Best/Worst Matchups - 2025 Week 5

We all make mistakes...

I made several bad ones with my picks last week and will take full responsibility for them. That doesn't mean I will give up attempting to give you all the best advice that I can. I'm getting right back up after getting knocked down.

We have BYE WEEKS to deal with now... Along with the ever-growing list of injuries.

So this kind of matchup help will be crucial to help find better replacements to plug in. It's wild that we're missing massive studs left and right. Lamb... Nabers... Tyreek... Burrow... The list goes on. More players are becoming relevant each week.

With respect to these developments, let's find the next guys that will go off in Week 5.

QUARTERBACKS

START Justin Fields vs Dallas Cowboys

Start every QB vs the Dallas Cowboys this season. You'll always expect a blowout. Don't hesitate here!

Honorable Mention: Sam Darnold vs TB, Dak Prescott vs NYJ

SIT Matthew Stafford vs San Francisco 49ers

The Rams will be playing from ahead against a banged-up Niners team and Kyren Williams will feast. Stafford will manage the game but won't have a great fantasy game, especially against a Niners team who are in the bottom half of opposing QB points allowed this season.

Honorable Mention: Kyler Murray vs TEN, Bo Nix vs PHI

RUNNING BACKS

START Emari Demercado vs Tennessee Titans

The news of the day was Trey Benson going on IR. This opens the RB next in line behind Benson and James Conner: Emari Demercado. He has a juicy matchup against the Titans where they will be playing from ahead and get plenty of rushing opportunities against the team that has allowed the 4th most points to opposing RBs.

Honorable Mention: Woody Marks vs BAL, Rico Dowdle vs MIA

SIT Rhamondre Stevenson vs Buffalo Bills

Treyveyon Henderson is starting to fully make his case to be the lead back. Stevenson is starting to become more of an afterthought to the level of Antonio Gibson. They will also likely be playing catch-up for plenty of the game and the use of Stevenson should be scarce. Do not count on Stevenson as a trustworthy FLEX play.

Honorable Mention: Tony Pollard vs ARI, Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs LAC

WIDE RECEIVERS

START Christian Kirk vs Baltimore Ravens

CJ Stroud finally gets an easier defensive matchup and the pass catchers for the Texans should stand out this week. Kirk should be one of them after a solid outing in the previous game. He's cemented as the WR2 over Jayden Higgins for the time being and will have the opportunity to put up BIG numbers this week. Kirk is a great streaming option this week.

Honorable Mention: Josh Downs vs LV, Elic Ayomanor vs ARI

SIT A.J. Brown vs Denver Broncos

I haven't forgotten about the dismal start to the season, Mr. Brown. This week, he gets the Denver Broncos and the dreaded matchup against reigning DPOY in Patrick Surtain II. Brown is set to be locked up in a tough-fought matchup. It may be tough to keep him on your bench but I do warn you to look back a couple weeks ago. That floor is entirely possible here.

Honorable Mention: Jerry Jeudy vs MIN, Malik Washington vs CAR

TIGHT ENDS

START Darren Waller vs Carolina Panthers

Wow! Unc still got it. Waller put up some big-time numbers last week. With the injury to Tyreek Hill, Waller's emergence will be even more crucial in the Dolphins' game plan against the lowly Panthers who have allowed the 6th most points to opposing TE's this season. Waller will easily be the 2nd option in the offense now and could be a Top 10 TE for the remainder of the season.

Honorable Mention: Dalton Schultz vs BAL, Mason Taylor vs DAL

SIT Brenton Strange vs Kansas City Chiefs

Strange has been extremely hit-or-miss this season. Unfortunately, he gets the KC matchup this week where the Chiefs have allowed the 4th least points to opposing TE's. The TE matchup is really one to avoid where these lower-end teams have allowed less than 6 points to opposing TE's this season. Avoid Strange and seek other help at the position.

Honorable Mention: TJ Hockenson vs CLE, Zach Ertz vs LAC

#DRock313