Fantasy Football Week 5 Start ’em Sit ’em

By Staff Writer Ryan Gerrity @RyanGerrity:

If only we all had an Adrian Peterson or a Julio Jones to start every week of fantasy, but in reality there are a lot of decisions.  This week there are a lot of players that I would encourage to start, but there are also a lot of players that I would suggest to sit.  After the top 5 players at each position, (if that) fantasy value of players have been very sporadic and now it is time to look at the matchups!

Start ‘Em:     

1.     Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans
The Titans took a hit by losing quarterback Jake Locker last week to injury.  Expect the Titans to focus heavily on the run against the Chiefs in week 5.  CJ2K should get carries early and often, and will have the opportunities to put up some huge fantasy numbers.

2.     Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions
Stafford is most likely starting in almost every fantasy league out there right now.  However, if you are a deep league or a smaller league where you have multiple quarterbacks to choose from, Stafford is the way to go.  He has consistently put up huge numbers and they play a below average secondary in the Packers this week.

3.     Danny Woodhead, RB, San Diego Chargers
Ryan Mathews the starting running back for the Chargers is not separating himself as the full time starter.  Woodhead last week made a huge fantasy impact and the Chargers play the Raiders this week.  The Raiders have a suspect front seven to say the least, and Woodhead should continue to be involved in the offense especially in the passing game.

4.     Robert Woods, WR, Buffalo Bills
If you listened to my show Fanspeak Fantasy Football on BlogTalkRadio, and read my waiver wire pick up article on Tuesday.   Pick up Woods off the waiver wire and start him this week as the Bills play the Cleveland Browns.  Joe Haden cornerback for the Browns will cover Stevie Johnson, and Woods role in the passing game with Manuel will continue to grow.

5.     Jordan Cameron, TE, Cleveland Browns
The Browns face the Buffalo Bills in week 5 and the Bills have not been able to stop tight ends this year.  That’s good news for Cameron because he has had over 90 yards in three of his four games and has scored 3 touchdowns this season.  That will continue this week.
 
 

Sit ‘Em:     

1.     Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers play the Cardinals this week and Smith will probably be facing Patrick Peterson, which is a tough matchup.  Peterson’s physical size advantage will frustrate Smith especially only having one touchdown and close to 150 yards receiving this year.

2.     Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants
Eli Manning and Victor Cruz are on the same page and are putting up huge numbers. Manning and Nicks are not even close, Nicks is dropping balls, and Manning is not putting him in a position to succeed after the catch.  Expect Manning to target his “safety blanket” in Cruz a lot this week.

3.     Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
It has been a frustrating year for MJD owners because his best performance was 46 yards against the Seahawks.  It is tough to say sit a first round fantasy pick, even though they are playing the Rams, I do not trust MJD to produce this week.

4.     T.Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Hilton had a huge year last year, but has had just one good game this year against the Dolphins for 124 yards.  The Colts play the Seahawks this week, who has one of the most dominant secondary’s in the league.