As we dive into Week 5 of the 2024 fantasy football season, the competition is heating up. With four weeks behind us, we’ve witnessed some unexpected twists and standout performances. From rookie sensations to unforeseen injuries, the landscape is constantly evolving. Here's your comprehensive guide on which players to start, who to bench, and some sleeper picks that could turn your lineup around.

Shockingly High Performers!

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders tops the charts, making headlines in a league otherwise dominated by seasoned stars. Surprisingly, both Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield have surpassed fantasy point production of elite quarterbacks Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes. On the running back front, Alvin Kamara leads the pack, but the ascent of Jordan Mason of the 49ers into the top five is a huge surprise. Meanwhile, at wide receiver, Jauan Jennings has outperformed big names like CeeDee Lamb. However, the tight end position remains puzzling for fantasy managers.

Week 5 Game Breakdown:

- **Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers** - **Start:** Baker Mayfield (QB, Buccaneers): He’s the third-highest scoring QB and is facing a Falcons defense that has struggled against quarterbacks. - **Sit:** Kyle Pitts (TE, Falcons): His low target volume makes him a risky play this week. - **Sleeper:** Darnell Mooney (WR, Falcons): Mooney's increasing involvement in the offense gives hope for a good outing. - **New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings** - **Start:** Garrett Wilson (WR, Jets): With a vulnerable Vikings secondary, Wilson is positioned for a breakout game. - **Sit:** Jordan Addison (WR, Vikings): The Jets' strong pass defense may limit his production. - **Sleeper:** Allen Lazard (WR, Jets): A solid option with multiple targets in previous games. - **Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers** - **Start:** D'Andre Swift (RB, Bears): After a stellar performance last week, he faces a Panthers defense weak against running backs. - **Sit:** Diontae Johnson (WR, Panthers): Tough matchup against a solid Bears secondary. - **Sleeper:** Cole Kmet (TE, Bears): Kmet could take advantage of the Panthers' struggles against tight ends. - **Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals** - **Start:** Tee Higgins (WR, Bengals): Ravens’ struggles in pass defense make Higgins a strong candidate for a breakout. - **Sit:** Zack Moss (RB, Bengals): Facing a stout Ravens run defense, his production may dwindle. - **Sleeper:** Justice Hill (RB, Ravens): With some involvement in the offense, Hill could deliver unexpected points. - **Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans** - **Start:** Dalton Kincaid (TE, Bills): With potential increased targets, he could shine even against a tough Texans defense. - **Sit:** Stefon Diggs (WR, Texans): The Bills' defense has proven tough, making this a difficult matchup for Diggs. - **Sleeper:** Curtis Samuel (WR, Bills): Shakir's absence might elevate Samuel’s role significantly. - **Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars** - **Start:** Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, Colts): A favorable matchup sets Pittman up for success. - **Sit:** Travis Etienne (RB, Jaguars): Inconsistent play makes him a risky option this week. - **Sleeper:** Joe Flacco (QB, Colts): Flacco might capitalize against the Jaguars’ leaky secondary. - **Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots** - **Start:** Dolphins Defense: Expect a low-scoring matchup, giving both defenses high value. - **Sit:** Hunter Henry (TE, Patriots): The Patriots' passing game is struggling, making him less appealing. - **Sleeper:** Patriots Defense: With the Dolphins’ struggles, they could achieve strong points defensively. - **Cleveland Browns vs. Washington Commanders** - **Start:** Amari Cooper (WR, Browns): With the Commanders’ defense vulnerable, Cooper is primed for a big game. - **Sit:** Browns Defense: They’re up against a high-scoring Commanders offense, making them less reliable. - **Sleeper:** Jerry Jeudy (WR, Browns): Could see increased targets and scoring opportunities this week. - **Denver Broncos vs. Las Vegas Raiders** - **Start:** Javonte Williams (RB, Broncos): After a strong performance last week, he's set for another productive game. - **Sit:** Jakobi Meyers (WR, Raiders): Tough matchup could limit his effectiveness in this contest. - **Sleeper:** Raiders Defense: With the Broncos struggling offensively, this could be a sneaky good play. - **San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals** - **Start:** Brock Purdy (QB, 49ers): With impressive stats, he’s a top choice against a struggling Cardinals defense. - **Sit:** Kyler Murray (QB, Cardinals): Recent underperformance against top defenses prompts caution. - **Sleeper:** Michael Wilson (WR, Cardinals): Could benefit from garbage-time stats if the Cardinals fall behind. - **Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams** - **Start:** Jordan Love (QB, Packers): Looking strong against a poor Rams secondary, he should excel this week. - **Sit:** Matthew Stafford (QB, Rams): Low offensive ceiling given the current circumstances. - **Sleeper:** Jordan Whittington (WR, Rams): He’s emerged as a target in the Rams’ offense and could yield decent returns. - **Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys** - **Start:** Najee Harris (RB, Steelers): Matchup favors him for a productive outing. - **Sit:** Dallas Cowboys Defense: Heavy losses may derail their usual strong performance. - **Sleeper:** Jalen Tolbert (WR, Cowboys): With mismatches in coverage, he could surprise with a big game.

With all this action brewing in Week 5, make sure to analyze your roster closely. Your decisions could make or break your fantasy season! Stay tuned for updates, and good luck out there!