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Players To Start And Sit For Fantasy Football In Week 5
Sep 29, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) rushes the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images

Bye weeks are here, adding another curveball to your fantasy football lineup decisions. Here are four players to start in Week Five.

Justin Fields- Start

In the two games that New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields has played, he has recorded 29.52 and 27.14 fantasy points. While there are certainly limitations to his game, his rushing ability has consistently made him a relevant player in fantasy football. In his upcoming game, Fields will be facing the Dallas Cowboys, who have allowed an average of 27.4 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. Notably, the Cowboys have given up career-high fantasy points to both Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Russell Wilson.

Jalen Hurts- Sit


Sep 28, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) smiles after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Eagles’ offense, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, has scored a touchdown every time in the red zone, maintaining 100% efficiency. While not always pretty, they’ve been effective. This week, they face a Denver Broncos defense that allows the fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs.

Woody Marks- Start


Sep 28, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (27) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks is set for an increased role against the Baltimore Ravens after his 17 carries for 119 total scrimmage yards and two touchdowns against the Titans. With Joe Mixon uncertain to return, Marks has the chance to establish himself as the clear number one RB in Houston.

Jacory Croskey Merrit- Sit


Sep 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (22) runs during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Through four games, it appears that Washington Commanders’ running back Jacory Croskey Merrit may be in line for more touches in the upcoming weeks, as indicated by various efficiency statistics. Croskey-Merritt has yet to exceed 10 rush attempts this season. In their next game, the Commanders will face the Los Angeles Chargers, who have only allowed one rushing touchdown to an opposing running back so far this season.

Michael Pittman Jr- Start


Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) warms up Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, ahead of a game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman is having a strong bounce-back season after a tough 2024, catching three TDs in the last four games and leading the team in targets. The Colts face a struggling Las Vegas secondary that has allowed nearly 42 PPG to opposing WRs.

Jerry Jeudy- Sit


Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) tries to makes a catch against Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed (4) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025.

In four weeks, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has not yet scored a touchdown. The Browns will be traveling to London to face the Minnesota Vikings, a team that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.

Darren Waller- Start


Sep 29, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (83) reacts after the game against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

In his Dolphins debut, tight end Darren Waller caught two touchdowns on three receptions. With Tyreek Hill out for the season, Waller is poised to be a key player in the red zone.

Hunter Henry- Sit


Sep 28, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) runs with the ball for a touchdown during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry ranks 2nd on the team in targets and receiving yards. The Buffalo Bills are allowing just over five fantasy points to opposing tight ends, have given up the fewest targets to TEs, and have allowed only one touchdown to a tight end.

End Of My Fantasy Football Rant


Coming off a bye week, Jahmyr Gibbs, left, and David Montgomery of the Lions are both top-10 fantasy running backs in Week 6.

Dive into expert fantasy football insights and rankings for Week five matchups to make informed start/sit decisions. Find top picks for QBs, RBs, WRs, and TEs to elevate your fantasy game and dominate your league. 

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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