Fantasy football players continue to be challenged with a major wave of injuries. Plus, they must deal with NFL teams on bye for the first time this week, as the Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers will be off.
We help fantasy leaguers plug their lineup holes and make tough lineup decisions in NFL Week 5. Analysis leans to PPR formats, and top highlighted starters at each position are listed in order of lineup preferences.
NFL Week 5: Running Backs To Start
START Jaylen Warren: He was asked to take on a larger load in the Pittsburgh backfield recently and responded well. Warren has rushed for 220 yards over the past two games. Indianapolis ranks 26th in rushing defense, so Warren should be locked in as a fantasy RB2 for Week 5.
START Quinshon Judkins: Cleveland has started to show new signs of life on offense, and a respectable passing game can open up more running room for Judkins. Last week, he totaled 96 yards from scrimmage and caught six passes while rushing for a touchdown. The Jets rank 25th in the league in rushing defense.
START Omarion Hampton: The Chargers are winless, and Hampton is not quite putting up the fantasy numbers expected of him so far this season. But he has rushed for TDs in three of four games this season and totaled 13-plus PPR points in two of his last three games. Denver has allowed the most rushing yards per game of any team in the AFC (142.8).
START Bucky Irving: The Buccaneers, who are also winless, take on Dallas this week, and Tampa Bay will have to rely on its running game to not get blown out of the Cowboys' building. Dallas allows the second-most rushing yards in the NFL, so Irving may post at least adequate numbers in Week 5**.**
More Week 5 Fantasy Football RBs To Start: Bhayshul Tuten (vs. PHI), Aaron Jones Sr. (vs. NO), Kyle Monangai (vs. GB) Ollie Gordon II (vs. CIN) Rhamondre Stevenson (vs. LV).
Week 5 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings: Running Backs
- Will Shipley, Eagles: Saquon Barkley is dealing with a hamstring issue, and Tank Bigsby is out with an abdomen injury. Shipley might have to function as a primary RB for Philadelphia in Week 5. He is a speedy RB with the potential to contribute as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield.
- Emanuel Wilson, Seahawks: Those who streamed Wilson in Week 4 were rewarded with 120 scrimmage yards and two TDs. Wilson is a deserving lead ball carrier and flat pass option for the Seahawks at RB right now. He is still available in some leagues and should play an important role in the showdown with the 49ers this week.
- Tyler Allgeier, Cardinals: He rushed for his first TD as a Cardinal last week and may continue to split work with Jordan Love. Allgeier has proved in the past he does have consistent TD potential as a fantasy RB4.
- Brian Robinson Jr., Falcons: Atlanta's offense has churned out 80 points in the last two games, and Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for three TDs on Monday night. He is the essential fantasy football insurance RB for Bijan Robinson and should be rostered anyhow as a bye week or injury-fill in candidate.
- Jonah Coleman, Broncos: The rookie is currently on IR with an ankle injury, but he may get an opportunity to emerge as a frequent ball carrier for Denver later in the season.
- Austin Ekeler, Commanders: The longtime fantasy favorite returned to action last week and performed well in limited duty. He totaled 40 yards on five touches from scrimmage and looked like he could add a needed spark to the Washington running game.
- CJ Donaldson, Saints
- MarShawn Lloyd, Packers
- Keaton Mitchell, Chargers
- Jaylen Wright, Dolphins
NFL Week 5: Wide Receivers To Start
START Denzel Boston: The Browns boast a promising core of young playmakers, and Boston has emerged as a consistent downfield threat early in his rookie year. He is averaging 21.8 yards per reception and totaled 89+ yards in two of the past three games. Boston has earned fantasy WR3/flex consideration after four weeks.
START Jameson Williams: The Lions' speedster delivered his best performance of the season so far in Week 4. He caught six of eight targets for 102 yards with a long reception of 49 yards. The Cardinals are a good matchup for opposing WRs, as they rank 29th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to the position.
START Jaylen Waddle: The ex-Dolphin caught his first TD pass as a Bronco last week, and Waddle should still be started as he eases in with a new team. The Chargers rank 18th in FFPG allowed and Bo Nix will continue to find ways to get the ball to his most explosive WR.
START DK Metcalf: The longtime former Seahawk came through with his best game of the season so far in Week 4, catching five of nine targets for 115 yards. He gets a good draw this week against the Colts. Indianapolis ranks 21st in FFPG to opposing WRs.
More Week 5 Fantasy Football WRs To Start: Malik Nabers (vs. WAS), Michael Wilson (vs. DET), Stefon Diggs (vs. NYG), Jakobi Meyers (vs. PHI**),** Carnell Tate (vs. HOU).
Week 5 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings: Wide Receivers
- Tyreek Hill, Free Agent: A fantasy standout for many years in the past, Hill might be able to reportedly return from last year's major knee injury as soon as November. If Hill can hopefully regain a good chunk of his past form, he may re-emerge as a regular starting option.
- Dohnte Meyers, Bengals: Cincinnati is dealing with significant injury issues at WR, and Meyers stepped forward to catch seven of nine targets for 82 yards last week.
- Keon Coleman, Bills: Coleman is averaging 15.5 yards per reception so far this season. He is always capable of winning on a contested catch and he will get frequent looks as a TD target at or near the goal line.
- Tre Harris, Chargers: Over the past two games, Harris is looking like he may become a prime deep threat for the Chargers, as he totaled 136 receiving yards.
- Roman Wilson, Steelers: Wilson is finally starting to surface for the Steelers, and he is operating as a prime downfield option for Aaron Rodgers. He caught TD passes in each of the last two games with long receptions of 49 and 38 yards.
- Darius Cooper, Eagles: He caught two TD passes last week and might continue to play a key role in the thinned Philadelphia passing game.
- Chris Bell, Dolphins
- Makai Lemon, Eagles
- Malik Washington, Dolphins
- Khalil Shakir, Bills
- Malachi Fields, Giants
NFL Week 5: Tight Ends To Start
START Isaiah Likely: This should be another week when Jameis Winston flings the ball all over the yard, and expect Likely be one of his prime options. Last week against Arizona, Likely caught seven of 12 targets. Arizona ranks 29th in FFPG allowed to TEs.
START Mike Gesicki: The Bengals TE may have to play a featured role in the passing game this week because of Cincinnati's injury concerns at WR. Even if the Bengals are able to play at least one of their top two WRs against Miami, the Dolphins rank 28th in FFPG allowed to TEs. Gesicki caught three TD passes in the first four games of the season.
More Week 3 Fantasy Football TEs To Start: T.J. Hockenson (vs. NO), Kenyon Sadiq (vs. CLE), Jake Ferguson (vs. TB).
Week 5 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings: Tight Ends
- TJ Hockenson, Vikings
- Mike Gesicki, Bengals
- Michael Mayer, Raiders
- Tyler Higbee, Rams
- Brenton Strange, Jaguars
- Hunter Henry, Patriots
NFL Week 3: Quarterbacks To Start
START Jared Goff: We should see a lot of points scored in a Detroit-Arizona shootout. Arizona is tied for the most TD passes (11) allowed in the NFL. Goff finished as a top 7 fantasy QB in two of the past three weeks.
START Jacoby Brissett: Fantasy managers regularly target the Lions' pass defense, and Brissett is a good streamer this week. Detroit has the lowest-ranked pass defense in the NFL and Brissett is never hesitant to gun downfield.
More Week 3 Fantasy Football QBs To Start: Jameis Winston (vs. WAS), C.J. Stroud (vs. DAL).
Week 3 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings: Quarterbacks
- Kirk Cousins, Raiders
- Deshaun Watson, Browns
- Jameis Winston, Giants
- C.J. Stroud, Texans
- Tyler Huntley, Ravens
Week 5 Fantasy Football Defenses To Stream: Cincinnati (vs. MIA), New Orleans (vs. MIN), Las Vegas (vs. NE), Pittsburgh (vs. IND), Washington (vs. NYG).
Week 5 Kickers to add: Always pay attention to this position, as too many fantasy players overlook the truly best scorers to date at kicker. Consider adding these kickers, in order of preference: Ryan Fitzgerald (Panthers), Matt Gay (Raiders), Cairo Santos (Bears), Chad Ryland (Cardinals), Dominic Zvada (Giants).
Scott Engel's *full weekly Fantasy Football rankings are available at RotoBaller.com.* Scott is a member of the inaugural class of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's (FSWA) Hall of Fame. He has been the official Fantasy Football writer for Seahawks.com since 2012 and has contributed to game coverages and special projects such as the *Top 50 Seahawks of All Time*.
Scott is a Senior Writer at *RotoBaller.com* and a host on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio. His work has regularly appeared on CBSSports.com, ESPN.com and The Athletic.
Check out photos of the Seahawks 53-man roster for the 2026 season.
This is a 2026 photo of DeMarcus Lawrence of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence (0)
This is a 2026 photo of Julian Neal of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Julian Neal (1)
This is a 2026 photo of Drew Lock of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2)
This is a 2026 photo of Nick Emmanwori of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3)
This is a 2026 photo of Michael Dickson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4)
This is a 2026 photo of Jason Myers of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5)
This is a 2026 photo of Jalen Milroe of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6)
This is a 2025 photo of Uchenna Nwosu of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 9, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7)
This is a 2026 photo of Cooper Kupp of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10)
This is a 2026 photo of Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11)
This is a 2026 photo of Ernest Jones IV of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13)
This is a 2026 photo of Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14)
This is a 2026 photo of Tory Horton of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15)
This is a 2026 photo of Elijah Arroyo of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18)
This is a 2026 photo of Julian Love of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20)
This is a 2026 photo of Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21)
This is a 2026 photo of Rashid Shaheed of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22)
This is a 2026 photo of Emanuel Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson (23)
This is a 2026 photo of Rodney Thomas II of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks safety Rodney Thomas II (24)
Seahawks cornerback Avery Smith (27).
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Avery Smith (36) runs during an NFL preseason football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Inglewood, Calif., Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
This is a 2026 photo of Nehemiah Pritchett of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28)
This is a 2026 photo of Josh Jobe of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29)
This is a 2026 photo of Drake Thomas of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
This is a 2026 photo of Venus Jones Jr of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks running back Velus Jones Jr. (33)
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (32)
Seahawks running back Robert Henry Jr. (34).
This is a 2026 photo of George Holani of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks running back George Holani (36)
This is a 2026 photo of Brady Russell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38)
This is a 2026 photo of Ty Okada of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39)
This is a 2026 photo of Chris Stoll of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41)
This is a 2026 photo of Chazz Surratt of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Chazz Surratt (44)
This is a 2026 photo of Tyrice Knight of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48)
This is a 2026 photo of Patrick OíConnell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52)
This is a 2026 photo of Olu Oluwatimi of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (55)
This is a 2026 photo of Dante Fowler of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (56)
This is a 2026 photo of Connor OíToole of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Connor O'Toole (57)
This is a 2026 photo of Derick Hall of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58)
This is a 2026 photo of Jalen Sundell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61)
This is a 2026 photo of Christian Haynes of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64)
This is a 2026 photo of Charles Cross of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67)
This is a 2026 photo of Beau Stephens of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Beau Stephens (70)
This is a 2026 photo of Abraham Lucas of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72)
This is a 2026 photo of Josh Jones of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tackle Josh Jones (74)
This is a 2026 photo of Grey Zabel of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76)
This is a 2026 photo of Eric Saubert of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert (81)
This is a 2026 photo of Montorie Foster of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (87)
This is a 2026 photo of A.J. Barner of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88)
This is a 2026 photo of Nick Kallerup of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end Nick Kallerup (89)
This is a 2024 photo of Jarran Reed of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90)
This is a 2026 photo of Byron Murphy II of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91)
This is a 2026 photo of Mike Morris of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94)
This is a 2026 photo of Brandon Pili of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks nose tackle Brandon Pili (95)
This is a 2026 photo of Rylie Mills of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive tackle Rylie Mills (98)
This is a 2024 photo of Leonard Williams of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99)
