Fantasy TE PPR Rankings Week 5: Who to start, sit at tight end in fantasy football

Author Photo
Dalton Schultz, Travis Kelce
(Getty Images)

Is tight end suddenly...good? Nah, we're not going that far, but it's still top-heavy with some bankable stars. More important, matchup data is making it slightly easier to spot potential sleepers and waiver-wire streamers every week. Put it all together, and our Week 5 fantasy TE PPR rankings might be our strongest edition yet. 

Let's start with this season's biggest "breakouts:" Tyler Conklin (vs. Dolphins in Week 5) and Hayden Hurst (@ Ravens). Both are seeing regular targets and finding a way to produce seven-plus PPR points each week. This week, in favorable matchups against two of the NFL's worst pass defenses, both are borderline "must-starts." Will Dissly (@ Saints) is another 2022 breakout, but his lack of targets hurts him in PPR formats.

So, who do Conklin and Hurst replace? This week, it's probably Tyler Higbee (vs. Cowboys), Dawson Knox (vs. Steelers), Dalton Schultz (@ Rams), and Pat Freiermuth (@ Bills). Higbee, Schultz, and Freiermuth have brutal matchups and have seen uneven targets after starting the season looking like major cogs in their respective offenses. Knox has a decent matchup but is regressing into a "TD-or-bust" option, which puts him in line with most of the TEs in the 10-20 range. (UPDATE: Knox is out for Week 5.) The fact he's on such a great offense is the only thing elevating him above the rest right now.

WEEK 5 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | D/STs | Kickers

Going deeper, Cole Kmet (@ Vikings), Mo Alie-Cox (@ Broncos), and Hunter Henry (vs. Lions) have favorable matchups on paper. Of course, none has seen many targets this year, so they're extra risky in PPR leagues. Juwan Johnson (vs. Seahawks) and Cameron Brate (@ Falcons) also have favorable matchups and might actually have slightly higher floors than the Kmet-Henry-Albert O-Alie-Cox quartet, but they're also risky. (UPDATE: Brate is out for Week 5.) At least a couple of these guys will likely have good weeks, but you're better off just starting Schultz (@ Rams) or Knox (vs. Steelers) than trying to guess which one.

WEEK 5 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers

Obviously, it's always easier to have one of the studs at the position (though several disappointed last week), and that's especially true this week given the highly favorable matchups for Travis Kelce (vs. Raiders), Darren Waller (@ Chiefs), Mark Andrews (vs. Bengals), and Dallas Goedert (@ Cardinals). However, even if you don't have one, there are plenty of options.

WEEK 5 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em

With byes starting in Week 6 and injuries bound to start piling up, pickings will get slimmer by the week. However, that's offset by the additional matchup data, which helps more at TE than any other position. Hopefully, we'll be able to help you find a worthwhile starter every week, but if this position continues to be a thorn in your side, then it might be time to consider making a trade.

WEEK 5 DFS: Best stacks | Best values

We'll be updating these TE PPR rankings as needed throughout the week, so check back for the latest changes and analysis.

WEEK 5 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings

Week 5 fantasy TE PPR rankings

Rankings based on full-point PPR scoring

Rank Player
1 Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. Raiders
2 Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. Bengals
3 Darren Waller, Raiders @ Chiefs
4 George Kittle, 49ers @ Panthers
5 Dallas Goedert, Eagles @ Cardinals
6 Zach Ertz, Cardinals vs. Eagles
7 T.J. Hockenson, Lions @ Patriots
8 Tyler Conklin, Jets vs. Dolphins
9 Gerald Everett, Chargers @ Browns
10 Hayden Hurst, Bengals @ Ravens
11 Tyler Higbee, Rams vs. Cowboys
12 David Njoku, Browns vs. Chargers
13 Pat Freiermuth, Steelers @ Bills
14 Dalton Schultz, Cowboys @ Rams
15 Mo Alie-Cox, Colts @ Broncos
16 Hunter Henry, Patriots vs. Lions
17 Logan Thomas, Commanders vs. Titans
18 Robert Tonyan, Packers vs. Giants
19 Cole Kmet, Bears @ Vikings
20 Will Dissley, Seahawks @ Saints
21 Cade Otton, Buccaneers vs. Falcons
22 Juwan Johnson, Saints vs. Seahawks
23 Mike Gesicki, Dolphins @ Jets
24 Daniel Bellinger, Giants vs. Packers
25 Albert Okwuegbunam, Broncos vs. Colts
26 Evan Engram, Jaguars vs. Texans
27 Irv Smith Jr., Vikings vs. Bears
28 Noah Fant, Seahawks @ Saints

Week 5 TE PPR fantasy projections, rankings from Draft Sharks

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Author(s)
Matt Lutovsky Photo

Matt Lutovsky is a senior editor and writer for The Sporting News.