We've now reached Week 5 of the NFL season, and the fantasy landscape is starting to take shape. Some players are carving out bigger roles while others are fading as usage and efficiency trends settle in. This weekly series highlights the biggest fantasy football risers and fallers so managers can adjust before the rest of their league. For updated outlooks, be sure to check out the RotoWire weekly projections and stay on top of player roles using the NFL team depth charts.
Risers
Quarterback
Dart's passing debut was forgettable, but his rushing ability is the real story, as he ran 10 times for 54 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers. With Malik Nabers sidelined for the season, the Giants' offense lacks explosive weapons. Dart's legs make him a cheat-code QB2 in superflex formats, even if he isn't reliable in standard leagues.
Running Back
Houston's offensive line continues to struggle, but Marks brings his own playmaking ability, breaking out with 119 total yards and two touchdowns against Tennessee. His receiving skills (four catches for 50 yards) also give him strong PPR value. With Nick Chubb struggling, Marks may have earned a consistent role that could make him a top-24 RB.
Hampton followed up his Week 3 success with an even bigger rushing day, turning 12 carries into 128 yards that showed the explosiveness that made him a first-round pick. The rookie also has 12 targets over his last two games, securing his passing-game role. With work in all phases, Hampton is trending toward RB1 status.
Wide Receiver
Addison's 114 yards last week came largely from an 80-yard busted coverage late. Still, eight targets in his first game back from suspension were encouraging. He already appears to be ahead of T.J. Hockenson in the pecking order, and as long as Justin Jefferson draws defensive attention, Addison should provide WR3 value with upside.
Samuel has been a perfect fit in Washington's short passing game, getting seven targets in three games while adding designed rushing attempts. Even without Jayden Daniels the last two weeks, Samuel has topped 17 PPR points in three of four games. Once Daniels returns, Samuel should remain a strong WR2 option, especially with defenses focusing on limiting deep shots.
Tight End
Pitts is finally providing steady production, with at least five targets in every game. He hasn't scored big yet, but he's cleared 37 yards in each outing. Last week's touchdown was a reminder of his ceiling in the right matchup. While he may never reach elite expectations, Pitts looks like a stable starting TE in 2025.
Fallers
Quarterback
Young's Week 2 outburst against Arizona looks like a major outlier, failing to reach 16 fantasy points in his other three games. Worse, his rushing upside has vanished, with just 13 yards combined over the last three weeks. After being benched in a blowout against New England, his future playing time is in jeopardy.
Running Back
Training camp buzz made Croskey-Merritt a trendy sleeper, but the hype is fading fast. He doesn't profile as a goal-line back or a strong receiver. Outside of a Week 1 long run, he's averaging just 6.5 PPR points in his last three games. He's little more than bench depth at this point.
Pollard is stuck in a struggling Tennessee offense that limits his production. He's scored between 9-14 PPR points weekly with only one touchdown. Rookie QB Cam Ward hasn't leaned on him as a receiver, which obviously hurts his upside, making Pollard more of a steady flex option than the RB2 managers hoped for.
Wide Receiver
McConkey's role has shrunk with Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston both thriving, failing to top 50 yards or score a touchdown in his last three games. With Justin Herbert having multiple trusted targets, McConkey is the odd man out and now looks like a WR3 with occasional upside.
Downs' snap share has plummeted, playing only 64 total snaps over the last two weeks while failing to get even five targets in three of four games. Outside of a modest Week 2 showing, he's been invisible in the box score. Downs is talented but buried in Shane Steichen's offense, leaving him fantasy irrelevant for now.
Tight End
LaPorta started the year well but has cooled off significantly. Since Week 1, he has been stuck between 5-7 fantasy points in each game. His role hasn't disappeared, but the production is frustrating for managers who paid up. While his talent remains, he's more of a floor than a ceiling option.
Conclusion
Four weeks of action have revealed which trends we can trust in fantasy football. Dynamic rookies like Hampton and Marks are forcing their way into weekly starting lineups, while veterans such as Pollard and LaPorta are struggling to meet expectations. Staying on top of usage shifts is critical, and keeping tabs on the NFL depth charts and weekly projections can help managers find an edge. As we head into Week 5, make sure to adjust your rosters before the rest of your league catches on.
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