Bye weeks start in the NFL for Week 5, meaning fantasy football players must seek replacements for their typical lineup options.
Many names among the best Week 5 fantasy sleepers could qualify for that reward.
Keep scrolling for The Sporting News' staff picks for Week 5 fantasy sleepers.
SIT THESE PLAYERS: Week 5 fantasy busts
Best Week 5 Fantasy Sleepers
QB sleeper picks this week
Jaxson Dart, Giants at Saints
Dart compiled a couple of touchdowns in his debut and although he dinked and dunked and lost Malik Nabers, that production came in a tough spot at home vs. the Chargers. The Giants should be able to move the ball with versatile weapons including Cam Skattebo and Dart is developing a good cheat code floor with his dynamic running. - Vinnie Iyer
Spencer Rattler, Saints vs. Giants
Rattler has been pretty darn good, all things considered, over the past three weeks. He's averaging over 19 fantasy points per game during that span, with five touchdowns and just one interception. He ran for 49 yards last week in Buffalo, and he should have plenty of opportunities to do the same against New York this weekend. In his last home game (vs. SF, Week 2), he racked up three passing TDs. If you're streaming, go out and Rattle your opponents' cages. - Sloan Piva
Justin Fields, Jets vs. Cowboys
It does not matter who is playing the QB position; if the Dallas Cowboys are the opponent, it's a great start. Justin Fields is an explosive player who should be able to take advantage of the Cowboys' defense, which has allowed 27.4 fantasy points per game to the QB position. - Griffin Missant
TOP FANTASY PICKUPS: Week 5 waiver wire
RB sleeper picks this week
Woody Marks, Texans at Ravens
Marks broke out in Week 4, and he looked like the clear RB1 from a production standpoint. In Week 5, Mark will face the Baltimore Ravens, who have allowed the most fantasy points per game to the position. Marks should have another excellent game and fantasy showing. - Griffin Missant
TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots at Bills
Henderson was used a lot more with Rhamondre Stevenson struggling and he came through well in a big offensive performance for the whole team with Drake Maye putting the Patirots often in scoring position. The Bills have shown some leaks vs. running backs all the way through the red zone in what should be another high-scoring affair. - Vinnie Iyer
Chuba Hubbard, Panthers vs. Dolphins
The bad news: Hubbard has finished with under 10 PPR points in each of the past two weeks, and Rico Dowdle looks to have completely taken over third-down snaps. The good news: he still easily cleared 4.5 yards per carry in those games, and Carolina now plays Miami at home this weekend. The Dolphins make RB1s look good week in and week out, allowing the position to rack up an average of nearly 27 PPR points per game. Chuba Chuba choo-choo! - Sloan Piva
WEEK 5 Fantasy Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST | PK
WR sleeper picks this week
Elic Ayomanor, Titans at Cardinals
Ayomanor has quietly emerged through the first month of the 2025 NFL season as Cam Ward's No. 1 target in Nashville. Of course, most people haven't noticed, because as Ward said in so many words, the Titans have been booty (censored for the kids). The Cardinals defense might be the cure for what ails Tennessee — its defense sits among the 10 most generous against WRs in fantasy, and opposing WR1s have scored at least 12.4 PPR points in each of the Titans' first four games. - Sloan Piva
Jalen Tolbert, Cowboys at Jets
The Dallas Cowboys make for amazing TV because every game is high scoring. Due to this, fantasy performances are outstanding in these offensive shootouts. Jalen Tolbert has been targeted 6 times by Dak Prescott in each of the last 2 games. With CeeDee Lamb (ankle) out, someone needs to fill in that WR2 for Dallas. - Griffin Missant
Khalil Shakir, Bills vs. Patriots
There's a strong chance that Shakir makes it three consecutive weeks with a TD as his efficiency has ramped up of late with limited targets from Josh Allen. The Patriots can provide some scoring resistance so the Bills thrown often enough with Allen to deliver a good all-around game - Vinnie Iyer
Click for our full group of fantasy football weekly rankings.
TE sleeper picks this week
Zach Ertz, Commanders at Chargers
Los Angeles has fared well against the tight end but it can be vulnerable in the red zone and Ertz continues to get key targets in scoring position along with Deebo Samuel. The potential of Jayden Daniels returning would be a big boost. - Vinnie Iyer
Cade Otton, Buccaneers at Seahawks
If it's going to happen for Otton this season, it sure as heck better start this week. Mike Evans remains sidelined, Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka will be shadowed by Seattle's stud cornerbacks, and the Seahawks have surrendered the most fantasy points to tight ends in the NFL. Cook us up some TE points, Baker! - Sloan Piva
Darren Waller, Dolphins at Panthers
Waller made his NFL return in Week 4, and it was a reassuring showing from the TE. His fantasy outcome was carried by the 2 touchdowns; however, we've seen TEs thrive in this Miami offense. In Week 5, Waller takes on the Panthers, who have allowed 15.4 fantasy points per game to the position. - Griffin Missant
Team Defense sleeper picks this week
Indianapolis Colts vs. Raiders
Until further notice, any defense that plays Geno Smith becomes a good start. Smith has thrown 7 interceptions in the first 4 weeks of the season, which leads the entire league. - Griffin Missant
Carolina Panthers vs. Dolphins
The Panthers are a different team and defense at home under Dave Canales and Ejiro Evero. They can cause some pressure problems for the Dolphins and force some turnovers from Tua Tagovailoa as a sneaky much available play. much like they were ahead of Week 3 vs. the Falcons. - Vinnie Iyer
Arizona Cardinals vs. Titans
The Cardinals D/ST has been subpar fantasy-wise in three of its first four games. However, it posted 13 fantasy points against the Panthers in Week 2. The Titans offense makes the Panthers look like the Greatest Show on Turf. You want the defense that's hosting the QB who just said his team stinks. Arizona's 18% rostered in Yahoo leagues and one of the sleeper picks of the week. - Sloan Piva
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