Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season is an exciting time for fantasy football enthusiasts, particularly for those monitoring the performance of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver, Tutu Atwell. After a thrilling victory against the Indianapolis Colts, where Atwell caught a pivotal 88-yard touchdown pass, many fantasy owners are contemplating whether to start or sit him in their lineups as they approach Thursday night’s showdown against the San Francisco 49ers.
Tutu Atwell’s Recent Performance
Tutu Atwell’s fantasy relevance has been a rollercoaster this season. Prior to his standout performance against the Colts, he had managed only one catch over the first three weeks of the season. In spite of this, the crucial touchdown at a critical juncture of the game showcased his potential to make game-changing plays when given the opportunity. With just one target leading up to that catch, it raises questions about Atwell’s consistency and long-term viability as a fantasy asset.
Analyzing the Matchup: Rams vs. 49ers
The upcoming matchup against the 49ers presents both challenges and opportunities for Atwell. San Francisco boasts one of the most formidable defenses in the league, adept at shutting down explosive plays. This could limit any big-play opportunities for Atwell, making it essential for him to receive enough targets to be relevant in a fantasy football context.
Start or Sit Recommendations
PPR Leagues: Sit
While the exhilarating touchdown reception demonstrated Atwell’s capability as a big-play threat, relying on him for consistent production is risky, especially in PPR formats. For fantasy managers in PPR leagues, the lack of targets over the previous weeks suggests that Atwell has not yet established himself as a reliable option. If he is not incorporated into the Rams’ game plan, he could disappoint managers hoping to capitalize on his speed and playmaking ability.
Standard Leagues: Sit
Similarly, the advice for standard leagues remains to sit Atwell. The one big play against the Colts does not erase the preceding weeks of lackluster performance. Fantasy success relies heavily on consistency, and unless Atwell can show that he will be more heavily targeted against the 49ers, he does not warrant a starting spot.
What to Watch Moving Forward
As we move deeper into the season, it’s essential to monitor several key factors affecting Atwell’s fantasy outlook:
Target Share: If Atwell can develop a greater target share in the Rams’ passing game, it may warrant reconsideration in terms of starting him in upcoming matchups.
Offensive Game Plan: The Rams’ offensive strategy will significantly impact Atwell’s utilization. If head coach Sean McVay decides to incorporate him more into the game plan, he could become a more appealing option.
Injury Updates: Keep an eye on the health of fellow wide receivers on the Rams roster. If any key players are sidelined, Atwell’s role might see a substantial increase.
- Game Script: The flow of the game matters. If the Rams find themselves in a position where they must pass frequently, Atwell could emerge as a surprise contributor.
Conclusion
In summary, while Tutu Atwell’s 88-yard touchdown reception against the Colts was undeniably a highlight, it is crucial to take a patient and cautious approach regarding his start or sit status in fantasy leagues for Week 5. The evidence suggests that he should be kept on the bench, at least until he proves to be a more integral part of the Rams’ offensive scheme.
Fantasy football is about making informed decisions based on the most current trends and performance indicators. For now, Tutu Atwell remains a risky option, one that could see his value rise or fall significantly in the coming weeks depending on his usage and the dynamics of the Rams’ offense.
