Fantasy Football Big Board: Complete 2024 PPR Player Rankings Entering Week 5
It seems like only yesterday that the fantasy football season was beginning. But we're already a month in.
For some fantasy managers, things have gone A-OK. They were able to get Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders as a low-end QB1. They used an early pick on Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry or Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. They avoided the early rash of injuries at wide receiver and have a tight end who is actually producing—at least somewhat.
Other fantasy managers have not been so fortunate. They have watched Patrick Mahomes post relatively pedestrian numbers. Watched Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White plod his way right out of the lead job. Those aforementioned injuries have decimated their receivers.
And the tight ends. Oh my the tight ends.
However, there's still time for struggling teams to turn the season around. And time for successful teams to hit a rough patch. Fantasy managers need to be constantly vigilant, always on the lookout for anything that could give them an edge in the week to come.
Like, oh say, a 100 percent accurate* set of PPR rankings for each position, some matchups to exploit and avoid and a list of the top 100 players overall for Week 5.
(*100 percent is an approximation with a margin of error of +/- 96 percent)
Fantasy scoring and points against data courtesy of My Fantasy League
Quarterbacks
We're one month into the 2024 fantasy football season, and just as everyone expected Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders, Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings are all top-five fantasy options.
Wait, what?
After Daniels' record-setting first month in the NFL, it's not that surprising that the youngster has been a valuable fantasy option. When a quarterback is completing over 80 percent of his passes and averaging over 50 rushing yards and a touchdown per game on the ground, that quarterback is going to be productive.
But Darnold and Mayfield went undrafted in the vast majority of fantasy leagues. Four games in, Darnold leads the NFL in touchdown passes with 11. Mayfield is second in the league with eight.
Both have gone from afterthoughts to legitimate weekly starters. And after watching both shine in Week 4, it doesn't appear that trend is going to reverse any time soon.
GOOD MATCHUPS
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. IND) [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]
The Jaguars are an 0-4 mess, and Lawrence has played his part in the team's struggles this season. But the 24-year-old is coming off his first game of the season with multiple touchdown passes and the Colts have been shaky against the pass, surrendering 235 yards per game through the air.
Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (vs. ARI) [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,200]
Purdy is the league leader in passing yards through four games with 1,130. The 49ers got tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Deebo Samuel back last week and play host Sunday to an Arizona Cardinals team that ranks inside the top five in fantasy points per game allowed to quarterbacks this year.
BAD MATCHUPS
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (vs. NYJ) [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]
To say that Darnold is having the best season of his career is an understatement—his passer rating in 2024 is over 30 points higher than his career mark in that regard. But Sauce Gardner and the New York Jets are one of the NFL's stingiest pass defenses, and London games have been known to be...let's go with sloppy.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (at SF) [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]
Murray has had one huge passing game this season and three with less than 210 yards and a single touchdown pass, including 162 yards and one touchdown last week against the Washington Commanders. Another down outing is coming in Week 5 against a stout San Francisco 49ers defense.
SLEEPER
Joe Flacco, Indianapolis Colts (at JAX) [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]
Flacco came on in relief of an injured Anthony Richardson last week and played well, throwing for 168 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This week he faces a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that ranks last in the AFC in pass defense and leads the league in fantasy points per game allowed to quarterbacks.
WEEK 5 QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
1. Josh Allen, BUF (at HOU)
2. Lamar Jackson, BAL (at CIN)
3. Jayden Daniels, WAS (vs. CLE)
4. Kyler Murray, ARI (at SF)
5. C.J. Stroud, HOU (vs. BUF)
6. Joe Burrow, CIN (vs. BAL)
7. Patrick Mahomes II, KC (vs. NO)
8. Jordan Love, GB (at LAR)
9. Brock Purdy, SF (vs. ARI)
10. Justin Fields, PIT (vs. DAL)
11. Dak Prescott, DAL (at PIT)
12. Geno Smith, SEA (vs. NYG)
13. Sam Darnold, MIN (vs. NYJ)
14. Matthew Stafford, LAR (vs. GB)
15. Baker Mayfield, TB (at ATL)
16. Trevor Lawrence, JAX (vs. IND)
17. Aaron Rodgers, NYJ (at MIN)
18. Derek Carr, NO (at KC)
19. Caleb Williams, CHI (vs. CAR)
20. Kirk Cousins, ATL (vs. TB)
21. Andy Dalton, CAR (at CHI)
22. Joe Flacco, IND (at JAX)
23. Deshaun Watson, CLE (at WAS)
24. Tyler Huntley, MIA (at NE)
25. Daniel Jones, NYG (at SEA)
26. Bo Nix, DEN (vs. LV)
27. Gardner Minshew II, LV (at DEN)
28. Jacoby Brissett, NE (vs. MIA)
29. Drake Maye, NE (vs. MIA)
30. Russell Wilson, PIT (vs. DAL)
Running Backs
Long live the king.
Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens propelled more than a few fantasy managers to victory in Week 4, tearing through the Buffalo Bills defense for 199 rushing yards, including an 87-yard score on his first carry. Henry also caught his first touchdown pass since 2019.
Through the first month of the season, Henry is averaging a robust six yards per carry. He leads the NFL with 480 rushing yards. He has found the end zone multiple times in each of the past two games. And no AFC running back has more PPR fantasy points.
Henry's first month with the Ravens has been a rousing success. But he told reporters after Sunday's game that all he could think about was the fumble that cost him a record-setting seventh career 200-yard game on the ground.
"That's going to haunt me," Henry said.
GOOD MATCHUPS
Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. DAL) [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]
Harris is coming off a clunker against the Indianapolis Colts in which he carried the ball 13 times for just 19 yards, and he's averaging less than 3.5 yards per carry this season. However, the Cowboys have done a fine job of making running backs look good this season—Dallas is 27th in run defense at 145.8 yards allowed per game.
Joe Mixon, Houston Texans (vs. BUF) [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,900]
Mixon has missed multiple games with a high-ankle sprain, but he practiced in a limited fashion last week and appears on track to play in this big AFC showdown Sunday. The Bills were just ravaged by Derrick Henry and the Ravens on the ground, and after four games the Bills are allowing over 155 rushing yards per contest.
BAD MATCHUPS
Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys (at PIT) [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]
It has already been difficult to get excited about the Dallas ground game—both Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott have been unimpressive, and the Cowboys are the worst rushing team in the league. Now the team faces a Pittsburgh defense that has given up the fewest rushing yards per game in the AFC and sits near the bottom of the league in PPR points per game allowed to running backs.
Zack Moss, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. BAL) [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]
The backfield split in Cincinnati was a true 50/50 split last week, with Moss and Chase Brown each receiving 15 carries. It was Brown who found the end zone though, and both Bengals backs will likely have a tough go of it Sunday against a Baltimore Ravens defense that leads the NFL in run defense at just 57.5 yards per game.
SLEEPER
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (vs. LV) [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,200]
Williams has struggled mightily this season, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry. But last week's 16 carries for 77 yards was easily Williams' best single-game output of the season, and this week the Broncos host a Raiders team that has had issues stopping the run, giving up an average of 137.5 yards per game.
WEEK 5 RUNNING BACK RANKINGS
1. Derrick Henry, BAL (at CIN)
2. Alvin Kamara, NO (at KC)
3. De'Von Achane, MIA (at NE)
4. Jordan Mason, SF (vs. ARI)
5. Breece Hall, NYJ (at MIN)
6. James Cook, BUF (at HOU)
7. Bijan Robinson, ATL (vs. TB)
8. Kenneth Walker III, SEA (vs. NYG)
9. Kyren Williams, LAR (vs. GB)
10. James Conner, ARI (at SF)
11. Josh Jacobs, GB (at LAR)
12. Brian Robinson Jr., WAS (vs. CLE)
13. Aaron Jones, MIN (vs. NYJ)
14. Travis Etienne Jr., JAX (vs. IND)
15. Najee Harris, PIT (vs. DAL)
16. Rhamondre Stevenson, NE (vs. MIA)
17. Chuba Hubbard, CAR (at CHI)
18. Jerome Ford, CLE (at WAS)
19. D'Andre Swift, CHI (vs. CAR)
20. Rachaad White, TB (at ATL)
21. Javonte Williams, DEN (vs. LV)
22. Zack Moss, CIN (vs. BAL)
23. Kareem Hunt, KC (vs. NO)
24. Alexander Mattison, LV (at DEN)
25. Rico Dowdle, DAL (at PIT)
26. Trey Sermon, IND, (at JAX)
27. Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG (at SEA)
28. Justice Hill, BAL (at CIN)
29. Zach Charbonnet, SEA (vs. NYG)
30. Chase Brown, CIN (vs. BAL)
31. Raheem Mostert, MIA (at NE)
32. Dameon Pierce, HOU (vs. BUF)
33. Bucky Irving, TB (at ATL)
34. Antonio Gibson, NE (vs. MIA)
35. Jaleel McLaughlin, DEN (vs. LV)
36. Samaje Periné, KC (vs. NO)
37. Braelon Allen, NYJ (at MIN)
38. Tyler Allgeier, ATL (vs. TB)
39. Tank Bigsby, JAC (vs. IND)
40. Ray Davis, BUF (at HOU)
41. Ezekiel Elliott, DAL (at PIT)
42. Ty Chandler, MIN (vs. NYJ)
43. Miles Sanders, CAR (at CHI)
44. Roschon Johnson, CHI (vs. CAR)
45. D'Onta Foreman, CLE (at WAS)
46. Carson Steele, KC (vs. NO)
47. Jamaal Williams, NO (at KC)
48. Cam Akers, HOU (vs. BUF)
49. Emanuel Wilson, GB (at LAR)
50. Dare Ogunbowale, HOU (vs. BUF)
Wide Receivers
Nico Collins of the Houston Texans is on quite the roll to start the 2024 season.
In last week's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Collins set season highs in targets (15), receptions (12) and receiving yards (151). The fourth-year veteran has received double-digit targets in three of four games this season. He has surpassed 100 receiving yards three times. Collins has found the end zone twice. And through four weeks, his 489 receiving yards lead the NFL.
If there was any question regarding who the No. 1 wideout is in Houston's new-look offense, it has been put to rest. Collins is the player C.J. Stroud looks to first. Only rookie phenomenon Malik Nabers has more targets four weeks in than Collins—and that's on a Houston offense where Stefon Diggs has 33 targets in his own right.
In a season where the wide receiver position has been blasted by injuries and the leaderboard looks nothing like we expected, Collins has been a measure of order restored to the universe.
GOOD MATCHUPS
Amari Cooper, Cleveland (at WAS) [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,200]
Cooper only had four receptions for 35 yards in last week's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, but the 30-year-old was one holding penalty away from a second straight huge game. The Washington Commanders may be rolling offensively, but the defense remains porous—no team has allowed more PPR points per game to receivers this year,
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati (vs. BAL) [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]
Ja'Marr Chase is an obvious every-week must-start, but this could be the spot where Higgins has his first big game of the season. The Ravens have been the NFL's best run defense but one of the league's worst against the pass. The last time Higgins faced the Ravens in Cincinnati, he caught eight of 12 targets for 89 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
BAD MATCHUPS
Diontae Johnson, Carolina (at CHI) [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]
Since Andy Dalton took over under center for the Panthers, Johnson's fantasy production has spiked—15 catches for 205 yards and two scores over the past two weeks. A third straight big game won't be easy in Week 5—the Bears have been stout against the pass, allowing the sixth-fewest PPR points per game to wide receivers.
Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants (at SEA) [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]
Assuming that Nabers clears concussion protocol ahead of Sunday's game, he's an easy start. But Robinson could be hard-pressed to back up last week's big game against the Dallas Cowboys—the Seahawks have been one of the league's top defenses in terms of fantasy points given up to defenses and in passing yards per game allowed.
SLEEPER
Jordan Whittington, Los Angeles Rams (vs. GB) [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,600]
Pressed into action by injuries to Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua in Los Angeles, Whittington led all Rams wideouts in snaps last week, hauling in six of eight targets for 62 yards against the Chicago Bears. This week, the Rams take on a Packers defense that has given up 230.5 passing yards per game—eighth-most in the NFL.
WEEK 5 WIDE RECEIVER RANKINGS
1. CeeDee Lamb, DAL (at PIT)
2. Ja'Marr Chase, CIN (vs. BAL)
3. Nico Collins, HOU (vs. BUF)
4. Justin Jefferson, MIN (vs. NYJ)
5. Malik Nabers, NYG (at SEA)
6. Marvin Harrison Jr., ARI (at SF)
7. Mike Evans, TB (at ATL)
8. Tyreek Hill, MIA (at NE)
9. DK Metcalf SEA (vs. NYG)
10. Chris Olave, NO (at KC)
11. Garrett Wilson, NYJ (at MIN)
12. Deebo Samuel Sr., SF (vs. ARI)
13. Amari Cooper, CLE (at WAS)
14. Drake London, ATL (vs. TB)
15. Chris Godwin, TB (at ATL)
16. Jayden Reed, GB (at LAR)
17. Brandon Aiyuk, SF (vs. ARI)
18. Jaylen Waddle, MIA (at NE)
19. DJ Moore, CHI (vs. CAR)
20. Terry McLaurin, WAS (vs. CLE)
21. Tee Higgins, CIN (vs. BAL)
22. George Pickens, PIT (vs. DAL)
23. Zay Flowers, BAL (at CIN)
24. Michael Pittman Jr., IND (at JAX)
25. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA (vs. NYG)
26. Diontae Johnson, CAR (at CHI)
27. Brian Thomas Jr., JAX (vs. IND)
28. Keenan Allen, CHI (vs. CAR)
29. Khalil Shakir, BUF (at HOU)
30. Courtland Sutton, DEN (vs. LV)
31. Stefon Diggs, HOU (vs. BUF)
32. Christian Kirk, JAX (vs. IND)
33. Wan'Dale Robinson, NYG (at SEA)
34. Rome Odunze, CHI (vs. CAR)
35. Xavier Worthy, KC (vs. NO)
36. Jerry Jeudy, CLE (at WAS)
37. Jordan Addison, MIN (vs. NYJ)
38. Darnell Mooney, ATL (vs. TB)
39. Jakobi Meyers, LV (at DEN)
40. Jordan Whittington, LAR (vs. GB)
41. Rashid Shaheed, NO (at KC)
42. Josh Downs, IND (at JAX)
43. Xavier Legette, CAR (at CHI)
44. Allen Lazard, NYJ (at MIN)
45. Romeo Doubs, GB (at LAR)
46. Tyler Lockett, SEA (vs. NYG)
47. Jauan Jennings, SF (vs. ARI)
48. Andrei Iosivas, CIN (vs. BAL)
49. Mike Williams, NYJ (at MIN)
50. Jalen Tolbert, DAL (at PIT)
51. Michael Wilson, ARI (at SF)
52. Tutu Atwell, LAR (vs. GB)
53. Tre Tucker, LV (at DEN)
54. Greg Dortch, ARI (at SF)
55. DeMario Douglas, NE (vs. MIA)
56. Keon Coleman, BUF (at HOU)
57. Demarcus Robinson, LAR (vs. GB)
58. Alec Pierce, IND (at JAX)
59. Gabe Davis, JAX (vs. IND)
60. Ray-Ray McCloud III, ATL (vs. TB)
Tight Ends
The tight end position in fantasy football has been a mess this year, and Week 5 is no exception.
Any number of big names have been slow out of the gate this year. Travis Kelce's 89 receiving yards last week were more than the Kansas City Chiefs star had tallied in the first three games of the season combined. George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers and Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals have already missed time this year. Evan Engram of the Jacksonville Jaguars and David Njoku of the Cleveland Browns have missed even more—neither has played since Week 1.
And then there's Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons. Any hopes that a new offense would spur a rebound from Pitts this season appear to have been misplaced. Pitts is averaging less than 30 yards per game, and he was shut out of the box score last week on three targets.
The wild part? Pitts is still a top-10 fantasy tight end a month in.
Frankly, there's not much that fantasy managers can really do about all the disappointing tight ends except hope that they pull a Kelce and start posting numbers more in line with expectations.
Silver lining? With so many tight ends struggling, most managers haven't been placed at a serious disadvantage.
No one has been spared.
GOOD MATCHUPS
Evan Engram, Jacksonville (vs. IND) [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,600]
Engram's health status ahead of Week 5 is iffy at best, as he hasn't practiced since injuring his hamstring in pre-game warmups in Week 2. But there was optimism expressed by Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson that Engram will be able to go in Week 5, and if he does return, it will be in an excellent fantasy matchup for his position.
Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (vs. CAR) [DraftKings DFS Value $4,300]
Kmet has actually been a rare, pleasant surprise at the tight end position—he ranks inside the top five at the position in PPR points a month into the season. The Panthers have had their struggles defending tight ends so far this season, surrendering the seventh-most PPR points per game to the position.
BAD MATCHUPS
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. DAL) [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,200]
Freiermuth is coming off his best game of the season with five catches for 57 yards and a touchdown in last week's loss to the Indianapolis Colts. That was Freiermuth's first game this season with even eight PPR points, however, and this week's matchup with the Dallas defense isn't a good one for tight ends.
Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills (at HOU) [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]
Kincaid hasn't been as productive as many expected this year, but in the Sahara of tight end production that is 2024, his eight catches for 88 yards and a touchdown the past two weeks has actually been pretty good. However, this week's matchup with the Texans is far from favorable, as Houston is allowing just over five PPR points per game to tight ends this year.
SLEEPER
Erick All, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. BAL) [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,700]
It has happened quietly, but All is seeing the field more than veteran Mike Gesicki of late, including catching all four of his targets in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers. Only the Chiefs have surrendered more PPR points per game this year to tight ends than the Ravens.
WEEK 5 TIGHT END RANKINGS
1. Travis Kelce, KC (vs. NO)
2. Brock Bowers, LV (at DEN)
3. George Kittle, SF (vs. ARI)
4. Trey McBride, ARI (at SF)
5. Dalton Kincaid, BUF (at HOU)
6. Jake Ferguson, DAL (at PIT)
7. Mark Andrews, BAL (at CIN)
8. Kyle Pitts, ATL (vs. TB)
9. Evan Engram, JAX (vs. IND)
10. Hunter Henry, NE (vs. MIA)
11. Cole Kmet, CHI (vs. LAR)
12. Isaiah Likely, BAL (at CIN)
13. Pat Freiermuth, PIT (vs. DAL)
14. Colby Parkinson, LAR (vs. GB)
15. Tyler Conklin, NYJ (at MIN)
16. Dalton Schultz, HOU (vs. BUF)
17. Taysom Hill, NO (at KC)
18. Erick All, CIN (vs. BAL)
19. Jonnu Smith, MIA (at NE)
20. Zach Ertz, WAS (vs. CLE)
21. Juwan Johnson, NO (at KC)
22. Noah Fant, SEA (vs. NYG)
23. Tucker Kraft, GB (at LAR)
24. Greg Dulcich, DEN (vs. LV)
25. Ja'Tavion Sanders, CAR (at CHI)
26. Cade Otton, TB (at ATL)
27. Foster Moreau, NO (at KC)
28. Daniel Bellinger, NYG (at SEA)
29. Austin Hooper, NE (vs. MIA)
30. Johnny Mundt, MIN (vs. NYJ)
Kickers and Defenses
For years, there was no question who the top kicker was in the National Football League. It was Justin Tucker's world, and everyone else was just living in it.
That's right. We're talking kickers for a third week in a row. I may be cracking up...in Week 5.
Anyway, the kicking landscape (or kickscape, as the hordes of kicker groupies call it) has changed. Tucker has struggled dating back to last year. A new kicker has stepped to the forefront and claimed the mantle of kicker king.
Brandon Aubrey has become what Tucker used to be—essentially automatic. Last week's 2-for-3 performance (including a 60-yarder) against the New York Giants made Aubrey 12-for-13 on field goal attempts this season. He has hit on over 94 percent of his career field goal attempts.
It was also Aubrey's 16th career attempt from 50 yards or more out. He has yet to miss—an NFL record.
GOOD MATCHUPS
Chase McLaughlin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at ATL)
McLaughlin has made every field goal he has attempted this season, but the 28-year-old has only had seven attempts to date, leaving him just inside the top 15 in fantasy points. But no team in the league has allowed more fantasy points to kickers this season than the Atlanta Falcons, so there's that.
Seattle Seahawks Defense (vs. NYG) [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,500]
The Seahawks have admittedly benefitted from a soft schedule to open the season—Seattle's Week 4 trip to Detroit was the team's only game thus far against a good offense. But the Giants couldn't get in the end zone against Dallas, the offensive line is a problem area, and the Seahawks are one of the more difficult teams in the league to throw on.
BAD MATCHUPS
Greg Zuerlein, New York Jets (at MIN)
Zuerlein accounted for all of New York's points last week against Denver, although he also missed a potential game-winner as the game ended. The Minnesota defense has exceeded expectations and then some over the team's four-game winning streak to open the season, including allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to kickers.
Cleveland Browns Defense (at WAS) [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,700]
Last year, no team in the NFL allowed fewer yards per game than the Browns. But the defense has backslid in 2024, while rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Commanders have become an offensive juggernaut with the most bored punter in the NFL. No team in the league is giving up fewer fantasy points to defenses this season.
SLEEPER
New England Patriots Defense (vs. MIA) [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,900]
The Patriots are a decent defensive unit that has been placed in something of an untenable position by a non-existent offense, but this week, the Pats have an opportunity to do some fantasy damage. Miami's issues at quarterback have left the offense a shell of itself, and the team ranks toward the top of the league in fantasy points given up to defenses in 2024.
WEEK 5 KICKER RANKINGS
1. Brandon Aubrey, DAL (at PIT)
2. Harrison Butker, KC (vs. NO)
3. Ka'imi Fairbairn, HOU (vs. BUF)
4. Tyler Bass, BUF (at HOU)
5. Jake Moody, SF (vs. ARI)
6. Jason Myers, SEA (vs. NYG)
7. Younghoe Koo, ATL (vs. TB)
8. Evan McPherson, CIN (vs. BAL)
9. Justin Tucker, BAL (at CIN)
10. Chase McLaughlin, TB (at ATL)
11. Matt Prater, ARI (at SF)
12. Chris Boswell, PIT (vs. DAL)
13. Brayden Narveson, GB (at LAR)
14. Austin Seibert, WAS (vs. CLE)
15. Blake Grupe, NO (at KC)
16. Daniel Carlson, LV (at DEN)
17. Cairo Santos, CHI (vs. CAR)
18. Will Reichard, MIN (vs. NYJ)
19. Dustin Hopkins, CLE (at WAS)
20. Greg Zuerlein, NYJ (at MIN)
21. Jason Sanders, MIA (at NE)
22. Matt Gay, IND (at JAC)
23. Cam Little, JAX (vs. IND)
24. Wil Lutz, DEN (vs. LV)
25. Eddy Pineiro, CAR (at CHI)
WEEK 5 DEFENSE RANKINGS
1. Chicago Bears (vs. CAR)
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. DAL)
3. Minnesota Vikings (vs. NYJ)
4. San Francisco 49ers (vs. ARI)
5. Miami Dolphins (at NE)
6. Denver Broncos (vs. LV)
7. Seattle Seahawks (vs. NYG)
8. Baltimore Ravens (at CIN)
9. Las Vegas Raiders (at DEN)
10. Green Bay Packers (at LAR)
11. Kansas City Chiefs (vs. NO)
12. New England Patriots (vs. MIA)
13. New York Jets (at MIN)
14. Dallas Cowboys (at PIT)
15. Buffalo Bills (at HOU)
16. Atlanta Falcons (vs. TB)
17. Indianapolis Colts (at JAX)
18. Washington Commanders (vs. CLE)
19. Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. IND)
20. New Orleans Saints (at KC)
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at ATL)
22. Houston Texans (vs. BUF)
23. Cleveland Browns (at WAS)
24. Carolina Panthers (at CHI)
25. Cincinnati Bengals (vs. BAL)
Top 100 Overall/'Flex' Rankings
Before we take a look at the top 100 players overall for PPR fantasy football leagues in Week 5 (a list that assists with "flex" lineup decisions), a few quick notes.
The first is the same as always—there are no quarterbacks included in this list. If your fantasy league has a "superflex" spot and you have a viable second quarterback rostered, he should probably be in that slot.
The second is that the bye weeks have arrived. The Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans are off in Week 5. No Amon-Ra S. Brown. Or J.K. Dobbins. Or Jalen Hurts. Or Tony Pollard.
(Given how the Philly offense has looked the past couple of weeks, no Hurts may be a blessing in disguise. He needs a healthy A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith back out there. Big time.)
The third is a bit of friendly advice. If your fantasy team is sitting at 1-3 or even 0-4, then it can be easy to panic or just throw in the towel on the season. But it's not over just yet. You can climb out of that hole. Use that high waiver priority to improve the roster. Make a trade. Make two. If you're so inclined, bench an underperforming star for that matchup play you're convinced is set for a big Week 5.
Don't get discouraged. Get mad.
And then get even.
WEEK 5 TOP 100 PLAYERS OVERALL/"FLEX" RANKINGS
1. CeeDee Lamb, WR, DAL (at PIT)
2. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, CIN (vs. BAL)
3. Nico Collins, WR, HOU (vs. BUF)
4. Derrick Henry, RB, BAL (at CIN)
5. Justin Jefferson, WR, MIN (vs. NYJ)
6. Malik Nabers, WR, NYG (at SEA)
7. Alvin Kamara, RB, NO (at KC)
8. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, ARI (at SF)
9. De'Von Achane, RB, MIA (at NE)
10. Mike Evans, WR, TB (at ATL)
11. Tyreek Hill, WR, MIA (at NE)
12. DK Metcalf, WR, SEA (vs. NYG)
13. Jordan Mason, RB, SF (vs. ARI)
14. Breece Hall, RB, NYJ (at MIN)
15. Chris Olave, WR, NO (at KC)
16. Garrett Wilson, WR, NYJ (at MIN)
17. James Cook, RB, BUF (at HOU)
18. Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, SF (vs. ARI)
19. Bijan Robinson, RB, ATL (vs. TB)
20. Amari Cooper, WR, CLE (at WAS)
21. Kenneth Walker III, RB, SEA (vs. NYG)
22. Drake London, WR, ATL (vs. TB)
23. Kyren Williams, RB, LAR (vs. GB)
24. Chris Godwin, WR, TB (at ATL)
25. James Conner, RB, ARI (at SF)
26. Jayden Reed, WR, GB (at LAR)
27. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, SF (vs. ARI)
28. Josh Jacobs, RB, GB (at LAR)
29. Brian Robinson Jr., RB, WAS (vs. CLE)
30. Travis Kelce, TE, KC (vs. NO)
31. Jaylen Waddle, WR, MIA (at NE)
32. DJ Moore, WR, CHI (vs. CAR)
33. Terry McLaurin, WR, WAS (vs. CLE)
34. Aaron Jones, RB, MIN (vs. NYJ)
35. Tee Higgins, WR, CIN (vs. BAL)
36. George Pickens, WR, PIT (vs. DAL)
37. Brock Bowers, TE, LV (at DEN)
38. Travis Etienne Jr., RB, JAX (vs. IND)
39. Zay Flowers, WR, BAL (at CIN)
40. Najee Harris, RB, PIT (vs. DAL)
41. George Kittle, TE, SF (vs. ARI)
42. Michael Pittman Jr., WR, IND (at JAX)
43. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, SEA (vs. NYG)
44. Diontae Johnson, WR, CAR (at CHI)
45. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, JAX (vs. IND)
46. Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE (vs. MIA)
47. Trey McBride, TE, ARI (at SF)
48. Chuba Hubbard, RB, CAR (at CHI)
49. Keenan Allen, WR, CHI (vs. CAR)
50. Jerome Ford, RB, CLE (at WAS)
51. Khalil Shakir, WR, BUF (at HOU)
52. Courtland Sutton, WR, DEN (vs. LV)
53. Dalton Kincaid, TE, BUF (at HOU)
54. D'Andre Swift, RB, CHI (vs. CAR)
55. Stefon Diggs, WR, HOU (vs. BUF)
56. Christian Kirk, WR, JAX (vs. IND)
57. Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, NYG (at SEA)
58. Rachaad White, RB, TB (at ATL)
59. Jake Freguson, TE, DAL (at PIT)
60. Rome Odunze, WR, CHI (vs. CAR)
61. Xavier Worthy, WR, KC (vs. NO)
62. Javonte Williams, RB, DEN (vs. LV)
63. Jerry Jeudy, WR, CLE (at WAS)
64. Jordan Addison, WR, MIN (vs. NYJ)
65. Mark Andrews, TE, BAL (at CIN)
66. Zack Moss, RB, CIN (vs. BAL)
67. Darnell Mooney, WR, ATL (vs. TB)
68. Kareem Hunt, RB, KC (vs. NO)
69. Jakobi Meyers, WR, LV (at DEN)
70. Kyle Pitts, TE, ATL (vs. TB)
71. Alexander Mattison, RB, LV (at DEN)
72. Jordan Whittington, WR, LAR (vs. GB)
73. Rashid Shaheed, WR, NO (at KC)
74. Rico Dowdle, RB, DAL (at PIT)
75. Josh Downs, WR, IND (at JAX)
76. Trey Sermon, RB, IND (at JAX)
77. Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, NYG (at SEA)
78. Xavier Legette, WR, CAR (at CHI)
79. Justice Hill, RB, BAL (at CIN)
80. Allen Lazard, WR, NYJ (at MIN)
81. Evan Engram, TE, JAX (vs. IND)
82. Zach Charbonnet, RB, SEA (vs. NYG)
83. Romeo Doubs, WR, GB (at LAR)
84. Tyler Lockett, WR, SEA (vs. NYG)
85. Chase Brown, RB, CIN (vs. BAL)
86. Jauan Jennings, WR, SF (vs. ARI)
87. Raheem Mostert, RB, MIA (at NE)
88. Andrei Iosivas, WR, CIN (vs. BAL)
89. Dameon Pierce, RB, HOU (vs. BUF)
90. Mike Williams, WR, NYJ (at MIN)
91. Jalen Tolbert, WR, DAL (at PIT)
92. Hunter Henry, TE, NE (vs. MIA)
93. Bucky Irving, RB, TB (at ATL)
94. Michael Wilson, WR, ARI (at SF)
95. Antonio Gibson, RB, NE (vs. MIA)
96. Tutu Atwell, WR, LAR (vs. GB)
97. Tre Tucker, WR, LV (at DEN)
98. Greg Dortch, WR, ARI (at SF)
99. Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, DEN (vs. LV)
100. DeMario Douglas, WR, NE (vs. MIA)
Looking for more insight to prep for your draft or make some tough roster decisions? Check out all the latest B/R Fantasy Football essentials here.
Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow him on X at @IDPSharks.