Scott Engel is in his 12th year as the official Fantasy Football writer and analyst for Seahawks.com. He is an inaugural member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hall of Fame. Scott is a four-time FSWA award winner and a 13-time nominee. You can find more of his fantasy football analysis at The Game Day and lineup rankings on RotoBaller.com.
The Seahawks have their bye in Week 5, which gives the 12s a longer period to savor the stirring Week 4 win on Monday Night Football. Fantasy football players who started the team's defense also saw the unit boost them to a victory. The 11 sacks, three forced turnovers, and Devon Witherspoon interception return for a touchdown led to 30 fantasy points, which led all defensive units for the week.
The week off for the team, however, presents significant challenges for fantasy players, as Kenneth Walker III, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett must be replaced in starting lineups. Geno Smith is also unavailable as a streaming QB option. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and Los Angeles Chargers also have byes in Week 5, so we provide good lineup replacement recommendations in the Week 5 rundown of start 'em players.
Running Backs
START Breece Hall
The Jets' RB faces a Denver defense that has allowed the most Fantasy Points Per Game Allowed to running backs. Published reports have indicated that Hall may be headed for an expanded workload in Week 5. Zach Wilson showed true signs of progress in Week 4 and can make the Denver defense honor the passing game, opening up more running room for Hall.
Hall rushed for 127 yards on 10 carries against the Buffalo Bills in the season opener. He had a long run of 63 yards. We should see Hall's upside again in Week 5, and he must be locked into lineups as a fantasy RB2.
START Gus Edwards
The Baltimore running back is a viable streamer for those who need a bye week fill-in at RB. In addition to Walker, Austin Ekeler, Jerome Ford, and Rachaad White are off in Week 5. Edwards is the apparent lead back for the Ravens right now, and he has a good fantasy football draw against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Edwards led the Ravens' RBs with 15 carries last week, while no other RB had more than three rushing attempts. Pittsburgh ranks 31st in rushing yards allowed to RBs. You should expect a decent fantasy return from Edwards this week, which is often needed at minimum when dealing with bye weeks and injuries.
START Jahmyr Gibbs
If you don't have an RB option who has a safe floor, you can still take a Week 5 chance on the potential of Gibbs. David Montgomery has soared above any expectations as the main fantasy producer from the Detroit RB mix. But Gibbs is capable of delivering a dazzling play any time he touches the ball.
It is possible that both main Lions RBs shine against the Panthers. Also, if Detroit moves out to a comfortable lead, Gibbs may be used more to protect the cushion later in the game. The Panthers have allowed six rushing TDs, second-most in the NFL.
START Tyler Allgeier
In many situations, we will have to dig deeper for an RB plugger or flex filler in fantasy football Week 5. The Falcons frequently employ a run-heavy attack and the matchup points to possible TD opportunities for Allgeier. The Texans have allowed five rushing TDs, which is second-most among AFC teams.
Allgeier rushed for two TDs in the season opener. The Falcons may look to use Bijan Robinson and Allgeier to control the clock against an improving and evolving Houston offense.
Wide Receivers
START Garrett Wilson
Zach Wilson passed for two TDs and no interceptions last week against the Chiefs. The matchup is better against the Broncos in Week 5. Denver's pass defense ranks 31st in the NFL, and the New York QB is a decent bet to come through with another quality outing.
The obvious key to Zach Wilson moving the ball consistently is to get the ball to Garrett Wilson. Expect the New York WR to supply a satisfying fantasy performance. Now is also a good time to trade for Garrett Wilson, before his production levels rise in the weeks ahead.
START Zay Flowers
The rookie has certainly flashed some promise at points early in the season. He already notched receptions of 40-plus yards in two games, and Flowers has also been targeted 10 times in two games. He is quickly settled in as a new No. 1 WR for Baltimore. Flowers' best fantasy weeks are likely ahead, and the 23-year-old can start to gain even more fantasy notice this week.
The Steelers rank 29th in FFPG allowed to WRs. Flowers should at least post a solid stat line this week, and he definitely also has the upside to help you register a fantasy win in Week 5.
START Romeo Doubs
We are seeing the early work of a Green Bay trio that should be the axis of the team's offense for a long time to come. Jordan Love, Doubs, and Christian Watson will likely be linked together in real life and fantasy football for several seasons ahead.
Love already has two games of three-plus TD passes this season. Doubs has three TD catches this season, and the Raiders have surrendered six TD receptions to WRs, tied for the most in the league. Both Doubs and Watson might find the end zone this week, while Love is a quality QB streamer.
START Josh Downs
In instances where you are searching for a WR or flex starter, consider taking a chance on Downs. This can be the week when we see the first impressive fantasy performance of his career. The matchup is certainly a good one against Tennessee.
The Titans rank 27th in FFPG allowed to WRs. Downs was targeted seven times in Week 4, and he was targeted 12 times in Week 2. Michael Pittman Jr. will command a lot of defensive attention, so there should be more playmaking opportunities for the first-year Colts WR this week.
Quarterbacks And Tight End
START Jared Goff
Experienced fantasy players know that Goff is a great streaming option in home games. Over the past two seasons, he has thrown 27 of his 35 TD passes at Ford Field. Last year, Goff passed for 355 yards and three TDs vs. Carolina.
START Matthew Stafford
The Los Angeles offense has surprised all observers so far this season. The Rams rank fourth in the league in total offense so far. Stafford has been the engine of the unit, as he leads the NFC and is second in the NFL with 1,229 passing yards. The Eagles rank 27th in FFPG allowed to QBs.
START Dalton Kincaid
I naturally finish with another rookie recommendation, as we should see bust-out performances from many of them as the season progresses. The matchup is a good one for the Buffalo tight end. Jacksonville has let up the second-most FFPG to the position.
Week 5 Defenses To Stream And Start: New Orleans Saints (vs. New England), Detroit Lions (vs. Carolina), Indianapolis Colts (vs. Tennessee).
For more fantasy football analysis from Scott Engel, visit The Game Day during the 2023 fantasy football season.
Go behind the scenes with team photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from the Seahawks' dominant 24-3 victory over the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. Eye on the Hawks is presented by Western Washington Toyota Dealers.
The Seahawks board their Delta charter flight to New Jersey for the game against the New York Giants.
Seahawks huddle during their walkthru on Sunday ahead of the Monday Night Football matchup with the New York Giants. The walkthru was held at a site in New Jersey with a view of the New York skyline behind.
At Sunday's walkthru, Geno Smith reviews play calls with quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph.
A bag of practice numbers used for walkthru waits for players.
Seattle's Mario Edwards' earring with his jersey number reflects light at the team's walkthru.
The Seahawks held their walkthru on a multipurpose field that also served as a baseball field. Wide reciever Cody Thompson takes imaginary swings from home plate.
Seahawks offensive lineman Phil Haynes gazes out the window of the team bus as it makes its way to MetLife Stadium for a quick visit on Sunday.
MetLife Stadium, where the Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII comes into view as the team made a brief visit following their Sunday walkthru.
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon smiles as he walks off the field at MetLife Stadium after a brief visit by the team on Sunday.
Riq Woolen takes a moment to sign an autograph for a waiting fan.
Seahawks wait for back-of-the-house elevator at the team hotel as they return to their rooms after walkthru.
With Monday Night's kickoff not until 8pm, the team held quick walkthrus in ballrooms in the team hotel.
After meetings and a quick walkthru on game day morning, quarterback Drew Lock spent time in an empty hotel ballroom with quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph reviewing calls and routes.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf reviews tape and notes in his locker hours before kickoff at MetLife Stadium.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith takes his early warmup throws on the field ahead of the Monday Night Football matchup with the New York Giants.
Punter Michael Dickson and receiver Cade Johnson smile as they walk across the field during early pregame.
Seahawks fans were visible and loud for the game against the Giants.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf walks beneath the stands from the locker room to the field.
In the moments before leaving the locker room, Seahawks edge rushers Boye Mafe, Uchenna Nwosu and Dre'Mont Jones sit in front of their lockers.
Seahawks quarterback and captain Geno Smith prepares to lead the team onto the field during pregame introductions.
Seahawks safety Jamal Adams runs onto the field at the end of pregame introductions.
Seattle's Darrell Taylor lets out a yell.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll claps as fireworks explode at the conclusion of the national anthem during pregame.
Seahawks safety Jamal Adams lays a heavy hit in his return to play after a year's absence due to injury.
Seahawks defensive lineman Mario Edwards pursues and causes a fumble by Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.
Mario Edwards finishes his strip sack of Giants quarterback Daniel Jones as the ball comes loose.
Seahawks defenders celebrate a strip sack and fumble recovery in the end zone. Jordyn Brooks recovered the fumble caused by Mario Edwards.
Seattle's relentless defense tallies another sack.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson applauds the effort of the punt team as they down his punt deep in Giants territory.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon celebrates a tackle during the second quarter.
Quarterback Drew Lock made good use of his preparation earlier in the day as he entered in the second quarter and engineered a scoring drive.
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant races downfield on a long pass play from Drew Lock that led to a Seahawks touchdown before halftime.
Seahawks defensive backs listen to assistant coach Karl Scott in the locker room at halftime.
Head coach Pete Carroll fires his team up for the third quarter.
Seattle's Dre'Mont Jones finishes a sack in the third quarter.
Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner celebrates a second half sack.
Seattle's first-year cornerback Devon Witherspoon races the other way with an interception near the goal line as Seahawks and Giants fans react differently in the stands.
Seattle's Devon Witherspoon cuts back and leaves Giants quarterback Daniel Jones behind on his way to a 97-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter.
Seahawks Devon Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen celebrate Witherspoon's pick-six in the third quarter.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll congratualtes Devon Witherspooon on his pick-six.
Seattle's Myles Adams recorded his first sack in the fourth quarter.
Seattle's Quandre Diggs celebrates his interception with teammaates Jerrick Reed II, Devon Witherspoon and Darrell Taylor.
Seahawks Devon Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen celebrate in the victorious locker room after the game.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon answers questions from the media after the game.
The Seahawks walk through the rain to their awaiting buses after landing back in Seattle in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
