Bye weeks can come at fantasy football players fast. The 2025 NFL season is no exception as the first set of teams will be out of action in Week 5.
Navigating bye weeks is a part of winning fantasy strategy. Although you don't want to go overboard with an extreme roster makeover with a few players off, you still want to maximize your lineup while some regular starting options are out.
Here's what teams are idle in Week 5 and what players need to be best replaced.
MORE: Complete fantasy football bye-week schedule
What NFL teams have a Week 5 bye in 2025?
The Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, and Atlanta Falcons are the first four teams on bye this week.
By position, here are the notable skill players not playing:
- Quarterbacks: Jordan Love, Aaron Rodgers, Caleb Williams, Michael Penix Jr.
- Running backs: Josh Jacobs, Jaylen Warren, D'Andre Swift, Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier
- Wide receivers: Matthew Golden, DK Metcalf, Rome Odunze, D.J. Moore, Drake London, Darnell Mooney
- Tight ends: Tucker Kraft, Jonnu Smith, Kyle Pitts
- Kickers: Brandon McManus, Chris Boswell, Parker Romo
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Best bye-week fill-in QBs for Jordan Love, Caleb Williams
Bryce Young, Panthers (18% rostered in Yahoo! leagues): Young has proved to be a better QB at home as he tries to keep his upward trajectory in Dave Canales' offense. Carolina gets a terrific matchup with Miami's defense visiting. This all lines up well for Young being a strong plug-and-play streamer.
Jaxson Dart, Giants (17%): The rookie first-rounder got his first start out of the way at home vs. the Chargers. His second start is made for more favorable production on the road against the lowly Saints. The Giants should be more willing to let Dart loose as a runner and downfield passer with a little experience against a weaker defense.
Geno Smith, Raiders (41%): The Colts matchup is on the road, and given the sad state of the Raiders' defense, they should give plenty to the hosts and be forced into high passing volume in the second half. Las Vegas is throwing more than it would like with Chip Kelly out of necessity, and Smith has shown there are enough weapons to compile in garbage time.
Best bye-week fill-in RBs for Week 5
Kareem Hunt, Chiefs (36%): Hunt is being needed with Isiah Pacheco keeping the traditional running game sputtering. He is positioned to see some good rushing work and scoring chances at the Jaguars.
Ollie Gordon III, Dolphins (28%): Gordon is developing as the big rookie power back to complement De'Von Achane and has a fair shot to find the end zone vs. the Panthers run defense.
Woody Marks, Texans (20%): The rookie will need to get a more extended look to spark the running game and the offense in general, and the Ravens' run defense is in shambles for their upcoming battle.
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Best bye-week fill-in WRs for Week 5
Tre Tucker, Raiders (50%): Smith is feeling it downfield with Tucker, stepping up as the young veteran to help stretch the field most on the other side and exploding for a massive game at Washington in Week 3. Tucker has a fair shot of making some big plays in likely comeback mode vs. the Colts.
Wan'Dale Robinson, Giants (50%): He's a bit of a "Dart throw" but he does get to face the Saints' secondary to help out his rookie QB away from Malik Nabers next week.
Elic Ayomanor, Titans (28%): With each passing week, Ayomanor is looking more like the rookie go-to guy for fellow first-year player Cam Ward, and he should continue to get high-leverage looks vs. the Cardinals.
Best bye-week fill-in TEs for Week 5
Brenton Strange, Jaguars (26%): Strange and the Jaguars' passing game will get a Monday night home showcase vs. the Chiefs, and he should be an integral Trevor Lawrence in a game with raised stakes.
Harold Fannin Jr., Browns (41%): Fannin has operated as a rookie hybrid wideout/tight end, hurting the production of expected veteran contributors. He is worth a shot against the Vikings.
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