Sep 21, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) catches a pass for a touchdown during the second half against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images

Fantasy football lineups may start to look more like the title of an *NSYNC song than a competitive group this week: "BYE, BYE, BYE."

Bye weeks have begun in the 2025 season with four teams in the first group to get a day off in Week 5. That alone would be enough to throw a wrinkle in fantasy lineups. On top of that, the injury bug has struck the wide receiver position early and often this season.

In Week 4 alone, New York Giants star wideout Malik Nabers sustained a season-ending ACL tear, San Francisco 49ers receiver Ricky Pearsall aggravated a knee injury and Miami Dolphins veteran Tyreek Hill completely dislocated his knee.

Those injuries – mixed in with the bye weeks for the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers –

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 5 WRs

Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers matching up against the Washington Commanders in Week 5 is excellent news for Los Angeles' passing offense. Washington cornerback Marshon Lattimore has been rough in coverage through four games, and nickel corner Mike Sainristil has been inconsistent in his second season. That's led to the Commanders holding the fourth-worst EPA/play allowed on dropbacks (0.219) in the NFL so far.

Allen, meanwhile, is a member of a Chargers offense that has leaned far more on quarterback Justin Herbert and its passing game than many anticipated. The veteran receiver is ninth in the NFL in targets (35) and leads his team with 24 receptions. Allen has split time in the slot and out wide again this season, meaning he should have a favorable matchup almost anywhere he lines up. Expect a return to form after a season-low, 37-yard outing against the Giants.

Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers

Johnston is a great start option for all of the same reasons that Allen is. The Commanders have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to wideouts this season, and Herbert has looked like one of the best quarterbacks in football this season.

Johnston is having a breakout year and holds the edge over Allen in targets (36), receiving yards (337) and touchdowns (4). There should be plenty of targets for Herbert to spread around on Sunday afternoon, and Johnston and Allen will be two of the biggest beneficiaries.

Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions

Williams had a couple of drops and saw an underthrow from quarterback Jared Goff end in an interception in Week 4, but there's reason to believe Week 5 will turn out much better for him.

For one thing, his eight targets in Week 4 were a significant uptick from the four he had in Week 2 and three in Week 3. For another, the Cincinnati Bengals – Detroit's Week 5 opponent – are allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to receivers and have been allowing the eighth-most EPA/play on dropbacks to opponents over the last three weeks. The target share and volume is there, and the opponent is one the Lions can take advantage of in the passing game.

Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts

Pittman's 10 targets against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday were his most so far this season and made him the Colts' new leader in the statistic in 2025. He also scored his third touchdown in four games, and his 16.3-yard average depth of target was a new season-high.

The veteran receiver might be able to turn more of his target volume into big receptions against a Raiders defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 5 WRs

Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns

Jeudy might be a tempting start because of the Browns' change at quarterback. He's been averaging just 7.8 fantasy points per game in PPR leagues, but could his Browns-leading 30 targets translate into more production without veteran Joe Flacco holding him back?

Maybe, but probably not this week. The Minnesota Vikings are the best team in the league at shutting down opponents' passing offenses through four weeks. Brian Flores' squad has allowed the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this year and the lowest EPA/play on dropbacks.

Chris Godwin Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Godwin's 10 targets in his Week 3 return only translated into three catches and 26 yards against the Eagles. He's not likely to shake off any additional rust against a Seattle Seahawks defense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to receivers this year.

DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles

Smith has largely been underwhelming in a fantasy context this season. He's averaging 9.7 points in PPR leagues through four weeks even though he leads the Eagles with 158 receiving yards.

The Broncos' defense is another bad matchup for Smith and the Birds. Denver has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to receivers this year and the second-lowest success rate against dropbacks. Given A.J. Brown's outspoken frustration recently, Smith might be looking at an especially low target share in Week 5 as the Eagles try to keep their No. 1 wideout fed.

Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'ems, Week 5

Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'ems, Week 5

Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports has you covered:

→ Need an edge under center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and to sit in Week 5.

→ A good running back makes all the difference. A bad running back can cost you a lot of points. Here's who to start and who to sit in Week 5.

→ Tight ends can be the perfect X-factor for any fantasy team. Here's who you should start and sit in Week 5.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em wide receivers for Week 5 fantasy football

Reporting by Jack McKessy, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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