Welcome back to the gridiron, fantasy fanatics. We've arrived at Week 5 of our signature Fades and Faves series. With a month of football behind us, it's an opportune time to reflect on our strategies and anticipate the moves that could propel our squads to victory. Are you reveling in the decision to draft Sam LaPorta, or still contemplating where to place Breece Hall following his knee recovery? Maybe you're scratching your head over Miles Sanders' recent performance or feeling uncertain about the fate of Trevor Lawrence.
No matter where you stand—whether you're riding high at the top of your league or seeking that game-changing move to boost your lineup—FanBuzz has got you covered. Dive into our in-depth analysis to see who we're high on and who might need a week off. Your fantasy success story starts here. Let's dissect this week's critical matchups and get you prepped for victory.
Faves: Who to Start in Fantasy Football Week 5
David Montgomery vs. Carolina Panthers (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
While Jahmyr Gibbs's managers might be wishing Montgomery away, the Lions seem committed. Montgomery has solidified his role as Detroit's lead back, highlighted by his three-touchdown performance last week. Barring any change in the Lions' backfield dynamics, you can confidently include Montgomery in your lineup.
Breece Hall @ Denver Broncos: (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
Hall is giving glimpses of his pre-injury explosiveness, and he faces an ideal matchup this week. Denver's defense has looked shaky, and the Jets are eager to lighten the load for Zach Wilson. All signs point to a favorable outing for Hall.
Michael Pittman vs. Tennessee Titans (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Before last week, Pittman consistently delivered with at least eight catches in the season's initial three games. However, Anthony Richardson's return from concussion left him a bit off, leading to Pittman's first subpar performance. Still, Pittman seems primed for a comeback against the vulnerable Titans' defense.
Romeo Doubs @ Las Vegas Raiders (Monday 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
Doubs is quickly becoming Jordan Love's go-to guy. Even with Christian Watson back in the mix, Doubs notched a impressive nine receptions from 13 targets last week. The Packers' wide receiver has a favorable matchup against the Raiders' secondary this week, and Doubs should keep up his momentum.
Sam LaPorta vs. Carolina Panthers (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
An absolute standout at the tight end position, LaPorta has exceeded all expectations. Given the overall state of the tight end position in fantasy football, he's a must-start moving forward. Jared Goff consistently targets the middle of the field, and LaPorta has been a reliable threat every week.
Fades: Who to Sit in Fantasy Football Week 5
Miles Sanders @ Detroit Lions (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Sanders is coming off a tough outing, managing just 19 yards on 13 carries. His lingering groin injury seems to be affecting his game, so it'd be wise to consider other options until he's back in full form.
Rhamondre Stevenson vs. New England Patriots (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Stevenson has endured two lackluster performances as the Patriots' offense struggles to find its rhythm. Things don't get any easier this week against the stout Saints defense. It's a challenging matchup to consider him a viable option.
Trevor Lawrence @ Buffalo Bills (9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network)
While Lawrence hasn't had a bad season, he's yet to make the anticipated leap. The Bills recently contained the explosive Dolphins' offense, so it's hard to peg this week as Lawrence's standout game.
Kyle Pitts vs. Houston Texans (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
While Pitts is undeniably one of the league's most talented tight ends, he's been overshadowed in the Falcons' offensive setup. He's lagging behind fellow TE Jonnu Smith in targets, underscoring Atlanta's struggles. For fantasy managers, it's a concerning situation.
George Pickens vs. Baltimore Ravens (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
With Kenny Pickett's status uncertain, the Steelers' quarterback scenario remains a question mark. Be it Pickett or Trubisky leading the charge, the offense under coordinator Matt Canada hasn't found consistent footing. While Pickens possesses exceptional talent, it's wise to remain cautious until the offense shows signs of improvement.
