Week 5 is here. 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).
Like I mentioned in my Trade Hub this week, we get a TNF matchup between the visiting Chicago Bears and the home team Washington Commanders. 2 wins for Washington and none for Chicago. Hopefully this game is better than expected because I’m not expecting too much. The line has moved to 6 right now and the over/under is still at 44.5. Chicago gives up too many points and that might be the case again. My prediction for this game is a 27-13 in favor of Howell and the Commanders.
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 – Brian Robinson – Robinson is set to have a nice game against the Chicago Bears. Brian scored his 3rd rushing TD of the season in week 4 which was his 4th overall TD this season. The Bears defense allowed over 100 total yards and a TD to Broncos RB Jaleel McLaughlin last game and allowed 4 total TDs to the Chiefs RBs in week 3. Every game for the Bears this season they have allowed an opposing RB to score through the air or on the ground or both. Robinson should get enough volume here to make it a top 15 RB fantasy performance.
Sit – Cole Kmet – Cole is coming off a 2 TD performance setting season highs for him in targets (9), receptions (7), receiving yards (85), and TDs (2). So, keep the momentum flowing although the Bears sit at 0-4? No, I don’t think so this week. The Commanders have been a stout defensive unit when it comes to shutting down opposing TEs. They have limited Dallas Goedert to 25 yards, kept Kincaid and Knox combined under 15 yards, 0 yards for any TE against the Broncos, and back in week 1 they gave up 40 combined yards to Cardinals TEs. Cole Kmet is in for a long day if this trend continues.
Well last night was weird. If you had the Bears coming out red hot and lighting up the Commanders, good for you. I was expecting the opposite really, especially after the Commanders took the Eagles to OT just last game in Philly. Well, it looked like a whole different team and Justin Fields took advantage of it. Him and DJ Moore had a field day in Washington. Moore finished the game with 230 receiving yards and 3 TDs. That’s insane! I’m sure it’s a great morning for those who own Moore. Don’t look now but Justin Fields has 4 passing TDs in consecutive games. Chicago will host the Vikings in week 6 and the Commanders will be travelling to Atlanta. Next week’s TNF game is the Broncos and the Chiefs battling at Arrowhead Stadium. The opening line is KC by 10.5.
Games I’m looking forward to watching this weekend include the Jags/Bills, the Chiefs/Vikings, and the Cowboys/49ers. Will Bills stay hot, or can Trevor Lawrence win twice in London in 2 weeks? Will Mahomes struggle in Minnesota or will he dominate? And the Cowboys/49ers game could go in many directions. I’m thinking 49ers all the way but still figuring it out if it will be close or not. Either wouldn’t surprise me. Enjoy your weekend of football and good luck getting that fantasy W.
WEEK 5 BYES: BROWNS, CHARGERS, SEAHAWKS, BUCCANEERS
START OF THE WEEK
Start – Breece Hall – Breece Hall is due for a big game. Adam Schefter tweeted out that Hall is no longer expected to be limited in any way. AKA feed the man. He is averaging 6.5+ yards per rush this season so a bigger workload could mean big numbers for your fantasy team. Did I mention the Broncos gave up 70 points to the Dolphins in week 3? Even if you only account for weeks 1, 2, and 4, the Broncos still are giving up an average of over 26 points per game. In week 4 the Broncos allowed 171 rushing yards to the Bears and in the Miami massacre they let the Dolphins rush for 350 yards. No team has given up as many rushing yards as the Broncos defense and they’re tied for most rushing TDs allowed.
Jaguars @ Bills (LONDON)
Start – Travis Etienne – Etienne is currently ranked 4th in rushing attempts in the NFL with 69 attempts. He also has 14 receptions this season which ranks top 7 in RBs through the first 4 weeks. I think if the Jaguars want to keep up with the Bills, Travis is going to have to be great. Etienne and the Jags are now in London for their 2nd consecutive week which could play a role in how they play again overseas.
Sit – Gabe Davis – Gabe Davis has scored in 3 consecutive games. He is only averaging 3 receptions per game which can be worrisome, especially on a team loaded with offensive talent. I think this game might lean heavily in the Bills favor making it less likely Gabe goes off if the Bills rush the ball a lot.
Texans @ Falcons
Start – Nico Collins – Nico continues to impress and is leading his team in receptions, targets, receiving yards, and receiving TDs. Collins has 9+ targets and 80+ receiving yards in 3 of his first 4 games this season. His 3 TDs are tied for 2nd most in the NFL behind only Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs who both have 4. I think the Texans are a better group than most expect from them, and Nico is a huge reason why. His fantasy production is elite currently sitting at 5th in fantasy points this season for all NFL WRs.
Sit – Kyle Pitts – Another Pitts sit week. I know, shocker. Pitts is outside the top 30 TEs in fantasy points this season. Let that sink in. Jonnu Smith caught all 6 of his targets for 95 receiving yards in week 4 when Pitts had 2 receptions for 21 yards. I would argue you should start Jonnu before you start Pitts this week.
Panthers @ Lions
Start – Adam Thielen – Thielen is showing why 33-year-old WRs still have what it takes to not only compete at a high level in the NFL but also help your fantasy team score some much-needed points. 7 or more receptions in 3 consecutive games including a 145 receiving yard game with a TD as a cherry on the top. Thielen is surrounded by complimentary pass catchers which is nice knowing Thielen will not have all attention on him. Thielen is in a good spot to face his very familiar foe, Detroit.
Sit – Jared Goff – Goff is in a tough spot this week playing against Carolina. They have been playing well defensively against opposing QBs this season which isn’t ideal for Goff who has 3 games with a lone passing TD and 3 games with an INT. I would try not to start Goff unless your QB is on BYE, or you don’t have a top 15 QB this week. This game should be very run heavy making Montgomery and Gibbs solid plays this week.
Titans @ Colts
Start – Michael Pittman – Pittman is leading the Colts in receptions, targets, and receiving yards. He has quickly grown a solid connection with Anthony Richardson and is coming off an uncharacteristic performance where he had just 1 reception for 5 yards. Lucky for Pittman, the Colts are at home playing the Titans. The Titans who will shut down your run game but consequentially making the pass game a better option. If Richardson is going to throw, Pittman is going to be the target more times than not.
Sit – Zach Moss – Moss has been tearing it up for the Colts in the absence of Jonathan Taylor. Well Taylor is supposedly going to play this week making Moss RB2 while JT is healthy enough to get reacclimated and go back to being the Indianapolis rushing workhorse he is. Even if JT was not in the picture this week it is not a favorable matchup staring down the Titans rush defense.
Giants @ Dolphins
Start – De’Von Achane – Achane has been on a tear in his last 2 games really making a name for himself. In week 3 when Miami put up 70 points, he rushed for 2 TDs, and he caught 2 TD passes. 203 rushing yards on 18 attempts and 30 receiving yards on 4 receptions. He followed that up in week 4 with 101 rushing yards on 8 carries and found the end zone twice rushing. Everything seems to be aligning for De’Von to get more exposure and become the Dolphins main RB. Mostert is off to a great start, but Achane has the hot hand right now and Mostert is coming off a disappointing fantasy performance. Miami gets the Giants next who have been terrible. I don’t expect another 70-point performance this weekend, but I also wouldn’t be shocked after the Giants have lost by 40, 18, and 21 in their 3 losses.
Sit – Darren Waller – Waller the baller has been doing anything except for balling. He has scored a total of 5 receiving TDs since the beginning of the 2021 season. Miami is actually a decent matchup for Waller, but you can’t trust him, and you certainly can’t trust Daniel Jones or the Giants. Darren’s 76-yard performance in week 2 almost felt like a tease since his other 3 games this season have been 3 receptions and 36 or less yards. Proceed with caution.
Saints @ Patriots
Start – Saints D/ST – Going with a longer shot here starting the Saints defense in New England. Alvin Kamara is obviously a must play after catching 12 passes in his return last week and Chris Olave is a cheat code but its Belichick so I’m guessing he will be ready to keep him contained. So, Saints defense has been shutting down the run game and holding opponents to an average of under 20 points per game. This could be a very ugly low scoring game, but Saints D/ST might benefit a lot from that.
Sit – Rhamondre Stevenson – Rhamondre has had a forgettable 2023 season thus far for the 1-win Patriots. Despite 12-19 caries in each game, he has yet to reach 60 rushing yards in any of them. He just faced the Cowboys defense and now the next test is the New Orleans Saints who always have a strong rush defense. It will be interesting to see how his performances could affect him and Ezekiel Elliot moving forward.
Ravens @ Steelers
Start – Zay Flowers – This is a great opportunity for Zay to have a big fantasy performance. He has 2 games with double digit targets and leads his team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. Pittsburgh has had no luck with defending WRs early this season. Zay has big upside; my only concern is the number of Lamar Jackson QB runs for TDs and Mark Andrews being a big red zone target. Zay might not score all the TDs but he seems to be able to do mostly anything else.
Sit – Najee Harris – Harris has played better than I expected him to in his last 2 games. Decent yardage and a good number of carries. Only issue here is he is sharing his time with Jaylen Warren who has 8 carries in 2 consecutive games and had taken over the RB pass catching role in Pittsburgh. Warren has been targets 6 times in 3 of his games and 22 in total. Najee has 4 receptions on the year and had just 2 receiving yards going into week 4.
Bengals @ Cardinals
Start – James Connor – Connor is the best fantasy player on the Arizona offense that is currently healthy and playing in my opinion. Connor is currently tied for 3rd in the NFL in rushing yards with 318. He is also tied with De’Von Achane for most 20+ yard runs with 4 each. Connor gets the struggling Bengals, and they get them in Arizona. Last week the Bengals allowed King Henry to be king once again and run for 122 yards and a score. They also have had trouble defending Nick Chubb, and the duo of Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards.
Sit – Joe Burrow – Oh Burrow say it isn’t so. The QB got paid heavily and has yet to play up to those expectations that come along the way. Burrow has 1 win, and it came to the Rams by a field goal. Burrow only has 2 TD passes and both came in week 2. He also has 2 INTs this year. Burrow gets to take on Arizona next which feels like a get right game but could easily be a trap. Burrow meet bench.
Eagles @ Rams
Start – Dallas Goedert – Dallas is most likely in many peoples sit category but I’m willing to take a chance on him this week. Coach Sirianni said that he is still a big part of the offense despite a slow start to the season racking up just 88 yards and no scores this season. But this week he gets the Rams who just gave up a TD to 2 separate TEs on the Colts last week. Ogletree and Alie-Cox combined for 83 yards and 2 TDs. If Goedert can consistently get 7+ targets every week I think he will produce at a higher and faster rate. Proceed confidently but always tread lightly.
Sit – Matthew Stafford – First off monitor Stafford because he is dealing with a hip injury, but it isn’t supposed to change his status for the game. Good news is he has been slinging it to the point where only Tua has more passing yards this season. The bad news is that most of the Rams scoring this season has come through Kyren Williams and the rush game. Stafford only has 3 passing TDs this season while he has 5 INTs. Eagles may have made Mac Jones, Kirk Cousins, and Sam Howell appear way better than expected, but Stafford is hurting, and the Eagles defense wants to prove they aren’t to be taken lightly.
Jets @ Broncos
Start – Breece Hall – SEE START OF THE WEEK TOWARD TOP OF PAGE
Sit – Jerry Jeudy – Jerry Jeudy is not getting it done for fantasy owners this season. He is nursing a knee injury and has just 11 receptions this season. The good news is Jeudy is the 2nd most targeted Bronco this season, but the bad news is that it isn’t by much and he has not found the endzone. Russell Wilson has 9 passing TDs through 4 games and 0 have gone to Jeudy. 4 other WRs in Denver have at least 1 TD. The Jets pass defense is also one of the top in the NFL. Jeudy is the receiver you want (could argue Sutton), but I’m avoiding pass catchers for Denver until there’s more consistency.
Chiefs @ Vikings
Start – Kirk Cousins – Kirk gets to take on the Chiefs in Minnesota this week. His first 3 games he was on fire throwing for 340+ yards each week and scoring 9 TDs with 2 INTs. KC is only favored by 3.5 and you have to wonder if it has anything to do with Zach Wilson outperforming Mahomes last week. Regardless Kirk is going to have to play very well and sling the ball around in order to play and beat the Chiefs. Give me all the passing in week 5.
Sit – Alexander Mattison – Mattison is in my sit spot although Addison was tempting after dropping a big old 0 in fantasy last weekend. But this game could be a high scoring shoot out which favors Addison more than Mattison. Mattison finally broke from his early slump in week 3 and now has 2 consecutive 93+ rushing yard games. That’s great but this is KC and they have been playing great against opposing RBs. It also cant halp knowing Cam Akers is also on the team and will be getting more reps.
Cowboys @ 49ers
Start – Jake Ferguson – Ferguson is 2nd to only CeeDee Lamb in team targets and receptions and is 3rd on the Cowboys in receiving yards. Jake has been targeted 7 times in 3 of his 4 games and has 1 TD at this point. San Francisco is a tough matchup for most positions and TE isn’t excluded. Only Pat Freiermuth has scored on them this season at the TE position but that was the Steelers only score and he finished with 1 catch for 3 yards. They completely shut down Tyler Higbee and then did the same to Darren Waller. In week 4 Zach Ertz had the best game for a TE against SF and that was a stat line of 6 receptions for 53 yards. Jake is in my top 10 TEs this week.
Sit – Dak Prescott – Dak has to play the 49ers defense on Sunday, and it could get ugly. Dak has a ton to prove in this game if he want to silence the skeptics. I think he will have an okay day at best and there’s a great chance of struggle. The 49ers are great at basically every position, and they have no trouble getting to the QB. 9 sacks so far this season which isn’t great after 4 games, but it isn’t bad either, not to mention the 49ers defense has caused more INTs than TD passes thus far. I would avoid Dak here.
Packers @ Raiders
Start – Romeo Doubs – Doubs is the team leader in targets, receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TDs. After just 8 combined targets in weeks 1 and 2, Doubs was targeted 12 times in week 3 and then 13 in week 4. He has 3 TDs in 4 games. Raiders have been struggling defending opposing WRs this season giving up big yards and/or TDs. Vegas allowed Kennan Allen to score, and Palmer had 75+ yards. Week 3 they allowed George Pickens 70+ receiving yards and Calvin Austin 70+ receiving yards and a TD. In week 2 same story with Gabe Davis. Week 1 was the only time they defended well enough against WRs, but it being Denver it wasn’t a huge ask. Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are both in great positions this week.
Sit – AJ Dillon – If AJ wasn’t trending downward last week, he certainly is now. He is coming off of his worst performance this season rushing for 11 yards on 5 carries and he didn’t catch his lone target. His struggles are evident, and he has not made the most of his opportunities standing in as RB1 when Jones is not playing. Dillon is droppable if you haven’t already.