Week 5 marks the first week that has several teams on a bye. This brings in another factor to consider in fantasy football.
With fewer options at the D/ST position, it's even more important to target those great matchups. Remember, you should never start a good NFL defense in a bad match, which does not equate to fantasy points.
Here are our Week 5 D/ST fantasy rankings, best starts and sleepers, and some matchups to avoid.
Fantasy Football Defense Rankings Week 5: Who to start, sit at D/ST
| Rk | Team Defense | OPP |
| 1 | Arizona Cardinals | TEN |
| 2 | Minnesota Vikings | CLE |
| 3 | Detroit Lions | @CIN |
| 4 | Baltimore Ravens | HOU |
| 5 | Denver Broncos | @PHI |
| 6 | Buffalo Bills | NE |
| 7 | San Francisco 49ers | @LAR |
| 8 | Washington Commanders | @LAC |
| 9 | New England Patriots | @BUF |
| 10 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | @SEA |
| 11 | Los Angeles Chargers | WAS |
| 12 | Philadelphia Eagles | DEN |
| 13 | Kansas City Chiefs | @JAX |
| 14 | Los Angeles Rams | SF |
| 15 | Seattle Seahawks | TB |
| 16 | Cleveland Browns | MIN |
| 17 | Dallas Cowboys | @NYJ |
| 18 | Houston Texans | @BAL |
| 19 | Carolina Panthers | MIA |
| 20 | New York Jets | DAL |
| 21 | Indianapolis Colts | LV |
| 22 | Las Vegas Raiders | @IND |
| 23 | Tennessee Titans | @ARI |
| 24 | Jacksonville Jaguars | KC |
| 25 | New York Giants | NO |
| 26 | New Orleans Saints | NYG |
| 27 | Miami Dolphins | @CAR |
| 28 | Cincinnati Bengals | DET |
| BYE | Chicago Bears | BYE |
| BYE | Atlanta Falcons | BYE |
| BYE | Pittsburgh Steelers | BYE |
| BYE | Green Bay Packers | BYE |
Who are the best fantasy defenses in Week 5?
The Arizona Cardinals top the list in Week 5, and it's not because they have the best unit. They get to face the Tennessee Titans and Cam Ward, who have struggled to say the least.
The beginning of the season has been rough for the Titans' offense, but they might've hit rock bottom in Week 4 when they were shut out by the Houston Texans. The Cardinals should have no problem forcing some turnovers and keeping the points to a minimum in Week 5.
TOP FANTASY PICKUPS: Week 5 waiver wire
Who are the best fantasy defense sleepers in Week 5?
The Baltimore Ravens get a decent matchup with the Houston Texans. The Texans' offensive line has continued to be unable to keep Stroud upright.
The Vikings' defense flies around the field, and in Week 5, they face a stagnant Cleveland Browns offense. It will be another early international game, which historically are low-scoring.
Defenses to avoid in Week 5 of fantasy football
The Detroit Lions might hang up 50 points on the Cincinnati Bengals, but there is no reason to play them. Detroit just put up 34 on a much better Cleveland Browns unit.
The Cowboys face the Jets in Week 5, which might inspire some to play Dallas, but do not be fooled. Justin Fields is going to have a good game against the Cowboys, just like every other QB.