Fantasy football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: 50 players to start or sit in Week 5

Bye weeks have started the NFL with in Week 5. The Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers and Tennessee Titans are all taking the week off. That means plenty of fantasy football must-starts are out of the lineup in addition to players who are out with injuries.

NFL power rankings Week 5: Do surging Baltimore Ravens rocket all the way up to No. 1?

NFL Week 5 bold predictions: Which players, teams will surprise the most?

Don't worry, we've got you covered at every position this week. Here are 50 players to start or sit for Week 5's slate of games.

Week 5 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: QBs

START: Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (at Los Angeles Rams)

Love made his mark in a return from injury in Week 4 by throwing for 389 yards and four touchdowns – both career-highs. An early 28-0 deficit changed the game script to focus on passing for the Packers but Love showed he can get it done through the air. The Rams defense ranks 31st in the NFL in points allowed. He may not have as prolific a game as in Week 4 but he should put up lots of points.

START: Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (vs. New York Giants)

Smith led the NFL in passing yards entering Week 4 as the Seahawks passing offense continues to improve. This week he'll take on a Giants defense that's good but not great against the pass. He'll likely get the volume needed to fill in in a pinch if your typical starter is on a bye week.

START: Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Dallas Cowboys)

Fields is improving as a passer in Pittsburgh in addition to his rushing ability. He's scored three rushing touchdowns in the last two games and faces a depleted Cowboys defense. They'll be without top pass rushers DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons and are the 26th-ranked rush defense. Fields may not throw much in this one but his rushing ability gives him lots of upside.

START: Joe Flacco or Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts (at Jacksonville Jaguars)

Whichever quarterback starts for the Colts should be a good play this week. The Jaguars entered Week 5 allowing the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Jacksonville's allowed six passing touchdowns and more than 600 passing yards over the last two weeks. Either Indianapolis passer will be in an ideal spot to perform well.

SIT: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. New Orleans Saints)

Sitting Mahomes at home in prime time may seem crazy but his outlook's not good for Week 5. Rashee Rice is out and Hollywood Brown is out for most of the regular season. Yes, Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy are still healthy, but the Saints' defense has allowed the fourth-fewest points to opposing quarterbacks. Mahomes' five interceptions through the first four games of the year is a career-high to start a season.

SIT: Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (vs. New York Jets)

Darnold's become an MVP contender as the 4-0 Vikings have been a top unit on both sides of the ball. He leads the league in touchdown passes (11) entering Week 5 but may struggle against his former team in London. The Jets have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Only one of the four quarterbacks New York's faced this season has cracked 200 yards passing. This will be Darnold's toughest test of the season so far.

SIT: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (at Pittsburgh Steelers)

Prescott's averaging 300 yards and two touchdowns per game over the last two weeks but Pittsburgh is a much tougher unit. The Steelers are second in points allowed this season and boast the No. 8-ranked pass defense. Their run defense is even better and the Cowboys won't be able to lean on the run. Prescott may end up with high volume but expecting another multi-touchdown day on the road is a stretch.

SIT: Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers (at Chicago Bears)

Dalton's led a turnaround for Carolina's offense over the last two weeks. He was QB8 in standard scoring last week against his former team but will likely have a tough week on the road in Week 5. The Chicago Bears' defense is allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. They have more interceptions (five) than passing touchdowns allowed (two) through four weeks.

Week 5 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: RBs

START: D'Andre Swift, Chicago Bears (vs. Carolina Panthers)

Swift was RB3 in all formats last week against the Rams and could continue that breakout against the Panthers. Carolina is allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs and, if Chicago can go up early, the game script may lead to more runs than passes as the game goes on.

START: Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Dallas Cowboys)

As stated earlier, the Cowboys run defense is one of the worst in the league. Cordarrelle Patterson was more effective on a per-carry basis than Harris in Week 4 but he's dealing with an injury that will keep him out of the lineup in Week 5. Harris is the lead back this week and if there's a defense he can run on, it's the Cowboys.

START: Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers (at Los Angeles Rams)

Love's career day came at the expense of Jacobs in Week 4. Jacobs had a season-low nine carries as Green Bay battled back from that early deficit. But things should be better in Week 5 for the Packers' feature back. The Rams gave up 37 points in PPR leagues to the Bears' running backs in Week 4. Jacobs should bounce back well.

START: Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)

Denver's 10-9 win over New York last week featured a season-best 16 carries for 77 yards for Williams. This week, he trades the tough defense on the road in New York for the Raiders defense at home. Las Vegas is allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game in the league through four weeks.

START: Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots (vs. Miami Dolphins)

Gibson is an ideal spot start this week if you need a starter. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo is considering benching starter Rhamondre Stevenson after he's fumbled once per game this season. Even if Stevenson does start, he'll likely have a smaller role due to those fumbling issues. Gibson will benefit against a Dolphins team that's allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs this season.

SIT: Zack Moss, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Baltimore Ravens)

Moss has quietly been a top-20 RB in all formats in the past two weeks but that likely won't continue in Week 5. Baltimore is allowing just 15 fantasy points per game in PPR formats to opposing running back groups this season, third-fewest in the NFL. The Ravens are allowing a league-low 57.8 rushing yards per game as well.

SIT: Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys (at Pittsburgh Steelers)

Elliott's been less effective for Dallas than Rico Dowdle lately and faces Pittsburgh's No. 3-ranked rushing defense this week. The Steelers have allowed just one rushing touchdown all season and opponents are managing just 3.7 yards per carry. This is a week to avoid the Cowboys' running backs if possible.

SIT: Braelon Allen, New York Jets (vs. Minnesota Vikings)

Allen was a much more effective running back than teammate Breece Hall in Week 4 but that may not be the case in London this week. Minnesota's allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs and is giving up the second-fewest rushing yards in the league. That's mostly due to the Vikings getting a big lead early in games but it's too much of a pattern to ignore this week.

SIT: Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (at Kansas City Chiefs)

If Kamara is a must-start in your league, that's completely understandable. Just don't expect him to have a great day against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs this year. Only one running back has scored double-digit fantasy points against Kansas City this season: Bijan Robinson in Week 3 with 11.1 in standard and 13.1 in PPR scoring formats.

SIT: Kansas City Chiefs running backs (vs. New Orleans Saints)

As a group, they may be effective in prime time this week but individually they're not worth it in fantasy. The top runner changes week-to-week and one of the three can vulture touchdowns from the others. The Saints are giving up the 12th fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season. Combine that with the lack of a clear No. 1 runner and it's best to avoid the Chiefs' RBs this week.

Week 5 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: WRs

START: Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts (at Jacksonville Jaguars)

Pittman Jr. broke out in Week 4 against a tough Steelers defense with season-highs in targets (nine), receptions (six), and yards (113). He hasn't scored a touchdown yet but regardless of who is starting at quarterback for the Colts, Pittman Jr. should have a good week. Jacksonville is giving up the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers and Colts' running back Jonathan Taylor is out this week.

START: Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns (at Washington Commanders)

Cooper followed up his breakout Week 3 performance with a dud in Week 4. Luckily, he's facing one of the more porous pass defenses in Week 5. The Commanders lead the league in most fantasy points allowed to wide receivers this season and could be the break he needs once again.

START: Allen Lazard, New York Jets (vs. Minnesota Vikings)

Against one of the top secondaries in the league last week, Lazard had a solid statline of eight catches for 58 yards. This week, he gets a break against the Vikings' secondary. Minnesota's giving up the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in the NFL. Last week the Packers' wide receivers totaled 66.6 points in PPR leagues. That's a bit of an outlier but that game aside Minnesota is allowing 36.4 points to wideouts in PPR leagues. Lazard may not set season-highs but double-digit points is easily doable.

START: Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Indianapolis Colts)

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has fed Kirk targets recently with a team-high 22 over the last two weeks. He's taken those targets and managed 15 catches, 140 yards, and a touchdown from it. Jacksonville may run more against the Colts' defense than they did last week but Kirk will definitely be the top target in the passing game.

START: Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers (at Los Angeles Rams)

Reed was WR2 in PPR leagues last week as he capitalized on Jordan Love's return. In games with Love at quarterback, Reed is averaging 30.1 points per game in PPR leagues and 24.6 in standard leagues this season. Green Bay faces a Rams defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024. Reed should be a top wide receiver once again.

SIT: Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans (vs. Buffalo Bills)

Diggs finished Week 4 as WR15 in PPR leagues thanks in part to his first rushing touchdown of the season. But the Texans' matchup in Week 5 isn't as generous. Buffalo's defense is giving up the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers through four weeks. Diggs has a perfect revenge game on his hands but with how the season's gone so far, it may not be a good week to start him.

SIT: Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders (vs. Denver Broncos)

Davante Adams wants out of Las Vegas and that makes Meyers' the top option at wide receiver for the Raiders in Week 5. That means he'll likely go against one of the top cornerbacks in the league, Denver's Patrick Surtain II, for much of the game. Denver's allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to the position in 2024. Meyers will be a better option later in the season against easier opponents.

Davante Adams landing spots: Best fits for WR if Raiders trade him

SIT: Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs (at New Orleans Saints)

With Rashee Rice's injury, that makes Worthy the top wideout for Mahomes in Week 5 and a tantalizing choice. But New Orleans has been strong against wide receiver groups missing their top option. In Week 3 against an Eagles wide receiver corps missing A.J. Brown, the Saints allowed just 12 points in standard leagues (25 in PPR) to the group.

SIT: Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings (vs. New York Jets)

Addison wasted no time in his first week back from injury in Week 4. He was a top-10 WR behind two touchdowns and 79 total yards. That likely won't be the case in Week 5 as the Vikings take on one of the top secondaries in the league. Opposing wide receivers are averaging nine catches as a group per week against New York. Even if Justin Jefferson takes on most of the attention in coverage, Addison may still struggle to break through.

SIT: Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers (vs. Arizona Cardinals)

After signing a contract extension late in the offseason, Aiyuk has yet to break 50 yards receiving in a game this season. He has just 13 catches for 167 yards on 25 targets this season. Deebo Samuel and George Kittle appear to be fully healthy and Jauan Jennings has had a strong run recently. Even against a wide receiver-friendly defense in Arizona, there's no reason to trust Aiyuk to perform on a weekly basis.

Week 5 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: TEs

START: Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Baltimore Ravens)

The Ravens' top-ranked run defense will likely force the Bengals to pass. Baltimore's allowed the second-most receptions (29) and yards (327) to opposing tight ends. Dallas' Jake Ferguson had six catches for 95 yards in Week 3. Gesicki could capitalize on a good matchup and much different game script to last week's run-heavy approach against Carolina.

START: Tyler Conklin, New York Jets (vs. Minnesota Vikings)

Minnesota's defense has excelled at getting pressure while rushing the passer with just four players. Aaron Rodgers will likely need to get the ball out quickly, making Conklin a likely check-down merchant to keep the chains moving for New York. Minnesota's allowed the fifth-most receptions to tight ends this season and Conklin can take advantage of this opportunity.

START: Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers (at Los Angeles Rams)

Love's return in Week 4 saw Kraft have his best day of the season. The second-year tight end was TE1 in PPR leagues with six catches, 53 yards, and a touchdwon last week. Christian Watson is out with a high-ankle sprain, leaving more targets for Kraft and the Packers' wideouts. The Rams are also allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season.

START: Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills (at Houston Texans)

The Texans have one of the more stout defenses against tight ends on paper but this has more to do with wide receiver Khalil Shakir's injury. Kincaid is by far better than any tight end Houston's faced so far this season and he's second on the Bills in targets behind Shakir. That should mean a bigger role against a team that hasn't been tested by the position yet this season.

SIT: David Njoku, Cleveland Browns (at Washington Commanders)

Njoku is back in the lineup for the Browns this week but may not be a good option to start. Washington's defense has been far better against tight ends than wide receivers. They're allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to the position in 2024. Quarterback Deshaun Watson is likely better served focusing on Cooper and Jerry Jeudy instead.

SIT: Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (vs. Buffalo Bills)

Buffalo's defense is far better against wide receivers than tight ends but the position has still struggled in 2024. Opposing tight end groups are averaging just five catches and 38 yards per game through four weeks against the Bills. Houston's passing game heirarchy is clear with Nico Collins leading the way ahead of Diggs. Tank Dell's likley coming back from injury and will reduce Schultz's targets even more.

SIT: Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (vs. Carolina Panthers)

Kmet came down to earth after his Week 3 breakout against Indianapolis. With Keenan Allen back in the lineup, Kmet had just three catches for 34 yards. He likely won't get that many targets once again this week with Allen playing and the Bears likely to go up big early on the Panthers.

SIT: Isaiah Likely or Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (at Cincinnati Bengals)

The tight end situation in Baltimore is bad in fantasy football with neither Likely nor Andrews establishing themselves as the top dog. This week, they face a Bengals team that's given up 115 yards total to tight ends this season. Baltimore is much better served prioritizing the running game in this one and the limited targets means you should avoid both of these players if possible.

Week 5 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: Ks

START: Austin Seibert, Washington Commanders (vs. Cleveland Browns)

Seibert's made all 10 of his field goals after taking over in Washington in Week 2. The Commanders' offense is third in scoring and should be able to keep that up in Week 5. Seibert will get plenty of chances for kicks but some may be more extra points than field goals. Either way, he's a solid start week in and week out.

START: Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens (at Cincinnati Bengals)

Tucker looked much more comfortable kicking in Baltimore's win over Buffalo in Week 4. This week, the Ravens face a bottom-five scoring defense and should put plenty of points on the board. That means lots of opportunity for Tucker to knock in extra points and a field goal or two.

START: Cairo Santos, Chicago Bears (vs. Carolina Panthers)

Chicago moved the ball well in Week 4 and that should continue in Week 5 against the Panthers' league-worst scoring defense. Last week Cincinnati's Evan McPherson went 2 for 2 in field goals along with four extra points. Santos should have similar luck this week.

SIT: Greg Zuerlein, New York Jets (vs. Minnesota Vikings)

Zuerlein had a season-high three field goals last week against Denver but likely won't have the same luck this week kicking in a non-NFL stadium in London. Minnesota's also given up just three field goals in four weeks, meaning Zuerlein won't have the same opportunities he did in Week 4.

SIT: Daniel Carlson, Las Vegas Raiders (at Denver Broncos)

Kicking in Denver is usually good thanks to the high altitude but Carlson likely won't benefit from it this week. Denver's allowing the third-fewest points per game in the league through four weeks, meaning there likely won't be many scoring opportunities for the Raiders as a whole. Carlson's also only converted 3 of 5 field goals from 40-plus yards this season.

SIT: Dustin Hopkins, Cleveland Browns (at Washington Commanders)

Washington's allowing the eight-most points per game in the NFL which could make Hopkins a good start. But the Commanders just held Arizona to 14 points in Week 4 and, given how well the Commanders' offense is playing, Cleveland will need to score touchdowns to keep up. That means fewer chances for Hopkins on field goals.

Week 5 Fantasy football start 'em and sit 'em: D/STs

START: Chicago Bears (vs. Carolina Panthers)

Chicago is a much tougher matchup for the revitalized Panthers offense than previous opponents. They're one of the top passing defenses and have the talent in the secondary to slow down a potentially limited wide receiver group for Carolina. Even if Dalton doesn't turn the ball over, he'll likely be stymied by the Bears No. 8-ranked scoring defense.

START: Denver Broncos (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)

Denver's piled up 12 sacks in their last two games and now face a Raiders offense without its top weapon in Adams. The entire right side of Las Vegas' offensive line is struggling with injury as well. The Raiders are giving up more than three sacks per game this season. Look for Denver to tee off in this one.

START: Miami Dolphins (at New England Patriots)

Miami will be without Jaelan Phillips for the rest of the season but New England has one of the worst offensive lines in the league. The Patriots have given up 17 sacks through four games, second-most in the NFL. In what will likely be a low-scoring affair, Miami has a good opportunity to shine on defense.

START: Seattle Seahawks (vs. New York Giants)

Seattle just got lit up for 42 points on "Monday Night Football" but the drop-off from Detroit's offense to New York's (without start rookie Malik Nabers) is huge. Even with injury concerns in the front seven, Seattle's defense should be a good start this week.

SIT: Dallas Cowboys (at Pittsburgh Steelers)

Dallas was already a bad matchup this week before losing Lawrence to IR and Parsons being ruled out. Pittsburgh will likely run the ball at will against the Cowboys' depleted defense and give little opportunity for sacks or interceptions by that unit.

SIT: Buffalo Bills (at Houston Texans)

Buffalo just gave up a season-high 35 points on the road in Week 4. Now they're on the road again in Week 5 without Von Miller, who was suspended four games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. They've struggled to pressure quarterbacks even with Miller in the lineup this season. It's worth avoiding them this week.

SIT: Cleveland Browns (at Washington Commanders)

Washington has just one turnover and four punts this season. The Commanders lead the league in drives that end in a score at 67.6% and that will likely continue this week. They've also only allowed nine sacks, five of which came in one game. Cleveland has a stud pass rusher in Myles Garrett but likely won't get you much this week.

SIT: Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Baltimore Ravens)

Baltimore's given up a league-low four sacks this season and turned the ball over just three times. The Ravens should run the ball more than pass in Week 5 which means there's little opportunity for the Bengals' defense to score fantasy points.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Week 5: 50 NFL players to start or sit