Another week, another loaded NFL slate. Week 5 has been headlined by injuries, with stars such as Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley and Breece Hall already ruled out. It’s a massive shakeup at this relatively early point in the season, especially for fantasy football managers. Still, the lack of established players adds more potential options to place in your lineups.
Which under the radar names are worth targeting? Here are three sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS or season-long fantasy matchup.
Set your fantasy football lineups here: NFL $2.75M Fantasy Football Millionaire [$1M to 1st, $100K Leaderboard Eligible]
Fantasy Football Week 5 Sleepers: Best Players to Start
WR Malachi Fields, New York Giants at WAS ($4,300)
Rain and strong winds are expected to impact this weekend’s NFC East clash between the Giants and Commanders. Keeping that in mind, backing any quarterbacks or pass catchers on either side is a risky proposition. With that being said, sometimes fantasy managers can over-estimate weather in relation to fantasy production. That’s especially true for a New York squad starting Jameis Winston ($4,800), the NFL’s ultimate gunslinger. Even if the pass attempts decrease, these two rivals will take a few shots through the air.
New York has a set in stone offensive hierarchy, with Malik Nabers ($6,300) and Isaiah Likely ($4,300) serving as the team’s top two pass-catching options. That’s something the Commanders and head coach Dan Quinn are aware of. If just one of those two names are kept in check, someone else will need to step up. That could be Malachi Fields, a rookie third-rounder that has already made quite the impression. The Notre Dame alum reached the end zone for the first time last weekend, part of a two-catch, 52-yard effort (13.2 FPTS). He’s the clear WR2 on offense, out-snapping veteran Darnell Mooney ($3,800). At 6’4″, he’s also the kind of red zone target Winston might look for inside the 20.
The Commanders have been terrible on defense, especially in their secondary. Washington has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. That alone is enough to give Fields a closer look on Sunday afternoon.
RB Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears at GB ($4,200)
Kyle Monangai (thumb/toe) is set to miss some time, leaving touches up for grabs in Chicago’s backfield. D’Andre Swift ($6,200) is healthy, and should continue to operate as the team’s lead back. Still, there’s room for multiple players to tote the rock in Ben Johnson’s scheme. Tyson Bagent ($4,700) is a capable backup quarterback, and the Bears should remain, at minimum, respectable on offense this weekend.
It’s not as if Sunday’s opponent is the most intimidating, especially up front. The Packers have been a mess, especially when it comes to defending the run. Green Bay has given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Enter Roschon Johnson, who garnered his first touch of the season last weekend. The 25-year-old didn’t do much vs. the Jets, gaining 16 yards on four carries. However, there weren’t many snaps for this Bears offense as a whole against New York.
Monangai logged 30% or more of all snaps on offense during Chicago’s first four games. Due to his absence, Johnson should see more opportunity this weekend.
TE Greg Dulcich, Miami Dolphins vs. CIN ($3,100)
A deeeep sleeper at tight end, but why pay a premium at such a volatile position? Granted, this Dolphins squad isn’t the most promising for fantasy purposes. They’re the lowest scoring offense in football, averaging just 11.5 points per game. Still, Malik Willis ($4,600) and company have hung around against some quality opponents this season. If nothing else, Miami has shown enough to avoid a blowout at home. That’s especially true when considering how banged up the Bengals are on offense.
Last week wasn’t a great showing for the Fins, but that’s to be expected against a tenacious Vikings defense. Cincinnati isn’t a pushover on that side of the ball, but this is a step down in competition. That’s especially true over the middle of the field. The Bengals allowed the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends last season. That’s continued into 2026; through four games, they’ve surrendered the most receiving yards to the position. Dulcich isn’t a household name, and rookie Will Kacmarek ($2,500) is competing with him for snaps. Still, we’ve seen the fifth-year pro come through before. Look no further than Week 3, in which he hauled in five catches for 55 yards (10.5 FPTS).
Dulcich’s nine receptions this season are second only to Malik Washington ($4,600) among Dolphins players on the active roster. If you’re looking for a lottery ticket at tight end, Miami’s veteran is a quality option.
