Dontayvion Wicks, Kareem Hunt, Jauan Jennings: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Picks for Fantasy Football Week 5

Whether you're 4-0, 0-4, or somewhere in between, it is still early enough in the fantasy football season for things to change. To ensure your team stays in the winning column, it's imperative to make the right start 'em, sit 'em decisions.

Dontayvion Wicks, Kareem Hunt, and Jauan Jennings are all options fantasy gamers are considering heading into Week 5. In many leagues, these players weren't even drafted, but all three could prove to be impactful throughout the season.

Should you roll with Wicks, Hunt, or Jennings this week? Let's discuss.

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Should I Start Dontayvion Wicks for Fantasy Football?

Last season, the Green Bay Packers were notorious for having multiple receiving threats capable of looking like number-one options on any given week. So far in 2024, Jayden Reed has been the Packers' most productive wideout, but he is sharing the team lead in targets with second-year pro Dontayvion Wicks.

Wicks flashed some potential as a rookie and had some buzz for fantasy, specifically amongst the dynasty community, heading into this season. Last week, he earned 13 targets from quarterback Jordan Love, and although he only came down with five of them, he managed 78 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

It's difficult to project Wicks for weekly success in a crowded receiver room, but that room is not so crowded this week. Christian Watson went down in Week 4 with an ankle injury that is likely to keep him out on Sunday, if not longer. In addition, Romeo Doubs has been suspended for one game, leaving Reed and Wicks as the clear top two wideouts on the roster this week.

Wicks will be on the field plenty against the Los Angeles Rams, and what we have seen so far in his career is that he commands opportunities when given the chance.

Packers target shares with Dontayvion Wicks on the field the last two seasons (395 routes):

Dontayvion Wicks: 24%
Jayden Reed: 17%
Romeo Doubs: 16%
Tucker Kraft: 10%
Christian Watson: 2%

There is a *chance* he is the best WR in Green Bay.

— Dwain McFarland (@dwainmcfarland) September 30, 2024

The Rams are struggling defensively this season and have surrendered the sixth-most half-PPR fantasy points per contest to receivers through the first four weeks. Wicks may not be a household name yet, but he looks like a great start this week as the WR22 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

Should I Start Kareem Hunt for Fantasy Football?

Just seven years ago, Kareem Hunt was a force to be reckoned with as the starting running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. He's not the same player he once was, but Hunt finds himself in a familiar situation after signing with the Chiefs a few weeks ago.

Kansas City will be without starter Isiah Pacheco for the foreseeable future. Undrafted rookie Carson Steele was given the first crack at replacing him, but unfortunately, may have fumbled his opportunity. Steele coughed up the football in Week 4 and watched as Hunt amassed 16 total touches for 85 yards.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire is doubtful to make his return this week, so Hunt will continue to share backfield touches with just Steele and veteran Samaje Perine. Hunt was limited in practice earlier this week with a shoulder injury but will enter Monday night's showdown against the Saints without an injury designation.

Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt told me that his shoulder is good heading into Monday night’s game.

“I’m not worried about it. Yeah. I’ll be ready to rock.”

— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) October 5, 2024

The Chiefs offense isn't quite as exciting right now as it has been in recent years. Still, with top receiver Rashee Rice slated to miss an extended period of time, Kansas City may be forced to lean on the run.

New Orleans has been solid against opposing running backs this season, but volume is king in fantasy football, and Hunt is going to be utilized in an Andy Reid offense that needs players it can count on. As the RB18 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings, the 29-year-old can be started as an RB2.

Should I Start Jauan Jennings for Fantasy Football?

In a wild Week 3, Jauan Jennings exploded for 11 receptions, 175 yards, and three touchdowns. He was much quieter last week with two of San Francisco's top weapons returning from injury but still performed well with three receptions for 88 yards.

This week, the 49ers will again have a healthy Deebo Samuel at their disposal, but star tight end George Kittle missed practice early in the week with a rib injury. While he is expected to suit up on Sunday, his role may be a bit limited if he is dealing with any discomfort.  The team's highest-paid wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, is yet to make a significant impact this season and has seen fewer targets than Jennings.

San Francisco is facing the division-rival Arizona Cardinals this week. Arizona has been worse at defending the run than the pass this year but is not a true threat to Brock Purdy and the 49ers' air attack. Given the matchup, Jennings could certainly have a productive day, especially if he continues to get open at the rate he has been able to through four weeks.

WR who create "multiple steps of separation" at the highest rate:

(per @FantasyPtsData)

1. Chris Olave
2. Marvin Harrison Jr.
3. Jameson Williams
4. Malik Nabers
5. Jalen Tolbert👀
6. Christian Kirk
7. Jauan Jennings
8. Amon-Ra St. Brown
9. Brandon Aiyuk
10. Rashid Shaheed

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) October 1, 2024

With so many mouths to feed in San Francisco, Jennings can't be trusted as an every-week fantasy starter. However, he has some appeal in deeper formats and offers more upside as a flex play than players available on waiver wires. He comes in as the WR42 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

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