Who do I start in fantasy football in Week 5? Who should I avoid? We know that many fantasy football managers are in do-or-die mode, facing dilemmas on the best ways to round out your roster, and finding the optimal matchups to take advantage of. Fortunately, I’m here to help you navigate the murky waters of Week 5 with PPR targets to start and who to avoid as we approach the midway point of the fantasy season.
Fantasy Football Week 5 Quarterbacks to Start
Teddy Bridgewater, Carolina Panthers (at Atlanta Falcons)
This is a no-brainer. The Falcons have given up the most fantasy points to opposing gunslingers this season. Quarterbacks are averaging four touchdown passes per game against these clipped birds. I see plenty of passing yards to WR Robby Anderson. This should be fun!
Gardner Minshew, Jacksonville Jaguars (at Houston Texans)
I look for Minshew to deliver again in Week 5 against a Texans team dealing with organizational changes after firing their head coach, Bill O’Brien. The Texans secondary is allowing multi-touchdown games to opposing quarterbacks. #MinshewMania lives on!
More quarterbacks to target:
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (at Tennessee Titans)
- Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams (at Washington Football Team)
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Fantasy Football Week 5 Quarterbacks to Avoid
Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles (at Pittsburgh Steelers)
Even with a win in Week 4, I’m still not sold that Wentz can do much for you in fantasy this season. The Eagles may get Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson back this week, but that still does not get me excited about Wentz, especially against an excellent Steelers defense.
Another bust to avoid
Fantasy Football Week 5 PPR Picks: Start these running backs
James Robinson, Jaguars (at Texans)
Robinson has become one of the best stories in fantasy this season, and his favorable schedule against rushing defenses has been a huge factor. In Week 5, he gets another juicy matchup against the Texans, whose defense is giving up the most rushing yards to opposing ball carriers.
Mike Davis, Panthers (at Falcons)
Running backs are averaging 20 fantasy points a game against the Falcons this season. I also see the Panthers utilizing Davis in their passing attack Sunday, considering Atlanta’s defense has allowed over 30 receptions to ball carriers after four weeks. Davis will be an even better play in PPR leagues.
More running backs to start in PPR leagues:
- David Johnson, Texans (vs. Jaguars)
- Todd Gurley, Falcons (vs. Panthers)
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Fantasy Football Week 5 PPR Picks: Running backs to avoid
Melvin Gordon, Broncos (at New England Patriots)
Phillip Lindsay is expected back this week. Therefore, expect a shared Broncos backfield. Gordon’s matchup is not favorable, considering the Pats are stingy in allowing running backs to find the end zone. If desperate, Gordon is no more than a flex play.
Fantasy Football Week 5 PPR Picks: Start these wide receivers
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings (at Seattle Seahawks)
Jefferson should be in the OROY discussion. Jefferson is heading into Week 5 on fire and facing a Seahawks secondary that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing receivers this season. Kirk Cousins knows what he is working with, and Jefferson’s target volume should continue to be a healthy one.
Darius Slayton, New York Giants (at Dallas Cowboys)
Slayton is Daniel Jones’ GO TO guy! The Browns exposed the Cowboys secondary last week, and I envision a huge day for Jones and Slayton this Sunday, especially when the game script has the Giants playing from behind.
More wide receivers to start in PPR leagues:
- Robby Anderson, Panthers (at Falcons)
- Tim Patrick, Broncos (at Patriots)
Related | Week 5 start/sit with Phillip Caldwell’s Consistency Score analytics
Fantasy Football Week 5 PPR Picks: Wide receivers to avoid
A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals (at Baltimore Ravens)
Burn me once…shame on you, burn me twice…shame on me. I’m not doing it again! Green is a shell of himself, and in Week 5, he faces one of the best secondaries in the NFL. Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins are more worthy this season.
Tight End Starters in Week 5
Tyler Higbee, Rams (at Washington)
Higbee is having a huge season for the Rams, thanks to Sean McVay’s use of 12 personnel. This week he has a scintillating matchup against a Washington defense that allows tight ends to score at will. I’ll be using Higbee in many DFS lineups this week. Be sure to have him in your lineup!
Other tight ends to start in PPR leagues:
- Jonnu Smith, Titans (vs. Bills)
- Ian Thomas, Panthers (at Falcons)
- Mo Alie-Cox, Colts (at Browns)
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Anita Marks is the Chief Fantasy Analyst at Pro Football Network. Marks is also a gambling analyst for ESPN and appears on Daily Wager, which airs from 6-7 PM ET on ESPN 2. Her radio show — Weekend Wager — airs on ESPN New York (98.7) FM every Friday at 10 PM ET. Follow her on Twitter: @AnitaMarks.