We’re finally halfway through the fantasy football season. By now, coaches across the country realize how good (or disappointing) their teams are this season. While some players have exceeded expectations, including Jaden Daniels, Alvin Kamara, Malik Nabors and Nico Collins, others have missed the mark so far.
Week 5 marks the beginning of bye week, and the first bye teams of the season are the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, and Tennessee Titans. That will impact this week’s lineup, but we’ll cover at wide receiver.
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Here are the five starting wide receivers and the five who will play in Week 5.
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Fantasy Football Starters: Week 5 WR
Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Pittman Jr. had a breakout game in Week 4 despite playing defense for the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers. He set season highs in targets (9), receptions (6) and yards (113). He hasn’t found the end zone yet. Pittman Jr. should perform well this week, even though Joe Flacco is likely to start at quarterback for the Colts. The Jaguars are giving up the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers each week.
Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns (Washington Commanders)
Cooper was inconsistent in 2024. In Weeks 1, 2, and 4, he totaled 15.2 points in PPR leagues. In Week 3, he scored 27.6 points per game, making him one of the top five wide receivers in PPR leagues. If there’s any team he can play against, it’s Washington. Coaches are giving up the most fantasy points to wide receivers than any other player in the league.
Allen Lazard, New York Jets (vs. Minnesota Vikings)
Lazard had a strong performance last week against Denver’s strong secondary with eight catches for 58 yards. He and the Jets’ other wideouts will get some rest this week. Minnesota has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers through four weeks. The Vikings just allowed 66.6 total points to Green Bay’s wide receivers in PPR leagues. He may not hit season highs, but he should be able to score in double digits.
Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Indianapolis Colts)
Kirk has recently been a top target in quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s passing game. Over the past two weeks, he had 22 targets, which translated into 15 catches, 140 yards and a touchdown. The Jaguars may not pass the ball as much as last week, but when they do, Kirk will remain a top target.
Jaden Reed, Green Bay Packers (Los Angeles Rams)
In Week 4, Reed had a great day with eight catches for 139 yards and one touchdown, ranking him the No. 2 WR in PPR leagues. Another week with quarterback Jordan Love in the lineup should be a boost for Reid. They will also face a Rams defense that has struggled with injuries and allowed the sixth-most points to wide receivers in 2024.
Fantasy Football Sit ’em: Week 5 WRs
Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans (vs. Buffalo Bills)
Diggs also had a strong week against Jacksonville in Week 4, finishing as the 15th WR in PPR leagues thanks to his first rushing touchdown of the season. Unfortunately, the Texans face a Bills defense that has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers through four weeks. Judging by how both teams perform in 2024, this revenge game might not work out for Diggs.
Jacobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders (vs. Denver Broncos)
Davante Adams is reportedly on the trade block, so Myers will be the Raiders’ top receiving option entering Week 5. That means he will likely attract the attention of Patrick Surtain II, one of the league’s top cornerbacks. Denver ranks third in fewest fantasy points against wide receivers in 2024. Myers should be a good option later in the season when he doesn’t face a top-tier corner.
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Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs (New Orleans Saints)
Kansas City’s top wideout, Laci Rice, will be sidelined starting in Week 5, and Worthy will replace quarterback Patrick Mahomes as the top wide receiver. New Orleans’ defense did a good job in 2024 at limiting opposing wide receiver groups, especially when missing their top options. Eagles wide receivers totaled just 12 points (25 points in PPR) against the Saints in Week 3 in standard league play without AJ Brown.
Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings (vs. New York Jets)
Addison made an immediate impact upon his return from injury in Week 4. His two total touchdowns and 79 total yards made him a top-10 WR for the week. He likely won’t have the same luck in Week 5. The game will be in London against one of the league’s top second units. Opposing wide receivers are averaging nine total catches per week against New York’s defense. Justin Jefferson might break out, but it will be difficult for Addison.
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers (vs. Arizona Cardinals)
At this point, Aiyuk cannot rely on his weekly performance. He has yet to eclipse 50 yards receiving in a game this season. He converted 25 targets into just 13 catches for 167 yards on the year. With Deebo Samuel and George Kittle healthy, plus the recent performance of Jauan Jennings, they can’t be relied on every week, even against Arizona’s relatively wide receiver-oriented defense.
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