2025 Fantasy Football: Week 5 Quarterback Rankings

Week 4 was a rollercoaster for fantasy quarterbacks, full of surprise heroes and unexpected disappointments. Dak Prescott stole the show with a massive 31-point outing. He edged out Matthew Stafford (27.4) and Patrick Mahomes II (27.3) at the top of the leaderboard.

Justin Fields (27.1) came up short in real life but rewarded fantasy managers with QB4 numbers in his return from a concussion. Meanwhile, Bo Nix (26.7) turned in his best performance of the season, landing inside the top five and flashing significant upside.

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On the other end of the spectrum, several reliable starters stumbled. Lamar Jackson (11.7), Trevor Lawrence (11.7), Geno Smith (12.8), and Daniel Jones (12.4) all finished near the bottom of the rankings. Jackson’s struggles were compounded by a hamstring injury that forced him out in the third quarter. He’s now expected to miss two to three weeks, leaving the Ravens to turn to Cooper Rush.

With injuries reshaping the landscape and breakouts opening new opportunities, Week 5 promises plenty of intrigue. Let’s dive into the matchups.

🔥 High-Total Games (Shootout Potential – 47+)

These matchups are the likeliest to deliver fantasy fireworks, with the highest implied scoring and opportunities for QBs to rack up points.

Patriots at Buffalo — 50.5 (BUF -8.5) Josh Allen is the QB1 overall and remains a must-start, regardless of the large spread. The total of 50.5 is, in fact, the highest on the slate. Additionally, Drake Maye has delivered consistent QB1/2 numbers and faces a Bills defense that could be susceptible in a high-scoring affair. Therefore, he is a strong play this week.

Lions at Cincinnati — 49.5 (CIN +8.5) Jared Goff faces a generous Bengals pass defense in a game with one of the highest totals. The Lions are also heavy favorites, so Goff is a solid QB2 with QB1 upside. Conversely, Jake Browning is unfortunately a deep-league play, as he finished Week 4 with a dismal 5.4 points.

Raiders at Indianapolis — 48.5 (LV +6.5) Daniel Jones (QB10) has found a solid home in Indianapolis, and his rushing floor consistently keeps him in the QB1/2 mix. The Raiders defense has also been leaky this season. Geno Smith (QB12) has struggled recently; however, this high-total game gives him a real chance for a bounce-back performance.

Washington at L.A. Chargers — 47.5 (LAC -3) Justin Herbert is my QB5 and faces a Commanders defense that has given up points readily. He is a locked-in QB1. Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels (QB7) should be back from his knee injury. His elite rushing floor keeps him in the high-end QB2 conversation, especially in a game projected to be a shootout.

Dallas at N.Y. Jets — 47.5 (NYJ +2.5) Justin Fields (QB4) exploded for 27.1 points in Week 4 and is a fantastic QB1 play this week due to his high-end rushing ability. On the other hand, Dak Prescott (QB17) is coming off a monster 31-point game but faces a stout Jets defense. Consequently, he lands as a volatile QB2 for Week 5.

San Francisco at L.A. Rams — 47.5 (LAR -3.5) Matthew Stafford (QB21) delivered in Week 4, but a tough 49ers defense awaits him. The outlook for Brock Purdy (QB16) is equally challenging; he’s on a short week and returning from an injury, facing a Rams defense that will apply heavy pressure. Despite the high over/under, both players are considered risky QB2 plays.

⚖️ Mid-Range Totals (Balanced – 44 to 47)

These games could go either way depending on game flow and defense.

Kansas City at Jacksonville — 45.5 (JAC +3) Patrick Mahomes II (QB2) is a locked-in top-tier QB; therefore, he should continue his dominance this week in Jacksonville. However, Trevor Lawrence (QB22) has been a letdown, and facing the Chiefs defense limits his ceiling to low-end QB2 territory.

Tampa Bay at Seattle — 44.5 (SEA -3.5) Baker Mayfield (QB18) has been consistently racking up QB1/2 numbers to start the season, but this is a tough road matchup. He is a mid-to-low-end QB2. Conversely, Sam Darnold (QB19) is a solid, safe QB2 option, especially coming off a respectable 16.1-point outing.

Miami at Carolina — 44.5 (CAR +1.5) Tua Tagovailoa (QB13) draws a soft matchup against the Panthers, making him a solid mid-tier QB2 even if Tyreek Hill (knee) is out. On the flip side, Bryce Young (QB23) has been abysmal recently. Nevertheless, a matchup against a Dolphins defense, which is allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, is exactly the prescription he needs. Even with the favorable opponent, he remains a desperation option in most leagues.

Denver at Philadelphia — 43.5 (PHI -4.5) Jalen Hurts (QB3) is a rushing-fueled QB1 lock every week, even in a tough matchup against Denver. Furthermore, Bo Nix (QB15) is coming off a QB5 performance. Despite this, facing the Eagles’ stout defense makes him a high-end QB2 with significant bust potential.

🛑 Low-Total Games (Defensive Grind – 43 or Less)

Expect slower games with run-heavy scripts and limited fantasy upside.

Texans at Baltimore — 42.5 (BAL -3.5) Lamar Jackson is sidelined with a hamstring injury, forcing Cooper Rush under center this week. Rush is, consequently, only a desperation option in superflex formats. On the other side, C.J. Stroud (QB24) has hit a rough patch and now faces a stingy Ravens defense, making him a risky low-end QB2.

N.Y. Giants at New Orleans — 41.5 (NO +1.5) Jaxson Dart (QB14) showed strong rushing upside in his debut, which keeps him firmly in the QB2 conversation against a middling Saints defense. Spencer Rattler (QB20) is generally just a Superflex option, but this could potentially be the best game of his young career. In summary, the high-end QB2 upside is certainly there if you are desperate for a stream with ceiling.

Titans at Arizona — 41.5 (ARI -8.5) Kyler Murray (QB6) is a high-end QB2/low-end QB1 thanks to his rushing equity. Moreover, he faces a bad Titans team. If we keeping it a buck right now, Cam Ward (QB25) is a deep superflex stash only.

Vikings at Cleveland — 36.5 (CLE +3.5) The quarterback picture is generally bleak in this matchup. Carson Wentz (QB26) of the Vikings is only a desperate streamer. Across the field, the Browns are reportedly making a switch to rookie Dillon Gabriel, who is ranked as the absolute last-option quarterback (replacing the previous low man, Joe Flacco).

Check out all of our Week 5 Rankings: Flex Rankings | QB Rankings | RB Rankings | WR Rankings | TE Rankings

Week 5 Quarterback Rankings

Make sure to check out all of our Week 5 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!