Sit/Start 2025 Week 5: Reviewing All Fantasy Relevant Players in Every Game

Sit or Start recommendations for EVERY fantasy-relevant player in Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season!

Game Info

 

Kickoff: Sunday, October 5, 2025, 4:25 PM ET

Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA

Network: FOX

 

Washington Commanders

 

Quarterback

Jayden Daniels: START, QB1

You don’t need me to tell you to start Jayden Daniels. But did you know he shares a birthday (November 18th) with Mickey Mouse? The premiere of his debut, “Steamboat Willie,” was released Nov 18th, 1928. 

 

Running Back

Jacory Croskey-Merritt: FLEX, RB3
Chris Rodriguez Jr.: FLEX, RB4
Jeremy McNichols: FLEX, RB4

As long as the Commanders are content with a disgusting three-headed monster backfield, the trio is nothing more than desperation FLEX plays. Jacory Croskey-Merritt has the most upside and is the only one worth stashing, but avoid starting any Commanders running back regardless of the matchup.

 

Wide Receiver

Terry McLaurin: Likely OUT, START, WR3 if active
Deebo Samuel: START, WR2
Luke McCaffrey: SIT

With or without Terry McLaurin in the lineup, Deebo Samuel has emerged as the top fantasy option at receiver for the Commanders and is a solid WR2. He’s battling a heel injury, and his status is in question. The Chargers are a tough matchup, but with Jayden Daniels back, if Deebo’s active, he’s in your lineup.

 

Tight End

Zach Ertz: STREAMER, TE1/2 Borderline

Zach Ertz is averaging 15 fantasy points in games started by Jayden Daniels this season. That alone makes him worth starting during the first BYE weeks of the season.

 

Defense/Special Teams

Washington Commanders: SIT

The Commanders DST isn’t in consideration for fantasy. 

 

Los Angeles Chargers

 

Quarterback

Justin Herbert: START, QB1

The ferocious Giants’ pass rush put Justin Herbert in the pressure cooker all day in Week 4, leading to his worst game of the season. The final numbers are ugly: 23 completions on 41 attempts, for 203 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. The Giants only sacked him twice, but they forced him to throw early, throw away, and had multiple passes hit at the line. But the biggest story is the line: an already banged-up offensive line lost Joe Alt to a high ankle sprain. It was a disastrous week, but Herbert himself is fine. His environment just got a lot harder with Alt’s injury, but the talent is undeniable. You start him every week, regardless of the matchup.

 

Running Back

Omarion Hampton: START, RB1

You hear the term league winner more than you hear Jey Uso shout YEET, but Omarion Hampton is proving why he may just be one. Hampton needed just 12 carries to gain 128 yards thanks to a phenomenal 10.7 yards per carry. In the third quarter, he was met at the 14-yard line by the corner, got his legs churning, and took a hit from Kayvon Thibodeaux. Right as he was spinning out, he broke the tackle with a stiff-arm, taking a few more guys with him before going down at the 32. Here’s the best part: he was heavily involved in the passing game. He caught all 5 of his targets for 37 yards. The combination of volume, efficiency, and explosiveness makes him a borderline RB1 from here on out.

 

Wide Receiver

Quentin Johnston: START, WR1
Keenan Allen: START, WR2
Ladd McConkey: START, WR2

It’s time to finally crown Quentin Johnston as the Chargers’ WR1. He led the way with 13 targets for 8 receptions and 98 yards in Week 4, capping it off with a beautiful 40-yard touchdown catch with 30 seconds left. Keenan Allen still saw solid volume with 7 targets and 5 receptions, but managed a meager 37 yards. He’s a reliable floor play, but the high-end production is clearly shifting. And then there’s Ladd McConkey. It’s time for a full-blown panic: in a juicy matchup, he saw 6 targets but managed just 1 reception for 11 yards. He dropped multiple passes and, worst of all, caused Herbert’s second interception by running into a teammate. In a top 10 matchup for fantasy, QJ is a borderline WR1, Allen is a WR2, and based on that Week 4 performance, McConkey is barely hanging on as a WR2.

 

Tight End

Will Dissly: START, TE1
Oronde Gadsden II: SIT, Back-end TE2

Just making sure you’re paying attention. DO NOT START WILL DISSLY IN ANY FORMAT. As for Oronde Gadsden II, he saw promising volume with 7 targets in his Week 3 debut, but only received 3 looks in Week 4. He’s definitely the TE to own in this offense, but he’s not in the startable range just yet. Those of you in super deep leagues should consider stashing him if he’s on the wire.

 

Defense/Special Teams

Los Angeles Chargers: STREAMER (two weeks)

The Chargers have the third most sacks in the league, facing a Commanders team that’s allowed 10 sacks on the season. They’re startable in Week 6 against the Dolphins as well.