National Football League

Fantasy Football Advice for the NFL's Week 5: Starts, Sits, and Sleepers

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:31 p.m. ET

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Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their game against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are suffering through a three game losing streak, but have two players on the verge of being top fantasy football contributors at their positions.

Mike Evans is the 13th ranked wide receiver in points per reception (PPR) fantasy football leagues while quarterback Jameis Winston sits 12th after four weeks of action among his peers.

Whether or not either of these guys could help lead your squad to victory is still to be determined as they look to break their streak with a win Monday night against the similarly struggling Carolina Panthers.

Looking back at Week 4, the pack was led by Julio Jones and his record-setting day. His quarterback placed second among all fantasy football options with 35.5 points.

The highest scoring Buccaneers player was tight end Cameron Brate who brought in 11.7 points as the 12th ranked tight end in the NFL last week.

Jacksonville, Kansas City, New Orleans and Seattle are all on byes this week, so let’s take a look at the teams in action.

Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers

Monday, 10 October @ 8:30 PM

After two weeks of rain delays, the Bucs and Panthers are at the mercy of a Hurricane this Monday Night.

START: QB, Jameis Winston

The Carolina Panthers have faced two teams with above average defenses and two without.

Denver and Los Angeles both facilitated their quarterbacks taking an easy day and throwing the ball fewer than 30 times for less than 200 yards a piece.

The Falcons and 49ers on the other hand put it up more than 35 times each and both quarterbacks had at least 25 points in fantasy football scoring.

buccaneers

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Dirk Koetter called his offense a run-first offense before the season, but with the defense struggling to stop opposing teams and their running game coming in second-worst in the NFL, the Buccaneers sure look like a passing offense.

Winston is currently ranked 12th among all quarterbacks which puts him on the edge of being a main option at QB in 12-team leagues.

If you have one of the guys sitting during byes this week, look at Winston to be the third quarterback to hit 20s against this defense.

SIT: TE, Greg Olsen

The tight end is a young quarterback or a backup quarterback’s best friend. However, any defense facing the Panthers has to know how big of a part Greg Olsen plays for this team.

Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander have been two bright spots on a shaky defense thus far, and both will be assigned the responsibility of keeping Carolina’s tight end in check.

They won’t eliminate him completely, I don’t think anyone could, but they will limit him.

If he’s on your league roster, then start him and hope he gets loose a time or two. If you’re playing DFS then look elsewhere as his production against this dynamic duo will not justify the salary he demands.

SLEEPER: TE, Cameron Brate

Tight end Cameron Brate was the highest scoring Buccaneers’ player from a week ago, and he could repeat this week.

With linebacker Thomas Davis banged up the linebacker group is compromised. Add in the challenge Luke Kuechly is going to have as he’s forced to account for running back Jacquizz Rodgers who will likely start if Charles Sims can’t go for the Bucs.

Drawing Kuechly out of the box with swing routes and motion will clear out an already soft middle for Brate and receiver Adam Humphries.

The lack of Panthers’ pass rush this season should give time for Brate to settle into a hole, and Winston will find him.

The Tampa Bay tight end isn’t exactly an every week start, but if you’ve got a streaming need at tight end then this could be the guy.

Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings fans cheer on their team against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans @ Minnesota Vikings

Sunday, 09 October @ 1:00 PM

No Watt Could Be Big Problems for Houston

START: Minnesota Vikings D/ST

Minnesota has boasted fantasy football’s highest scoring defense with 71 points on the season and 17.8 per week.

Houston has been the 8th most generous offense giving an average of 10 fantasy points per week to their opposing defenses.

Brock Osweiler has thrown six interceptions in his first four games this year making him the third most INT-prone passer in the NFL.

The Vikings have had at least one pick in each game this year with two defensive scores to go with them.

Everything about this match-up says the Vikings will get at least two interceptions off of Osweiler, and there’s a good shot one goes back for a pick-six.

SIT: WR, DeAndre Hopkins

Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins was a first-round pick in most fantasy drafts this year, and I’m not going to lie, if he was there for me I would have taken him too.

Perhaps luckily for me that I didn’t as he’s coming into Week 5 as the 30th ranked wide receiver with just 51.7 points to his name so far.

In a 12-team league he’s outside of WR2 consideration and in smaller leagues he really hasn’t done much with his whole body of work.

The emergence of Will Fuller has taken some looks away from the 4th year player who has just 17 catches for 227 yards this year.

His struggles from a statistical standpoint have certainly been the norm this season as he has just one game scoring over 15 points in PPR leagues.

Facing the Vikings’ defense allowing the second fewest points to wide receivers is not a sign Hopkins is going to break out of this slump.

SLEEPER: RB, Jerick McKinnon

In Week 1 the Houston Texans held the Bears’ running backs to 61 yards on 18 carries.

Since then they went on to give up 118 yards on 16 carries to Kansas City, 117 yards on 27 carries to the Patriots and 108 yards on 28 carries to the Titans.

The moral of the story is you can run against Houston when J.J. isn’t healthy. For Jerick McKinnon he’s just flat-out not there, which means this young running back has a shot at building on his 85-yard rushing performance against the Giants in Week 4.

He’s not a sure thing by any means, but you could find worse streaming options for this week.

Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) runs with the ball during the first half against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears @ Indianapolis Colts

Sunday, 09 October @ 1:00 PM

Chuck Pagano needs a win as the Colts host Chicago.

START: RB, Jordan Howard

Jordan Howard may be a rookie out of Indiana but he’s got a 100-yard rushing game under his belt and his first career touchdowns came against the Cleveland Browns last week.

This week he faces an Indianapolis defense which he may have once cheered for, but now will look to take advantage of as he starts again in place of the struggling and injured Jeremy Langford.

The Colts’ defense is allowing 24.8 fantasy football points to opposing running backs per week, fourth highest in the NFL.

This defense is actually worse against running backs than Cleveland is, so if he puts up 16.2 points against them, then imagine what he can do against a team five spots lower.

SIT: WR, T.Y. Hilton

Again, this is a DFS sit. Outside of a 174-yard explosion against the Chargers in Week 3, T.Y. Hilton hasn’t eclipsed 80 yards in a single game and only has a touchdown in one.

The Chicago Bears have been surprisingly effective containing opposing wide receivers having given up over 100-yards just once this year and allowing multiple touchdown catches to none.

Hilton as a regular league start is probably not the end of the world, but if you spend the salary he’s going to cost in your DFS you are betting against the trends, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

SLEEPER: K, Adam Vinatieri

As the league’s fourth highest scoring kicker in fantasy football Adam Vinatieri is an obvious start because he’s your only kicker right?

So this might apply more to the DFS guys again, but Chicago is allowing 10 points per week on average which sounds to me like three field goals for every extra point.

When you’re looking at kicker points you want field goals, and this defense holds offenses out of the endzone, but let’s them get close.

The Colts’ offense can move the ball, this much we know, but if the Bears’ numbers against wide receivers (mentioned above) hold true, then Vinatieri will get plenty of field goal opportunities in this week’s match-up.

Oct 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) runs during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans @ Miami Dolphins

Sunday, 09 October @ 1:00 PM

Someone’s winning their second game…unless it ends in a tie.

START: RB, DeMarco Murray

Honestly, the Dolphins aren’t doing badly against opposing running backs and have allowed over 100-yards rushing to only one guy (LeGarrette Blount) and it took him 29 carries to do it.

However, DeMarco Murray is the top fantasy football running back for a reason and you can’t go with any other player to start in this one, can you?

Murray has 15 more points so far than his second place finisher, leading by a margin most running backs don’t even hit on a weekly basis.

It’s not like he’s doing this in spurts either. In 2016 his lowest point total is just over 21 points in Week 1.

He’s good for 20+ every week, and this week is no different.

SIT: QB, Ryan Tannehill

Ryan Tannehill enters Week 5 as fantasy football’s 14th ranked quarterback with 64.8 points.

These numbers a little misleading however as he’s finished in the Top-10 twice and outside of the Top-15 twice. His worst finish was 31st in Week 4 against a Bengals’ defense allowing just 17.8 points on average to quarterbacks.

The Titans’ defense has been even better lately against fantasy quarterbacks, and have allowed just 13.3 points per game, making them the 6th best against QBs.

Tannehill’s inconsistency coupled with Tennessee’s ability thus far to stifle opposing quarterbacks should be plenty to keep him on your bench. If not, then I’m sure you’ll enjoy watching the Dolphins game in your Miami jersey, because you’re obviously a homer.

SLEEPER: WR, Tajae Sharpe

With 16 catches for 172 yards Tajae Sharpe is the team’s top wide receiver, but he falls three receptions shy of DeMarco Murray for the team lead in receptions.

Sharpe also has no touchdown catches as the only wideout with a TD catch this year is veteran Andre Johnson.

So to say this is a deep sleeper is an understatement as Sharpe has brought in just nine catches since his seven catch Week 1 debut for the Titans.

This rookie still has plenty of upside, and the Dolphins’ defense is receiver friendly, but even with the match-up this team just seems too Murray focused for any other player to be a reliable fantasy target.

Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) hands off to running back Matt Forte (22) during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Sunday, 09 October @ 1:00 PM

Could the Steelers Defense give rise to the return of Geno?

START: RB, Matt Forte

The Steelers have given up at least 100 yards of offense to an opposing running back in every week this year except one.

They’ve also surrendered at least one touchdown to opposing running backs in every game but one.

The Jets only have one real running back, and Matt Forte is it. Bilal Powell was expected to take away touches, but thus far only has 13 through four games.

While Powell does have 15 catches, Forte still has 11 getting involved as a passing option himself.

With two running backs among the Jets’ Top-5 receiving targets, and two of their Top-5 injured, this team needs to lean on the run.

This means good volume for Forte, and it should be good numbers as well.

Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) runs the ball during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

SIT: WR, Brandon Marshall

I’m a huge fan of Brandon Marshall and always want to see him do well, but it just doesn’t look like it’s in the cards this week.

Since his partner Eric Decker went down defenses have overloaded the coverage on Marshall and the result has been just seven catches.

Now, he has turned those catches into good yards and one touchdown, but if you take off the 41-yard catch he had against the Seahawks in last week’s loss, he’s averaging 12.5 yards per catch.

Not exactly big play numbers.

In Pittsburgh, he’ll be facing a defense which has allowed just one receiver to go over the century mark and has given up touchdowns to just two receivers all year.

With Decker out and Quincy Enunwa nursing a knee injury, Marshall just can’t do it by himself.

SLEEPER: TE, Jesse James

Jesse James has already reached career marks in catches and yards. Now he’s trying to show the Steelers he can be their tight end for years to come.

With at least two catches in every game this year he’s been a consistently available target for Ben Roethlisberger despite the dominance of Pittsburgh’s running game and the existence of Antonio Brown.

The New York Jets’ defense has given up an average of 9.3 points per game to tight ends making them the eighth most friendly defense to fantasy tight ends.

In four games this season, the Jets have allowed three tight ends to catch five or more passes in one game.

In Week 3, Chiefs’ tight ends combined for 10 catches and over 100 yards with a touchdown.

With Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier out with an injury, James should find space to work in this Sunday, and he may be a target for your DFS or as a streamer.

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) reacts in the fourth quarter after a play late in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Philadelphia Eagles the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-3 at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles @ Detroit Lions

Sunday, 09 October @ 1:00 PM

How will a rested Carson Wentz do against a Lions defense allowing over 100 points on the year?

START: QB, Carson Wentz

Heading into Philadelphia’s bye week in Week 4 rookie quarterback Carson Wentz was a Top-10 quarterback when it came to fantasy football.

A surprising start for sure as most saw him as a one-year developmental project.

With five touchdowns and zero interceptions in his first three games Wentz has Philly fans believing again, and the stats to support the enthusiasm.

In two of his starts he’s thrown for at least 275 yards and has had multiple touchdown throws to go with the yards.

Coming out of the bye facing the Detroit Lions is almost too good to be true as he squares off against a defense giving up the second most fantasy points to quarterbacks this year.

Against four teams the Lions have given up at least 235 yards passing to three of them and multiple touchdown passes to each one.

The only quarterback not to throw for 235+ was Aaron Rodgers who threw four touchdown passes before the Packers went into coast mode.

Wentz is going to have rookie moments and a rookie game or two, but it probably isn’t coming here.

SIT: QB, Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford is the NFL’s fourth leading passer coming into this match-up, but it’s a game which could hurt his standing very quickly.

The Eagles’ secondary which looked so pliable last season has given up just one 250+ yard performance in three games, and it took “Big Ben” Roethlisberger 44 throws to get to 257 yards.

This defense has given up zero passing touchdowns thus far and has only surrendered two total.

Coming off of a bye and playing with purpose for the first time in a little while makes this defense dangerous, and I recommend finding a different option at quarterback this week if you can.

SLEEPER: WR, Jordan Matthews

Heading into the Eagles’ bye Jordan Matthews was a solid WR2 coming in 20th among NFL receivers in fantasy football.

Coming back from the week off he draws the Lions and their defense which is allowing the sixth most points to receivers this year.

In four contests this season the Detroit secondary has allowed two 100+ yard performances by receivers and has given up at least one touchdowns each week.

As Carson Wentz’ favorite target so far this season there’s no reason to think Matthews can’t keep up his solid season.

Oct 2, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Fans hold a sign announcing that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) will be returning during the second half of the Buffalo Bills 16-0 win over the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots @ Cleveland Browns

Sunday, 09 October @ 1:00 PM

Brady is Back

START: QB, Tom Brady

How do you not start this guy?

I don’t care which side you sit on in the whole “Deflategate” scandal, this quarterback is one of the best there has ever been.

Adding to this, he’s playing one of the worst defenses in the league and he’s pissed he had to miss the first four games of the year.

There aren’t a whole lot of scenarios I can imagine benching Tom Brady, and this one certainly isn’t one of them.

SIT: RB, Duke Johnson

Isaiah Crowell has blown up so to speak here in recent weeks, and seems to be the only Browns’ running back worthy of real fantasy football consideration.

The Patriots have given up some decent numbers to opposing running backs this year, but receiving dependent backs really haven’t fared well as their coverage allows for them to contain running back passes.

For Johnson, he’s gotten a few more catches in the past weeks and has even seen an increase in carries in the last two.

However, with zero touchdowns and no plays longer than 28-yards, this home run hitter has been bunting for singles, and those just won’t win you a fantasy contest.

SLEEPER: TE, Martellus Bennett

Rob Gronkowski is still nursing a hamstring injury and even though his quarterback is returning, he isn’t pushing things just to get on the field.

Helping in this healing process for “Gronk” is the performance of one Martellus Bennett.

The 9th year tight end is leading the Patriots in receiving and has had two games with five or more catches including last week during the team’s loss to Buffalo.

Against a weak Browns defense Bennett should be able to give Brady a big target with the ability to make plays down the field and in short yard situations.

Until Gronkowski comes back 100% Bennett is a legitimate option just about every week.

Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Redskins @ Baltimore Ravens

Sunday, 09 October @ 1:00 PM

Battle for the Baltimore-Washington Parkway

START: RB, Terrance West

With Justin Forsett exiting the Ravens’ locker room Terrance West is the starter until he proves he shouldn’t be.

This shouldn’t happen this week at least. Going up against the Redskins’ defense is a running back booster, and West will be looking to become the fifth straight starter to gain at least 85 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.

Washington has been the second softest defense when it comes to defending the run this year as they’ve allowed 26.4 points per week to running backs and most of those have gone to starters.

West could emerge as a surprise RB1 option if his early performance stays on par, and this week it could even see a boost.

SIT: QB, Kirk Cousins

Part of the reason Baltimore has gotten off to such a good start is their defense which has been impressive to start the season.

Against four teams who all like to pass first and run last the Ravens’ secondary hasn’t allowed a single quarterback to eclipse 300 yards, and only one has gotten past the 200 yard mark.

Even the quarterbacks who have found the endzone have met struggles as the Baltimore defense has multiple interceptions in half of their games in 2016.

Only David Carr found real success throwing to the endzone against this team, and Kirk Cousins isn’t likely to repeat his four touchdowns with no interceptions.

SLEEPER: WR, Steve Smith

The Redskins have allowed a 100 yard receiver in three of the four match-ups they’ve had this season.

With Steve Smith Sr. on the field he figures to make if four out of five, and he should also add a score or two against a defense which has surrendered more than one passing touchdown per game.

Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham Jr. each burned the Washington secondary for over 125 yards as their combination of speed and strength really proved too much for the Redskins’ defenders to match up with.

Smith will continue to get his large number of targets, and he should be able to convert them to big fantasy football points for the folks who use him this week.

Sep 25, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) celebrates the touchdown by wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Broncos won 29-17. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons @ Denver Broncos

Sunday, 09 October @ 4:05 PM

Julio looking for an encore, but runs right into a tough Broncos defense.

START: WR, Emmanuel Sanders

Surprisingly enough the Falcons’ defense hasn’t allowed a single 100-yard receiver this season. Good news for fantasy owners is they aren’t required to have one anyway.

Emmanuel Sanders caught Paxton Lynch’s first touchdown pass in his career and with Lynch getting the start for an injured Trevor Siemian then he looks to have the edge over teammate Demaryius Thomas.

For the record, both are good starts, but I have to pick one.

Sanders leads the team in targets and catches as the Broncos have gotten off to an undefeated start.

SIT: QB, Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan has done better this year than most probably expected, but going up against this defense is a whole different story.

While they’ve kept every quarterback they’ve faced under 210 yards passing they’ve also picked them off five times including two against Jameis Winston and the Buccaneers in Week 4.

Even without DeMarcus Ware on the field this defense is dangerous and firing on all cylinders.

Ryan leads the league in passing yards and touchdowns while throwing just two interceptions in 2016 to this point.

The Broncos have allowed less than 700 yards passing in four games though, and are allowing an average quarterback rating of just 61.3.

I don’t like this match-up and neither should you.

SLEEPER: TE, Jeff Heuerman

Talk about your deep sleepers. Jeff Heuerman is a second year tight end for the Broncos who missed his entire rookie season with an injury and has just two catches this year.

However, the Falcons’ defense is notoriously bad against receiving tight ends and they’ll be even worse with athletic middle linebacker Deion Jones being out with an injury.

If you’re in a deep league and need a streamer, then you could roll the dice here.

If nothing more than a scouting trip for the future of the Broncos’ tight end position, keep an eye on what this young guy does this weekend.

Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders

Sunday, 09 October @ 4:25 PM

Key AFC West battle as the Raiders try to keep pace with Denver.

START: WR, Michael Crabtree

Sure, the most popular Raiders’ receiver is Amari Cooper, but the leading receiver is Michael Crabtree. Remember him?

Well, he’s racked up 26 catches for 308 yards this season along with four touchdowns.

Currently he’s fantasy football’s fifth highest scoring receiver in the game.

For some reason he’s still the cheaper of the two Oakland receivers; in fact, he’s even behind Giants’ receiver Sterling Shepard who currently sits 14 positions behind the veteran Crabtree.

San Diego is currently surrendering 22.3 points per week to receivers, and Crabtree figures to take his fair share of those this week.

SIT: San Diego Chargers D/ST

Defensive and Special Teams Units get points in fantasy football by denying points, forcing turnovers, sacks and of course return touchdowns.

This makes the Oakland Raiders a bad match-up for any D/ST Unit as they’ve allowed Derek Carr to get sacked a league low two times, are one of seven teams who have thrown one or fewer interceptions and have lost just one fumble this year.

Unless the Raiders face a team with a defense which forces them to take risks their ball security figures to stay the same as it has here in the first quarter of the season.

This means you don’t want to have your D/ST in there when they face Oakland.

SLEEPER: RB, Jalen Richard

Much will be said this weekend about who the better Raiders’ backup to start will be. Either Jalen Richard or DeAndre Washington are good picks in my opinion and both have an opportunity to blow up the Chargers defense.

I give Richard the edge here only because his yards per carry average is better and he gets opportunities in the return games to make an impact.

These guys deserve a nice long look from all of you DFS enthusiasts, and you should probably consider picking them up if they’re available in your deeper leagues.

Sep 29, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) against the Miami Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 22-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals @ Dallas Cowboys

Sunday, 09 October @ 4:25 PM

Can Dak keep pace with the other NFC East rookie quarterback?

START: QB, Andy Dalton

The Bengals have the third best passing attack in the NFL and the Dallas Cowboys aren’t exactly locking down opposing passing games.

In four games to this point every quarterback who has faced the Cowboys has thrown at least one touchdown with half of them throwing multiples.

Dallas has been able to secure an interception in three of the four contests, but at least as the one interception comes with a touchdown or two, fantasy owners can absorb it.

Before facing the 49ers’ defense friendly passing game, the Cowboys surrendered an average of 296 yards per game through the air along with two touchdowns and less than one interception.

Those numbers point to good chances Dalton does well.

Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs the ball in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

SIT: RB, Ezekiel Elliott

OK, so don’t panic. Ezekiel Elliott is still an RB1 in season-long leagues, and this is a sit in DFS only.

This week Elliott is facing a Cincinnati defense which has held every running back to under 100-yards rushing and only one has gotten above the 50-yard mark in receiving.

In addition, only one running back has scored a touchdown coming in Week 2 when DeAngelo Williams scored through the air against the Bengals defense.

If you start Elliott in your season-long league he’s probably going to get you double-digits, but if you pay for him in DFS you likely won’t get your return back in points against this defense.

SLEEPER: WR, A.J. Green

Last time A.J. Green went over 150-yards receiving he followed it up with a sub-40-yard performance.

This week it should go differently as he comes off the heels of a 173-yard performance last Thursday night against the Dolphins.

The Cowboys have given up over 100-yards to an opposing receiver zero times this season, so they’re due.

What they have given up is an average right around six catches per game to clear number-one receivers every week this year.

Six catches for Green can quickly turn into 100-yards and two touchdowns if Dallas isn’t careful.

Oct 2, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan watches from the sideline as they take on the New England Patriots in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Bills defeated the Patriots 16-0. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bills @ Los Angeles Rams

Sunday, 09 October @ 4:25 PM

Rex Ryan in L.A.; help us all

START: Buffalo Bills D/ST

The Los Angeles Rams have the third worst passing attack in the NFL, and the third worst running game in the league.

The Bills have a defensive dynamic duo of Ryan brothers coaching their defense and they should be able to control the game from the start with their scheme and game planning.

Whether the Bills win or not is irrelevant. The Bills defense will frustrate Case Keenum and Todd Gurley all day, and fantasy owners will get the points to prove it.

SIT: QB, Case Keenum

Did we mention the Rams have the third worst passing game in the NFL? Well it does.

Case Keenum specifically has the 10th worst quarterback rating at 77.3 through four games.

There are a host of other starting quarterbacks behind them, but even some of those guys are producing more yards and scores than our L.A. starting quarterback.

He’s also thrown three interceptions in contrast with his four touchdown passes to this point, meaning every throw is an adventure which could help you or help the guy who has Buffalo’s defense.

SLEEPER: WR, Robert Woods

With Sammy Watkins looking like an IR trip is inevitable someone has to come in and assume lead receiver duties.

Robert Woods has been that man so far and leads the Bills with 18 catches for 170 yards to this point.

Zero touchdowns sucks for his owners, but this should change this weekend as they face a Rams’ defense which is giving up more than one passing touchdown per game so far.

There’s no guaranteeing it’ll be Woods getting the lion share of targets with Watkins out, but he’s leading in catches, so he gets the nod in Northwestern New York.

Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) argues a call during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers

Sunday, 09 October @ 8:30 PM

Can ODB keep his emotions in check?

START: WR, Odell Beckham Jr.

Odell Beckham Jr. has been in the headlines lately for all the wrong reasons.

This week he looks to get on track against a Packers’ defense which has allowed a lot of receiving yards to their opponents’ primary targets this season.

In Week 1 it was Jacksonville’s Allen duo who each went for 70+ yards a piece. In Week 2 Stefon Diggs torched Green Bay for 182-yards and a score. Week 3 saw Detroit’s Marvin Jones and Matthew Stafford connect for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

ODB is off to a slow start, sure, but give him time and a start here. He may just surprise you.

SIT: RB, Eddie Lacy

Personally, if you can trade Eddie Lacy for something good then I’d say do it. Even if you want to keep him I strongly suggest you bench him in this contest and go elsewhere for running back points.

The Giants defense has allowed no 100-yard rushers and in fact hasn’t allowed any running back to go over 100-yards from scrimmage period.

They have given up three touchdowns with two coming in their last contest against the Minnesota Vikings.

So far this season Lacy has shown up to a game once when he ran off 103-yards against the Lions. He still hasn’t found the endzone though and has only gotten more than 15 touches once.

The Packers don’t seem to concerned with getting their running back involved, and it should be a sign to you as a fantasy football enthusiast.

SLEEPER: QB, Eli Manning

Eli Manning is the 22nd ranked quarterback in fantasy football currently, so not many people who have started him have found much success.

If he’s on your season long league, then you may have already benched or cut him.

This week though, he’s got a real shot at doing some real-life and fantasy damage.

Green Bay before the bye was giving up a minimum of 286 yards to opposing quarterbacks with a high of 385 yards to Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions.

In addition to this each threw for at least one touchdown with Stafford again getting the most with three.

Actually, if this week follows the pattern then Eli will throw four touchdown passes on Sunday Night.

Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) reacts and celebrates after he scored a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s Recap our selections for this weekends’ match-ups…

Sep 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) on the sidelines against the Minnesota Vikings at Nissan Stadium. The Vikings won 25-16. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

STARTS:

QB, Jameis Winston

QB, Carson Wentz

QB, Tom Brady

QB, Andy Dalton

RB, Jordan Howard

RB, DeMarco Murray

RB, Matt Forte

RB, Terrance West

WR, Emmanuel Sanders

WR, Michael Crabtree

WR, Odell Beckham Jr.

Minnesota Vikings D/ST

Buffalo Bills D/ST

Sep 29, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) drops back to pass the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals
in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Miami 22-7. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

SITS:

QB, Ryan Tannehill

QB, Matthew Stafford

QB, Kirk Cousins

QB, Matt Ryan

QB, Case Keenum

RB, Duke Johnson

RB, Ezekiel Elliott

RB, Eddie Lacy

WR, DeAndre Hopkins

WR, T.Y. Hilton

WR, Brandon Marshall

TE, Greg Olsen

San Diego Chargers D/ST

Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

SLEEPERS:

QB, Eli Manning

RB, Jerick McKinnon

RB, Jalen Richard

WR, Tajae Sharpe

WR, Jordan Matthews

WR, Steve Smith

WR, Robert Woods

WR, A.J. Green

TE, Cameron Brate

TE, Jesse James

TE, Martellus Bennett

TE, Jeff Heuerman

K, Adam Vinatieri

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs for a touchdown against Carolina Panthers cornerback Bene

Week 4 Review

Top Starters

Our only defensive start for Week 4 didn’t fare so well, but two #1s help bring the group back up.

QB – Andrew Luck (17.7 Points – #11 QB)

RB – DeMarco Murray (23.9 Points – #1 RB)

WR – Julio Jones (36.0 Points – #1 WR)

TE – Zach Miller (9.1 – #9 TE)

D/ST – Arizona Cardinals (5.0 Points – #19 DEF)

Top Sit Performances

Bills defense makes it two-weeks in a row proving me wrong about them – earning them a start this week –

and our wide receivers and tight ends couldn’t overcome the benching.

QB – Derek Carr (23.8 Points – #5 QB)

RB – Melvin Gordon (17.9 Points – #6 RB)

WR – Jeremy Maclin (7.8 Points – #36 WR)

Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) passes against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

TE – Gary Barnidge (5.7 Point – #15 TE)

D/ST – Buffalo Bills (15.0 Points – #4 D/ST)

Top Sleepers

Our lone defense didn’t fare so well (de ja vu), and Dan Bailey succumbed to injury. Other than those all of our sleepers hit starting marks.

QB – Joe Flacco (22.0 Points – #6 QB)

RB – T.J. Yeldon (11.7 Points – #17 RB)

WR – Terrelle Pryor (15.0 Points – #20 WR)

TE – Travis Kelce (13.3 Points – #8 TE)

K – Dan Bailey (6 Points – #17 K)

D/ST – Tennessee Titans (5.0 Points – #21 D/ST)

Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders punt returner Jalen Richard (30) returns a kick to set up a first quarter touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Playing daily fantasy football games are not as simple as plug and play. It’s a delicate balance of fiscal responsibility and talent management. Here we provide a couple of options which should prove affordable and full of possibilities.

Sep 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) carries the ball during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Pewter Projection

Your weekly lineup provided by the analysis and projections The Pewter Plank brings you every week.

QB – Carson Wentz @ Detroit Lions

RB – DeMarco Murray @ Miami Dolphins

RB – Jalen Richard vs San Diego Chargers

WR – Odell Beckham Jr. @ Green Bay Packers

WR – Jordan Matthews @ Detroit Lions

WR – Michael Crabtree vs San Diego Chargers

TE – Martellus Bennett @ Cleveland Browns

K – Adam Vinatieri vs Chicago Bears

D/ST – Minnesota D/ST vs Houston Texans

Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks down against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

So there we have it. Week 4 NFL action already has one game in the books as the Arizona Cardinals defeated the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night.

Want to see your Tweets in digital print and get some crucial fantasy advice from the Pewter Plank staff? Send your questions, comments and individual analysis to our official Twitter feed, to any of our contributors or experts. We can’t get to them all of course, but we’ll get to as many as we can each week.

Which of our starters will hit pay-dirt for your fantasy football team, which of our sits will bust through the doubt and put up top numbers anyway, and which of our sleepers will give a burst to your daily fantasy lineups? Come back next week to see our recap and get your Week 6 insight and advice!