Setting your fantasy football lineups can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded, but don’t sweat it too much because some guys are just undeniable. Aaron Jones Sr. has been an absolute workhorse, averaging a ridiculous 23 touches per week over his last three starts, and he is about to run all over a New Orleans front seven that has been getting gashed on the ground.
Green Light Go! Your Week 5 Starters
Look, some matchups are just screaming “start ’em,” and we have a few that are too good to ignore. Jacoby Brissett, for instance, faces a Lions back seven that has been shredded by just about everyone. While Brissett’s 2026 season has been a bit inconsistent, he has got help with Trey McBride and Michael Wilson, and he is expected to chuck it more than 40 times. This game could easily be a shootout where the first team to 30 points wins.
Then there is Isaiah Likely. He is, at worst, the second read in that passing game, and he quietly holds the highest target share among all tight ends. Jameis Winston played it safe in Week 3, but he was back to his YOLO self in Week 4, and that is a positive trend if you are rolling with Likely. Washington’s defense is also a plus matchup for him.
And speaking of tight ends, how about Mike Gesicki? This is a revenge game for him against the Dolphins, where he spent five years. Joe Burrow clearly trusts Gesicki in the red zone, hitting him for three touchdowns already, and Gesicki could see even more action if Cincinnati is missing either of its star wideouts. Miami’s pass defense has been surprisingly solid on the flanks but totally exploitable right down the seam. That screams Gesicki time.
Aaron Jones Sr., as we said, is a must-start. The Minnesota passing game is a mess right now, with Kyler Murray struggling big time. But that might not even matter this week because Jones can lug the mail. The veteran back is a beast, and the New Orleans front seven has given up nine rushing touchdowns and 147.8 yards per week on the ground. Get him in there.
Yellow Light, Proceed with Caution
Alright, not everyone is a slam dunk, and some guys need a little more thought before you plug them into your lineup. Quinshon Judkins is still chugging along at just 3.0 yards per carry, so he can’t get that green light. But his touch count has been rising every week, largely because the Browns are using him more in the passing game, with 15 catches this year compared to only 26 his entire rookie season. Cleveland overhauled its offensive line before the year, so we need to give them some time to jell. Game script should not be an issue against the Jets, which is a plus.
Then there is Will Shipley. He was a reasonable waiver wire target given the injuries in the Philly running back room. However, the Philadelphia offensive line has fallen apart, and the Jaguars are a daunting matchup, allowing just 3.3 yards per carry. Shipley should definitely get double-digit opportunities, but keep your expectations realistic.
TreVeyon Henderson is stuck on just one reception after catching 35 passes last year, and he is rarely the guy at the goal line. But Rhamondre Stevenson is dinged up, and the Raiders have been leaky against the run all year, giving up 5.2 YPC and 134.5 yards per game. This week could make him a proactive flex play.
Finally, Josh Downs has me torn. He is a nice player, but his ceiling might be capped. As a smaller receiver at 5-foot-9, 171 pounds, he is probably not going to see a ton of red-zone work; he has been targeted just once inside the 15-yard line.
Week 5 is gonna be wild, and these calls could totally make or break your fantasy lineup. Keep your eyes peeled for how these guys perform, especially those Yellow Light guys who could pop off if things break right. Get ready for Sunday, because every single yard counts!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply