Another noteworthy quarterback went down with an injury in Week 4. This time, it was Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (ankle), who is out for Week 5. He will be replaced by QB Tyler Huntley, who has thrown for more than 230 yards in a game only one time during his career.
Jackson's injury could mean fantasy football managers need a streaming option for Week 5. Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett and Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers are two signal-callers rostered in 10% or less of leagues.
Let’s break down our NFL Week 5 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em battle between Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett and Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers for your fantasy football picks this week, including each player's projections on PrizePicks.
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Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em QBs, Week 5: Jacoby Brissett vs. Aaron Rodgers?
Who'd be the better pick out of this NFL Week 5 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em dilemma: Brissett or Rodgers?
Why Start Jacoby Brissett?
Jacoby Brissett PrizePicks Projections: 267.5 Pass Yards, 37.5 Pass Attempts, 18 Fantasy Score
- Although Brissett recorded 3 INTs against the Giants last week, he also had 2 TDs to go along with 166 passing yards. It was the 12th time across his last 16 games that he finished with at least 2 TDs.
- After averaging 40.3 pass attempts per game as a starter last year, the veteran has remained busy with 37.3 pass attempts per game this season.
- The Cardinals will likely continue to throw a lot with the defense, allowing 29.3 points per game.
- Brissett’s current 67.8% completion rate is a significant improvement over his career mark of 62.3%. It helps that his top pass-catching duo of TE Trey McBride and WR Michael Wilson have not dropped a pass through four games despite combining for 90 targets.
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Why Start Aaron Rodgers?
Aaron Rodgers PrizePicks Projections: 224.5 Pass Yards, 34.5 Pass Attempts, 1.5 Pass TDs
- Across his last two games, Rodgers combined for 591 passing yards and 6 TDs. He logged at least 290 passing yards in both outings, which is something he only accomplished once last season.
- Under a new coaching staff, Rodgers has been asked to throw more deep passes this season. Per PFF, his average depth of target (aDOT) is 9.2 yards, easily surpassing last season's 6.4 aDOT.
- In 2025, the former Packer finished 15th in pass snaps and 11th in pass attempts among 43 quarterbacks. Among 33 quarterbacks this year, he is fourth in pass snaps and seventh in pass attempts.
- More time to throw has helped Rodgers thus far. His average time to throw was 2.58 seconds last year, but that's up to 2.77 seconds this year, according to PFF.
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Week 5 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Verdict: Start Jacoby Brissett
Rodgers does not have a bad matchup against the Colts in Week 5. They allow 26.0 points per game and rank 20th in dropback EPA/play allowed, per RBDSM. Their 8.1 yards allowed per pass attempt is the fifth-highest mark in the league.
Indianapolis has accumulated only 9 sacks, and it won’t help their cause that DE Arden Key (hamstring) will be out for at least the next three weeks.
There isn’t really a reason to shy away from Rodgers in fantasy. However, the case for starting Brissett is mouthwatering. He will face the Lions, who give up 31.8 points per game. Detroit is 30th in dropback EPA/play allowed and is tied for the most passing touchdowns allowed (11).
The matchup between the Cardinals and Lions could be high scoring for both sides, given that the Cardinals struggle on defense and the Lions have one of the most potent offenses in the league. PrizePicks has the over/under projection for this matchup at 54.5 points.
If Brissett attempts more than 40 passes against one of the worst pass defenses in the league, he could finish the week among the top fantasy options, giving him a slight edge over Rodgers in this Start 'Em, Sit 'Em battle.
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Brissett and Rodgers both have favorable matchups in Week 5, but the Cardinals’ quarterback really stands out in what could be one of the highest scoring games of the Week 5 slate.
A hefty dose of pass attempts against one of the worst secondaries in the league leaves Brissett with the advantage in this fantasy football start or sit clash.
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