The week 5 fantasy rankings are here, and this slate is one of the most unpredictable of the season. Key stars are sidelined, backups are stepping into bigger roles, and several matchups could swing fantasy leagues in unexpected ways. Whether you’re trying to lock in a win or climb the standings, knowing who to start — and who to sit — is more important than ever.
Table of Contents
Quarterbacks: Reliable Stars and a Few Surprises
Quarterback play often decides fantasy matchups. Week 5 brings a strong mix of elite talent and rising names that could deliver huge points.
Top Quarterbacks for Week 5
- Josh Allen – Bills
Allen remains the safest QB1 in fantasy. His rushing ability gives him a strong floor, and he’s facing a defense that has struggled to contain big plays. - Jalen Hurts – Eagles
Hurts is a top-tier option every week. His red-zone rushing usage makes him almost matchup-proof. - Jayden Daniels – Commanders
Daniels is turning heads. His combination of mobility and deep passing is making him a weekly starter in all formats. - Justin Herbert – Chargers
Herbert has a favorable matchup this week. Expect plenty of passing volume and multiple touchdown drives. - Justin Fields – Jets
Fields is trending up thanks to better offensive design. His legs add a valuable boost in fantasy scoring.
Sleeper to Watch
Daniel Jones is a sneaky QB2 play. His rushing potential and soft matchup could make him a difference-maker in deeper leagues or superflex formats.
Running Backs: Big Shifts in Workloads
Running backs define stability in fantasy, but Week 5 brings a wave of change. Injuries to key starters are creating opportunities for backups and rookies to shine.
Key RB Updates
- Christian McCaffrey remains the clear RB1. He’s the centerpiece of his offense, and his involvement in both the run and passing game makes him a lock in all lineups.
- Rico Dowdle steps into a bigger role for Carolina. With the starter sidelined, Dowdle should handle the bulk of touches, making him a solid RB2 play.
- Woody Marks, a promising rookie in Houston, is carving out a bigger role. He’s becoming a flexible option in deeper leagues.
- Kendre Miller, Zach Charbonnet, TreVeyon Henderson, and Isaiah Davis are worth monitoring. Each has seen their workload rise recently, and all are viable flex options depending on matchup.
RB Rankings Snapshot
| Tier | Players | Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| RB1 | Christian McCaffrey | Elite volume and scoring potential |
| RB2 | Rico Dowdle, Woody Marks | Strong opportunities due to injuries |
| Flex | Miller, Charbonnet, Henderson, Davis | Trending up with increased touches |
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: New Faces in the Spotlight
Injuries have shaken up the wide receiver rankings. Several backups are stepping into key roles, while established stars remain reliable options.
Wide Receivers
- CeeDee Lamb is out this week, opening the door for George Pickens and Jalen Tolbert to see increased targets. Both are strong flex or WR3 plays.
- Michael Pittman Jr. is one of the safest WR plays this week. His target volume and red-zone usage give him top-10 potential.
- Chris Olave continues to offer steady production. He’s a reliable WR2 option in most formats.
- Jameson Williams has the speed to break a big play at any time. He’s a high-upside flex in deeper leagues.
- Keenan Allen remains a must-start. His chemistry with Justin Herbert and high catch volume make him extremely valuable in PPR leagues.
Tight Ends
- Sam LaPorta is locked in as a top tight end. His offense funnels targets to the position, and he has a favorable matchup.
- Darren Waller remains a solid starting option, especially with multiple star receivers out. He’s seeing more red-zone opportunities lately.
WR/TE Quick View
| Position | Top Plays | Value Picks |
|---|---|---|
| WR | Pittman, Olave, Allen | Pickens, Tolbert, Williams |
| TE | LaPorta, Waller | Matchup-based streamers |
Injury Report: Who’s Out and Who Benefits
Injuries are a major factor in this week’s rankings:
- Lamar Jackson is out with a hamstring injury, which shifts Baltimore’s offense toward the ground game.
- CeeDee Lamb is sidelined with an ankle issue, leaving a big target void.
- Chuba Hubbard is out, which boosts Dowdle’s fantasy value.
- Tyreek Hill, Malik Nabers, and Trey Benson remain out for the season, continuing to impact depth charts.
Keeping an eye on final inactive lists on Sunday morning is crucial. Many backup players are stepping into fantasy-relevant roles this week.
Week 5 Fantasy Rankings Overview
Here’s a quick snapshot of how the top fantasy options shake out across all positions:
| Position | Top Tier Players | Rising Sleepers |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Allen, Hurts, Daniels | Daniel Jones |
| RB | McCaffrey | Dowdle, Marks |
| WR | Pittman, Olave, Allen | Pickens, Williams, Tolbert |
| TE | LaPorta, Waller | Streamers depending on matchup |
Final Thoughts
Week 5 is full of lineup twists. Injuries have reshaped depth charts, and several rising players have a real chance to deliver game-changing performances. Elite options remain must-starts, but identifying the right sleepers and fill-ins can give you the edge you need.
As always, stay flexible and monitor late-breaking news before kickoff. Backup running backs and emerging receivers could swing your matchup. Drop your toughest lineup questions in the comments — let’s help each other lock in those wins.