FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: Week 5 Fantasy Football Quarterback and Tight End Rankings & Tiers: Studs, Sleepers, and Must-Starts (Ep. 1747)
Date: October 2, 2025
Hosts: Chris Welsh, Andrew Erickson, Pat Fitzmaurice

Episode Overview

In this episode, Chris Welsh, Andrew Erickson, and Pat Fitzmaurice break down their top-12 quarterback and tight end rankings for Week 5 of the fantasy football season. They dive deep into player projections, matchup analysis, key arguments on risers and fallers, and the always-contentious streaming options for both positions. The trio’s entertaining approach is full of inside jokes, memorable analogies, and actionable advice, making it a can’t-miss for anyone setting their fantasy football lineups.

Key Discussion Points

1. Quarterback Rankings and Debate (03:15–12:13)

Top-12 QB Overview (03:47)

• Top Five: Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Justin Fields
• Notables within Top 12: Jaden Daniels, Drake Maye, Daniel Jones, Jared Goff, Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, Dak Prescott

Justin Fields: A High-Risk, High-Reward Play? (03:47–06:10)

• Erickson (ranked Fields QB4):
  • “Give me the quarterback that can rush for a 60 yard touchdown. That’s the guy I want...In addition to the layer of rushing that Fields offers every week when he’s healthy, I think he’s a top five quarterback this week. Just don’t overthink the matchup.” (04:09)
• Pat Fitzmaurice (Fields at QB7):
  • “Fields is averaging 59.3 rushing yards a game, has three touchdown runs in three games. Fields’ passing numbers really haven’t been that bad. And he is going up against that putrid Dallas pass defense...But admittedly this is probably a spot where Justin Fields’ passing ability doesn’t really matter much. If you can throw a spiral, you can torch the Dallas pass defense.” (04:58)

Matthew Stafford: Perpetually Overlooked? (07:19–09:10)

• ECR QB17; Fitzmaurice QB13, Erickson QB11
• Erickson:
  • “I think that we feel confident the Rams are going to lay the smackdown on this 49ers team...Stafford is still good for at least two passing touchdowns, could see him throwing for 200, 255 passing yards, and he’s actually improved every week...” (07:51)
• Stafford vs. Mayfield:
  • Pat: “Stafford is averaging almost 270 passing yards a game and two touchdown passes a game...My only real concern about Stafford this week is that the injury plagued 49ers just can’t score enough to force Stafford to keep his foot on the gas all game.” (09:10)

Streaming QBs: Sam Darnold Love (09:59–12:13)

• Pat: “Darnold is QB21 in fantasy scoring right now, but since week two, Darnold is quarterback 14 in fantasy scoring. He had a real quiet week one...But he has been playing really well. 70% completion percentage, a league-high 9.1 yards per pass attempt...” (10:24)
• Erickson: “Seattle has a top 10 implied team total...The Buccaneers are down some of their cornerbacks...So if they’re going to give Sam Darnold more favorable looks...he can be highly efficient as a passer, go get two touchdowns, 200 yards and be a solid starter.” (11:22)

2. Tight End Rankings and Streaming Choices (12:13–20:34)

Top-12 TE Overview (12:13)

• Top Five: Trey McBride, Brock Bowers, Tyler Warren, Jake Ferguson, Hunter Henry
• Other notables: Sam LaPorta, Dalton Kincaid, Juwan Johnson, Travis Kelce, Dallas Goedert, Mark Andrews, T.J. Hockenson

Mark Andrews: Fade of the Week (13:12–14:34)

• Erickson: “Not a starter, no. Lamar Jackson is a no thanks for me when it comes to Mark Andrews. Mark Andrews’ biggest appeal attached to Lamar Jackson was that was his red zone guy...The odds are very, very low Andrews even catches a touchdown. And if he’s not catching a touchdown then what are you getting from him?” (13:20-13:49)
• Pat: “It’s a Bob situation...like I’ve got him at tight end 12. I’m probably gonna have to move him down...Mark Andrews’ route participation dropped to just under 50% last week. That is no bueno if you are a Mark Andrews stakeholder.” (14:34)

Streaming TE Upside: Brenton Strange (15:44–17:43)

• Erickson: “He is Trevor Lawrence’s security blanket...Strange is fifth in the NFL in tight end receptions this season...catching five balls, I think is worth starting.” (15:44)
• Pat: “Yeah, I’m probably going to move up Brenton Strange past Mark Andrews...my only concern here is that the matchup is pretty tough. Like the Chiefs have allowed the fourth fewest fantasy points to tight end.” (16:42)

Darren Waller: Redemption Arc (to Waller, or not to Waller?) (17:43–20:34)

• Pat: “I realize Waller only played 16 snaps against the Jets...But you have to figure the snap counts are going to increase for Waller as he gets his conditioning back...Waller is a very credible red zone threat because he’s 6 foot 6 and has the wingspan of a pterodactyl. So yeah, I guess I’m kind of in on Darren Waller this week.” (18:17)
• Erickson (after updating rank): “I moved him up to tight end 11 because I just had to capitulate that this guy’s going to catch a touchdown again and if he catches a touchdown, he’s going to be a top 12 tight end. ...It’s never been about ability...Right now he’s not hurt. He’s healthy, he’s ready to go. ...Yes, Darren Waller is your streamer of the week because if he scores, you’re going to be happy that you start him, especially in half PPR.” (19:30)

Notable Quotes

• Andrew Erickson on Justin Fields:
  “Give me the quarterback that can rush for a 60 yard touchdown. Like that’s the guy I want. ...Just don’t overthink the matchup.” (04:09)

• Pat Fitzmaurice on Dallas defense:
  “If you can throw a spiral, you can torch the Dallas pass defense.” (04:58)

• Chris Welsh on Detroit receivers:
  “Jared Goff, though he is an indoor cat, has got the cats that have absolutely no defense at all in the Cincinnati Bengals.” (06:32)

• Pat Fitzmaurice on Stafford’s limitations:
  “The Statue of Liberty is more mobile than Matthew Stafford.” (09:10)

• Andrew Erickson on Mark Andrews:
  “If I could bet against Mark Andrews not scoring touchdown this week, that’s what I would bet on.” (13:49)

• Pat Fitzmaurice on Mark Andrews’ value:
  “Mark Andrews’ route participation dropped to just under 50% last week. That is no bueno if you are a Mark Andrews stakeholder.” (14:34)

• Andrew Erickson on Brenton Strange:
  “[He] is Trevor Lawrence’s security blanket...catching five balls, I think is worth starting.” (15:44)

• Erickson on Waller:
  “...even in his twilight years, let’s call him that. His twilight years. He’s been effective when he’s on the field...Yes, Darren Waller is your streamer of the week because if he scores, you’re going to be happy that you start him.” (19:30)

Important Timestamps

• Quarterback Rankings Intro: 03:15
• Justin Fields Deep Dive: 03:47–06:10
• Matthew Stafford Discussion: 07:19–09:10
• Sam Darnold as Streamer: 09:59–12:13
• Tight End Rankings Intro: 12:13
• Mark Andrews Discussion: 13:12–14:34
• Brenton Strange Upside: 15:44–17:43
• Darren Waller Streaming Debate: 17:43–20:34

Tone & Style Notes

The hosts maintain a lively, banter-driven style filled with playful jabs and bold opinions. They openly disagree on player upside while supporting their stances with stats and narrative, all while keeping the conversation accessible and fun for fantasy footballers at every level.

Final Thoughts

This episode is packed with actionable start/sit advice, strong positions on controversial players, and multiple streaming recommendations tailored for Week 5’s byes and injuries. From the enthusiastic endorsement of Justin Fields' rushing upside to their collective skepticism on Mark Andrews and unexpected belief in Brenton Strange and Sam Darnold, the hosts help listeners navigate one of the trickiest weeks of the fantasy season.

For full rankings, waiver wire recommendations, and streaming insights, the crew encourages everyone to visit fantasypros.com/rankings.