TGIF fantasy enthusiasts! Welcome back to my weekly Start/Sit HUB! Mike Hubbard Jr 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) and Instagram (@fantasyhubbard). You can tweet me or message me on either social media with any questions you might have regarding the fantasy football season.
We have made it to week 5 fantasy followers! 4 weeks complete and a bunch more to go. REMINDER THAT THE GIANTS AND PACKERS PLAY IN LONDON SUNDAY AT 9:30AM EST SO PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME. If you are struggling this season to get wins like many are due to injuries and poor performances luckily its only week 5. There is time to turn it around and put your best foot forward and play smart. Who says you can’t go undefeated from here on out? Fantasy can be very unpredictable and that can be a blessing or a curse.
Last night was the TNF matchup between the Colts and Broncos. I think watching paint dry would have been more exciting. 2 teams that can’t score showed exactly that. 6 field goals and no TDs. Not to mention they made us watch OT to rub in the fact that Russel Wilson isn’t that guy anymore. Matt Ryan is in the same boat. Both teams seem to be going nowhere fast unless something dramatically changes. The Colts face the Jags next Sunday in a game I like Jacksonville to win, and the Broncos will face the Chargers on MNF in a game that I’m sure the Chargers will be favored in. I think whoever scheduled the primetime games this season assumed the Broncos would be good TV and boy were they wrong.
Week 5 has some great games to look forward to. We get Zach Ertz first game against his longtime former team the Eagles, unexperienced Cooper Rush who just keeps winning going into LA to face the turnover prone veteran Matt Stafford, and my favorite matchup this Sunday is the SNF rivalry game between the Bengals and Ravens. Get your popcorn ready.
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.
START OF THE WEEK
Start – Tee Higgins – Higgins is in a great spot for fantasy success this weekend when he faces the Baltimore defense on SNF. The Ravens have the worst defense against opposing WRs this season. Baltimore has allowed 968 receiving yards to WRs which is 121 more than the next highest team (Rams). Ravens also have given up 6 TDs to WRs and have allowed 3 100+ receiving yard performances to WRs. Higgins is holding his own and putting up profitable stats. Following a quiet week 1, Higgins has accounted for a total of 288 receiving yards which averages out to 96 yards each game. He leads the team in receiving yards (yes even more than Chase) despite being 2nd in targets and receptions and has scored 2 receiving TDs in the past 3 games. Higgins could be in line for a monster game as long as Burrow can stay upright and air it out.
Giants @ Packers (London)
Start – Aaron Jones – Jones is in position for a good game this week over in the UK. Packers are favored by 8 points and I’m sure they will want to cover and show some international dominance. Through 4 weeks of football Jones has had 2 games with over 110 rushing yards, he has scored on the ground and through the air and is currently 7th in rushing yards amongst all RBs. Every RB ahead of Jones in rushing yards has had at least 10+ more carries than him. Giants may be 3-1 but their defense isn’t looking very scary to this point. Feel confident in Jones and Dillon this week.
Sit – NYG DST – Giants defense has the tough challenge of trying to contain the 3-time MVP Aaron Rodgers and the 2 headed rushing attack that is Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Although this game could surprise and be closer than most expect, I still don’t see any reason to start the Giants defense, let alone any Giants player that isn’t named Saquon.
Steelers @ Bills
Start – Gabe Davis – I had Davis in this spot last week and I got burned pretty bad when he only accounted for 1 reception for 13 yards on just 3 targets. 5 different pass catchers had more targets than Gabe last week, but McKenzie is recovering from a concussion (currently questionable) and Jamison Crowder broke his ankle. That could easily open up a lot of opportunities for Josh Allen to hit Davis against the suspect passing defense of the Steelers. Looking for a solid bounce back game.
Sit – Chase Claypool – Chase is back in my sit category for a couple of reasons. First off, the Steelers are starting the rookie Kenny Pickett who seemed to enjoy throwing to fellow rookie George Pickens. I’m guessing they will try to establish a run game to get the rookie QB going and build some early confidence. Claypool hasn’t had a good game yet and he has to compete with Pickens, Johnson, Freiermuth, and Najee Harris. The most important reason to sit Claypool is the matchup. Can anyone match up well with Buffalo??
Chargers @ Browns
Start – Mike Williams – The super obvious start in this game goes to Nick Chubb the way he is running the ball. However, I’m picking Williams for my start spot in Cleveland. Herbert leads the NFL in passing yards and Keenan Allen is still day to day. Could be another double-digit target week for Williams who has already done that twice this season and has found the end zone twice as well. Mike is averaging over 7 targets per game and leads the Chargers in targets and receiving yards.
Sit – Amari Cooper – I like Amari to finish in the top 30 fantasy WRs this week but that means there are at least 29 other good options. Amari had a dud game in week 4 catching 1 of his 4 targets for a measly 9 yards. Coopers performances seem to always be everything or nothing. My money is on nothing this week unless the Browns abandon their really good run game. Even if they do that he will be sharing targets with Njoku and DPJ.
Bears @ Vikings
Start – Dalvin Cook – Cook is 13th in the NFL in rushing yards going into week 5. He gets a good matchup with the 2-2 Bears who have yet to win an away game. The Bears have already allowed 2 RBs to reach the century mark in rushing yards this season and are also allowing 5+ yards per carry. Cook should eat this week on the way to a victory that should bring the Vikings to 4-1. Cook hasn’t been very effective in the pass game catching 9 of his 13 targets for 47 receiving yards so let’s see if the matchup here changes that.
Sit – Justin Fields – Justin Fields is a great mobile QB. The 2nd year QB out of Ohio State has run pretty well averaging over 36 rushing yards per game. He has just 1 rushing TD and his pass game is borderline really bad. Fields doesn’t throw the ball often enough and when he does it usually doesn’t go great. He has yet to reach 175 passing yards in a game and he has thrown just 2 TDs while throwing 4 INTs. Although Fields only lost a fumble once so far, he has fumbled 4 times total. I expect the Vikings to score and put pressure on Fields to get the ball downfield which is exactly what the Vikings want. Feel confident benching Fields and feel free to start the Vikings DST.
Lions @ Patriots
Start – Jared Goff – The Lions may be 1-3 but they look a lot better than years past, at least on offense. They can finally put points on the board and that is with a lot of help from Goff. He has weapons to use including St. Brown, Swift, Reynolds, Williams, and Hockenson when everyone is healthy. Don’t look now but Goff is 3rd in the NFL in passing yards with 1126 and is tied with Mahomes and Lamar Jackson for 1st in passing TDs with 11. Fire up Goff against the Patriots in what will hopefully be a game where the over will hit.
Sit – Lions DST – Lions defense has been very disappointing allowing a ton of points. 35 average each game which is a TD (!!!) more than the 2nd most points allowed by the Seahawks with 28. The Patriots QB situation seems undetermined at this time but regardless of it being a veteran or a rookie, the Lions defense shouldn’t be started and if you own them you should drop them immediately.
Seahawks @ Saints
Start – Alvin Kamara – I expected a huge game from Kamara last week and long behold he didn’t play. This week looks more promising, but you need to monitor the situation closely. The Seahawks are letting teams run wild on them accounting for over 600 rushing yards and 6 rushing TDs through 4 games. If Kamara can play and play an entire game, he should be in line for a top 5 fantasy finish. Feed Kamara
Sit – Will Dissly – Dissly has gotten some attention this season after scoring 3 TDs in 4 games with Geno Smith and the Seahawks. New Orleans is shutting down TEs in fantasy this season and Dissly is way too TD dependent to feel confident in a starting position. Geno clearly likes targeting Dissly close to the end zone, but that being said the most targets in a game for him is 4 and is averaging 3 per game. The Saints struggle more with WRs so this would be a good opportunity to play Metcalf and Lockett with some optimism.
Dolphins @ Jets
Start – Corey Davis – Zach Wilson is back at QB for the Jets who take on Miami. Miami hasn’t been able to contain opposing WRs from producing. Corey Davis was connecting with Wilson and should build on that at home this week especially if they want to win. Davis has already registered 3 games with 70+ receiving yards and he scored a TD in 2 of those.
Sit – Michael Carter – I prefer Breece Hall slightly over Carter in this game but don’t like the matchup here. The Dolphins struggle against the pass and excel against rushing. Although Michael Carter has the same number of receptions as Hall, Breece has been targeted 8 more times and has scored. I don’t like Carters chances in this one unless Hall were to miss any of the game.
Falcons @ Buccaneers
Start – Kyle Pitts – Pitts comes with a warning tag this week. The tag likely reads: questionable. The Bucs defense is usually pretty stout but when it comes to defending TEs they are giving up an average of over 10 fantasy points per game. Bucs might cruise in this game and if so, Mariota will have to air it out and Pitts is a great target. Be warned the Falcons have defeated the spread this season.
Sit – Tyler Allgeier – Tyler just found himself in a great position on the team once it was confirmed that Patterson was going to the IR. Allgeier is a great waiver add but it comes at bad timing because he has to face the Bucs run defense in Tampa. Hope for a closer game than most expect so running is part of a consistent game plan.
Titans @ Commanders
Start – Robert Woods – Woods scored his first TD of the season last week in a win over the Colts. Woods caught all 4 of his targets for 30 yards. Treylon Burks is doubtful to play due to an issue with turf toe which should open up some more targets for Woods who is already the leader on the team with 20 targets. The Commanders defense clearly has its weaknesses and I think Woods will be able to take advantage of that.
Sit – Washington DST – If the eye test isn’t enough for you just look at the numbers. Commanders give up an average of over 25 points per game and have just 1 takeaway this season. You shouldn’t own them but if you do run don’t walk to that drop button.
Texans @ Jaguars
Start – James Robinson – Robinson finished week 4 with his worst performance of this young season rushing for 29 yards on 8 attempts and 0 targets. The game plan didn’t heavily involve Robinson mostly due to the game flow and playing the red-hot Eagles. This week Robinson has a gift of a bounce back game when he faces the Texans run defense at home in Jacksonville. I expect some early carries and he should be eager to make a statement.
Sit – Travis Etienne – We are still waiting for a breakout game for Travis that we all know will come but I’m going to say probably not this week. Although the Jags aren’t in a good position to stop the run, I believe Robinson will have more control of possessions and chances. Etienne seems to be able to hit 40 rushing yards and 30 receiving yards in a game, but he has yet to score and owners are hoping for more. Both RBs are top 30 for me this week but I like Robinson at least 15 spots above Etienne.
49ers @ Panthers
Start – Jeff Wilson Jr – Wilson is making the best of his circumstances which currently puts him as RB1 in San Francisco. The 49ers are trusting him and for good reason. Jeff has had double digit carries in 3 consecutive games and hit 74+ rushing yards in each of those. He has also caught all of his 7 targets this season. 49ers are favored by 6.5 which leads me to believe Wilson will be a big part of the 49ers offensive game plan. Easy top 15 RB option this week in fantasy.
Sit – Jimmy Garoppolo – Jimmy G made beating the Rams seem pretty easy in week 4 but I wouldn’t get it twisted. 49ers run the ball a lot and Jimmy is playing fairly well but that doesn’t necessarily result in fantasy production. He has yet to attempt 30 passes in a game this season and is averaging 200 passing yards per game. Jimmy has 1 rushing TD but other than that he has only accounted for 1 passing TD per game played. This could be a blowout that results in even more rushing. Stay safe and bench Jimmy G. There are probably 25 better fantasy options at QB this week.
Eagles @ Cardinals
Start – Zach Ertz – Ertz gets to play his former team the Eagles. Zach is 2nd on the team in targets and receptions and has 2 TDs which is tied for the teams most with Marquise Brown. Worth mentioning Hollywood is currently labeled as questionable. Ertz should play well against the Eagles and I’m sure Philadelphia is in his mind. He is a trustworthy target that might be relied upon if the Eagles continue to score the way they have been. Ertz has been targeted 10 times this season in the red zone which many TEs can only dream about. Should be a top 10 TE in fantasy this week and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him score.
Sit – James Connor – Connor has 1 TD through 4 games after a season filled with TDs in 2021. This week he gets the Philadelphia defense that is playing inspired to start the season and making life difficult for opposing offenses and opposing defenses. I think Connor continues his trend of staying 55 yards or under on the ground. James has caught most of his targets which is great although hasn’t hit 30 receiving yards in a game or scored a receiving TD. Conner has a tough weekend ahead. I would fade him if you have options.
Cowboys @ Rams
Start – Michael Gallup – Michael Gallup is a hot add on the waiver wire this week and for good reason. The Cowboys WR is back from injury and soon Dak will be too. Most likely will still be Cooper Rush for this game which isn’t the same as Dak but the QB is winning and did throw a TD to Gallup last week in their win over the Commanders. This week Gallup takes on the Rams who have struggled to contain WRs this season. The Rams are allowing an average of 17+ receptions to WRs through the first 4 weeks and have allowed 6 WR TDs. For what it’s worth CeeDee Lamb didn’t practice yesterday but told reporters he is fine.
Sit – Ezekiel Elliot – Fading Zeke yet again this week. The former powerhouse RB had 75 rushing yards and a TD in week 3 but hasn’t surpassed 53 rushing yards in any other game and no other scores as well. Elliot is struggling in the pass game this season recording just 5 catches for 27 yards which includes 2 games where he actually had negative receiving yards. Week 1 he had -3 receiving yards followed by -4 in week 2. He found positive yardage in the form of 2 receiving yards in week 3 giving him a grand total of -5 receiving yards before he was able to receive 29 yards in week 4. Pollard has more targets, receptions, and receiving yards than Zeke. Pollard also edges Zeke in yards per carry with 4.5 compared to Zeke’s 3.8. Rams have allowed only 1 RB TD in total this season and have yet to allow any RB to reach 75 rushing yards.
Bengals @ Ravens
Start – Tee Higgins – SEE START OF THE WEEK TOP OF PAGE
Sit – Rashod Bateman – Bateman came out of the gate hot scoring in each of the Ravens first 2 games but has cooled down since. Bateman has big play upside at all times he is on the field, but the targets and the receptions are what worry me. The WR has yet to have 5 receptions in a game and in week 4 he recorded just 17 receiving yards. Bateman remains questionable at this point in time (Friday morning) so there is a possibility he might not play. Watch the situation closely if you own him and be ready to find a replacement knowing it is a SNF game. Tread lightly.