The 2025 NFL season continues to deliver unexpected twists and turns, and Week 4 was no exception. As we gear up for Week 5, fantasy football managers are scrambling to optimize their lineups and capitalize on emerging opportunities. This article provides an early look at Week 5 fantasy football rankings, highlighting potential risers, sleepers, and crucial waiver wire targets. Whether you play in PPR, half-PPR, or standard leagues, these expert rankings will guide your roster decisions and help you stay ahead of the competition.
Week 4 saw surprising performances from quarterbacks like Dak Prescott and Matthew Stafford, while running backs such as Kenneth Gainwell and Woody Marks emerged as valuable assets. At the wide receiver position, Drake London and Justin Jefferson finally made their mark. The tight end landscape remained unpredictable, with several unexpected names cracking the top 10. As we move into Week 5, identifying the right players to add and start is critical for fantasy success.
This article breaks down the top quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end options, focusing on players available in at least 40% of Yahoo leagues. We’ll delve into their recent performances, snap counts, target data, and Week 5 matchups to provide actionable insights. Stay tuned for detailed analysis and updated rankings to help you dominate your fantasy league!
Week 5 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings: Risers and Sleepers
- Giants QB Jaxon Dart (23% rostered) – Despite the Giants’ struggles, Dart’s rushing ability makes him an intriguing fantasy option. He led all quarterbacks in rush attempts and finished with 54 yards and a score. If he maintains this rushing usage, he’ll have a safe floor at the position.
- Texans QB CJ Stroud (55%) – Stroud could be a streaming option in Week 5 against a depleted Ravens defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
- Rams QB Matthew Stafford (42%) – After a strong performance against the Colts, Stafford faces a tough matchup against the 49ers in Week 5. However, he has favorable matchups against the Ravens and Jaguars in the following weeks.
Week 5 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings: Risers and Sleepers
- Texans RB Woody Marks (31%) – Marks took over the Houston backfield, garnering 22 opportunities (17 carries and 5 targets). He turned that into 119 total yards and 2 touchdowns. Treat him as a top 20 back until further notice.
- Steelers RB Kenneth Gainwell (23%) – Gainwell capitalized on his opportunity, playing 77% of the snaps and receiving 78% of the backfield opportunities, resulting in 134 total yards and two touchdowns. He likely earned a more substantial role going forward.
- Saints RB Kendre Miller (5%) – Miller is getting enough usage to have standalone value during bye weeks and is an injury away from having RB2 value.
- Titans RB Tyjae Spears (32%) – With Tony Pollard struggling, Spears should have immediate flex appeal in deep PPR leagues if he returns from IR.
Week 5 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings: Risers and Sleepers
- Packers WR Romeo Doubs (39%) – With Jayden Reed out, Doubs led all Green Bay wideouts in snaps (75), routes (42), and targets (8). He turned that volume into 58 yards and three touchdowns, making him a high-upside flex option when Green Bay returns from their bye in Week 6.
- Browns WR Isaiah Bond (0%) – With David Bell injured, undrafted rookie Isaiah Bond has entered the fantasy picture. He had a 71% route rate in Week 4 and caught three of his six targets for 58 yards and a touchdown.
- Giants WR Darius Slayton (2%) – With Jalin Hyatt injured, Slayton’s target share should increase considerably. In 2024, Slayton racked up 22 targets (29% share) in the two games Hyatt was sidelined.
- Giants WR Wan’Dale Robinson (49%) – Robinson should also be a major beneficiary of the Hyatt injury. The 24-year-old played a majority of snaps in two-receiver sets after the injury, according to PFF, which should significantly raise his fantasy value going forward.
- Titans WR Elic Ayomanor (31%) – Ayomanor led all Titans wideouts in snaps (41), routes (27), and targets (5). Given his role, he is worth rostering in most medium-sized leagues or deeper.
Week 5 Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings: Risers and Sleepers
- 49ers TE Jake Tonges (2%) – With injuries impacting San Francisco’s skill position group, Tonges could be a sneaky stream. He made the most of his five targets against the Jaguars, turning them into 58 yards and a touchdown.
- Jaguars TE Brenton Strange (28%) – Strange has been a fringe TE1 option in PPR formats, totaling between 9.9 and 12.1 PPR points in three of his four games this season.
- Giants TE Theo Johnson (5%) – After Hyatt went down, Johnson was tied with Wan’Dale Robinson for the team lead in targets at 31%. He turned his five targets into three receptions for 17 yards and a touchdown.
Week 5 Fantasy Football Rankings: PPR and Non-PPR
As Week 5 approaches, making informed decisions about your fantasy football roster is essential for success. By identifying potential risers and sleepers, capitalizing on waiver wire opportunities, and staying ahead of the curve with expert rankings, you can gain a competitive edge in your league. Keep an eye on player matchups, snap counts, and target data to make the most strategic choices.
Remember that these rankings are subject to change as the week progresses, so be sure to check back for final updates before setting your lineups. With the right preparation and insights, you can navigate the unpredictable world of fantasy football and achieve your goals in the 2025 season. Good luck!
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