Jack Brickman
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Tomorrow, week five begins in earnest following a fun, exciting Thursday night game. Jesus...there's a phrase you don't hear often. If you started Russell Wilson, or followed my advice and started Kupp, Carson, or Lockett, you're probably feeling okay heading into tomorrow's slate. I whiffed a bit on Goff, but it happens. I think Kupp is officially a WR1 going forward and should be locked in each and every week. Don't overthink it. Plug him into your starting line-up and enjoy the results, because all he does is produce fantasy points.
Now let's dig into this weekend's main slate of games.
Note that all stats below are using my main dynasty league's .5 PPR settings, so scores and rankings may vary depending on your league settings. They'll all likely be close, just not exact.
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Jaguars @ Panthers
Over/Under - 41
This projects to be an ugly, low-scoring affair, and given that the Panthers are without their starting quarterback, it makes sense for them to grind out games and feed McCaffrey, their best player.
Start:
Christian McCaffrey - But you don't need me to tell you that. He's already in your line-up.
Leonard Fournette - Fournette has had some trouble finding the end zone this year, but he's currently in the top ten in the league in scoring for fantasy purposes (depending on your league settings, he might be slightly outside it). He's one of the true bell cow backs in the league and should be in your line-ups against a middle of the pack Panthers run defenses. Hopefully, this is the week he finally breaks the plane and scores a touchdown.
Sit:
Everyone else. I want no part of this game outside of the two backs. The Panthers have been tough against the pass this season, making rookie sixth rounder Gardner Minshew a dangerous gamble. As a result, I have little interest in the Jags' passing game, even though I am a fan of DJ Chark and his year two breakout. You're better served leaving him on the bench, though. The Jaguars pass defense isn't terribly fearsome with Jalen Ramsey inactive, but it's very difficult to trust Kyle Allen and, consequently, the guys he is throwing to. DJ Moore has seen his targets fall off a cliff since Allen took over, which means Curtis Samuel may be the better play of the two, but I'd rather just start a receiver in an offense I trust more.
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Bengals vs. Cardinals
Over/Under - 48.5
Now this is a game I want players from. You've got two trash defenses facing off in a game where one offense wants to push the pace and throw a ton, which could force the Bengals to do the same.
Start:
Andy Dalton - Outside of a disastrous Steelers game where he almost died, the Red Rifle has been a shockingly viable fantasy starter this season. He was great in week one, very good in week two, and solid in week three. Now he goes up against a Cardinals defense that is one of the worst in the league against opposing quarterbacks. Dalton is the streaming quarterback option for week five.
Tyler Boyd - This shouldn't come as much of a surprise. John Ross is on IR and AJ Green is still on the sidelines with an ankle injury. This makes Boyd the guy in that offense.
Joe Mixon - Mixon has had a pretty forgettable 2019 thus far, but this is the week to fire him up. Mixon is averaging almost four targets a game and almost twelve carries. The production hasn't been there due to a terrible offensive line, but this week he goes against a defense that gives up over 140 yards per game to opposing backs. Unless you have several better options at the position, he should be in your line-ups.
David Johnson - DJ has returned to stud status this year, so you're starting him anyway, but I just wanted to highlight how great this match-up is. If the Cardinals are a bad run defense, the Bengals are an abomination, ranking near the bottom of the league in yards and touchdowns to opposing running backs.
Larry Fitzgerald - With Christian Kirk sidelined, Fitzgerald should be the target hog in the Cardinals offense this week. He's been pretty consistent this year outside of a mediocre week four, but I'd expect a decent to big game from him tomorrow afternoon.
Sneaky Deep Play:
Auden Tate - With John Ross on IR, Tate should become the WR2 in the Bengals' offense until AJ Green returns. I probably wouldn't be starting him in leagues with standard starters (2RB/2WR/1FLEX), because you've probably got better options, but if you start more than two WRs or have multiple flex spots, he could be an interesting plug and play this week given the match-up.
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Bills @ Titans
Over/Under - 38.5
I don't know about you, but I see that over/under and think that I want no part of this fucking game.
Start:
Derrick Henry - Henry has been great this year, and this week he goes up against a Buffalo defense that has struggled against the run this year. The Bills are also on the road in what will likely be an ugly game, which will favor the Titans' ground game.
Sit:
Frank Gore - Devin Singletary is a game-time decision this week, and the Titans are one of the league's better rushing defenses. Gore might be immortal, but he should be on your bench in week five.
Marcus Mariota - Mariota was fantastic last week, making both Corey Davis and AJ Green fantasy viable for at least one game. However, I wouldn't expect that to happen again in week five against a Bills defense that just shut Tom Brady the fuck down.
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Bears vs. Raiders
Over/Under - 41.5
The year's first London game kicks off tomorrow a 1:00 PM and it's about as unexciting as the games we usually send overseas to try to get the Brits to like American football. This game is interesting because it's one of the few situations in the league where the back-up QB may actually be better for fantasy purposes than the starter. Not that I'm going to tell you to start Chase Daniel, because if you're in a position where he's the best QB you've got, you're probably not making the playoffs this year anyway.
Start:
Allen Robinson - Oakland's defense is one of the league's worst at defending wide receivers, and after Mitch Trubisky left the game, Robinson caught seven passes on seven targets from back-up Chase Daniel for 77 total yards. Robinson is an intriguing play in an otherwise forgettable match-up.
Darren Waller - Waller has yet to have below 53 yards in any game this year and is averaging over nine targets a game. He is a weekly starter at a disastrous position, even against a stout Bears defense that has been very good at holding opposing tight ends in check this year.
Sit:
Derrick Carr - While the Raiders are currently sitting at .500, Carr just hasn't been great this year for fantasy purposes, and this week he goes up against one of the league's best defenses after flying from California to London. You probably aren't starting or even rostering Carr to begin with, but if by chance you have him on your squad, keep him on your bench this weekend.
Josh Jacobs - After a fantastic week one, Jacobs came crashing back down to earth each of the following three weeks, only averaging 8.7 fantasy points per game (will vary based on league settings). The Bears are at the top of the league in rush defense, making Jacobs a very risky play this week. If you've got a better option, use him.
Tyrell Williams - Williams has been a pretty solid fantasy option this year on the surface, but if you delve a little deeper you'll see a concerning trend. While he blew up in week one, he hasn't had more than seven targets any given week and hasn't topped 46 yards since week one. He's been heavily touchdown dependent, finding the end zone all four weeks thus far. That's a streak that could very well end tomorrow.
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Buccaneers @ Saints
Over/Under - 47.5
This is another very intriguing game from a fantasy football standpoint, as there are a whole lot of great fantasy players taking part in it. It's also projected to a high-scoring affair, which is always what you want to hear heading into a game for our purposes here.
Start:
Chris Godwin - Like Cooper Kupp above, Godwin has officially ascended to fantasy stud status and should be locked into your line-up each week. There will be weeks where Evans has a huge game and Godwin is minimized, but both guys should finish in the top fifteen or so at the position, barring injury.
Mike Evans - After a slow start to the year while dealing with an illness, Evans came alive in week three and put together a nice fantasy game in week four as well, even if it was Godwin who stole the show. The Saints are near the bottom of the league in fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, making both Evans and Godwin must-starts this week.
Jameis Winston - Sure, every game from Winston could be the game where he throws seventeen picks and ruins your week, but I'm going to keep riding this train until it derails. He's got two of the best receivers in the league to throw to and a good offensive mind calling the plays. Further, the Saints are 31st in the league in points to opposing quarterbacks even after shutting down Dak Prescott.
Sit:
Ronald Jones - Jones has emerged as a solid flex play the past two weeks, but this is the week I'd be sitting him in favor of a better option. While the Saints have been bad against the pass, they have played great against the rush, ranking 7th in the league in points to opposing backs.
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Giants vs. Vikings
Over/Under - 45
This is an interesting game. Minnesota is having something of a meltdown right now, with Thielen being vocal to the media about his displeasure with the Vikings' passing game and Stefon Diggs potentially requesting to be traded. As of now, it doesn't seem like the Vikings are going to give in to Diggs' demand, and Diggs is expected to suit up on Sunday after his status was called into question earlier this week. That being said, they are going up against a Giants team that is good against the rush but poor against the pass. Theoretically, signs should point to a breakout week for either Diggs, Thielen, or both. But can we trust Mike Zimmer?
Start:
Adam Thielen - Look, if Thielen doesn't happen this week, I think he, and the Vikins receiving game in general, are toast. The stage is set for a big game from one or both Vikings receivers. I have no idea if that's going to happen, but Thielen should be starting for you this weekend unless you've got multiple better options. This could also be one of those "squeaky wheel" games. The Vikings' receivers are unhappy, and so the team may game plan to get them both the ball a bunch against a soft Giants secondary in an attempt to smooth things over.
Stefon Diggs - Similarly, this is the game to start Diggs and hope he has another week like week four. I detailed all the reasons in the previous two paragraphs.
Evan Engram - Minnesota is near the bottom of the league in points per game to opposing tight ends. Evan Engram is currently averaging over nine targets a game and has yet to have a game where he notches below 48 yards. He's a weekly starter at a bad position.
Sit:
Wayne Gallman - Gallman was electric in week four, rushing for 63 yards and adding an additional 55 yards through the air. He also scored twice. But he doesn't get to face Washington every week, and this match-up finds him going against one of the league's top rush defenses. The Vikings defense has held Devonta Freeman to 31 total yards, Aaron Jones to 39, Josh Jacobs to 44, and David Montgomery to 67. Gallman will likely be a touchdown dependent play this week.
Sterling Shepard - Golden Tate returns to the Giants this week, making Shepard a risky play. I'd personally prefer to bench both guys this week and see how the target share plays out first, as both guys are best suited working out of the slot.
---
Jets @ Eagles
Over/Under 44.5
This game was a lot more intriguing from a fantasy standpoint before Sam Darnold was ruled out, as the Eagles have been disastrous against opposing wideouts, ranking dead last in fantasy points per game given up. That being said, this will likely be a blowout, which means the Jets will probably be passing the ball a lot.
Start:
Alshon Jeffery - As mentioned, the Eagles are the worst in the league at defending opposing receivers, but the Jets defense is right behind them. Jeffery is the alpha in the Eagles' offense and should be plugged into your starting line-up.
Miles Sanders - Sanders has been a fantasy disappointment thus far, but this could be the week where he has his big breakout. The game script will almost certainly favor the Eagles, and Sanders averaged 6.5 YPC in week four, even if it was Jordan Howard who scored all the touchdowns. Sanders is an intriguing flex option this week.
Robby Anderson - Even with Luke Falk under center, Anderson has a great chance of having his best game of the year against a bad secondary. I would have liked this play a lot more with Darnold at QB, but Anderson isn't a terrible option depending on the rest of your line-up.
Sit:
Nelson Agholor - I really want no part of Agholor unless Alshon Jeffery is out. He has two catches for eleven yards on six targets with Jeffery in the game and sixteen catches on twenty-three targets for 157 yards with Jeffery out. Jeffery is active this week. Do the math.
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Steelers vs. Ravens
Over/Under - 42.5
This game will tell us a whole lot about the state of the AFC North. The Steelers are 1-3 with their lone win against a clearly godawful Bengals team. The Ravens are sitting at 2-2, but their only wins are over a hapless Miami team and a bad Cardinals one.
Start:
Mark Ingram - The Steelers are near the bottom of the league in yards given up to opposing backs and middle of the pack in touchdowns given up. Ingram isn't getting a ton of play in the passing game for the Ravens, but he has a lot of touchdown upside as the main goal line back for a Ravens team that wants to run a lot.
Mason Rudolph - Like Andy Dalton, Rudolph is a great streaming option this week against a Ravens defense that is near the bottom of the league in yards to quarterbacks. He has a talented receiving core with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Dionate Johnson and two backs who obliterated the Bengals in the passing game last week, combining for sixteen catches and 140 yards.
James Conner - Conner is officially active this week and is a definite start due to his potential in the passing game. Jaylen Samuel's role is still somewhat unclear here, but he's also an intriguing flex option this week against a Ravens defense that doesn't seem anywhere near as fearsome as it used to be.
Diontae Johnson - With JuJu questionable heading into this week and Johnson having been out-targeted from him over the previous two weeks, Johnson could be a great flex play this week in deeper leagues.
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Patriots @ Redskins
Over/Under - 44
This probably won't surprise you, but I'm pretty down on any and all Redskins players this week in what is probably going to be a biblical ass-kicking.
Start:
Sony Michel - Michel has been an utter disappointment this year given his draft capital, but this is the week where he could really blow up. The game script will almost certainly favor the Patriots and they'll be looking to run the ball a lot, which plays right into Michel's skill set.
Josh Gordon - With Edelman questionable and the Redskins pass defense being atrocious, this is the perfect week to start Josh Gordon. He didn't do much against an elite Bills defense, but he should be in your line-up for week five.
Sit:
Every Redskins player. Don't think much explanation is needed. The Patriots have the league's best defense and the Redskins offense is a fucking mess.
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Texans vs. Falcons
Over/Under - 49
This is another fantasy goldmine game projected to be high-scoring and fun.
Start:
Devonta Freeman - Freeman hasn't been great this year, but he's got a good match-up this week. He's getting almost all the RB touches in Atlanta and isn't game script dependent, as he's proven he can do work in the passing game.
Will Fuller - Much like Freeman, Fuller has had a really underwhelming year. But he's walking into a prime match-up against a bad Falcons secondary that can't stop anyone. He's a great flex option this week.
Calvin Ridley - Ridley similarly finds himself in a position to have a fantasy-relevant week against an overmatched Texans secondary that will likely be putting most of their effort into stopping Julio Jones.
Sit:
Carlos Hyde - Hyde has been a consistently mediocre fantasy option this year and I'd expect that to continue as he splits touches with Duke Johnson behind a bad offensive line. Duke Johnson should remain on your bench as well until we see some evidence that this won't be a time share.
Dynasty Sell Candidate:
Deshaun Watson - As talented as Watson is, Bill O'Brien is going to get the man killed. Even after getting fleeced in a trade for LT Laremy Tunsil, the Texans' line can't stop anyone. Watson does himself no favors by holding onto the ball too long looking for home runs, but the offense just doesn't seem to be scheming to deliver him success. I'd be legitimately worried about how long Watson is going to hold up with the hits he is taking every week. To add to the problem, the Texans don't have any of their first three round picks next year, so adding help to the O-line will be difficult. Watson is likely to have a big game this week, making it a great opportunity to extract maximum value for him.
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Broncos @ Chargers
Over/Under - 44
Melvin Gordon returns in a prime match-up against a bad Broncos run defense that just lost Bradley Chubb for the season with a torn ACL. The 0-4 Broncos probably won't be getting that first win this week, but this should be a fun match for fantasy purposes.
Start:
Austin Ekeler - This might be Ekeler's fantasy swan song, with Melvin Gordon reportedly set for limited snaps this week as the Chargers ease him back into the starting role.
Courtland Sutton - Sutton was electric in week four, catching 6 of 9 (nice) targets for 62 yards and finding the end zone twice. There's a good chance the Broncos will be facing a negative game script this week and forced to throw a ton, which makes Sutton an intriguing receiving option.
Emmanuel Sanders - See above.
Sit:
Royce Freeman - As much as I like Freeman as a player, this is probably not the week to be plugging him into your flex spot. He's firmly locked into a time share with Phillip Lindsay and going up against a decent Chargers run defense in a game where his team will likely be playing from behind.
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Cowboys vs. Packers
Over/Under - 47
Hopefully we see the Cowboys go back to what was working for them the first three weeks, because they stunk it up against the Saints last weekend. Both teams come in at 3-1 and looking like potential playoff contenders.
Start:
Ezekiel Elliott - You don't need me to tell you to start Elliott, but his match-up this week is particularly great. The Packers are dead last in the league in points per game to opposing backs.
Aaron Jones - Despite a tough match-up this week against a stout Dallas rush defense, Jamaal Williams has been ruled out, leaving Jones to get the bulk of the carries in tomorrow's contest.
Geronimo Allison - With Davante Adams out, Allison has a great chance of delivering fantasy production this week. He's a nice flex option.
Sit:
Michael Gallup - Gallup is expected to return this week, but I'd be keeping him on your bench for now. The Packers are 2nd in the league in fantasy points to opposing wideouts, and Gallup will probably be a touchdown-dependent option this week.
Now let's dig into this weekend's main slate of games.
Note that all stats below are using my main dynasty league's .5 PPR settings, so scores and rankings may vary depending on your league settings. They'll all likely be close, just not exact.
---
Jaguars @ Panthers
Over/Under - 41
This projects to be an ugly, low-scoring affair, and given that the Panthers are without their starting quarterback, it makes sense for them to grind out games and feed McCaffrey, their best player.
Start:
Christian McCaffrey - But you don't need me to tell you that. He's already in your line-up.
Leonard Fournette - Fournette has had some trouble finding the end zone this year, but he's currently in the top ten in the league in scoring for fantasy purposes (depending on your league settings, he might be slightly outside it). He's one of the true bell cow backs in the league and should be in your line-ups against a middle of the pack Panthers run defenses. Hopefully, this is the week he finally breaks the plane and scores a touchdown.
Sit:
Everyone else. I want no part of this game outside of the two backs. The Panthers have been tough against the pass this season, making rookie sixth rounder Gardner Minshew a dangerous gamble. As a result, I have little interest in the Jags' passing game, even though I am a fan of DJ Chark and his year two breakout. You're better served leaving him on the bench, though. The Jaguars pass defense isn't terribly fearsome with Jalen Ramsey inactive, but it's very difficult to trust Kyle Allen and, consequently, the guys he is throwing to. DJ Moore has seen his targets fall off a cliff since Allen took over, which means Curtis Samuel may be the better play of the two, but I'd rather just start a receiver in an offense I trust more.
---
Bengals vs. Cardinals
Over/Under - 48.5
Now this is a game I want players from. You've got two trash defenses facing off in a game where one offense wants to push the pace and throw a ton, which could force the Bengals to do the same.
Start:
Andy Dalton - Outside of a disastrous Steelers game where he almost died, the Red Rifle has been a shockingly viable fantasy starter this season. He was great in week one, very good in week two, and solid in week three. Now he goes up against a Cardinals defense that is one of the worst in the league against opposing quarterbacks. Dalton is the streaming quarterback option for week five.
Tyler Boyd - This shouldn't come as much of a surprise. John Ross is on IR and AJ Green is still on the sidelines with an ankle injury. This makes Boyd the guy in that offense.
Joe Mixon - Mixon has had a pretty forgettable 2019 thus far, but this is the week to fire him up. Mixon is averaging almost four targets a game and almost twelve carries. The production hasn't been there due to a terrible offensive line, but this week he goes against a defense that gives up over 140 yards per game to opposing backs. Unless you have several better options at the position, he should be in your line-ups.
David Johnson - DJ has returned to stud status this year, so you're starting him anyway, but I just wanted to highlight how great this match-up is. If the Cardinals are a bad run defense, the Bengals are an abomination, ranking near the bottom of the league in yards and touchdowns to opposing running backs.
Larry Fitzgerald - With Christian Kirk sidelined, Fitzgerald should be the target hog in the Cardinals offense this week. He's been pretty consistent this year outside of a mediocre week four, but I'd expect a decent to big game from him tomorrow afternoon.
Sneaky Deep Play:
Auden Tate - With John Ross on IR, Tate should become the WR2 in the Bengals' offense until AJ Green returns. I probably wouldn't be starting him in leagues with standard starters (2RB/2WR/1FLEX), because you've probably got better options, but if you start more than two WRs or have multiple flex spots, he could be an interesting plug and play this week given the match-up.
---
Bills @ Titans
Over/Under - 38.5
I don't know about you, but I see that over/under and think that I want no part of this fucking game.
Start:
Derrick Henry - Henry has been great this year, and this week he goes up against a Buffalo defense that has struggled against the run this year. The Bills are also on the road in what will likely be an ugly game, which will favor the Titans' ground game.
Sit:
Frank Gore - Devin Singletary is a game-time decision this week, and the Titans are one of the league's better rushing defenses. Gore might be immortal, but he should be on your bench in week five.
Marcus Mariota - Mariota was fantastic last week, making both Corey Davis and AJ Green fantasy viable for at least one game. However, I wouldn't expect that to happen again in week five against a Bills defense that just shut Tom Brady the fuck down.
---
Bears vs. Raiders
Over/Under - 41.5
The year's first London game kicks off tomorrow a 1:00 PM and it's about as unexciting as the games we usually send overseas to try to get the Brits to like American football. This game is interesting because it's one of the few situations in the league where the back-up QB may actually be better for fantasy purposes than the starter. Not that I'm going to tell you to start Chase Daniel, because if you're in a position where he's the best QB you've got, you're probably not making the playoffs this year anyway.
Start:
Allen Robinson - Oakland's defense is one of the league's worst at defending wide receivers, and after Mitch Trubisky left the game, Robinson caught seven passes on seven targets from back-up Chase Daniel for 77 total yards. Robinson is an intriguing play in an otherwise forgettable match-up.
Darren Waller - Waller has yet to have below 53 yards in any game this year and is averaging over nine targets a game. He is a weekly starter at a disastrous position, even against a stout Bears defense that has been very good at holding opposing tight ends in check this year.
Sit:
Derrick Carr - While the Raiders are currently sitting at .500, Carr just hasn't been great this year for fantasy purposes, and this week he goes up against one of the league's best defenses after flying from California to London. You probably aren't starting or even rostering Carr to begin with, but if by chance you have him on your squad, keep him on your bench this weekend.
Josh Jacobs - After a fantastic week one, Jacobs came crashing back down to earth each of the following three weeks, only averaging 8.7 fantasy points per game (will vary based on league settings). The Bears are at the top of the league in rush defense, making Jacobs a very risky play this week. If you've got a better option, use him.
Tyrell Williams - Williams has been a pretty solid fantasy option this year on the surface, but if you delve a little deeper you'll see a concerning trend. While he blew up in week one, he hasn't had more than seven targets any given week and hasn't topped 46 yards since week one. He's been heavily touchdown dependent, finding the end zone all four weeks thus far. That's a streak that could very well end tomorrow.
---
Buccaneers @ Saints
Over/Under - 47.5
This is another very intriguing game from a fantasy football standpoint, as there are a whole lot of great fantasy players taking part in it. It's also projected to a high-scoring affair, which is always what you want to hear heading into a game for our purposes here.
Start:
Chris Godwin - Like Cooper Kupp above, Godwin has officially ascended to fantasy stud status and should be locked into your line-up each week. There will be weeks where Evans has a huge game and Godwin is minimized, but both guys should finish in the top fifteen or so at the position, barring injury.
Mike Evans - After a slow start to the year while dealing with an illness, Evans came alive in week three and put together a nice fantasy game in week four as well, even if it was Godwin who stole the show. The Saints are near the bottom of the league in fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, making both Evans and Godwin must-starts this week.
Jameis Winston - Sure, every game from Winston could be the game where he throws seventeen picks and ruins your week, but I'm going to keep riding this train until it derails. He's got two of the best receivers in the league to throw to and a good offensive mind calling the plays. Further, the Saints are 31st in the league in points to opposing quarterbacks even after shutting down Dak Prescott.
Sit:
Ronald Jones - Jones has emerged as a solid flex play the past two weeks, but this is the week I'd be sitting him in favor of a better option. While the Saints have been bad against the pass, they have played great against the rush, ranking 7th in the league in points to opposing backs.
---
Giants vs. Vikings
Over/Under - 45
This is an interesting game. Minnesota is having something of a meltdown right now, with Thielen being vocal to the media about his displeasure with the Vikings' passing game and Stefon Diggs potentially requesting to be traded. As of now, it doesn't seem like the Vikings are going to give in to Diggs' demand, and Diggs is expected to suit up on Sunday after his status was called into question earlier this week. That being said, they are going up against a Giants team that is good against the rush but poor against the pass. Theoretically, signs should point to a breakout week for either Diggs, Thielen, or both. But can we trust Mike Zimmer?
Start:
Adam Thielen - Look, if Thielen doesn't happen this week, I think he, and the Vikins receiving game in general, are toast. The stage is set for a big game from one or both Vikings receivers. I have no idea if that's going to happen, but Thielen should be starting for you this weekend unless you've got multiple better options. This could also be one of those "squeaky wheel" games. The Vikings' receivers are unhappy, and so the team may game plan to get them both the ball a bunch against a soft Giants secondary in an attempt to smooth things over.
Stefon Diggs - Similarly, this is the game to start Diggs and hope he has another week like week four. I detailed all the reasons in the previous two paragraphs.
Evan Engram - Minnesota is near the bottom of the league in points per game to opposing tight ends. Evan Engram is currently averaging over nine targets a game and has yet to have a game where he notches below 48 yards. He's a weekly starter at a bad position.
Sit:
Wayne Gallman - Gallman was electric in week four, rushing for 63 yards and adding an additional 55 yards through the air. He also scored twice. But he doesn't get to face Washington every week, and this match-up finds him going against one of the league's top rush defenses. The Vikings defense has held Devonta Freeman to 31 total yards, Aaron Jones to 39, Josh Jacobs to 44, and David Montgomery to 67. Gallman will likely be a touchdown dependent play this week.
Sterling Shepard - Golden Tate returns to the Giants this week, making Shepard a risky play. I'd personally prefer to bench both guys this week and see how the target share plays out first, as both guys are best suited working out of the slot.
---
Jets @ Eagles
Over/Under 44.5
This game was a lot more intriguing from a fantasy standpoint before Sam Darnold was ruled out, as the Eagles have been disastrous against opposing wideouts, ranking dead last in fantasy points per game given up. That being said, this will likely be a blowout, which means the Jets will probably be passing the ball a lot.
Start:
Alshon Jeffery - As mentioned, the Eagles are the worst in the league at defending opposing receivers, but the Jets defense is right behind them. Jeffery is the alpha in the Eagles' offense and should be plugged into your starting line-up.
Miles Sanders - Sanders has been a fantasy disappointment thus far, but this could be the week where he has his big breakout. The game script will almost certainly favor the Eagles, and Sanders averaged 6.5 YPC in week four, even if it was Jordan Howard who scored all the touchdowns. Sanders is an intriguing flex option this week.
Robby Anderson - Even with Luke Falk under center, Anderson has a great chance of having his best game of the year against a bad secondary. I would have liked this play a lot more with Darnold at QB, but Anderson isn't a terrible option depending on the rest of your line-up.
Sit:
Nelson Agholor - I really want no part of Agholor unless Alshon Jeffery is out. He has two catches for eleven yards on six targets with Jeffery in the game and sixteen catches on twenty-three targets for 157 yards with Jeffery out. Jeffery is active this week. Do the math.
---
Steelers vs. Ravens
Over/Under - 42.5
This game will tell us a whole lot about the state of the AFC North. The Steelers are 1-3 with their lone win against a clearly godawful Bengals team. The Ravens are sitting at 2-2, but their only wins are over a hapless Miami team and a bad Cardinals one.
Start:
Mark Ingram - The Steelers are near the bottom of the league in yards given up to opposing backs and middle of the pack in touchdowns given up. Ingram isn't getting a ton of play in the passing game for the Ravens, but he has a lot of touchdown upside as the main goal line back for a Ravens team that wants to run a lot.
Mason Rudolph - Like Andy Dalton, Rudolph is a great streaming option this week against a Ravens defense that is near the bottom of the league in yards to quarterbacks. He has a talented receiving core with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Dionate Johnson and two backs who obliterated the Bengals in the passing game last week, combining for sixteen catches and 140 yards.
James Conner - Conner is officially active this week and is a definite start due to his potential in the passing game. Jaylen Samuel's role is still somewhat unclear here, but he's also an intriguing flex option this week against a Ravens defense that doesn't seem anywhere near as fearsome as it used to be.
Diontae Johnson - With JuJu questionable heading into this week and Johnson having been out-targeted from him over the previous two weeks, Johnson could be a great flex play this week in deeper leagues.
---
Patriots @ Redskins
Over/Under - 44
This probably won't surprise you, but I'm pretty down on any and all Redskins players this week in what is probably going to be a biblical ass-kicking.
Start:
Sony Michel - Michel has been an utter disappointment this year given his draft capital, but this is the week where he could really blow up. The game script will almost certainly favor the Patriots and they'll be looking to run the ball a lot, which plays right into Michel's skill set.
Josh Gordon - With Edelman questionable and the Redskins pass defense being atrocious, this is the perfect week to start Josh Gordon. He didn't do much against an elite Bills defense, but he should be in your line-up for week five.
Sit:
Every Redskins player. Don't think much explanation is needed. The Patriots have the league's best defense and the Redskins offense is a fucking mess.
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Texans vs. Falcons
Over/Under - 49
This is another fantasy goldmine game projected to be high-scoring and fun.
Start:
Devonta Freeman - Freeman hasn't been great this year, but he's got a good match-up this week. He's getting almost all the RB touches in Atlanta and isn't game script dependent, as he's proven he can do work in the passing game.
Will Fuller - Much like Freeman, Fuller has had a really underwhelming year. But he's walking into a prime match-up against a bad Falcons secondary that can't stop anyone. He's a great flex option this week.
Calvin Ridley - Ridley similarly finds himself in a position to have a fantasy-relevant week against an overmatched Texans secondary that will likely be putting most of their effort into stopping Julio Jones.
Sit:
Carlos Hyde - Hyde has been a consistently mediocre fantasy option this year and I'd expect that to continue as he splits touches with Duke Johnson behind a bad offensive line. Duke Johnson should remain on your bench as well until we see some evidence that this won't be a time share.
Dynasty Sell Candidate:
Deshaun Watson - As talented as Watson is, Bill O'Brien is going to get the man killed. Even after getting fleeced in a trade for LT Laremy Tunsil, the Texans' line can't stop anyone. Watson does himself no favors by holding onto the ball too long looking for home runs, but the offense just doesn't seem to be scheming to deliver him success. I'd be legitimately worried about how long Watson is going to hold up with the hits he is taking every week. To add to the problem, the Texans don't have any of their first three round picks next year, so adding help to the O-line will be difficult. Watson is likely to have a big game this week, making it a great opportunity to extract maximum value for him.
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Broncos @ Chargers
Over/Under - 44
Melvin Gordon returns in a prime match-up against a bad Broncos run defense that just lost Bradley Chubb for the season with a torn ACL. The 0-4 Broncos probably won't be getting that first win this week, but this should be a fun match for fantasy purposes.
Start:
Austin Ekeler - This might be Ekeler's fantasy swan song, with Melvin Gordon reportedly set for limited snaps this week as the Chargers ease him back into the starting role.
Courtland Sutton - Sutton was electric in week four, catching 6 of 9 (nice) targets for 62 yards and finding the end zone twice. There's a good chance the Broncos will be facing a negative game script this week and forced to throw a ton, which makes Sutton an intriguing receiving option.
Emmanuel Sanders - See above.
Sit:
Royce Freeman - As much as I like Freeman as a player, this is probably not the week to be plugging him into your flex spot. He's firmly locked into a time share with Phillip Lindsay and going up against a decent Chargers run defense in a game where his team will likely be playing from behind.
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Cowboys vs. Packers
Over/Under - 47
Hopefully we see the Cowboys go back to what was working for them the first three weeks, because they stunk it up against the Saints last weekend. Both teams come in at 3-1 and looking like potential playoff contenders.
Start:
Ezekiel Elliott - You don't need me to tell you to start Elliott, but his match-up this week is particularly great. The Packers are dead last in the league in points per game to opposing backs.
Aaron Jones - Despite a tough match-up this week against a stout Dallas rush defense, Jamaal Williams has been ruled out, leaving Jones to get the bulk of the carries in tomorrow's contest.
Geronimo Allison - With Davante Adams out, Allison has a great chance of delivering fantasy production this week. He's a nice flex option.
Sit:
Michael Gallup - Gallup is expected to return this week, but I'd be keeping him on your bench for now. The Packers are 2nd in the league in fantasy points to opposing wideouts, and Gallup will probably be a touchdown-dependent option this week.
