Fantasy Football Week 5: Top 10 Sleepers (2024)

Heading into Fantasy Football Week 5, here are the top 10 sleepers that you should start this week for maximum results.

With a quarter of the NFL andfantasy football seasons already in the books, all eyes this week are on a mixture of running backs and wide receivers to get the job done. Some quarterbacks made the final cut, but if you want to enjoy a plethora of fantasy football points, running backs will more than likely lead the way.

Heading into Week 5 action, keep an eye on these sleepers picks entering favorable matchups. Fantasy owners should continue to work the waiver wire for players that will dominate this week and drop those dealing with nagging injuries or hit with the infamous “questionable” tag.

Sleeper picks truly define the contenders from the pretenders as owners shouldn’t always stick with the household names in the grand scheme of things. Always allocate at least one free spot to get the “sleeper of the week” to enjoy a plethora of fantasy points and then continue using this method all season long.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 fantasy sleepers heading into Week 5.

10.Terrelle Pryor, WR — Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have yet to win a game this season as they’re on the outside looking in. Everything is a mess from coaching, defense, and just the simple fundamentals of fielding a competitive football team.

The only player that should have a solid week is wide receiver Terrelle Pryor. He’s their only real offensive star and well, expect to see him have a decent game with at least a touchdown or two.

While it’s incredibly unlikely the Browns beat the New England Patriots in Week 5, if by some miracle they do or at the very least keep it close, it’ll be thanks to Pryor.

Pryor is the perfect WR2 option this week. He’s worth the risk since really, he’s all the Browns have to rely on to have a shot at beating the Patriots with the return of quarterback Tom Brady.

Oct 2, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (81) catches the ball during pre game against the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

9. Quincy Enunwa, WR — New York Jets

The New York Jets have been playing some of the worst football you’d ever imagine the past two weeks. Luckily for them, heading into a Week 5 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, something has to get better, right?

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For those of you that own wide receiver Quincy Enunwa, make sure to start him this week. With wide receiver Eric Decker out and Brandon Marshall getting the majority of double-teams, expect to see Enunwa help this team keep those chains moving.

The Steelers’ defensive secondary isn’t solid, which bodes well for Enunwa to step up and deliver. Of course, it all depends on quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick bouncing back as he hopefully should since he’s coughed up nine interceptions the past two weeks alone.

Expect to see Fitzpatrick run a simplified offense that has a heavy dose of Enunwa. If the Jets want to end their losing streak, it’s all about using your impact players as Enunwa is one of them. Thus, fantasy football players should look to capitalize on that.

Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) calls a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

8. Brian Hoyer, QB — Chicago Bears

It wasn’t pretty, but the Chicago Bears finally got their first win of the season last week against the Detroit Lions. Quarterback Brian Hoyer is coming off a huge game in which he totaled 302 passing yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

As the Bears prepare for their Week 5 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, expect to see Hoyer ride this nice momentum. It’s clear he’s the better option under center, for now, even though quarterback Jay Cutlersuffered a thumb injury, it was inevitable that Hoyer got a shot at seeing if could help win football games.

The Colts’ defensive secondary won’t have any answers for Hoyer who should be off to another big game. He will easily total another 300+ yard performance and at least a touchdown or two.Fantasy owners should start Hoyer this week as he’ll make an example out of a suspect Colts’ defense this week.

7. Michael Crabtree, WR — Oakland Raiders

Make no mistake about it, the Oakland Raiders continue to be a team on the rise. At this point in time, they’re 3-1 and chasing the Denver Broncos in the AFC West for tops in the division. Last week, they edged out a tough win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Led by quarterback Derek Carr, wide receiver Michael Crabtree had a field day in Week 4. Crabtree totaled 88 receiving yards, seven receptions, and three touchdowns.

With all eyes on wide receiver Amari Cooperas of late, Crabtree has been able to take the top off of defenses and put his team in a great position to score. The Raiders’ offense is as good as it gets, especially with playmakers like Crabtree making clutch receptions.

Heading into Week 5, Crabtree faces the San Diego Chargers. Their defensive secondary has been pretty abysmal as of late as it’s expected Crabtree will once again put on a clinic.

Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (15) leaps over Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) after making a catch during the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

6. Dontrelle Inman, WR — San Diego Chargers

Of course, the Week 5 matchup between the Chargers and Raiders is a big gamein terms of the offense we could see on the field. While the Raiders have the edge in this contest, expect to see quarterback Philip Rivers airing it out in this one.

The Raiders’ defensive secondary still needs some work to improve as a positional group. Expect to see Rivers hone in on his new favorite target, wide receiver Dontrelle Inman.

With his solid route-running and deceptive speed, Inman should have a very good game in Week 5. Fantasy owners would be wise to use him either as a WR2 or at the very least, a FLEX option.

Expect to see Inman score a plethora of fantasy points as he could be exactly what the Chargers need to surprise many and leave this game victorious.

Oct 2, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Tony McDaniel (93) tackles New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. Seattle Seahawks defeat the New York Jets 27-17. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

5.Matt Forte, RB — New York Jets

It’s hard to put trust into anyone playing for the Jets. But make no mistake about it, they will put up more of an effort this week. They might not beat the Steelers in Week 5 but will go back to basics and with what has worked in the past.

The Jets are a ground-and-pound kind of team and considering Fitzpatrick already has 10 interceptions this season, expect them to stick with their ground game this week. This bodes well for running back Matt Forte who should put them in a position to have a shot at beating the Steelers.

While Forte might not have a three-touchdown kind of show like he did Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills, the Steelers’ run defense should allow him to get some significant yards in this matchup.

Forte serves as an RB2 this week as he should be able to be a difference-maker in this matchup. Start him with confidence as he should be able to once again shine at a time the Jets need it.

Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

4. Steve Smith Sr., WR — Baltimore Ravens

It’s amazing what wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. has done so far this season. He continues to silence his critics and is on his way to another memorable season.

This week, Smith faces the Washington Redskins and their lackluster defensive secondary. Considering Smith is coming off the biggest game so far he’s had this year, expect to see him continue the momentum.

Last week, Smith totaled 111 receiving yards, eight receptions, and a touchdown. Quarterback Joe Flacco will once again hook up with Smith in this contest as he continues to deliver.

Fantasy owners should use Smith as either their WR2 or FLEX option this week. Not only should he score at least a touchdown or two, but he could have an even bigger game this week.

Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

3. Terrance West, RB — Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens continue to impress and even though they lost a nailbiter of a game last week to the Oakland Raiders, will head back in the winning direction this week.

They should be able to beat the Redskins in a home game that should see their offense continue to click on all cylinders. Expect to see the Ravens pound the football against the Redskins which bodes well for running back Terrance West.

Last week, West put on quite the show against the Raiders. West totaled 113 rushing yards, 21 attempts, and a touchdown. It was the best game he’s put up so far this season as he’ll continue to light up the stat sheet this week.

Fantasy owners should absolutely start West this week as their RB1. Make no mistake about it, he’s running with purpose yet again this week, especially in front of the home crowd.

Sep 29, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 22-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

2.Ryan Tannehill, QB — Miami Dolphins

Despite quarterback Ryan Tannehill being Mr. Inconsistency, it’s only a matter of time before he’s able to put everything together and deliver results. With new head coach Adam Gase in town, he’s been working extensively with Tannehill to live up to expectations.

This week, the Miami Dolphins welcome the Tennessee Titans to Hard Rock Stadium. While the Titans have a pretty good defense, Tannehill is coming off a tough loss in Week 4.

Last week against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football, Tannehill put up an abysmal performance. Tannehill totaled just 189 passing yards, 15 completions, one touchdown, and one interception in a loss.

Needless to say, he needs a bounce back game bad and well, this is it for him. It’s risky, but Tannehill will be ready to put the Dolphins back in a winning direction. Fantasy owners should start him as he’ll be ready to redeem himself.

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Wendell Smallwood (28) reacts after a touchdown run against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

1. Wendell Smallwood, RB — Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have indeed surprised many so far this season. They’re currently undefeated at 3-0 and firmly on top of the NFC East.

This week, they hit the road to face the Detroit Lions after their bye week. The run defense of the Lions is terrible as the Eagles will undoubtedly launch a heavy ground game against them.

Running back Wendell Smallwood will soon become a household name thanks to everything he brings to the table. He has the speed, football IQ, and unique skill-set to really push the envelope against the Lions to bring the Eagles their fourth victory of the year.

Expect to see him continue the aggression from last week in which he totaled 79 rushing yards, 17 attempts, and a touchdown. Smallwood is the perfect RB2 this week or at the very least, a FLEX option for fantasy football owners everywhere.

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