Happy week 5 of the 2024 NFL season! Welcome back to my weekly Start/Sit HUB! Mike here, providing you with information that can help you win your fantasy league week in and week out. For all things fantasy football, follow me on Twitter (@FantasyHubbard).
This week’s Thursday Night Football game between the away team 3-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the 2-2 home team Atlanta Falcons. This NFC South matchup has Atlanta as 1.5-point favorites with an over/under total of 43.5. My prediction for this game is a low scoring grind with a lot of field goals. I will go with a win for the Falcons by a score of 20-19.
I’m here every week during the fantasy football season with start and sit suggestions that can impact your team each week. My decisions as always include obvious and not so obvious picks. I would also like to clarify that my sit suggestions are based on the assumption you have or can add a player that has a better chance at success. Good luck this week and continue to check out my weekly articles.
TNF START/SIT
Start – Chris Godwin – Godwin is the kind of player you want on your fantasy team. He has been super consistent through 4 weeks of action being targeted 8+ times in each game. He has reached 117 yards and has 3 receiving TDs. Baker Mayfield knows how to get him involved, and with Mike Evans on the field too it makes it so Godwin can get better matchups and fly slightly under the radar at times.
Sit – Kyle Pitts – Going with Pitts in my sit spot because of the inconsistency and the matchup. Kyles best game had 5 targets, and he hasn’t eclipsed 3 receptions in a game yet this season. He is coming off a big old goose egg not catching any of his 3 targets in week 3. Pitts is facing the Bucs defense that believe it or not has only allowed 1 passing TD all season and that was to Jalen Hurts. Pitts isn’t the greatest idea and with that stat you can easily consider Kirk Cousins sitting on the bench this week as well.
Last night we saw the Atlanta Falcons beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in overtime by a score of 36-30. Kirk Cousins made me eat my words after a 4 passing TD and 509 passing yard performance. That is crazy given the matchup and recent performances. But he did it and carried them to victory. Key performances were 2 TDs for Mike Evan’s, 2 TDs to Darnell Mooney, and 154 receiving yards for Drake London. The Bucs take on the Saints in week 6 while the Falcons take on the Panthers. Next weeks TNF matchup will be the 49ers playing the Seahawks.
Some of the games I am looking forward to most in week 5 include the Ravens/Bengals, Bills/Texans, Cowboys/Steelers, and the Saints/Chiefs. Lamar vs Burrow. Can Josh Allen out score the Texans offense? Will Cowboys offense or Steelers defense prevail? And Can the Saints beat the undefeated Chiefs that are without their RB1 Pacheco and WR1 Rice?
WEEK 5 BYES – LIONS, TITANS, EAGLES, CHARGERS
START OF THE WEEK
Start –Jordan Love – Love returned to action last week after his injury late in week 1. In Loves 2 starts he has 260 passing yards and 389 passing yards. He struggles with INTs last game but still has 6 passing TDs in his 2 games. He has an excellent connection with Jayden Reed and putting up numbers seems easy for Love. It helps knowing they are playing the Rams whose defense has been pretty much nonexistent to opposing QBs. I love the Packers offense this week.
Jets @ Vikings (LONDON)
Start – Garrett Wilson – Wilson has been vocal this week about his team and his usage. Well now that it is out in the open and we will see how that plays out. I’m hoping Aaron Rodgers hears that and targets Wilson early and often. Minnesota is 4-0, but they have had trouble defending opposing WRs. The Vikings have allowed over 77 receiving yards to Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Deebo Samuel in their last 3 games. If Wilson is going to get what he wants, this is the game to get it rolling.
Sit – Jalen Nailor – Nailor is an interesting pick this week to bench. He has scored a TD in hist first 3 games of the season but was not able to score in week 4. Jordan Addison returned to playing and that knocks Nailor down a notch on the depth chart. If that were not enough to bench him, they have to play the Jets who are notorious for their passing defense.
Panthers @ Bears
Start – Chuba Hubbard – Chuba has thrived in Carolina’s offense since the QB change that benched Bryce Young and started Andy Dalton. Hubbard has over 100 rushing yards in consecutive games and now has a minimum of 4 targets in his last 3 games. The Bear’s defense has been average defending opposing RBs this season and Hubbard has scored a TD in each of his last 2 games.
Sit – Cole Kmet – Finding a TE you feel confident in starting each week is a rare thing this year. Kmet for example had an elite week 3 and not much more this season. The matchup with the Panthers is ideal for him, but the Bears offense has not been consistent with the rookie Caleb Williams under center. It is understandable to start Kmet if he is your best option, but I can think of at least 15 TEs I would rather put my trust in this week.
Ravens @ Bengals
Start – Tee Higgins – Higgins went from 6 targets in week 3 when he returned from injury to 10 targets in week 4. He had 6 receptions for 60 receiving yards and has Baltimore next. After Baltimore crushed the Bills in week 4, it makes you wonder how this game will go. If Baltimore leads early, I believe Higgins can continue to up his volume by being a reliable go to receiver for Joe Burrow, especially while Ja’Marr Chase gets a ton of attention.
Sit – Isaiah Likely – Likely is looking like a one hit wonder after the first 4 games of the season. Likely had 9 receptions on 12 targets for 111 receiving yards and a TD in week 1. Since then, he has combined for 4 receptions on 6 targets for 56 receiving yards. What’s wilder is Mark Andrews has not caught a pass in over 2 weeks.
Dolphins @ Patriots
Start – Rhamondre Stevenson – This feels like a get right game for Stevenson facing the Dolphins. Dolphins defense has allowed 8 total TDs to opposing RBs and then entire team just looks lost. Stevenson can take advantage rushing at home where he already rushed for 81 yards and a TD in his only home game thus far.
Sit – Hunter Henry – Henry is in the same type of situation Isaiah Likely is in, a big game and then nothing much else. With Jacoby Brissett at QB, I do not have a lot of faith in any pass catchers for the Patriots. Brissett most passing yards this season was only 168 passing yards, and he has just 2 passing TDs all season. Henry should only be started if you do not have a top 20 TE option.
Browns @ Commanders
Start – Terry McLaurin – Scary Terry is back to being well, scary in a good way. After his first 2 games being average at best with rookie Jayden Daniels, their connection seems to just be growing catching 11 of his 16 targets for 152 receiving yards and 2 receiving TDs in their last 2 games. The Browns have struggled with pass catchers this season, so Terry should be able to carve up some good stats. Jayden Daniels has been good, and it just makes McLaurin an even better start.
Sit – Zach Ertz – Ertz is a borderline top 15 TE this week so it is understandable if you must start him. I plan to sit him this week in hopes of a more explosive TE with higher volume. Ertz has 3-5 receptions in each game this season but has not scored. In fact, the Browns have not allowed a TE TD this season. Ertz would need a TD to boost his ranking.
Colts @ Jaguars
Start – Brian Thomas Jr – Brian Thomas Jr is tied with Christian Kirk for the lead in receptions on the team with 17. He has 275 receiving yards which is over 100 receiving yards more than next best Kirk. He has 2 receiving TDs and has back-to-back games with 9 targets. Lawrence trusts him and they can be exciting together. Colt’s defense should not be much to worry about.
Sit – Travis Lawrence – Lawrence has been okay this season but has not taken that step forward for his team or his fantasy owners. Lawrence sits outside the top 20 QBs in fantasy points thus far this season and that is not cutting it. I am not willing to risk starting him even with the good matchup.
Bills @ Texans
Start – Josh Allen – Do not let week 4 discourage you about Josh Allen. The Ravens were on a mission and executed flawlessly in holding down the Buffalo offense. You never usually see Allen have consecutive bad games and the matchup with the Texans defense is favorable to Allen. The Texans have trouble limiting QBs and WRs this season, so I am expecting Allen to take advantage and spread the ball around. Easily a top 5 QB this week.
Sit –Dalton Schultz – Schultz has not done much this season to put fear in defenses. The Bills are average against opposing TEs but that should be good enough. The Texans have a ton of weapons so I can understand how it is not easy for Schultz to get the volume his owner’s desire. Schultz is having to share targets with Nico Collin’s, Stefan Diggs, and Tank Dell. Schultz has 3 receptions or less in every game this season with 34 receiving yards as his season high.
Raiders @ Broncos
Start – Javonte Williams – I like the matchup here for Williams in week 5. The Vegas Raiders have not challenged RBs all too much this season allowing an opposing RB to surpass 100 rushing yards or score a TD in 3 of their 4 games. Williams is elusive and a major threat as a pass catcher. Javonte is also coming off his best rushing game of the season where he rushed for 77 yards on a season high 16 rushing attempts.
Sit – Zamir White – White has not looked like the RB Raiders fans and fantasy owners were hoping for. Despite a double digit in average carries per game he is averaging just 38 rushing yards per game. White has lost 2 fumbles this season and has yet to find the end zone. Denver’s defense has played well this season making it easier to bench the RB.
Cardinals @ 49ers
Start – Brock Purdy – Brock Purdy has been flinging the ball regularly this season averaging over 280 passing yards per game. The Cardinals have allowed 3 of 4 starting QBs to achieve at least 2 total TDs whether they are passing or rushing or both. Jayden Daniel’s just dismantled the Cardinals defense as a rookie. Purdy is in a great matchup and has all but Christian McCaffrey expected to play. Keep your eye on Kittle though just in case.
Sit – Cardinals D/ST – I don’t trust the Cardinals defense this week playing the 49ers in San Francisco. I have more confidence in Arizona’s offense, but I don’t think they will be able to keep up on the other side of the ball. Too many weapons for 49ers at home with each team team trending in opposite directions.
Packers @ Rams
Start –Jordan Love – SEE START OF THE WEEK TOP OF PAGE
Sit – Demarcus Robinson – Robinson has not lived up to potential with the injuries to Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp giving him more opportunity. Instead, it has been Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington getting more volume. Demarcus has not eclipsed 4 targets since week 1 and is still searching for a TD.
Giants @ Seahawks
Start – Kenneth Walker – Walker ate up the Detroit defense in a loss in week 5. He scored 3 rushing TDs and only carried the ball 12 times. That is a TD every 4 rushing attempts. He was also a factor in the pass catching game catching 4 of his 5 targets for 36 receiving yards. Walker is a beast, and he should be looking forward to playing the Giants below average defense in Seattle.
Sit – Noah Fant – Fant has not been consistent enough to be considered a solid TE starter. He is also dealing with a toe injury so tread lightly. He has a nice 60 yard game in week 3, but all other games he has 2 or less receptions and has no TDs.
Cowboys @ Steelers
Start – Jake Ferguson – Fergie has 18 targets in his last 2 outings after just 5 through 2 weeks. Steelers defense isn’t to be overlooked by any means, but Jake should be in a great position to help move the ball with the absence of Brandin Cooks. CeeDee Lamb and Fergie should be Dan’s top 2 targets this weekend.
Sit – Ezekiel Elliot – Another week with Zeke in a sit spot. The former elite RB has under 20 rushing yards in each of his last 3 games and 2 or less receptions in all games this season. Steelers defense has only allowed Jonathan Taylor to have a good fantasy performance this season and he is a lot better than Zeke has been and the volume is incomparable. Sit Zeke.
Saints @ Chiefs
Start – Travis Kelce – Woohoo Kelce had a productive week! The TE caught 7 of his 9 targets for 89 receiving yards. He had just 69 receiving yards prior to week 4. The loss of Rashee Rice is huge, and Kelce should be the one filling that void left behind. The Saints will have trouble staying with Kelce if he plays like last week. Fingers crossed Kelce can find the end zone this week.
Sit – Carson Steele – Steele was the man given the opportunity to fill Isaiah Pachecos absence, and it didn’t go according to plan. The rookie’s stock is getting lower after his 2nd lost fumble in 4 games and the presence of Kareem Hunt lingering. Hunt proved in 1 game that he should be atop the depth chart and that is what I’m expecting this week. So, if you have the choice start Hunt over Steele.