Start 'em, Sit 'em Fantasy Football Week 5 - All Positions

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Welcome to Week 5 of the NFL season. Man, we’re already THIS far into the season?! It happens every year. We wait for months for the season, and it goes by so fast.

Anyways, give ya boy some credit for last week’s start ’em, sit’ em blog. We nailed quite a few and I hope you started Justin Fields, Tony Pollard, Jake Ferguson (although I thought he’d bet a TD), and the Chiefs defense. We also nailed sitting Jalen Hurts, Hunter Henry, J.K. Dobbins, and Garrett Wilson. But don’t worry, I won’t be too braggadocios. The new week could always flip our results.

So, take a look below and let me know what you think for this week’s Start ’em, Sit ’em…

***Disclaimer*** I give this statement every week but it’s important to remember there are players you’re basically starting or sitting each week. I tend to try and pick some of the more 50/50 players and write about them. You’ll see that trend as you go.

Quarterbacks

Start ’em – Geno Smith

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Geno Smith – The last three weeks Geno has attempted 56, 34, and 44 passes while throwing a TD in every game this season. This includes his 395-yard performance last week in Detroit. If you combine his opportunity with an iffy Giants pass defense, then I think you’re looking at another quality start for the Seattle QB. After all, the G-Men allowed Deshaun Watson and Dak Prescott both to go over 20 fantasy points each of the last two weeks.

Sit ’em – Patrick Mahomes

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Patrick Mahomes – You don’t need me to tell you that the Chiefs offense is a mess right now. Can you believe that Mahomes is averaging 14.3 fantasy points over the first four weeks?! In fact, Mahomes hasn’t went over 25 fantasy points since week 7 of last season. Thanks to CBS for that stat, it surprised me. And lastly, KC plays New Orleans who allows around 15 fantasy points to QB this season. The Chiefs should run the ball 30 times on Sunday.

Running Backs

Start’ em – Antonio Gibson

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Antonio Gibson – Yeah, THAT Antonio Gibson. Here me out…Rhamondre Stevenson has fumbled in every game this season. I get it, this is a complete gamble but if BYE weeks, injuries, or lackluster play are affecting your roster he’s worth a shot. ESPN has him rostered in only 30.9% of their leagues. Plus, he catches the ball…7 catches for 75 yards in the last two games. If you’re in a pinch I think he could get 12-15 points, especially if he can find the endzone.

Sit ’em – Rachaad White

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Rachaad White – White was a popular early round pick and I’m even surprised how much of a bust he’s been. The real decider is the emergence of rookie Bucky Irving. It looks like Irving is going to get at least a share of the redzone opportunities, ran more routes last week than White, and saw 42% of the snaps (a season high) against the Eagles.

Wide Receiver 

Start ’em – Wan’Dale Robinson

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Wan’Dale Robinson – You don’t have to believe me, but I was “this close” to recommending Robinson last week. Instead, I went with George Pickens, and we all know how that went. Anyways, Robinson is a target machine amassing 38 in just 4 weeks. He’s clearly the underneath/safety valve option for Daniel Jones, but the kicker for me is potential gameplay on Sunday. If/when the Giants trail in Seattle, you’ll see a ton of 5-yard passes to Robinson.

Sit ’em – Zay Flowers

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Zay Flowers – You’ll notice when we get to tight ends that I’m beside myself over the Ravens offense. Sure, even at 2-2 they’re one of the best teams (if not the best) in the NFL, but something is always lacking with their passing game. Fans are always whining about how Lamar Jackson doesn’t have ample weapons but are we sure he knows how to use the ones he does have? I drafted Flowers in multiple leagues and will sit him in at least one of them. He’s collected just 4 receptions and 6 targets over the last two games. Perhaps this is a turnaround spot in Cincinnati but it’s clear that he’s a pure gamble start or sit.

Tight End

Start ’em – Travis Kelce

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Travis Kelce – If you read above, you already know about my disclaimer. I always try and talk about guys a little off the beaten path because most players are usually an obvious start or sit. Kelce used to fit that mold, but after three straight single digit fantasy performances he was officially on the struggle bus. And then last week happened. After a 7 catch, 9 target outing I’m guessing he’s finally back in football shape and will be needed as the KC offense is a mass unit of injured players. I think Andy Reid runs the ball and plays through his tight ends on Sunday against the Saints.

Sit ’em – Baltimore Ravens TE

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Mark Andrews & Isaiah Lively – What a waste of offensive talent right now on the Ravens. Get this, Mark Andrews has 0 catches and 2 targets the last two weeks. He only has 12.5 fantasy points all season! I’d consider an outright release at this point. As far Likely, since he was the hero in week 1, he’s caught just 4 balls for 56 yards. Unless you’re in a dynasty and keep a majority of your roster, I’d consider dropping Lively as well.

Defense

Start ’em – Kansas City Chiefs

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Chiefs – There are about 7-8 defenses that everyone knows to start, but I have seen KC start creep up some early week rankings. I don’t love their matchup, but Derek Carr does have a propensity to wet the bed at times. If you’re looking for a solid 8 points from your defense this is the way to go. The ceiling isn’t super high unless they get a TD (which they did week 1) but the floor isn’t low either. Spags just needs to find a way to create more sacks. I’m surprised they’re averaging just 2 per game.

Sit ’em – Cleveland Browns

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Browns – While Cleveland is miserable this is more of a bet on Washington’s Jayden Daniels. JD has put up an average of 30 points and 382 yards of total offense through four weeks. In addition, the Browns have just one double digit fantasy week and zero interceptions thus far this season.

Start ’em, Sit ’em Fantasy Football Week 5 – All Positions  was originally published on rone1075thefan.staging.go.ione.nyc