Fantasy Football Week 5 Lineup Advice

Our Week 4 predictions saw a healthy number of successors and high point earners with a limited amount of misses on our slate. As we enter week 5 of the fantasy football season, wins are that much more valuable to keep you moving in the right direction. Finding the correct matchups to provide you that needed advantage will go a long way for your team being victorious this week. There are some very intriguing contests on the weekend schedule that should see a lot of points on the scoreboard. Good luck, let’s get to it… 

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START - GET THEM IN YOUR LINEUP

Quarterbacks:

Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)

The Steelers seem to have an internal struggle at the moment with Big-Ben and Antonio Brown regarding the number of targets that are going to the super star wide receiver. While the Steelers host the high-flying Atlanta Falcons, we could easily see a shootout transpire with Roethlisberger once again force feeding his go-to target. The Falcons defense is extremely shorthanded and will be in tough to stop Pittsburgh leaving Big-Ben having a fantastic day. 

Philip Rivers (LAC)

As the Chargers continue to underachieve on defense, Philip Rivers has been very productive in the first four weeks of the season. Of the four contests, Rivers has seen only one go below the 20-point mark with a high reaching 34 fantasy points. Going up against the Raiders this week who themselves have their own issues covering the pass, leaves great potential for Rivers and the Chargers to once again house very solid statistics. Philip isn’t yet a must start every week but is making his case extremely strong.  

Carson Wentz (PHI)

This might be one of our riskier predictions for a must start as Carson Wentz and the Eagles look to rebound from last weeks devastating loss to the Titans. Going up against the Vikings whose defense should be a dominating unit, have too underachieved so far this season. Their secondary has allowed opposing quarterbacks to burn them to the tune of allowing the 8^th most to fantasy quarterbacks. With Wentz now playing his third contest, we can envision him settling down and once again playing at levels from last season. A game that should’ve been a defensive shutdown, now appears to become a possible shootout. There is some risk to this play, buyer beware. 

Alex Smith (WAS)

While Alex Smith hasn’t lite the world a fire with his play early on, coming off the Bye-Week and playing against the Saints who house one of the worst defensive groups in terms of fantasy points given up to quarterbacks; this could have a great deal of potential. Smith has again proven to be the check down king nickel and diming the opposition all over the field, we could see quite a few points scored on Monday Night Football. We do understand that there are more attractive options out there, but this matchup has us very excited at the potential.  

Running Backs:

Austin Ekeler (LAC) (PPR)

If you have been ignoring our past endorsements of Austin Ekeler what else needs to be done for you to take notice. Throughout his entire career, Philip Rivers has excelled far greater with a pass catching back coming out of the backfield relieving pressure in the process. Ekeler has filled that roll to perfection and will continue as his role is locked in on this offense. When we go back and review his ADP from fantasy drafts (Pick 190), Ekeler has managed to produce numbers catapulting him to rank as the 16^th best running back in PPR formats. No question Austin will have another solid day, fire him up and don’t look back.    

Derrick Henry (TEN)

When reviewing the Titans Derrick Henry and the lack of production and extreme disappointment he’s provided his owners, some may question why we believe he’s a must start this week. Simply put, this matchup has the making for Henry to finally take the trailer off and run through a leaky Bills defense that seems to be on the field for majority of contests. Ranked as the 6^th worst group against fantasy running backs, we could absolutely see Henry gallop into the endzone at New Era Field. Based on how this year has gone so far, this start does possess bust potential with good upside.   

Marshawn Lynch (OAK)

The Raiders Marshawn Lynch has been quietly productive this season not seeing any contest fall under 12 fantasy points with a high mark of nearly 19. Going up against the Chargers defense that can’t seem to stop anyone from gashing them, Lynch has a great opportunity to keep the train going. We totally envision Lynch once again scampering into the endzone this week to the delight of his owners. 

Aaron Jones (GB)

The Green Bay Packers travel to Detroit to take on the Lions who have been very soft when it comes to defending the run. Returning from suspension a couple weeks ago, his role has increased to see a more prominent impact on contests. The Packers are dealing with a great number of injuries to their receiving core which could open the door to a run heavy game-plan from coach McCarthy. Jones found his way to generate nearly 15 fantasy points last week which should be the floor in this contest.

Wide Receivers:

Michael Crabtree (BAL)

As the Ravens continue to roll with a more balanced offensive group, one player that has flown under the radar has been Michael Crabtree. Putting up decent numbers to start the season, he hasn’t shown that touchdown prowess we expected. Going up against the Browns rookie Denzel Ward should have its challenges, but we could see Crabtree find the endzone for the first time since week one. The Ravens have shown a commitment in feeding Crabtree seeing an average of 8.5 targets a game, that should continue this week. The endzone will be found for Michael in this contest.     

Nelson Agholor (PHI) (PPR)

After an impressive first two weeks of the season for Agholor, he has cooled off so much that he’s looking to be a mainstay on the bench. That will change this week as the Eagles look to be in a potential shootout with the Vikings. Minnesota gives up the 10^th most to receivers and with Alshon Jeffery back in the mix drawing Xavier Rhodes as the primary coverage corner, Nelson should see more open field as the benefit. His target share has been there thus far this season, and we fully expect Agholor to be a primary focus in the game plan.

Amari Cooper (OAK)

The Oakland Raiders pass game found its stride last week seeing Derek Carr look decisive and proficient in the process. Going up against the Chargers this week who have had great struggles to stop anyone on defense, this divisional contest has the potential to see a lot of points yet again. This offense should always feature Cooper but has struggled with consistency to start the season. Cooper broke out last week which should again be the plan versus Los Angeles that gives up the 5^th most to receivers. Very good potential in this one. 

Jamison Crowder (WAS) (PPR)

Some may scoff at the notion that Jamison Crowder is a must start this week given the lack of production he’s been able to deliver thus far. Coming off the Bye-Week, we have nothing but confidence that the coaching staff will go back to the well and reintegrate Crowder as a primary target. The Saints defense has regressed so much that they now give up the most fantasy points to wide receivers leaving this one prime for PPR points. We won’t be surprised to see Jamison find the endzone in this one but hauling in 8 receptions for 85-100 yards should be the line.   

Tight-Ends:

Jordan Reed (WAS)

Much like Crowder, Reed hasn’t been the force we expected with Alex Smith throwing the ball. The Redskins outside receivers leave a lot on the field which should increase the middle where Reed makes his living. We could see the Saints double-team Jordan in hopes Smith looks in other directions, but we could see a touchdown for Reed in this one. This is a boom or bust play but has solid upside to garner points.   

Austin Hooper (ATL)

The Falcons have shown they once again are a force on the offense as Matt Ryan gets more comfortable in year two of the Sarkisian system. Austin Hooper is now an after thought when targets are distributed but will hold value against the Steelers who give up the most to fantasy tight-ends. He shouldn’t see more than a handful of looks from Ryan, but scheme could see Hooper targeted on a play action pass close to the goal line. There is potential this doesn’t hit the mark, but a touchdown could be found for Austin this week.   

SIT - LEAVE THEM ON THE BENCH

Quarterbacks:

Russell Wilson (SEA)

We recommended sitting Wilson earlier this season and will again provide that same evaluation for week 5. Its not that Wilson isn’t still a top-notch quarterback, but rather the lack of options this Seahawks offense employs. Furthermore, going up against the Rams who are leaning toward being the best team in the NFL, Wilson will be on the run for most of the day. Garbage time points is the only upside for Russell this week.   

Baker Mayfield (CLE)

Rookie Baker Mayfield has shown great skill and leadership in his two games played this season. Going up against the Ravens who possess a defense that gives the elite fits, Baker could be in for a long day in this one. We could really see a few hard hits and welcome to the NFL moments for the young play maker. He will have great games in his career, but this shouldn’t be one of them. 

Running Backs:

Carlos Hyde (CLE)

Carlos Hyde has been quite good this season but should find it difficult to run against one of the best run stooping defenses in the NFL. Baltimore has exceptionally corrected the offense which has allowed the defense to find more rest on the sidelines keeping them fresh longer. Hyde has become a must play every week, but this week we recommend sitting him.

Dalvin Cook (MIN)

Our concern for Dalvin Cook this season coming off that ACL injury has been seen with missed games and lack of explosiveness. Its unclear if Cook will suit up for this one just yet, but even if he does, we find it very difficult to endorse plugging him into your lineup. The Eagles defense still has one of the best defensive fronts in the league and Cook would have a difficult time finding holes even if he dresses for this one. 

Lamar Miller (HOU)

We at ADF had high hopes that Miller and the Texans offense would’ve taken the next step in their progression, but it hasn’t been the case just yet. Miller has proven he can be a viable target in the pass game but leaving a lot to be desired in the run attack. With news that Miller is quite banged up entering this contest, we are forced to place Lamar on the bench.

Wide Receivers:

Marquise Goodwin (SF)

With Jimmy-G lost for the season, the 49ers deep pass game has also been lost leaving Marquise Goodwin a must bench for the foreseeable future. Going up against the Cardinals defense that has shut down the opposition to the tune of holding the 4^th best versus fantasy receivers, Goodwin won’t get free in this one.

Sammy Watkins (KC)

It comes to the point that we can no longer endorse Sammy Watkins in fantasy football. Admittedly, we have been Watkins greatest supporter believing he would finally reach the full play making potential in Kansas City, but that ship is sailing. Sammy continues to prove he can’t stay on the field while having consistency issues on a weekly basis. If he suits up for this one, the Jacksonville defense will make it seem like he’s not on the field anyway.  

Doug Baldwin (SEA)

Taking heat all offseason when we suggested Baldwin and the Seahawks would be in tough most weeks in the 2018 season, the same will continue against the Rams in week 5. Baldwin is playing at less than 100% and the Hawks are facing a defensive group that has been very good this season. The Rams will force Wilson to find other options by keeping a close eye on Doug the entire game. Keep Doug on the bench until a matchup looks better.  

Tight-Ends:

Austin Seferian-Jenkins (JAX)

Even though the Chiefs allow yards in bunches to their opposition, we can’t envision the Jaguars finding much success with Austin in this one either. We had great hopes in the offseason that ASJ would help this offense move forward, but his target share has become difficult to trust. Fully expect this matchup to bust.   

POTENTIAL BIG DAY – ALL ABOUT THE RISK/REWARD

Quarterbacks:

Matthew Stafford (DET)

Nothing brings out the best in players then facing off against a divisional rival, and Matthew Stafford should find his game in this one versus the Packers. Even as the Packer defense has been much improved against the pass, Matthew and company should be able to find holes with their trio of great pass catchers. We could see the best game of the season from the Lions and Stafford this week.   

Derek Carr (OAK)

We may be the only supporters left angling for Derek Carr and his abilities, and this week we could again see numbers much like those of last week. The Chargers have a difficult time stopping anyone at the moment and we can’t see them correcting this anytime soon. If Carr can find that magic he found last week, Derek will again be a top-flight producer for week 5. 

Running Backs:

Mark Ingram (NO)

The return for Mark Ingram from suspension could either go really well, or really horribly. Alvin Kamara has done a masterful job taking the lead in this offense, but fear of being overworked, the Saints should provide Ingram a healthy number of touches in his first game back. There is bust potential here, but we find it difficult to keep him on the bench. Very high upside on Monday Night Football. 

Dion Lewis (TEN)

The Titans Dion Lewis knows this Bills squad quite well from his days in New England and should be able to produce good statistics. We could envision Lewis having a better day in the pass game racking up the PPR points while Henry hammers his way through the line. Both backs should be at least flex starters for week 5.

Kenyan Drake (MIA)

We will go out on a limb here to suggest Kenyan Drake could see his best outing this season. Coach Gase has gone on record saying the lack of usage has been game specific but has a keen appetite to get him more involved. Going up against the Bengals who look much improved, Drake could again put up a duck, but we feel he will receive his fair share of work. Very high-risk, high-reward for Drake this week. 

Wide Receivers:

Donte Moncrief (JAX)

The Jags Donte Moncrief has found his role early this season in this offense and has made the most of his targets more often than not. Going up against the Chiefs who allow middle of the pack numbers to fantasy receivers, Donte could again feast. There is potential for Kansas City to hold a lead forcing Bortles to throw deep into the fourth quarter.

Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)

We have been all over the Broncos Emmanuel Sanders this season and he hasn’t disappointed one bit. This week against the Jets, Sanders has fantastic appeal to once again find his way to generate great numbers. New York struggles to stop most offenses where Case Keenum should be able to feed Sanders to the tune of 6 receptions for 100-120 yards and at least one touchdown. 

Ty Montgomery (GB)

As the Packers gear up to take on the Lions, the amount injuries to their receiving core could allow Ty Montgomery to fill in and have a prevalent role. We do caution to review the lineups on game day before pulling the trigger on Monty, but in PPR formats, he could have a big day playing a bigger role.

Tight-Ends:

Ricky Seals-Jones (ARZ)

With rookie Josh Rosen taking over as the starting quarterback, all options see an uptick especially tight-end Seals-Jones. We do place a certain level of caution on this start as we would like to see how well this offense can produce. With that said, if Rosen turns out to be a player, Seals-Jones could be a massive benefactor in the redzone.  

Tyler Kroft (CIN)

With the Bengals Tyler Eifert finding his way back to the medical room for the remainder of the season, Tyler Kroft could again find his way to an expanded role much like last year. Some have suggested that CJ Uzomah will take the lead at tight-end to start, but we need to see that transpire to get off the Kroft train to see the target share. Good potential for an endzone trip here.