Week 5 Fantasy Football Start/Sits - NFL 2025 (QB, RB, WR, TE)

The first week of the NFL season in October is here. With the weather cooling, hopefully your fantasy football team's momentum isn't. If it is, listen up as we here at 4QWI are gonna throw some takes at you to get your fantasy lineups right entering Week 5.

Using data, gut feelings and ethereal projections, we will provide you the tools needed to get that juicy dub week after week with 100% accuracy. We will, of course, omit matchup-proof choices such as Puka Nacua and Josh Allen.

Quarterbacks: Austin # 1

Start: Kyler Murray vs. Tennessee Titans (Sunday, 10/5 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Now I may just be forging a desperate attempt at manifestation here as a Kyler Murray fantasy owner, but if there’s a matchup to get back on track, this should be it. Murray’s facing the 0-4 Titans, who just allowed 233 yards and 2 TDs through the air by CJ Stroud last week. Arizona’s offensive line is my only withdrawal here, as Kyler Murray has been sacked 13 times in 4 weeks, 3rd highest in the league behind Cam Ward(17) and Lamar Jackson(15). If Murray can make good, quick decisions in this game, he has very desirable upside, so if you need a QB to fill in due to BYE week or injury, Murray could be a great option.

Start: Jared Goff @ Cincinnati Bengals (Sunday, 10/5 @ 4:25 PM EST)

Jared Goff and the Lions take on the somehow 2-2 Bengals in what should be an absolute slaughter. With Jake Browning at the helm, the Bengals have been spending a lot more time on defense than offense, and that is going to work significantly in Goff’s favor. I expect Detroit’s ground game to be fierce, running down the Bengal’s defense, and open up massive play action opportunities for Goff to connect with St. Brown and Jameson Williams downfield. In 4 weeks, Goff is averaging 232 pass yards a game and 2+ TD’s/game. I don’t think Goff is going to attempt a ton of passes here, but I think he is going to get monster yardage on the throws he makes. Jared Goff is an exciting QB1 for me this week.

Jared Goff

Start: CJ Stroud @ Baltimore Ravens (Sunday, 10/5 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Much like Kyler Murray, Stroud hasn’t exactly impressed this season, however, he draws a surprisingly favorable matchup against a 1-3 Ravens team whose defense has been absurdly bad. In 4 games, the Ravens are allowing 271 passing yards/game and given up 9 touchdowns through the air. Also, they only have 4 measly sacks this season. In short, the Ravens defense sucks right now, and CJ Stroud is coming off his best performance this season. Unless you have a Josh Allen on your team, start Stroud, as he is poised for a successful day in Baltimore this week.

Sit: Drake Maye @ Buffalo Bills (SNF, 10/5 @ 8:20 PM EST)

Drake Maye has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks, passing for at least 1 TD and 200+ yards in every game so far this season. On the season, Maye has passed for 988 yards and 7 TD’s on 2 INT’s and 1 fumble. He also has rushed for 98 yards and 2 TD’s in that span. Maye has been playing great, however, in Week 5 he draws a divisional matchup with the Buffalo Bills, and he is going to be tested as the Bills boast the number 1 rated passing defense in the league, only allowing 125 yards/game through the air, while tallying 9 sacks and 2 interceptions. The Bills’ weakness is their rush defense, as they rank a polar opposite 31st in rushing yards, allowing 164 yards/game. I would expect game script to dictate NE’s offense to be run dominant, which is why I’m leaving Maye on the bench in week 5.

Sit: Baker Mayfield @ Seattle Seahawks (Sunday, 10/5 @ 4:05 PM EST)

Baker Mayfield has been absolutely solid so far this year, passing for 904 yards and 8 TD’s on 1 interception, which averages to 226 passing yards/game. This week, the 3-1 Bucs take a trip to Seattle to face the 3-1 Seahawks. The Seahawks rank 2nd in points allowed per game (16), 6th in total sacks (12), 7th in takeaways (7), and 6th in rushing yards allowed per game (89). It looks like Mayfield will be without star RB Bucky Irving and WR Mike Evans this week, which will allow Seattle to hone in on defending Egbuka and Godwin. I think the Bucs will find a way to win this game, but I think it’s going to be a defensive, low scoring affair. If you don’t have to start Mayfield, I would avoid him in Week 5.

Sit: Jayden Daniels @ Los Angeles Chargers (Sunday, 10/5 @ 4:25 PM EST)

Jayden Daniels is set to return in week 5 after missing two weeks due to a knee injury, and unfortunately for him, he is facing the LA Chargers, a defense that has only allowed 6 offensive touchdowns in 4 games. Washington’s offense is pretty banged up right now, with both of their star WRs dealing with ailments, as Terry Mclaurin is questionable with a quad injury, and Deebo Samuel is questionable with a heel injury. With Daniels coming off an injury himself, he’ll have some rust to shake off as he runs for his life, trying to avoid a team that has 13 sacks in 4 games. Daniels being Daniels will always provide potential, but in a game where he faces possibly the toughest defense in the league, he’s for the bench this week.

Running Backs: @jvr1210

Start: Cam Skattebo @ New Orleans Saints (Sunday, 10/5 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Skattebo has officially entered must-start territory. Watching this kid run around the football field like a human wrecking ball sure is fun to watch. The Giants first game of the Jaxson Dart era saw Skattebo play a key role in the offense as he had 25 carries and 2 receptions for a total of 90 yards. With Tyrone Tracy likely out this week as well, Skattebo should continue to see the brunt of the work for the Giants offense.

This week, the Giants line up against the New Orleans Saints, who are allowing 118.8 rushing yards per game to go along with 4 rushing touchdowns allowed on the season, making them the 5th most favorable fantasy matchup for opposing RBs. I expect to see Skattebo continue to play a big role for the Giants, with a favorable matchup against the Saints.

Cam Skattebo

​Start: Quinshon Judkins vs. Minnesota Vikings (Dublin, Ireland, Sunday 10/5 @ 9:30 PM EST)

Another rookie running back who has looked quite impressive out of the gate. Judkins is putting himself together a decent start to his NFL career. After missing the first game of the season, Judkins has cemented himself as one of the only bright lights in a struggling Cleveland Browns offense. In his last two outings against the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, Judkins has accumulated 210 total yards with 2 touchdowns. Quite the impressive feat for a rookie against two solid defenses. The Cleveland Browns have made the decision to bench Joe Flacco in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel, while Shedeur Sanders remains QB3. Things could get better or worse, but with a fellow rookie making his first start, I would not be surprised to see Judkins heavily involved again to try and take the pressure off of Gabriel in his first NFL start.

Quinshon Judkins

​Sit: Chase Brown vs. Detroit Lions (Sunday, 10/5 @ 4:25 PM EST)

This poor man, the Bengals offensive line is absolute garbage. Without Joe Burrow, Chase Brown has been fighting for his life out there, with a measly 2.3 yards per rushing attempt. If we pull back the curtain a bit, you will see that Chase Brown, on average, has 1.0 yards before contact. This man is getting hit on average, 1 yard beyond the line of scrimmage. There is just no blocking going on in Cincinnati. This team has been struggling to get much of anything going on offense, leading to more reliance on a bad passing game. This means fewer rushes for Brown and more of his value coming from receptions. With another tough matchup against the Lions, leave Brown on the bench.

Sit: Tony Pollard @ Arizona Cardinals (Sunday, 10/5 @ 4:05 PM EST)

You’d think a guy who is tied for the 7th most carries this season would be a bit higher than RB 28. Unfortunately, Tony Pollard and the Tennessee Titans have struggled to get much of anything going on offense this season. At this point in the season, not a single skill position player for the Titans deserves to be started in fantasy football. Despite all the touches, Pollard has only managed to find the end zone once, as the Tennessee Titans are averaging the fewest points and the second fewest total yards per game. To tie it all together, the Titans have only found the endzone as an offense three times this season. Until things change (and that’s a big IF things change), Tony Pollard should remain on your bench.

Wide Receivers: @BreTT_Shevlin

Start: Michael Pittman Jr vs. Las Vegas Raiders (Sunday, 10/5 @ 1:00 PM EST)

The Colts are coming off their first loss of the season in a game where Pittman saw a season high in targets (10). With an excellent matchup against the Raiders who are 31st in the NFL vs the pass, Pittman provides a high floor in week 5. Last week vs the Raiders, Rome Odunze had four receptions for 69 yards and a TD which is kind of what I would expect for Pittman this week. Trust the matchup and have faith that Daniel Jones will be looking to him often.

Start: Wan’dale Robinson @ New Orleans Saints (Sunday, 10/5 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Wan’dale elevates from the WR2 to the WR1 in this offense now that Malik Nabers will miss the rest of the season. Robinson saw 18 targets the first two weeks with Russell Wilson and now Jaxson Dart has taken over after an upset win vs the Chargers last week. Dart looks to be a much more polished passer and goes up against a struggling Saints squad who are still seeking their first win. The Saints defense has given up 9 passing TD’s in four games which is tied for 30th in the NFL. Wan’dale projects as a high upside flex play in lineups this week.

Sit: AJ Brown vs. Denver Broncos (Sunday, 10/5 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Although Week 3 vs the Rams looked encouraging, the Eagles are just not a passing offense. Very rarely is Philadelphia ever trailing in a game and even when they are AJ just isn’t getting enough looks. He’s made his frustrations known on social media so it’ll be interesting to see where this leads, but he’s way too risky to be in lineups right now. One thing to also consider, Pat Surtain will most likely be lined up on him the whole game so do with that information what you will.

AJ Brown

Sit: Ladd McConkey vs. Washington Commanders (Sunday, 10/5 @ 4:25 PM EST)

As a McConkey owner in fantasy it’s been a frustrating season to say the least. Ladd who I drafted in the fourth round as my WR2, has somehow been downgraded to the WR3 for the Chargers. I think the sample size is large enough at this point to see that Quentin Johnston and Keenan Allen have surpassed him on the depth chart. Coming off a 1 catch 11 yard performance he’s very touchdown dependent to which he’s not getting targeted in the red zone at all. Safe to avoid in lineups until Herbert starts looking his way more.

Sit: Tee Higgins vs. Detroit Lions (Sunday, 10/5 @ 4:25 PM EST)

One of the many other WR busts this season the Bengals offense is nothing without Joe Burrow leading the helm. Until the Bengals get Jake Browning outta there and bring in someone serviceable, Tee is not trustworthy in fantasy. 10 catches on 20 targets is just not doing it. The Bengals offense line is undoubtedly top 3 worst in the NFL so unless you have no other choice with 4 teams on a bye this week, you’re best looking for secondary options on the waiver wire.

Tight Ends: @Endyoe

Start: Jake Tonges @ Los Angeles Rams (TNF, 10/2 @ 8:15 PM EST) As someone who for the the first four weeks of the season was alternating David Njoku and Harold Fannin, I snagged Tonges as a dart throw because the production from TE on my main fantasy team can't get worse. Tonges slotted in as San Fran's main TE with George Kittle out since Week 1 and the game script for Tonges this week is an enticing one in a shallow position. With Wide Receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings confirmed out tonight, Tonges will have to step up as a primary pass catcher for Mac Jones. Again, it's a dart throw, but it's always nice to have a Thursday starter and the context makes it worth consideration. The Rams are allowing the 13th most fantasy points to Tight Ends this season.

Start: Darren Waller @ Carolina Panthers (Sunday, 10/5 @ 1:00 PM EST)

In his first game since January 2024, Waller came in and made an immediate impact for Miami's game against the Jets in week 3. Securing two touchdowns and displaying that he still has a great athletic tool set, Waller will surely be up for a larger snap count and an advanced role in the offense with Tyreek Hill out for the season after sustaining a leg/knee injury. The matchup is good too, as the Panthers just got routed by the Patriots which included a touchdown for New England TE Hunter Henry. Carolina has also allowed the fifth most fantasy points to Tight Ends to date.

Darren Waller

Start: Dalton Schultz @ Baltimore Ravens (Sunday, 10/5 @ 1:00 PM EST)

I don't have it in me to write sits for this position, so here's another start. Dalton Schultz has been an unsung hero of consistency among Tight Ends this season, and I believe he's got another serviceable outing ahead as he and the Texans take on Baltimore. Schultz has had target numbers of 5, 4, 6 and 6 this season; those 21 targets are tied for 11th amongst his position. Schultz has turned those 21 targets into 16 catches for 126 yards on the season. The Ravens have allowed the 12th most points to Tight Ends this season as well, and their defense is struggling. All that together makes Schultz a totally fine option this week.

Start: Zach Ertz @ Los Angeles Chargers (Sunday, 10/5 @ 4:25 PM EST)

Here's one more for ya. The 12-year veteran came off to a hot start on the season with Washington as he combined for 13 targets for 9 catches for 90 yards and two tuddies in his first two games. As soon as Quarterback Jayden Daniels went down with an injury, we immediately saw Ertz decline with Marcus Mariota in. Just a reminder that Daniels is cleared to compete this week in a pivotal midseason game against the Chargers. With a depleting cast of teammates who are injured, or questionable/have missed games (Austin Ekeler is done for the season, and Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel and Noah Brown were all held out of Wednesday practice drills), Ertz is likely to be called upon often. The Chargers present a tough matchup for Washington, but if nothing else they are simply middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to Tight Ends (18th) which makes Ertz worth a look.