B/R's Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Every NFL Week 5 Fantasy Matchup

We have made it a month into the 2024 fantasy football season, and what a month it's been.

At quarterback, the top fantasy option four weeks in is rookie Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders, while Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield have more fantasy points than Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes.

The fact that Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints is the highest-scoring running back isn't a huge surprise, but Jordan Mason of the San Francisco 49ers joining him in the top five wasn't expected.

At wide receiver, Jauan Jennings of the 49ers has more PPR points than CeeDee Lamb and Ja'Marr Chase.

The tight end position has been...well, er, we won't talk about the tight ends. Some wounds are still too fresh.

It hasn't been easy staying on top of a season that has been so unpredictable, but here at Bleacher Report, we're all about helping fantasy managers succeed.

So, here's a game-by-game breakdown of Week 5, including players to start, others to sit, sleepers, pertinent stats and an update on the injury status of fantasy's banged-up names.

That last list isn't getting any shorter.

Key Injuries

The Atlanta Falcons have a couple of injury concerns entering Week 5, although neither appears especially serious. Running back Bijan Robinson (hamstring) and wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (ankle) are both banged up, but they have been able to practice in a limited fashion.

The visiting Buccaneers also have a big name limited in practice: Wide receiver Mike Evans is nursing knee and calf issues.

Start of the Week

Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,600]: One month into the season, Mayfield is third in fantasy points among quarterbacks. Thursday night, he faces an Atlanta Falcons team allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to QBs this season.

Sit of the Week

Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,500]: This has less to do with a so-so fantasy matchup with the Buccaneers than Pitts' usage (or lack thereof) in Atlanta's offense. He has more than four targets in just one game this season.

Sleeper

Darnell Mooney, WR, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,800]: This week's matchup with Tampa isn't a great one, but Mooney has become an important part of the Atlanta offense. He has at least six targets in each of the past three games, and he's on pace to flirt with 1,000 receiving yards for the season.

Stat to Know

106.9. Mayfield's passer rating through four games this season, which is 11 points higher than his previous career high in a season. He is also completing 70 percent of his passes for the first time in his career and has four times as many touchdown passes as interceptions. Apparently, he really did wake up feeling dangerous.

Key Injuries

The New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings are facing off in this year's first London game Sunday. And as they travel across the Pond, the "visitors" have at least one injury of note.

After taking a beating last week against the Denver Broncos, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is nursing a leg injury. But from all indications, he will be on the field at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Minnesota Vikings won't have tight end T.J. Hockenson for Week 5. But the veteran has been activated from the PUP list and should practice next week.

Start of the Week

Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: The Vikings are the hottest team in the NFL, but their secondary is starting to spring leaks that bode well for Wilson's prospects in Week 5. Only two teams have allowed more PPR points to wide receivers this year.

Sit of the Week

Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: Addison found the end zone in his return to action last week against the Packers, but the Jets are again formidable against the pass in 2024. Gang Green is allowing just 128 yards per game through the air this season, second-best in the NFL.

Sleeper

Allen Lazard, WR, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,500]: Lazard is something of a forgotten man in the Jets' passing attack, at least by fantasy managers. But the veteran wideout has two games with at least eight targets and three contests with double-digit PPR points this season.

Stat to Know

118.9. That's Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold's passer rating, which leads the NFL after four games. To say he is having the best season of his career is an understatement; he's also pacing the NFL in touchdown passes (11) and air yards per attempt (9.59). There isn't a more surprising player in the league a month into the 2024 campaign.

Key Injuries

The Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers have both struggled to generate offense consistently this season. If that's the case Sunday, it won't be due to injuries as neither side has an offensive player of note in danger of missing Week 5.

Start of the Week

D'Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]: Swift is coming off easily his best game for Chicago last week, with a whopping 165 total yards and a touchdown. This week, he and the Bears face a Panthers defense that leads the NFC in fantasy points given up to running backs this year.

Sit of the Week

Diontae Johnson, WR, Carolina Panthers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: Johnson's fantasy production has exploded since Andy Dalton took over at quarterback for the Panthers. But it won't be an easy go this week against the Bears, who have given up the sixth-fewest PPR points to WRs in 2024.

Sleeper

Cole Kmet, TE, Chicago Bears [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,300]: Outside a big Week 3, Kmet has mostly been a non-factor for fantasy managers this season, but the 25-year-old draws a favorable fantasy matchup in Week 5. The Panthers have given up the seventh-most PPR points to tight ends in 2024.

Stat to Know

121. The number of total yards Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard had last week against the Cincinnati Bengals. It was the second straight game in which he amassed over 100 yards on the ground, and the fourth-year veteran is averaging a robust 5.4 yards per carry for the season.

Key Injuries

Sunday's AFC North matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals is a pivotal game for both teams, especially the Bengals.

It will also be a battle of two relatively healthy offenses. Neither squad has any new injuries that could make a significant fantasy impact.

Start of the Week

Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Higgins had a forgettable September, but Week 5 sets up well for the 25-year-old to get on track. The Ravens are 29th in the league in pass defense and have surrendered the eighth-most PPR points to wide receivers this year.

Sit of the Week

Zack Moss, RB, Cincinnati Bengals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Moss and Chase Brown split the backfield touches right down the middle last week, with each logging 15 carries. This week, the Bengals face a Ravens defense that has allowed fewer rushing yards per game (57.8) than any team in the NFL.

Sleeper

Justice Hill, RB, Baltimore Ravens [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: There's no question that Derrick Henry is the lead back for the Ravens, but Hill has been involved in the offense as well. He turned 10 touches into 96 total yards and a touchdown last week against the Bills.

Stat to Know

18. That's how many rushing yards Henry needs to hit 10,000 for his career after gashing the Bills for 199 yards on the ground in Week 4. His 480 yards on the ground leads the NFL, and he has over 150 rushing yards in each of his last two games. And if last week's 87-yard touchdown is any indication, the 30-year-old is as dangerous as ever.

Key Injuries

As the Buffalo Bills try to shake off last week's first loss of the season, they have issues at wide receiver--Khalir Shakir has been ruled out of Sunday's game with an ankle injury.

The Texans have been dealing with injuries in the backfield for some time now, and Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (ankle) sat out last week's win over the Jaguars. Mixon won't play again in Week 5, while Pierce is officially questionable.

Start of the Week

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: The Texans aren't a great fantasy matchup for tight ends. With Shakir banged up, though, Kincaid could see a bevy of targets this week in Houston, and that volume should be enough to overcome Houston's stinginess to the position.

Sit of the Week

Stefon Diggs, WR, Houston Texans [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,900]: The revenge-game narrative makes Diggs a tempting fantasy play this week. But from a matchup perspective the veteran is a shaky start. The Bills shut down Zay Flowers of the Ravens last week, and only the Tennessee Titans have allowed fewer PPR points to wide receivers this year.

Sleeper

Curtis Samuel, WR, Buffalo Bills [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,200]: If Shakir can't give it a go in Week 5, Buffalo's other wide receivers are going to have to step up. That could mean good things against Houston, which is allowing the 10th-most PPR points to wide receivers this season.

Stat to Know

489. The number of receiving yards Houston's Nico Collins has this season, which is over 100 yards more than the next-closest player. He also leads the AFC with 30 catches and 43 targets and is averaging over 16 yards a reception. The new additions to the Texans offense haven't affected his fantasy value: He's a locked-in top-five fantasy option at his position.

Key Injuries

The Indianapolis Colts are trying to win a second straight game, but they do so with some major injury questions. Running back Jonathan Taylor suffered a high ankle sprain last week against the Steelers, while quarterback Anthony Richardson is dealing with oblique and abdominal strains. Taylor has been ruled out, while Richardson is shaping up as a game-time decision.

The Jaguars aren't without injury issues of their own. Tight end Evan Engram hasn't played since tweaking his ankle in pre-game workouts in Week 2, and he's the definition of questionable for Sunday's game.

Start of the Week

Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: The installation of Joe Flacco at quarterback could be a good thing for Pittman, who has been a major disappointment for fantasy managers this season. The Jaguars have given up the fifth-most PPR points to wide receivers this season.

Sit of the Week

Travis Etienne, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: Neither of the teams in this contest have played especially well defensively this season. But the Jacksonville offense has been a sputtering mess, which makes it hard for fantasy managers to trust the fourth-year veteran.

Sleeper

Joe Flacco, QB, Indianapolis Colts [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]: Flacco showed the potential to be a fantasy-relevant quarterback last year in Cleveland, and he and the Colts now face a struggling Jaguars pass defense that ranks last in the AFC and has given up the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.

Stat to Know

2.7. The number of yards per carry reserve running back Trey Sermon of the Colts is averaging this season. Granted, it's a small sample size, but with Indy taking on a Jaguars run defense that quietly ranks 10th in the league against the run, he's a low-upside "flex" play at best in Week 5.

Key Injuries

The Miami offense is a mess, largely because of injuries. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains on injured reserve, while backup Skylar Thompson and running back Raheem Mostert both missed Week 4. Mostert will return this week though--he practiced fully Friday and is off the injury report.

The New England Patriots aren't much better offensively, but they are at least relatively healthy on that side of the ball. There are no fantasy-relevant injuries on the Pats roster in Week 5.

Start of the Week

Miami Dolphins Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,300]: This isn't a game where a lot of points are going to be scored. In fact, this could be a game where 20 points aren't scored between the two teams put together. And that makes the two defenses the most valuable fantasy assets in the contest.

Sit of the Week

Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,900]: If there actual NFL quarterbacks in this game, it could be a smash spot for the running backs and wide receivers. But the Dolphins are allowing the 10th-fewest PPR points to tight ends, and New England's passing attack isn't great.

Sleeper

New England Patriots Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,900]: Last week against the Tennessee Titans, the Dolphins managed just 184 yards of offense and scored 12 points. The New England defense was scorched by the 49ers last year, but the Patriots aren't the 49ers by any stretch.

Stat to Know

24.3. That's how many points the Patriots and Dolphins are averaging combined a month into the regular season. By weight of comparison, there are 10 teams averaging more points per game on their own. This game is a fantasy wasteland, and anyone who sits through the entire contest deserves a medal.

Key Injuries

The Cleveland Browns have been shorthanded offensively most of the season, but there could be some good news coming.

Tight end David Njoku (ankle) is back at practice after missing multiple games, while the Browns have activated the 21-day window for running back Nick Chubb (knee) to return from injured reserve. Chubb won't play in Week 5, but Njoku has a chance of returning.

The Washington Commanders rolled offensively last week despite the absence of running back Austin Ekeler, who was in the concussion protocol. Ekeler is good to go, but now fellow running back Brian Robinson Jr. is questionable with a knee issue.

Start of the Week

Amari Cooper, WR, Cleveland Browns [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,200]: Cooper had a long touchdown nullified last week by a holding penalty, but he should rebound in the nation's capital this week. The Washington offense has been dynamic, but the defense remains a significant liability.

Sit of the Week

Cleveland Browns Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,700]: Last year, the Browns led the league in total defense, but they have backslid in that regard this season. The Jayden Daniels-led Commanders offense is giving up the fewest fantasy points to team defenses this season.

Sleeper

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,200]: Jeudy has been an up-and-down fantasy option over his first month in Cleveland. But the Browns will likely be playing from behind this week, and the Commanders are surrendering the most PPR points to wide receivers in the NFL.

Stat to Know

82.1. Daniels' completion percentage over his first four games. That's an NFL record, and no fantasy quarterback has more points a month into the season. He has become an every-week must-start in fantasy. For the second year in a row, it appears the team that picked first overall in the draft wishes it could have a do-over on its selection.

Key Injuries

The Las Vegas Raiders got a win in Week 4, but the celebration was short-lived. Not only did Davante Adams miss last week's win with a hamstring injury, but the star wideout also informed the organization that he would like to be traded. He's out for Week 5 as well, as is running back Zamir White (groin).

There's less drama in the Mile High City, where the Broncos are riding a two-game winning streak. The Broncos won't have running back Tyler Badie (back), but he's the only injured player of potential interest to fantasy managers.

Start of the Week

Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,200]: Williams has struggled running the ball this year, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry for the season. But the fourth-year pro is coming off his best game of the 2024 season, and the Raiders have struggled against the run this year.

Sit of the Week

Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]: With Adams sidelined, Meyers is the de facto No. 1 receiver for the Raiders. But the Broncos possess one of the best pass defenses in the league: Patrick Surtain II and Co. have allowed the third-fewest passing yards per game and the third-fewest PPR points to WRs this year.

Sleeper

Las Vegas Raiders Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,200]: The Raiders aren't an especially good defensive football team. But despite back-to-back wins, the Broncos are 27th in the league in total offense, 28th in scoring offense and 11th in fantasy points given up to defenses.

Stat to Know

165.0. The number of passing yards Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has averaged this season. That ranks 28th in the NFL, behind the likes of Andy Dalton of the Panthers and Gardner Minshew II of the Raiders. Nix also has just one touchdown pass over the first four games, so while Denver may be winning, fantasy managers aren't getting much from its offense.

Key Injuries

The Arizona Cardinals were without tight end Trey McBride in last week's loss to Washington, but he was back on the practice field this week and cleared the NFL's concussion protocol ahead of this week's trip to San Francisco.

The 49ers have been dealing with injuries all season. Running back Christian McCaffrey has yet to play this year, and while the Niners got wide receiver Deebo Samuel back last week, fullback Kyle Juszczyk is now questionable after sustaining a shoulder injury last week against New England. So is tight end George Kittle (ribs), but he's expected to play.

Start of the Week

Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,200]: Four games into the 2024 season, Purdy's 1,130 passing yards ranks second in the NFL. Look for the third-year pro to keep rolling through the air in Week 5, as the Cardinals have given up the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.

Sit of the Week

Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: Murray is coming off a rough outing: 162 passing yards and a single touchdown pass last week against the Washington Commanders. Given how leaky the Washington defense is, that doesn't bode well for his prospects against a much better Niners team on the road in Week 5.

Sleeper

Michael Wilson, WR, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,400]: Admittedly, this call is a hunch, but the Cardinals are likely to be playing from behind and the San Francisco defense will focus its attention on Marvin Harrison Jr. That should free up Wilson for some garbage-time stats in the second half.

Stat to Know

91. That's the number of rushing attempts Jordan Mason has tallied in four games—tops in the NFL. His 447 yards on the ground paces the NFC, and he is averaging a rock-solid 4.9 yards per carry. He isn't Christian McCaffrey, but his play has taken a lot of the sting out of the three-time Pro Bowler's absence.

Key Injuries

The Green Bay Packers got quarterback Jordan Love back from an MCL sprain...just in time to lose wide receiver Christian Watson to a high ankle sprain. He isn't expected to be placed on injured reserve, but he's unlikely to play Sunday in Los Angeles. Neither is fellow wideout Romeo Doubs, who is doubtful for personal reasons.

Unlike teammate Puka Nacua, the Rams didn't place wide receiver Cooper Kupp on injured reserve when he sprained his ankle in Week 2. It's becoming fair to question why, as Kupp has already been ruled out for a third straight game.

Start of the Week

Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: Love had an up-and-down Week 4 with boatloads of passing yards and four touchdowns offset by three interceptions. He should post a second consecutive big stat line Sunday against a Rams secondary that has been mostly awful this year.

Sit of the Week

Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]: The Green Bay secondary hasn't been especially good this year, but Kyren Williams is the focal point of what's left of the Rams offense right now, leaving Stafford with a relatively low fantasy ceiling.

Sleeper

Jordan Whittington, WR, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,600]: Whittington led the Rams in targets (eight) and receptions (six) last week and finished second on the team in receiving yards. He isn't going to single-handedly win anyone's fantasy matchup, but he is at least on the "flex" radar, especially with four teams on a bye this week.

Stat to Know

Zero. The number of receiving touchdowns Packers running back Josh Jacobs has scored on 204 career receptions. That sets a new NFL record, besting the mark of 201 receptions that had stood for nearly 40 years. He has been touchdown-averse on the ground this season as well—he has yet to score as a Packer.

Key Injuries

The New York Giants head west to face Seattle with a couple huge injuries offensively. Star wide receiver Malik Nabers has been ruled out Sunday due to a concussion, running back Devin Singletary is doubtful with a groin injury and wideout Wan'Dale Robinson was limited with a heel problem. Robinson at least appears OK--he's off the injury report.

The Seahawks are in much better shape, at least on offense. Their injury report on the offensive skill positions is clean to start the week.

Start of the Week

Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,800]: Walker had a huge game in his return to action in Detroit, scoring three touchdowns. Another hat trick may be pushing it, but he should have another good game against a middling Giants run defense.

Sit of the Week

Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: Robinson has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers this year, and he could be set for a big target share in Week 5 with Nabers likely out. But those targets will come against a Seattle pass defense allowing 167.5 yards per game, seventh-fewest in the league.

Sleeper

Seattle Seahawks Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,500]: The Seahawks were roasted by Jared Goff and the Lions, but this week's matchup is much different. This season, the Giants have surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Stat to Know

85.3. That's how many rushing yards per game the Giants are averaging in 2024, the third-fewest in the NFL. It's a combination of factors: Devin Singletary isn't an elite talent, New York's offensive line isn't great and the team keeps falling behind.

At least New York won't be short of its best offensive player Sunday when Daniel Jones has to throw to win. Oh, wait…

Key Injuries

The Steelers may have a decision to make at quarterback, with Russell Wilson limited in practice Wednesday as he rehabs the calf injury that has sidelined him all season. Pittsburgh will also be short-handed in the backfield, where Jaylen Warren (knee) and Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) have both been ruled out.

The Cowboys were hit hard by injuries on defense last week, but the offense didn't escape unscathed. Veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks will miss Week 5 with a knee injury.

Start of the Week

Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: The Cowboys were better against the run in Week 4, but they are still 27th in the league in run defense for the season. They have also surrendered the third-most PPR points to running backs this year.

Sit of the Week

Dallas Cowboys Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,400]: The Steelers rank in the middle of the league in fantasy points given up to defenses. But the Cowboys defense will likely be without its two top edge-rushers in Demarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons, and the team is already short its No. 1 cornerback. The losses are going to catch up to them eventually.

Sleeper

Jalen Tolbert, WR, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,200]: The Steelers have been solid against the pass this year. But the Cowboys cannot the run the ball and Cooks will miss Week 5. With the Steelers certain to bracket CeeDee Lamb in coverage, Tolbert could be set up for a sneaky-good stat line.

Stat to Know

312. The number of passing yards Justin Fields had in last week's loss to the Colts. He also gained 55 yards on the ground and scored three total touchdowns. It's highly unlikely Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin will make a change under center this week. But if the Steelers drop a second straight game, things could get interesting in the Steel City.

Key Injuries

The Chiefs head into the final game of Week 5 fresh off another devastating injury.

After losing No. 1 running back Isiah Pacheco to a broken leg, Kansas City is also down its No. 1 wide receiver. Rashee Rice suffered a knee injury last week, although there is hope it isn't season-ending. Running back Kareem Hunt was limited in practice with a shoulder injury, but he's tentatively expected to play.

The visiting Saints aren't without injury issues of their own. Tight end Taysom Hill has been battling chest and rib injuries for some time, and the gadget player aggravated the issue in Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Both he and running back Alvin Kamara (hip/ribs) are questionable, although Kamara's status isn't believed to be in real jeopardy.

Start of the Week

Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: Kelce had far and away his best game of the season last week against the Los Angeles Chargers. And with Kansas City's issues at wide receiver (again), we could see its passing game revert to last year's dink-and-dunk attack.

Sit of the Week

Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,200]: Worthy is always just one bomb away from a big game, and he may be Kansas City's No. 1 wideout moving forward. But that status also means more attention from opposing defenses—and a lot of two-deep safety sets to keep him from getting behind them.

Sleeper

Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]: After Carson Steele's second fumble of the season last week, Hunt handled the majority of the Chiefs' backfield work. He may not be the player he once was, but the 29-year-old could be in for a heavy workload against the Saints.

Stat to Know

226. That's how many passing yards Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is averaging per game this year, the lowest mark of his career by over 35 yards and almost 70 yards per game under his career average. Four games into the season, he is 16th among QBs in fantasy points, not exactly what fantasy managers thought they were getting when they drafted him.

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.