Welcome to Week 5 in another NFL season of fantasy football start and sit lineup advice from The Sporting News.

Vinnie Iyer’s analysis, aka “The Decider,” remains your one-stop shop for fantasy start ’em/sit ’em in 2026 — a unique mashup of rankings and matchup breakdowns to help you make those tough decisions on whom to play and not to play:

• Several high-drafted fantasy players who should be in lineups most weeks when healthy and active are the “must starts.”
• Borderline options with favorable matchups are “stronger starts,” while the recommended plays to avoid are “weaker starts.”
• The advice is based on 12-team, half-point PPR to split the difference between shallow and deep leagues and full-PPR and standard formats.

Going beyond redraft league starts and sits, “The Decider” also includes some DFS picks for different styles of games on DraftKings and FanDuel. Keep scrolling for tips on how to deploy the best fantasy football lineup for your league opener.

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Fantasy Football Week 5 Start ‘Em: Quarterbacks

Must-start Week 5 QBs

1. Josh Allen, Bills (at LAR)
2. Joe Burrow, Bengals (at MIA)
3. Matthew Stafford, Rams (vs. BUF)
4. Jared Goff, Lions (at ARI)
5. Dak Prescott, Cowboys (vs. TB)
6. Brock Purdy, 49ers (at SEA)
7. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars (at CIN)

Strong Week 5 QB starts

8. Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals (vs. DET): The Lions cannot stop the pass. Brissett loves to pass for Mike LaFleur. Nothing has to give here.

9. Jayden Daniels, Commanders (IF he plays, vs. NYG): He might expedite his return with Marcus Mariota shelved, just in time ot compile through ground and air on the Giants’ D.

10. Drake Maye, Patriots (vs. LV): Maye got well last week and his big arm and quick legs will once again lead to a nice day, this time at home.

11. Jalen Hurts, Eagles (vs. JAX): Even with their injuries around him, he’s still startable becaue there’s a good chance he will be let loose more as a runner in London.

12. Tyler Shough, Saints (vs. MIN): The blitz is concerning but he still be chucking plenty as New Orleans won’t run well in this matchup.

13. C.J. Stroud, Texans (at TEN): Stroud has been playing well but being let down by the defense, a huge twist in Houston’s 0-4 start.

14. Kyler Murray, Vikings (at NO): He got more in the groove for Kevin O’Connell last week and the numbers will be there in the Superdome this week.

DFS QB Week 5 pick

Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (vs. IND, $5,300 on DraftKings, $7,000 on FanDuel): Rodgers is difficult to trust in season-long in one-QB leagues because of true volatility. But his big arm and accuracy will be difficult for the Colts to handle as he stays hot.

MORE: Week 5 NFL picks against the spread

Fantasy Football Week 5 Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks

Weaker Week 5 QB plays

15. Jordan Love, Packers (vs. CHI): The Bears’ defense is playing better than you think and the stinker in Tampa Bay doesn’t inspire.

16. Jameis Winston, Giants (at WAS): He can chuck, too, and ended up with the digits on the Cardinals but the medium reward comes with much greater risk.

17. Deshaun Watson, Browns (at NYJ): He didn’t really put up much against the Steelers and Aaron Glenn’s pass defense is better at home.

18. Kirk Cousins, Raiders (at NE): He was cooled a little by the Chiefs and the Patriots’ defense on the road is a much tougher test.

19. Bo Nix, Broncos (at LAC): He’s on the road and coming off a rough game, so no.

20. Sam Darnold, Seahawks (vs. SF): He’s still not someone you can feel good about playing in any week despite JSN, even in this revenge game.

21. Geno Smith, Jets (vs. CLE): This matchup can stay grounded and get ugly for the QBs.

MORE: NFL Week 5 power rankings: Chiefs, 49ers jump up to top two spots

Fantasy Football Week 5 Start ‘Em: Running backs

Must-start Week 5 RBs

1. Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions (at ARI)
2. Bijan Robinson, Falcons (vs. BAL)
3. Jonathan Taylor, Colts (at PIT)
4. Chase Brown, Bengals (at MIA) 
5. James Cook, Bills (at LAR)
6. Derrick Henry, Ravens (at ATL)
7. Christian McCaffrey, 49ers (at SEA)
8. Kyren Williams, Rams (vs. BUF)
9. D’Andre Swift, Bears (at GB)
10. Javonte Williams, Cowboys (vs. TB)
11. Jaylen Warren, Steelers (vs. IND)
12. Bucky Irving, Buccaneers (at. DAL)
13. Omarion Hampton, Chargers (vs. DEN)
14. Ashton Jeanty, Raiders (at NE)
15. Quinshon Judkins, Browns (vs. PIT)
16. Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars (vs. PHI)
17. Kyle Monangai, Bears (at GB)
18. Braelon Allen, Jets (vs. CLE)
19. Cam Skattebo, Giants (at WAS)
20. Jeremiyah Love, Cardinals (if he plays, vs. DET)

Strong Week 5 RB starts

21. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Commanders (vs. NYG): He merits more plays with Rachaad White hurting and Austin Ekeler still too old.

22. David Montgomery, Texans (at TEN): The anemic Houston running game can get going more on the road.

23. Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins (vs. CIN): Gordon just looks strong replacing De’Von Achane and should be asked to carry more of the offense that needs a spark.

24. Aaron Jones Sr., Vikings (at NO): The Vikings can end their own rushing slump with Murray and Jones to follow the lead of the Falcons.

25. Emanuel Wilson, Seahawks (vs. SF): Joe Mixon is in the mix, but Wilson still figures to get the lead touches against an average 49ers run defense.

25. Rhamdondre Stevenson and 26. TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots (vs. LV): The duo should have good volume and success after what Kenneth Walker III did to the Raiders.

DFS RB Week 5 Picks

Quinshon Judkins, Browns (at NYJ, $5,700 on DraftKings, $6,100 on FanDuel): Judkins got rolling on the Steelers and the Jets really wilted vs. the Bears last week.

Aaron Jones Sr., Vikings (at NO, $6,500 on DraftKings, $6,200 on FanDuel): Jones isn’t either Robinson from the Falcons, but he’s a good enough veteran back to take advantage and give you sneaky 3X return.

Fantasy Football Week 5 Sit ‘Em: Running backs

Weaker RB Week 5 plays

27. Alvin Kamara, Saints (vs. MIN): He did find the end zone twice on the Falcons but there’s not much else there and this matchup is difficult.

28. Will Shipley, Eagles (at JAX): He might need to be the guy with no Tank Bigsby and Saquon Barkley hurting, but it’s a terrible spot for the running game.

29. Tony Pollard, Titans (vs. HOU): He is pretty much a touchdown-dependent lead back.

30. JK Dobbins, Broncos (at LAC): There’s nothing you can trust in this backfield yet.

31. MarShawn Lloyd, Packers (at TB): The transition to more Kaleb Johnson happens and the problem also lies up front.

32. Tyler Allgeier, Cardinals (vs. DET): The Lions stink against the run but he’s only playable in the place of Love missing the game with his ankle injury

MORE: NFL Week 5 predictions against the spread

Fantasy Football Week 5 Start ‘Em: Wide receivers

Must-start Week 5 WRs

1. Puka Nacua, Rams (vs. BUF)
2. Nico Collins, Texans (at TEN)
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions (at ARI)
4. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks (vs. SF)
5. CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys (vs. TB)
6. Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals (if cleared, at MIA)
7. Justin Jefferson, Vikings (if he plays, at NO)
8. Chris Olave, Saints (vs. MIN)
9. Zay Flowers, Ravens (vs. TEN)
10. Malik Nabers, Giants (vs. ARI)
11. Tee Higgins, Bengals (if he plays, at MIA)
12. Davante Adams, Rams (vs. BUF)
13. Drake London, Falcons (vs. BAL)
14. Garrett Wilson, Jets (vs. CLE)
15. Christian Watson, Packers (vs. CHI)
16. Parker Washington, Jaguars (vs. PHI)
17. George Pickens, Cowboys (vs. TB)
18. Michael Wilson, Cardinals (vs. DET)
19. Jaylen Waddle, Broncos (at LAC)
20. Jameson Williams, Lions (at ARI)
21. Mike Evans, 49ers (at SEA)
22. Emeka Egbuka, Buccaneers (at DAL)
23. Matthew Golden, Packers (vs. CHI)
24. Terry McLaurin, Commanders (if he returns. vs. NYG)
25. DK Metcalf, Steelers (vs. IND)
26. Romeo Doubs, Patriots (at BUF)
27. Deebo Samuel, 49ers (at SEA)

Strong WR Week 5 starts

28. Jordan Addison, Vikings (at NO): He should be busier in this matchup should Jefferson miss the game with a chance at a long score.

29. Ladd McConkey, Chargers (if he plays, vs. DEN): You still need to go with him after the zero if healthy because the Broncos’ cornerbacks are hurting.

30. Stefon Diggs, Commanders (vs. NYG): He is a solid play should McLaurin still go but even better if the former doens’t.

31. Luther Burden III, Bears (at GB): He still can get it done in the middle of the field with Bagen.

32. Devaughn Vele, Saints (vs. MIN): He’s been great working off Olave to the point they don’t miss Jordyn Tyson all that much.

33. Wan’Dale Robinson, Titans (vs. HOU): The Texans stink in the slot and Robinson has been getting more short targets from Cam Ward.

DFS WR Week 5 picks

Malik Nabers, Giants (at WAS, $6,300 on DraftKings, $7,300 on FanDuel): Nabers got going with Winston and the Commanders struggle more in downfield coverage.

Nico Collins, Texans (at TEN, $7,500 on DraftKings, $7,800 on FanDuel): Collins smashed the Cowboys on his return and will stay hot on the road in a pristine matchup.

Roman Wilson, Steelers (vs. IND, $3,700 on DraftKings, $5,600 on FanDuel): Here’s your bargain bin flyer to bet on a third week in a row of a big scoring play to get cheap 3X return.

Fantasy Football Week 5 Sit ‘Em: Wide receivers

Weaker Week 5 WR plays

34. Rome Odunze, Bears (at GB): Odunze showed more life with Tyson Bagent but he really needs Caleb Williams.

35. Denzel Boston, Browns (at NYJ): It’s more difficult to trust him or fellow rookie KC Concepcion on the road.

36. Jakobi Meyers, Jaguars (vs. PHI): There’s more sporadic catches and yardage after Washington.

37. Josh Downs, Colts (at PIT): In theory he should be a thing but Daniel Jones isn’t obliging.

38. Carnell Tate, Titans (vs. HOU): For Carnell knowledge, the Texans are still tough cover team outside for a developing rookie.

39. Dontayvion Wicks, Eagles (vs. JAX): Darius Cooper and Makai Lemon deflate his potential with DeVonta Smith shelved.

Fantasy Football Week 5 Start ‘Em: Tight ends

Must-start Week 5 TEs

1. Trey McBride, Cardinals (vs. DET)
2. George Kittle, 49ers (at SEA)
3. Sam LaPorta, Lions (at ARI)
4. Tyler Warren, Colts (at PIT)
5. Brock Bowers, Raiders (at NE)
6. T.J. Hockenson, Vikings (at NO)
7. Tucker Kraft, Packers (vs. CHI)
8. Dalton Kincaid, Bills (at LAR)

Stronger Week 5 TE starts

9. Juwan Johnson, Saints (vs. MIN): The matchup rises in difficulty but he’s too important in their offense to sit.

10. Jake Ferguson, Cowboys (vs. TB): He was quiet as expected vs. Houston but this is a juicy home matchup.

11. Isaiah Likely, Giants (at WAS): The Commanders cannot cover this position well.

12. Mike Gesicki, Bengals (at MIA): Expect the former Dolphin to do some more awful griddy-ing in the end zone.

13. Mark Andrews, Ravens (at ATL): He got more involved and Tyler Huntley likes to favor him plenty when Lamar Jackson sits.

14. Colston Loveland, Bears (at GB): Loveland took advantage of Bagent to get back on track and the Packers have limited answers for him.

DFS TE Week 5 pick

Mike Gesicki, Bengals (at MIA, $4,100 on DraftKings, $5,200 on FanDuel): Gesicki becomes a great value should Chase sit, working off Higgins for another big game.

Fantasy Football Week 5 Sit ‘Em: Tight ends

Weaker TE Week 5 starts

15. Harold Fannin Jr., Browns (at NYJ): Fannin is a weak-to-week proposition with the wide receivers rising for Watson.

16. Kyle Pitts, Falcons (vs. BAL): He flashed more vs. the Saints but it’s still not trustworthy.

17. Pat Freiermuth, Steelers (vs. IND): Darnell Washington throws a wrench into the good idea.

18. Kenyon Sadiq, Jets (vs. CLE): He put up a rookie goose egg in Chicago last week so slow the roll.

19. Tyler Higbee, Rams (vs. BUF): The Rams are hurting elsewhere at the position but the Bills are way more vulnerable to wide receivers.

20. Hunter Henry, Patriots (vs. LV): The Raiders have gotten much tougher with their linebacker and safety coverage to go here.

Fantasy Football Week 5: Defense/special teams best starts

1. Cincinnati Bengals (at MIA)
2. Houston Texans (at TEN)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. PHI)
4. Denver Broncos (at LAC)
5. Minnesota Vikings (at NO)
6. Dallas Cowboys (vs. TB)
7. New England Patriots (vs. LV)
8. Chicago Bears (at GB)
9. Cleveland Browns (at NYJ)
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. IND)
11. Washington Commanders (vs. NYG)
12. New York Jets (vs. CLE)
13. Seattle Seahawks (vs. SF)
14. Baltimore Ravens (at ATL)

DFS D/ST Week 5 picka

Chicago Bears (at GB, $2,900 on DraftKings, $4,400 on FanDuel): Dennis Allen has the Bears defense flying around the field and they will get sacks and picks from Love once they stop the run early.