start against the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys' secondary has been a sieve, allowing over 24 fantasy points to every single quarterback they’ve faced this season. Fields isn't always the most polished passer, but his 43-yard rushing touchdown last Monday reminded us why he's a fantasy goldmine.
Expert Tip: If you're looking for a streamer because of the bye weeks, Justin Herbert is facing a Washington Commanders defense that has given up nearly 300 passing yards per game over the last three weeks.
Sit 'Em: The Trap Plays
Be very careful with Baker Mayfield this week. Traveling to Seattle is a nightmare for quarterbacks, and the Seahawks' defense has been revitalized under Mike Macdonald. They’re holding opposing QBs to single-digit scores more often than not. Unless you’re in a 2-QB league, Mayfield belongs on your bench.
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Running Backs: The Rookie Revolution
We have a massive shift happening in the Houston backfield. Woody Marks is officially the guy. He out-touched Nick Chubb 21 to 15 last week and looked significantly more explosive. Facing a Baltimore defense that has allowed a league-high seven scrimmage touchdowns to RBs, Marks is a must-start.
In New York, with Malik Nabers out, the Giants are leaning on Cam Skattebo. He’s a bowling ball of a runner who also catches passes. The Saints rank 24th in fantasy points allowed to RBs, making Skattebo a very safe RB2 or Flex option.
Running Back Quick Hits
- Start Woody Marks (Texans): Baltimore's run defense is a shell of its former self.
- Start Rico Dowdle (Panthers): With Chuba Hubbard out (calf), Dowdle gets the volume against a weak Dolphins front.
- Sit J.K. Dobbins (Broncos): The Eagles' defensive front is finally healthy and clicking.
- Sit Jordan Mason (Vikings): The London game factor plus a tough Browns defense makes him a low-ceiling play.
Wide Receivers: High Volume, High Hopes
Garrett Wilson is finally the player we thought he was. He’s seen 21 targets over his last two games. Dallas has given up the most yards and touchdowns to receivers this year, and Wilson is basically the only reliable target the Jets have.
I’m also all-in on Quentin Johnston against Washington. People keep waiting for the "real" QJ to fail, but he’s leading the Chargers in targets and air yards. Washington struggles mightily against the deep ball. If you have him, play him.
The Revenge Game Factor
Stefon Diggs is heading back to Buffalo. You know he wants 15 targets. You know Drake Maye wants to give them to him. In a game where New England will be chasing points, Diggs is a locked-in WR1.
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Tight Ends: It’s a Wasteland, Just Stream
If you don't have one of the top four guys, you're basically guessing. However, Tyler Warren for the Colts has emerged as a legitimate Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. He’s a mismatch nightmare and is actually getting designed runs. Start him against the Raiders.
If you're desperate, look at Jake Tonges for the 49ers. With the Niners' receiver room decimated by injuries to Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings, Tonges co-led the team in targets last week. It’s gross, but it might work.
Defensive Streamers to Target
The Minnesota Vikings are the best play of the week. Brian Flores is blitzing at a 47% rate, and they face a Cleveland Browns offense that is either starting a struggling veteran or a rookie making his first start. It’s going to be a bloodbath.
Also, look at the Arizona Cardinals. They play the Tennessee Titans, who have allowed sacks and turnovers at the second-highest rate in the league.
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Actionable Next Steps
Check the final injury reports for Xavier Worthy (ankle) and Jayden Daniels (knee). Both are expected to play, but Worthy’s ankle injury could limit his explosive ability on Monday night. If Worthy is a no-go, Marquise Brown becomes a massive sleeper. Ensure your Flex spot is occupied by a Sunday afternoon player so you have the flexibility to swap if late-breaking news hits before the Monday night kickoff.