To determine who you should start in your fantasy football lineup for Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season, it's essential to consider player matchups, recent performance, injury status, and expert consensus. Based on the latest analysis, here are key recommendations across positions.
Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield (TB) is a strong start this week despite facing the Seahawks, who have a solid defense. Mayfield has thrived under low-pressure situations, throwing 13 touchdowns against just three interceptions in his last eight games when not blitzed, and the Seahawks blitz less than any other team in the league. Conversely, Russell Wilson (NYG) should be benched after being replaced by rookie Jaxson Dart, who now holds the starting role in New York. Sam Darnold (SEA) has been consistent with 15.8–16.7 fantasy points over Seattle’s three-game win streak but lacks high upside due to limited pass attempts and minimal rushing ability.
Running Backs
Christian McCaffrey (SF) remains a must-start given his elite usage and role in the 49ers’ offense, especially in a divisional matchup against the Rams. For deeper leagues, Emari Demercado has emerged as a popular start/sit debate option, often compared to players like Chase Brown and Woody Marks, indicating his rising relevance in competitive formats.
Wide Receivers
Ja’Marr Chase (CIN) is a lock to start every week, but for Week 5, players like Puka Nacua (LAR) and Jauan Jennings (SF) are also favorable in the 49ers- Rams showdown, which could be a high-scoring affair. A.J. Brown (PHI) may cause uncertainty early in the season, but current Week 5 outlooks do not indicate major concerns.
Tight Ends
The tight end position is particularly volatile in Week 5 due to bye weeks affecting top-tier matchups. However, those with available options should prioritize players facing defenses ranked among the most generous to tight ends, though specific names were not detailed in the latest reports.
Defenses and Kickers
For defense streaming, focus on units facing struggling offenses. While specific Week 5 top defenses weren’t listed, the general strategy remains to target favorable matchups, such as a top-tier defense facing a backup quarterback or an offense with multiple injuries. Kickers should be selected based on team offensive strength and projected point totals, with no standout recommendations for Week 5 at this time.
For personalized decisions, tools like RotoBaller’s “Who Should I Start?” allow side-by-side comparisons of up to four players, factoring in projections, news, and matchups. Similarly, FantasySP uses projections, expert consensus, and trending stats to provide data-driven start/sit advice.
Ultimately, always verify injury reports and weather conditions closer to game time, as these can significantly impact fantasy