Don’t look now, but we’re nearly a third of the way through the 2025 NFL regular season. That means the time is now for fantasy football teams to make their playoff push. For winless or 1-3 squads, another loss would be devastating.
In order to win a matchup, especially as an underdog, managers might need to get creative. That includes taking a risk on a lesser-known name or two. Which hidden gems are worth a closer look in Week 5?
Here are three sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS or season-long fantasy matchup.
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Week 5 Fantasy Football Sleepers
RB Emari Demercado, Arizona Cardinals ($4,700)
At this point, Arizona’s presumptive RB1 isn’t exactly a deep sleeper. Still, there’s likely some trepedation to start the third-year pro. After all, it’s anyone’s guess as to what this Cardinals backfield will look like in Week 5. James Conner (ankle) and Trey Benson (knee) are both out of commission. That leaves Demercardo and fellow backup Michael Carter Jr. ($4,000) to take most of the team’s carries.
In most situations such as this, I might lean towards Carter as a value play. The uncertainty of Arizona’s running back room means managers might get more value from whoever the public is fading. In addition, the former Jets rusher has shown flashes as a fantasy producer. However, Demercado has an immediate role as a pass-catcher in this Cardinals offense. The speedster hauled in a game-tying touchdown from quarterback Kyler Murray ($5,900) last Thursday. It helps that this week’s opponent, the Titans, have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Demercado is a set-it and forget-it flex against Tennessee.
QB Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers ($4,700)
What a weird season it’s been for Bryce Young. After ending 2024 on a high note, there was plenty of hype surrounding the former first overall pick. However, the Panthers have looked dismal this season, stumbling to a 1-3 record. It’s a team-wide effort, but the quarterback deserves his share of blame. So far, he’s thrown for 753 passing yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.
Those numbers, while disappointing, aren’t the worst for a developing QB. If anything, Carolina’s terrible defense creates an ideal scenario for fantasy football purposes. As we’ve seen in Weeks 1 and 2, this offense thrives in garbage time. That could create a perfect storm on Sunday against the Dolphins. Miami’s secondary is atrocious, allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing passers. In addition, the Panthers might lean more on their passing game with running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) ruled out. Don’t be shocked if Young puts together a stellar stat line.
WR Christian Kirk, Houston Texans ($4,300)
How can the Texans jump-start a stagnant offense? On paper, there’s no reason a team led by C.J. Stroud ($5,200) should look so dismal throwing downfield. Outside of star wideout Nico Collins ($6,800), nobody has stepped up as a reliable pass catcher. Perhaps Christian Kirk can help things out. The former Jaguars receiver has been hampered by a hamstring injury to start 2025. That’s kept the veteran out of action during Houston’s first two games. Since returning, the veteran has only recorded six total catches for 45 yards.
Regardless of the 30-year-old’s recent production, he should be poised for more production this week. For starters, the Ravens have been abysmal on defense, allowing the most points in football. To make matters worse, Baltimore’s secondary has surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. If anyone other than Collins is going to make an impact on Sunday, it’s Kirk.
