who should start fantasy football

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For fantasy football Week 5 of the 2025 season, here are some key players recommended to start, based on expert analysis, matchups, injuries, and recent performance trends: Quarterbacks:

  • Jaxson Dart (New York Giants): A strong streaming candidate due to his mobility and a favorable matchup against the Saints, who allow significant points to opposing QBs. Dart has rushing upside and passing options despite losing key receivers.
  • Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks): Consistent performer with a good matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have defensive challenges and missing key corners.

Running Backs:

  • Rico Dowdle (Carolina Panthers): With an injury to Chuba Hubbard, Dowdle is expected to get heavy volume against the Dolphins who allow points to RBs.
  • Michael Carter (Arizona Cardinals): Named starting RB with a potentially increased role, worth starting due to volume potential.
  • Kendre Miller (New Orleans Saints): Increasing workload and a favorable matchup makes him a strong streaming option.

Wide Receivers:

  • Darius Slayton (New York Giants): High target share opportunity after injuries on the team, potential leading receiver.
  • Quentin Johnston (Washington Commanders): Strong start candidate against a defense vulnerable to WRs, with a QB who is performing well.
  • Josh Reynolds: Could improve against a defense allowing many fantasy points to WRs.

Tight Ends:

  • Darren Waller: Potential expanded role due to teammate injury, good matchup.
  • Theo Johnson: Stepping into a larger role post-injury in the Giants' receiving corps.

Additional advice includes paying attention to injury updates and matchups for final lineup decisions. Streaming lesser-known players with favorable matchups is a good strategy during bye weeks and injury-heavy periods.

This guidance offers a solid starting point for Week 5 fantasy football lineups for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. The final player choice should consider specific league settings and scoring formats.