NFL Fantasy 2026 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Defenses for Week 5
As always, Start 'Em, Sit 'Em is geared toward helping fantasy managers make difficult roster decisions. You won’t see “start Jahmyr Gibbs” here. Instead, I'm exploring the players closer to the perceived fringe and aiming to optimize your lineup for a win each week. Importantly, the new “Start of the Week” and “Sit of the Week” are the calls I have deemed the most notable in each category, not necessarily the most essential players to start or sit.
Also, you’ll see quite a few references in this year’s column to NFL Pro, spotlighting insights provided through Next Gen Stats data dashboards, matchup evaluations, All-22 film and the uniquely trained Fantasy AI Assistant. You can get access to all of those tools yourself with an NFL+ Premium subscription!
P.S. Feel free to follow me on X (@MattOkada) or Instagram (@mattokadaNFL) and hit me with your questions, congratulations or complaints throughout the year.
Start 'Em
Start of the Week
Since their messy outing against the Panthers in Week 1, the Bears defense has now averaged 10.0 fantasy points per game over their last three outings. They currently sport the third-highest sack rate in the league (8.62%) and have held the Vikings, Eagles and Jets to 12 points or fewer the last three weeks. This Sunday, they take on a Packers offense that’s scored just eight total touchdowns through four games. Chicago should have a great shot at a season high in fantasy points.
Notable starts
The Bengals are right behind the Bears for fourth in sack rate (8.59%) and take on arguably fantasy’s best D/ST matchup in the Dolphins. Miami still hasn’t scored more than 13 points in a game, and it's incredibly thin on impact offensive players without De’Von Achane.
In undrafted rookie QB Jalon Daniels’ first NFL start last week, the previously ineffective Packers defense scored 10 fantasy points with two picks and three sacks. This might be the only matchup in which I’d play the Cowboys defense, but they’re absolutely playable.
The Jags' defense has been an up-and-down fantasy unit, but it has eight takeaways -- tied for second-most in the league -- with two interceptions in consecutive games. The Eagles' offense has struggled recently and surrendered the third-highest pressure rate and fourth-highest sack rate on the season.
RELATED CONTENT
Sit 'Em
Sit of the Week
The Seahawks' defense has been unsurprisingly excellent for fantasy, with double-digit fantasy points in three of four games. The 49ers' offense has been even better in 2026. The four defenses to face San Francisco have totaled -6 fantasy points, including only one point from the Broncos last Sunday. The 49ers have just two giveaways all season and are the only team to allow fewer than five sacks. In fact, Brock Purdy has yet to be taken down in 2026. The veteran QB is playing MVP-level football and Kyle Shanahan’s offense is humming. Don’t play Seattle -- or anyone -- against this crew.
Notable sits
The Rams' defense hasn’t entirely been as advertised yet this season (albeit without Myles Garrett) and has just three total takeaways. Against Josh Allen and the high-flying Bills, managers are far better off streaming elsewhere.
The Bills' defense has recorded just 3.3 fantasy points per game and allowed 29 points in three of four its contests. It could very well be four of five after Monday night's clash in Los Angeles.
Candidly, the highly-drafted Eagles have been terrible for fantasy, scoring five or fewer points in all four games this season and averaging 2.5 points per game. They’re completely unplayable against a strong Jags offense and can be dropped without hesitation.