Already dealing with the headache of Covid outbreaks for clubs entering week five, this could be one of the worst weeks on record. Potentially having six team (as of today) miss or reschedule their event, finding the appropriate players to start will come with its challenges. Nevertheless, we will provide the best advice possible to get you through. Follow us as we look at the best to play and sit this week.
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Teddy Bridgewater (CAR)
If you follow our work, you would know this isn’t a typical start we normally endorse. However, the Panthers face the Falcons this week and everything is lining up to be fantastic. Atlanta struggles on defense on the best of days and Teddy Bridgewater has been improving weekly. This could turn out to be one of the safer plays in week five.
Recommending the start of Deshaun Watson isn’t ground breaking news, but the way in which the Texans have struggled so far this season – this start comes with some risk. Out the door is Bill O’Brian and what could transform this week is the dedication to exploiting their speed. Watson is more that capable to feed his receiving core and facing the Jaguars with their leaky defense – a new offensive approach is what the doctor ordered. Fire him up with confidence.
Running Backs:
James Robinson (JAX)
The fantasy revelation off the waiver has been the Jaguars James Robinson. The Jacksonville coaching staff were comfortable enough to let Leonard Fournette walk this offseason to promote Robinson as their starting running back. Looking the part of being a trusted piece and piling up the points in the process, Robinson is a safe as they come at the moment and shouldn’t leave your lineup at this point.
Over the first four weeks of the season, it has been very regrettable to have recommended the play of Mark Ingram. The Ravens have completely altered their offensive approach which has removed rushing attempts in great numbers from this back. Ingram hasn’t cracked the 15-point mark this season while only having one contest of 10-rush attempts. This week however is a different expectation and we should see him get back in the good books. Definitely a safer play in week five.
Its wonderful when a club finally realizes what they have on the roster and that’s how it feels when we discuss the Bills Devin Singletary. Coming out the gates slow in terms of feeding the ground attack or utilizing Singletary in the pass game, weeks three and four viewed as completely different. Buffalo has integrated this running back in the pass game while providing heavy usage in the run. Even upon Zach Moss’ return – this back should be very safe moving forward. Must start in week five.
Wide Receivers:
Adam Thielen (MIN)
So far this season, the Vikings have been Jekyll and Hyde when it comes to offensive output. Adam Thielen saw a great showing in week one and four, to only disappoint in week two and three. Needless to say, he should be back on a weekly basis in being that trusted earner with the support of rookie Justin Jefferson taking coverage from his side. Facing the Seahawks who give up a million yards in the pass to the opposition, Thielen is back to be a must start.
Injuries have been the kryptonite for Will Fuller over his entire career, but with him being the true number one target on this club – matchup play is the guiding factor here. Facing the Jaguars and their horrific pass defense, teamed with a new offensive outlook – Fuller should pickup where he left off in week four and produce a great deal of production in week five. Injuries will always be the risk but we have no issue plugging him into the lineups this week.
We mentioned picking up Tim Patrick a couple weeks ago, and he hasn’t disappointed with his great role on the club. When Courtland Sutton went down with his season ending injury – the Broncos needed someone to step up and step up big. Patrick has been that guy to take the X-receiver position and should maintain that role for the rest of the season. While we wouldn’t suggest a start going up against the mighty Patriots secondary -but no Stephan Gilmore means more plays thrown to his side. His floor is becoming very safe.
Tight Ends:
Jonnu Smith (TEN)
For all the players potentially out for this contest (if its played), Jonnu Smith might be the only constant on the field. The Buffalo Bills struggle to defend the position which should bode well for Smith. There is some risk however, as supportive pieces will not be on the field allowing the Bills to double cover this tight end. Based on target volume – we will start.
Typically, in contests that have mouth watering matchups, the Hawks Greg Olsen is prime to snag a touchdown at some point this week. Tight end has again been a massive issue in fantasy football as the points are hard to come by. With that, Olsen still has a role and will be leaned upon in certain situations in this contest. We like the odds of a score lining his stat sheet.
Ryan Tannehill (TEN)
This is perhaps one of the easier sits we’ve ever suggested. The Titans are potentially coming off their team Covid outbreak (no new positive tests on Friday), and missing practice will take its tole. If Tennessee is able to suit up and play this game, Tannehill will be extremely shorthanded offensively giving the upper hand to the Bills. This game is shaping up to be played and Tannehill needs to be on the bench regardless.
We have provided massive endorsements to the Bengals super rookie Joe Burrow, but this is the week we are comfortable to sit him down. Facing the Ravens and their stout defense, this might not go well at all for the young passer. Garbage time points might be the only viable outlook for a decent day, but we aren’t willing to plug him in to take that chance.
Running Backs:
Melvin Gordon (DEN)
Question marks arose when the Broncos signed Melvin Gordon this offseason, but it has in fact turned out well. Gordon has been trusted to carry the load, especially since Phillip Lindsay was lost to injury. Facing the Patriots and their strong run defense and the potential for Lindsay to return to action – this sit is more cautionary over a must. Running backs are hard to come by at the moment so playing Gordon won’t ruin your week, but we must make mention of the potential downfalls.
During the course of week two and week three, Darrell Henderson looked to be the primary back for the Rams but took a massive sidestep last week. This shouldn’t be the standard moving forward, but we shall take the cautious approach on him this week. The Washington Football Team do play the run very well and the Rams will need to expose the pass game more than the run to be successful. There is a real chance Henderson plays well, but again, he could be a massive disappointment in week five.
It comes with great reservation that we suggest sitting the Eagles Miles Sanders. Facing the Steelers and their fabulous front seven – this could be a very poor day in terms of statistical achievement for this talented back. Not having rushed for 100 yards so far this season, his inclusion in the pass game has lifted his overall outlook thus far. However, we have zero confidence in this offensive line and the only way Sanders is viable this week is with a late garbage time touchdown. We will play it safe and bench this talent runner.
Wide Receivers:
Odell Beckham (CLE)
While we hit on the recommendation to play Odell Beckham last week to be that big day player – this week sings a different tune. The Browns will be hosting the Colts in week five and a much-improved defensive unit is the challenge. Baker Mayfield has been instructed to throw less and take the open shot when they are present. With that, the Browns will be in tough to throw with consistency on this defense which should limit Beckham in week five. We’ll play is safe here as well and sit this receiver.
With all the injuries and positive Covid tests from this past week, in preparation, many fantasy owners are looking for a great plug-in play. Sammy Watkins appears to be that player with a sound matchup on the horizon. However, the Chiefs will alter their game plan this week to feed their stars as the Raiders are themselves dealing with losses on the defense. Watkins should again disappoint after seeing a good target share and little yards and no scores to line his stat sheet.
Here we find another situation where positive Covid tests may preclude this contest from happening. Someone from the Jets organization contracted the virus but confirmation is being done at the moment. If it comes back as a false-positive, Jamison Crowder is on our list of fearful starts in week five. With Sam Darnold out for this matchup regardless, Joe Flacco will get the nod and we wonder if he can support a good Crowder day? We love the skillset from this receiver, but Flacco is the reason behind this recommendation. If you have to play Crowder, we understand – but don’t be shocked if a weak output comes to pass.
Tight Ends:
Mike Gesicki (MIA)
Outside of his week two blow up verse the Bills, Mike Gesicki hasn’t been targeted a great deal. Seeing 11 targets in that week two contest, he has only witnessed 11-targets total in the other three games. Facing the 49ers defense that covers the position very well with nimble linebackers – we will continue to place this man on the bench and wait for better days.
Drew Brees (NO)
So far this season, Drew Brees hasn’t been the passer we have all grown to love and start without thinking. Posting only one contest of over 20-points this season, injuries have been a major reason for this decline. Michael Thomas and his potential return to the lineup this week will bring much more offensive output lifting Brees in the process. Facing the Chargers on Monday Night, we could see a shootout take place.
The Steelers were forced to take a week off due to the Titans and their Covid outbreak, but this week they take on the Eagles which could bear fruit. Pittsburgh has been playing well in terms of fantasy production so far this season and Big-Ben has again proven to be that reliable fixture. Having three straight games of over 20-points earned – we could see yet another big day forthcoming. An extra week of preparation with rest should equate to glorious numbers.
Jerick McKinnon (SF)
Not knowing what to expect from Jerick McKinnon at the start of the season, he has truly taken off and become a wonderful play each and every week. Seeing his floor earn no less than 12-points and a ceiling of over 20-points in full PPR – he has been a fabulous player for fantasy football. Even with Raheem Mostert ready to come back into the lineup, McKinnon will continue to have a role and produce. Facing the Dolphins and their awful run defense – fire him up once again this week.
Yes, we completely understand the frustration that is the Houston Texans offense. With a changeover to the coaching staff and offensive system for week five – we should witness a much better unit overall. The Texans need to exploit their speed which will open up David Johnson that much more. Volume has been here but nothing overly tangible to warrant a start weekly. This should be the week DJ comes back to life verse the lowly Jaguars defense. Still some risk, but reward could be great.
Over the past two weeks, rookie Joshua Kelley has disappointed to the point he has become difficult to trust. With that said, the injury to Austin Ekeler has lifted his overall outlook to take the majority of touches from this backfield for the foreseeable future. Kelley has struggled with fumbles these past couple weeks and will have to up his level of play in the pass game. Nevertheless, volume is key and Kelley should eat well on Monday Night verse the Saints. A multi-touchdown day could be on the horizon.
Wide Receivers:
Deebo Samuel (SF)
The return of Deebo Samuel brought with it positives to rookie Brandon Aiyuk, but this week could be the 2020 coming out party of Samuel. Jimmy Garoppolo is pegged to return and an expanded role for this receiver could be on the docket. The 49ers have something strong brewing in that offensive output could be glorious, not only this week, but for the rest of the season. There still is risk to this play, but potential is looking up.
One of the safer plays of the week comes from a primetime showdown between the Seahawks and the Vikings. Minnesota is one of the worst in defending the pass and while this play isn’t a risk – the big play potential is off the charts. DK Metcalf has exploded for the most part in 2020 and is coming off back-to-back 100-yard performances. This week should again be a power outing as we should see at minimum one touchdown from this super talent. Get your popcorn ready.
Thus far, the Ravens Marquise Brown has been a giant disappointment and is really hurting your fantasy club. Three of four contests have produced under 10-points even though consistency in targets has been there. Baltimore has altered the approach too much and it literally has derailed the overall output. This is the week we believe it comes back to fruition and Brown should be utilized the way he should. A deep shot touchdown should be a formality in this one lifting him back to good graces.
Tight Ends:
Hayden Hurst (ATL)
Our preseason endorsement of Hayden Hurst has proven to be reliable, but not over the top just yet. Entering week five verse the Panthers who have played well verse the position – this could be the week the Falcons lean on the super athletic tight end. Julio Jones is dealing with a hamstring injury which could limit him from even suiting up in this contest. That is a giant positive for Hurst owners as Matt Ryan will force feed this man in bunches. This could be the big game we have been waiting for.
As we’ve preached all offseason, this Chargers offense is much better equipped with Justin Herbert behind center. Now with a few weeks under his belt, Herbert can now begin to spread the ball around. Hunter Henry is one of the better tight ends in the league and faces a club who really struggles to cover the position. If Coach Anthony Lynn is smart, he reviews the tape of the Raiders-Saints game where Darren Waller absolutely carved up this defense. This could be a monumental explosion for Henry!
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