Who to Start in Fantasy Football? NFL Week 5 First Look
Four teams will be on a bye in NFL Week 5, including the Eagles and Lions, leaving some gaps to be filled on fantasy football rosters. There are still some exciting matchups on the docket this week, including when the Texans host the Bills.
We’ve got plenty of picks to sift through on PrizePicks to help you decide who to start in fantasy football. Let’s take an early look at the NFL board and highlight some of the more appealing players this week at each position.
Who to Start in Fantasy Football? Week 5
Here’s our full list of who to start in fantasy football for Week 5. Click the player to view their PrizePicks projections.
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Who to Start in Week 5: Quarterbacks
49ers QB Brock Purdy 252.5 Pass Yards — MORE
49ers QB Brock Purdy has remained productive despite not having all of his top skill players at his disposal. After a quiet performance in Week 1 against the Jets, he has three straight games with at least 288 passing yards.
His 10.7 average intended air yards (IAY) ranks second in the league per NFL Next Gen Stats — clearly he’s been forced to air it out more without RB Christian McCaffrey.
Look for Purdy to thrive in a matchup versus the Cardinals, who have allowed the second-most yards per pass attempt (8.54) in the league, and just gave up an efficient 26-for-30 passing performance from Commanders QB Jayden Daniels.
Other PrizePicks Projections: Brock Purdy 2.5 Pass TDs (Demon)
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence 218.5 Pass Yards — MORE
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence has thrown for fewer than 180 yards in three of four games this season. It’s been a brutal start to the year for him, after finishing last year with five-straight losses.
After posting a completion rate of at least 65.6% in both of the last two seasons, he has completed only 53.3% of his passes this year.
On the bright side, his 10.6 IAY ranks third in the league — the upside is there. The Colts have allowed the 10th-highest completion percentage in the league, so the potential is there for Lawrence to have one of his more efficient performances of the season.
Let’s not forget that this Colts defense gave up 363 passing yards to Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams in Week 3, then 312 yards (plus 55 rush yards) to Justin Fields in Week 4.
Who to Start in Week 5: Running Backs
Packers RB Josh Jacobs 62.5 Rush Yards — MORE
The Packers were losing 28-7 at the half against the Vikings last week, so they had to abandon the run early. Packers RB Josh Jacobs had just nine carries, but he still finished with 51 rushing yards.
Prior to that, he had received at least 14 carries in each of his first three games. Jacobs rushed for 235 yards across his first two games with the Packers.
Expect him to bounce back in a big way against the Rams, who have given up the most rushing yards per game (165.5) in the league.
The Rams have given up 77 or more rushing yards to every opposing RB1 this year. Here are recent RB performances against the Rams:
- Lions RB David Montgomery: 91 yards, 1 TD
- Cardinals RB James Conner: 122 yards, 1 TD
- 49ers RB Jordan Mason: 77 rushing yards
- Bears RB D’Andre Swift: 93 rushing yards, 1 TD
Ravens RB Justice Hill 20.5 Receiving Yards – MORE
Ravens RB Derrick Henry isn’t the only member of their backfield that is thriving. Ravens RB Justice Hill caught six passes for 78 yards and one touchdown against the Bills in Week 4.
That marked his second game of the season with at least six receptions and at least 52 receiving yards.
The Ravens could be involved in a high-scoring affair versus the Bengals, who have scored at least 33 points in both of their last two games as QB Joe Burrow gets back into the swing of things. Added pass attempts for Ravens QB Lamar Jackson should mean good things for Hill.
Hill has reached this number in three of his four games so far this season.
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Who to Start in Week 5: Wide Receivers
Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. 53.5 Receiving Yards – MORE
Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. is emerging as one of the team’s top wide receivers. He has been targeted 18 times over the last two games, catching a total of 11 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown.
Thomas is also the top graded wide receiver on this team, according to PFF.
Even with Lawrence struggling, Thomas has at least 47 receiving yards in all four games of his rookie campaign. The Colts have allowed 12.8 yards per reception to opposing wide receivers, leaving Thomas with significant upside, especially if tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) sits out again.
Browns WR Amari Cooper 56.5 Receiving Yards – MORE
After a great showing in Week 3 against the Giants, Browns WR Amari Cooper was limited to four receptions for 35 yards against the Raiders in Week 4. The positive was that he was targeted eight times.
Cooper has not received fewer than eight targets in a game this season. The Browns are set to face the Commanders, who have allowed 8.57 yards per target to opposing wide receivers, and have the league’s 31st ranked coverage defense, per PFF.
Cooper could be in line for one of his better stat lines of the season in the best matchup a receiver can ask for.
Other PrizePicks Projection: Amari Cooper 0.5 Rush+Rec TDs (Demon)
Who to Start in Week 5: Tight End
Chiefs TE Travis Kelce 61.5 Receiving Yards – MORE
Chiefs WR Rashee Rice (knee) went down early last week against the Chargers. That opened the door for Chiefs TE Travis Kelce to receive a season-high nine targets. He made them count, posting seven receptions for 89 yards.
The Chiefs are running out of healthy options at wide receiver, as WR Marquise Brown remains out with a shoulder injury. So Kelce should remain busy moving forward.
Up next is a matchup against the Saints, who have allowed the second-most yards per target to tight ends (9.43) this season.
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Build Your Week 5 NFL DFS Lineup on PrizePicks
With four teams being on a bye in Week 5, we have some added start or sit decisions to for fantasy football. The Eagles and Lions are two of the teams who are off, leaving several key skill players unavailable for fantasy.
You can get in on all the Week 5 action by building a team on PrizePicks for the Sunday main slate.
There are no salary constraints, so pick two or more projections for your favorite players, finalize your lineup, sit back, and enjoy the games.
Follow Mike Barner for more NFL Picks: @rotomikebarner
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