Fantasy football managers are heading into Week 5 with plenty of questions at wide receiver. Injuries, bye weeks, changing target shares, and unexpected breakouts have already shaken up the position, making this week’s rankings especially important when setting lineups.
With so many stars battling injuries, you might see some names here you wouldn’t typically expect. Here is a look at the top wide receivers to trust in the NFL for Week 5, along with some players who could make a major impact.
MORE: Fantasy Football quarterback rankings for Week 5
Ranks 12-9
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (3) hauls in a reception against New England Patriots cornerback Charles Woods (22) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Patriots 35-6. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
12. Jakobi Meyers-Jaguars: After a slow start to the season, Meyers has found his groove with Trevor Lawrence. In the last two weeks, he’s caught 10 out of 12 targets for 97yds and a TD. The Jaguars offense has been so efficient this year, and this week against a flailing Eagles team will be no different.
11. Tre Tucker-Raiders: The Raiders rely so heavily on their TEs that WRs can get overlooked. For the season, Tucker has a 65.2% catch percentage, but this week Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez is questionable, which will create an opening for Tucker to have a breakout game.
10. DK Metcalf-Steelers: Metcalf is showing some life in Pittsburgh. He is home this week, against Indianapolis, which has given up over 25pts per game this year. Metcalf had 115 receiving yds last week, which is more than the total in the first three weeks of the year. It was a throwback game for Metcalf, where he averaged 23yds per catch. He’s still averaging less than a 50% catch percentage for the year. This week will be a great barometer to see if Metcalf has turned a corner.
9. Deebo Samuel-49ers: Samual is the Swiss Army Knife for the Niners. Two weeks ago, he caught an 80-yard TD without a reception. He’s only been targeted 17 times this season but has 14 receptions. And he has three total TDs. This is a tough game for the 49ers to stay undefeated, heading to Seattle. They will maximize Samuel’s versatility to find the endzone in the air, or on the ground.
Ranks 8-4
August 13, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate (14) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
8. Carnell Tate-Tennessee: Even bad teams have a WR1 for Tennessee; rookie Tate is fast becoming that person. In his last two games, he’s been targeted 21 times, with 15 catches. And last week he had 145 receiving yards. He’s yet to find the endzone, but what better way to get your first than against an 0-4 team like the Texans, with a statistically awful defense.
7. Jaxon Smith-Njigba-Seahawks: The Seahawks are facing a tough divisional game this week against the undefeated 49ers. Usually in games like this, the cream rises to the top…especially at home. Aside from being a threat anywhere on the field, he has a nose for the endzone. He leads all WRs with six receiving TDs and will find paydirt this week. The game means more to Seattle than San Francisco.
6. Drake London-Falcons: Through four games, London has still not found the endzone. His first two games this season were extremely pedestrian, but with QB Michael Penix back, London has caught fire. In his last two games, London has caught 14 passes for 290 yds. He’s back.
5. Amon Ra St-Brown-Lions: By his standards, St Brown had a very pedestrian game. He caught eight passes for 75 yds, and he didn’t find the endzone. The good news is that he very rarely goes two games in a row without scoring. The Lions are heading to Arizona, where they should get back to eclipsing 30pts this week, with St Brown leading the way.
4. Chris Olave-Saints: If I were to ask which WR is currently second in receptions and receiving yds, you’d be hard-pressed to say Olave. But he is through four games. The only negative to say is that he’s only found the endzone once this season. This week the Saints are facing a tough Minnesota team, and realistically they will be playing from behind, which should only accentuate Olave’s numbers this week.
MORE: Fantasy Football studs & duds for Week 5 of 2026 NFL season
Top 3
Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) and teammates enters the field out of the tunnel before the Texans play the Las Vegas Raiders at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
3. Nico Collins-Texans: When Collins is healthy, he is one of the more dangerous WRs in the game, and his chemistry with CJ Lamb is undeniable. The problem is, he has a hard time staying on the field. Last week he was back in a big way. He caught seven passes for 118 yds and two TDs. This should be a layup for the Texans, heading to Tennessee. But it’s hard to say any game is a layup for a 0-4 team.
2. Puka Nacua-Rams: Now that Nacua is back, he slides right back to his perch as the clear WR1 in Los Angeles. The Rams are playing at home against the Bills, whose offense has been more than challenged this year. Nacua caught nine passes for 125 yards, but was left out of the endzone all game. He won’t be scoreless for two consecutive weeks.
1. CeeDee Lamb-Cowboys: Lamb leads all WRs in receptions through four weeks, with 37 catches, as well as receiving yards, with 498. He has also added four TD catches to his resume in this young season. The Cowboys are at home, playing against the hapless Buccaneers this week. Look for a huge game from Lamb.
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