Fantasy Football Start/Sit Lineup Advice: Sleepers (Week 5)

“Darius Slayton will be a popular pickup with Malik Nabers done for the year, but rightfully so. He has years of experience as a deep threat, and this week he gets the beatable Saints defense – one that is tied for the third-most receiving TDs allowed in 2025.”
– Kevin Roberts (The DFS Build)

Mason Taylor (TE – NYJ)

“Last week, I called Mason Taylor an appealing waiver wire pickup and streaming option ahead of the matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The former LSU star didn’t fail me, ending Week 4 as the TE11, totaling 11.5 PPR fantasy points. The rookie had five receptions on seven targets for 65 receiving yards, ranking second on the team behind Garrett Wilson in every category. More importantly, Taylor has 13 targets over the past two weeks, the second-most behind Wilson (21). Meanwhile, the Jets face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. They have surrendered 11.1 fantasy points per game to tight ends this season, allowing 12 or more in all but one contest. Therefore, Taylor (TE24 and 138th overall) is an appealing streaming option again in Week 5 and has rest-of-season value.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

“A sleeper start I like this week is Mason Taylor against a weak Cowboys defense. Taylor has led the Jets’ tight ends in snap share all season, and last week, he set a career high with seven targets. In Week 4 against Miami, it felt like the only pass catchers making plays were Mason Taylor and Garrett Wilson. We also nearly saw Tucker Kraft put up TE1 numbers if not for getting stopped twice at the 1-yard line, which shows how vulnerable this defense can be. If you need a bye-week replacement at tight end in Week 5, Taylor is in a great spot.”
– Brady Auer (BA Sports Podcast)

Kendre Miller (RB – NO)

“Kendre Miller as a flex play this week versus the Giants? Why not? Miller was surprisingly heavily involved last week versus the Bills, gathering 12 touches and a rushing score in the loss. Up next is the New York Giants, who have struggled mightily against running backs this year. The Giants have conceded at least one touchdown to opposing running backs in each of their first four outings, and after last week’s impressive outing, Miller could be in line for more work this week.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

“Kendre Miller looked terrific against the Bills last week and might be a worthwhile flex play in a week where there are some good RBs on bye. It’s not as if Miller is mounting a siege against Alvin Kamara, but Miller has played 20 and 21 offensive snaps the last two weeks, and with 20 touches over that span, he’s been getting a touch on nearly half his snaps. It’s not a big enough role to provide consistent fantasy value, but Miller could provide flex value in the right matchup. He had 11-65-1 rushing last week against a leaky Bills run defense that’s giving up 6.0 yards per carry this season. Now, Miller gets a Week 5 matchup against a Giants run defense that ranks dead last in DVOA and is allowing 6.1 yards per carry.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)

Malik Washington (WR – MIA)

“Malik Washington is my sleeper of the week, primarily due to the season-ending injury to Tyreek Hill. While his recent stat lines have been modest (just the two catches for 13 yards in Week 4), Hill’s vacated target share immediately elevates Washington to a much bigger role alongside Jaylen Waddle. The Dolphins’ coaching staff has already shown snippets of getting him more involved via designed runs and special teams opportunities, giving him both a solid floor for touches and an explosive upside that makes him a great flex option this week, especially in deep leagues.”
– Luke Renton (The Franchise Tag UK)

Alec Pierce (WR – IND)

“Outside the Top 100? I’ll raise and go outside the Top 175. Alec Pierce has been flying under the radar on this red-hot Colts team. After missing last week with a concussion, Adonai Mitchell stepped in and had every opportunity to have a massive game. As we know, fumbling when running into the endzone is not ideal. That leaves Pierce to walk right back into the role, where he had back-to-back 4-reception 65+ yard games. He is a high-ceiling play that has a surprisingly solid floor against an exploitable Raiders defense.”
– Ellis Johnson (FantasyPros)

Isaiah Davis (RB – NYJ)

“This one is deep and is a top waiver wire pickup, but Isaiah Davis needs to be in your flex consideration. His role will change and increase with Braelon Allen out. We have seen him have a role in the passing game, and the matchup is pristine. They get the Dallas Cowboys this week, who are allowing over 30 points and 300 passing yards per game.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)

Dalton Schultz (TE – HOU)

“My favorite streaming TE this week is Dalton Schultz against the Baltimore Ravens. They’ve been generous to opposing tight ends, allowing the fourth-most receiving yards and seventh-most fantasy points at the position. Schultz ranks in the top 12 among TEs in targets, receptions, and air yards, but he hasn’t scored a touchdown yet. With this favorable matchup, he could finally find the end zone and provide strong TE1 value.”
– Kyle Zeigler (Fantasy In Frames)

Isaiah Bond (WR – CLE)

“Isaiah Bond is a player that most fantasy owners didn’t know until last week (or even when looking at this week’s waiver wire order). He was Matthew Golden‘s running mate in college and put up similar numbers. He was guaranteed to be drafted in May’s NFL Draft until he faced legal challenges. Bond was eventually cleared and signed with the Browns. Last week, he finally showed up on the fantasy radar with six targets, three receptions, and 58 yards. While this is a modest number, it is sure to expand with Cedric Tillman being put on IR and Dillon Gabriel starting at quarterback, who could look to the rookie wide receiver often. Grab this speedy receiver, and he will definitely help you navigate the upcoming bye weeks and growing injuries.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

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