It's the final week where we have a full selection of players to choose from before bye weeks begin in Week 6. So if you are looking for some Start/Sit advice @K_H_Ray & @MattFFDynasty are here to help. Let's dive into those Week 5 starts & sits and get that W...
(@ZTwiceFF is on vacation this week)
Quarterback
Starts
Start Of The Week
Daniel Jones @ DAL (@MattFFDynasty)
As mentioned in our waiver article this week (Click Here), Daniel Jones is currently the QB6 after a strong start to the season. He now gets the pass funnel defense of the Cowboys who have given up the 2nd most passing yards this season, averaging 315 yards per game. Couple that with Jones rushing upside (188 yards and 2 TDs so far this season) and Jones is a must-start this week.
Josh Allen @ KC (@K_H_Ray)
Josh Allen has been locked into fantasy rosters for some time. But aside from a near 40pt game against the WFT, Allen has averaged just 18ppg this season. He's a fantasy stud, and no one that has him on their roster should be too concerned, especially this week as he takes on a porous Chiefs defense that is giving up the 2nd most points to fantasy quarterbacks this season. This game should be a shoot-out, and I'm expecting a big game for JA.
Ryan Tannehill @ JAX (@MattFFDynasty)
Tannehill hasn't hit the heights of previous seasons just yet, currently sitting as the QB19, however, this week's matchup gives him the opportunity to change that. TEN travel to Jacksonville who have had their struggles on both sides of the ball this season, with little help from HC Urban Meyer who's been in the news for all the wrong reason this past week. Titans will look to bounce back from last week's defeat to the Jets and a trip to the team giving up the 3rd most passing yards should be a good opportunity to do just that, especially with star WR AJ Brown back at practice this week too.
Sits
Sit Of The Week
Justin Herbert Vs CLE (@K_H_Ray)
I'll admit, this Sit has more to do with Cleveland's defense than Herbert's play, which has been exceptional. Although the Chargers signal-caller has had a great sophomore campaign thus far, the Browns held Justin Fields and Kirk Cousins to 14 points COMBINED over the past two weeks. The Chargers are at home and have a potent offense, so I can't see Herbert being completely shut down. But I'm tempering expectations and expecting between 12-20 points for the former Duck.
Matt Ryan Vs NYJ (@MattFFDynasty)
Let's be honest, Matt Ryan hasn't looked great this year, but he did have a solid game last week Vs WAS in a shoot-out with over 280 yards and 4 TDs. This week the Falcons are off to London to face NYJ in the year's 1st international game. The travel disruptions on their own are enough for slight concern, but the Jets have been no pushover on defense this year either and are the 4 strongest team in fantasy points allowed to the QB position (Avg. 12.8). They also have 13 sacks (4th most) so it could be a tough, long afternoon for Matt Ryan if the Jets can put the pressure on him.
Justin Fields @ LV (@K_H_Ray)
Hopefully you aren't in a spot where Fields is your best option at QB. If so, I'd be looking at the waiver wire for... anyone else. It's so hard to trust JF until he has more productive outings. Through two starts he's totaled just 11 fantasy points. I believe in the player long-term, but for now, Fields should find a nice and cozy spot on your bench - next to the Gatorade and exercise bikes.
Running Back
Starts
Start Of The Week
Darrell Henderson @ SEA (@MattFFDynasty)
After missing Week 3 with a rib injury, Henderson came back with a solid outing Week 4 Vs ARI (14 carries for 89 yards and 5 receptions for 27 yards). When available, LAR haven't been afraid to keep Henderson on the field with 90% of OFF snaps last week. Now he gets SEA who have given up the MOST fantasy points to RBs this season and with the solid workload HC Sean McVay has given him, Henderson should be in for another profitable day.
Damien Williams @ LV (@K_H_Ray)
With the unfortunate (and hopefully short-term) injury to David Montgomery, Damien Williams steps up to lead the Chicago backfield. Williams is a really good running back and even could have been a Super Bowl MVP in SB LIV. With rookie QB Justin Fields still leading the offense, I see the Bears continuing to lean on the run game without any hesitation. Couple that with a Raiders defense in Week 5 that doesn't scare you. Williams is an RB2 for me this week.
Chase Edmonds Vs SF (@MattFFDynasty)
Despite this being a 2 headed backfield alongside James Conner, who has also been a TD vulture, Edmonds is having a solid start to the year and has been far more efficient than Conner with his touches. He's currently the RB12 and is been used as both a rusher and receiver in this offense, averaging over 10 carries and 5 receptions a game. The receptions give Edmonds a safe floor in fantasy but he also has that weekly upside in the fast-paced offense.
Sits
Sit Of The Week
Miles Sanders @ CAR (@K_H_Ray)
One of the more frustrating players to have on your roster, Miles Sanders has been a disappointment this season. Most believe he could be a fantasy stud if he were just given the opportunity. Kenneth Gainwell has been heavily involved in the passing game for Philadelphia and is eating into Sanders touches. He's been held to under 10 points in each of the last three games, and now has to face the 3rd best defense vs RBs in Carolina. I know it can be tough sitting someone you drafted in the 3rd/4th round. But be strong. This week, Sanders rides the bench.
Melvin Gordon @ PIT (@MattFFDynasty)
Gordon isn't giving up the lead role to Javonte Williams in DEN easily. He led the team in rushing last week with 9 carries for 56 yards, which was 2 more carries than Williams with more yards. However, he now faces PIT who have been strong against the run, giving up the 4th least fantasy points to the position, in what could be a low scoring game with both teams strong against the run and with struggling passing offenses. I'm not expecting much from this backfield this week.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire Vs BUF (@K_H_Ray)
CEH owners should be happy that he's come around and actually started scoring some touchdowns this season. He has rushed for over 100 yards and scored a TD in each of the last two games. This week, however, expectations should be lowered as the Chiefs are facing a Bills defense that has effectively shut down Najee Harris, Myles Gaskin, and every man - woman - and child in Houston. CEH is a fade for me this week.
Wide Receivers
Starts
Start Of The Week
Deebo Samuel @ ARI (@K_H_Ray)
Don't be a prisoner of the moment with Deebo. I mean, how repeatable is a 30+ outing anyway?... What's that? ... He's already had two 30+ games this season? OK, sure, but he's doing it all on just a handful of touches... Hmm? ... Oh, he's averaging 122 yards, 7 rec, and 11 targets per game?!?!.... Any interest in trading him to me? Seriously, start Samuel every week until Trey Lance gives you a reason not to. Even after that, Deebo may be a locked-in starter the rest of the season giving his explosive play and heavy usage in Kyle Shanahan's offense. He's a must-start this week, especially since he faces the Cardinals who have given up 7 TDs to opposing WRs this season.
Marvin Jones Vs TEN (@MattFFDynasty)
Jones disappointed with just 3 receptions for 24 yards in what was a cake matchup against the Bengals, but I'm expecting a bounceback this week against TEN. Let's not forget Jones was Trevor Lawrance's favorite target before the blip of last week. DJ Chark also suffered a season-ending injury in last week's matchup so an increase in opportunity is there for Jones with less competition for targets, and the Titans are allowing an average of 42.7 fantasy points to opposing WRs this year. I feel this game could be potentially high-scoring with both these teams struggling on defense.
Terry McLaurin Vs NO (@K_H_Ray)
Scary Terry went OFF against the Falcons last Sunday with 6 rec, 123 yards, and 2TDs. A monster game and one that removes any remaining concern that QB play may impact his weekly performance. While it's foolish to expect another 30-burger, I do expect McLaurin to have a nice game against the Saints, whose defense has struggled to stop opposing WRs this season. Terry has top 10 potential this week.
Sits
Sit Of The Week
Odell Beckham Jr @ LAC (@MattFFDynasty)
What a difference a week can make, going from my 'start of the week' last week to now my 'sit of the week'. But who can blame me after his disappointing outing last week against getable Vikings defense where he had only 2 receptions for 27 yards, although admittedly a lot of that was down to some poor passes from QB Baker Mayfield. This week's matchup is much harder against the Chargers who have been strong against the pass so far but struggled against the run. I'm expecting a heavy dose of this strong Chubb/Hunt rush attack again this week and I'm fading the Browns pass attack.
DeVonta Smith @ LV (@K_H_Ray)
Smith's highs are high, and his lows are low. He's coming off of a high, in which he had 7 catches on 10 targets for 120 yards. He's just a rookie, and I have a feeling he will get more consistent as the season progresses. This week, however, he faces a Panthers defense that ranks 5th against fantasy WRs this season. In Week 4, Carolina held Dallas WRs to just 112 yards combined. Smith will be targetted plenty, but he is a fade for me this week given the matchup.
Courtland Sutton @ PIT (@MattFFDynasty)
The matchup looks good on paper for Sutton, but I'd temper expectations with Sutton, mainly because of the uncertainty at the QB position for DEN. Bridgewater is currently in the NFL's concussion protocol and we may see Drew Lock start this weekend who has had his struggles since entering the NFL. Sutton had half a game with each QB last week against BAL and could only put in a 3 reception and 47 yards performance. Whether we have Lock or Bridgewater (who likely won't be 100%) at QB this week, I'd still be cautious with Sutton.
Tight End
Starts
Start Of The Week
Mike Gesicki @ TB (@K_H_Ray)
Some things just go together. Peanut butter & Jelly, burgers & hot dogs, a game manager QB, and a TE safety net. We know these things. So it should be no surprise that Gesicki quickly increased his workload since Brissett took over under center. He's scored over 17 points in back-to-back weeks. Up next they take on the Bucs who rank 30th vs Tight Ends. I expect Gesicki to see plenty of targets.
Kyle Pitts Vs NYJ (@MattFFDynasty)
Now, I know I faded Matt Ryan and this Falcons offense earlier in this article, but given the state of the TE position, I still think Pitts is a solid start this week. Pitts saw his season-high in targets last week Vs WAS (9) and that usage alone is enough to make him a confident weekly starter. He's playing a 3rd of his snaps in the slot, which is extremely encouraging and has the 2nd most redzone targets amongst TEs (6) this season. A breakout game feels just around the corner for Pitts and maybe his trip to London could be the ideal time to have that breakout game.
Jonnu Smith @ HOU (@K_H_Ray)
It's safe to say Jonnu hasn't quite lived up to his preseason buzz or expectations. He's been consistent in the target department with about 5 per week, but that hasn't led to much production. However, playing the Texans this Sunday - ranked 31st vs TEs - represents his best chance to put up some points for the Pats and your fantasy team. Over 4 weeks, tight ends are averaging 19.4 ppg against Houston.
Sits
Sit Of The Week
Robert Tonyan @ CIN (@K_H_Ray)
Death, Taxes, and false hope believing a GB tight end could be 'special'. I'm OUT on believing Bob Tonyan can be a consistent starter in your fantasy lineup. The volume just isn't there as he's averaging 2 catches on about 4 targets per game. I get it. The 11 touchdowns he scored last season all counted. But based on weekly usage, it will be hard to predict which games Tonyan will be productive. If he's still on your roster, Sit him against the Bengals this week.
CJ Uzomah Vs GB (@MattFFDynasty)
Uzomah was likely a popular waiver add this week after his 5 receptions for 95 yards and 2 TDs game Vs Jax last week, but I wouldn't expect that to be the norm. That was the best game of his 6 years in the NFL but it was against a struggling JAX defense. It also looks likely that Tee Higgins will return this week, so I don't think the volume will be there for Uzomah moving forward given the strength at WR that CIN has. I now expect Uzomah to fade back into fantasy irrelevancy.
Tyler Conklin Vs DET (@MattFFDynasty)
Conklin has done a good job filling in for Irv Smith this season. He has 17 receptions for 144 yards and a TD so far but most of that came in his Week 3 performance Vs SEA (7/70/1), the other 3 he has been pretty inconsistent. This week MIN plays DET and I expect them to dominate the Lions on the ground given their struggles against the run. Even if the Vikings are forced to pass at all, Conklin is clearly behind Jefferson and Thielen in this passing attack, so he's a risky option who is likely touchdown dependant most weeks.
Waiver Recap
Thanks for reading. Be sure to keep an eye out for both our weekly articles, Tuesday Waiver Targets & Wednesday Start/Sit and Waiver Recap with the @FF_Astronauts. Follow @K_H_Ray, @ZTwiceFF, & @MattFFDynasty on Twitter for more Fantasy Football content throughout the season, and hit us up with any of your Start/Sit or Waiver questions.
