Fantasy Football Week 5: Start ‘em, Sit ‘em

Just about a quarter of the regular season, gone already. The NFL needs to slow down.

Per usual, more injuries came out of Week 4 of football action, so let’s clear those out of the way before we make our picks. Tee Higgins fractured a rib (he’ll miss some time), Javonte Williams suffered a hip flexor (shouldn’t be serious), Kenny Pickett has a bone bruise on his knee (he’ll probably play Sunday, but worth noting), and Mike Evans tweaked his hamstring (should be fine after the bye).

It’s also important to remember byes start this week, so make sure you’re double checking your lineups in case any of your players aren’t playing!

Ian’s Record: 21-12

Start ’em

Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Dolphins) vs. Giants

After putting up 70 points in week 3, it’s safe to say the Dolphins were brought back down to Earth in Orchard Park.

Not a whole lot was working for the Dolphins through the air as Tyreek Hill was held to three receptions for 58 yards and Tua was sacked four times after only being brought down twice in the first three weeks.

Although a tough loss to a division rival, the Dolphins find themselves at home for the next two weeks against the Giants and the Panthers. I’m expecting Miami to get their offense back on track through those two games before heading back out to Philadelphia. 

Brian Robinson Jr. (RB, Commanders) vs. Bears

Although Antonio Gibson seemed to be the lead back in Washington for a bit, it’s obvious the Commanders are running with Robinson now. He has 61 attempts compared to Gibson’s 13.

The Bears are currently second to last in PPR points allowed to RBs, so give Robinson 15 attempts and he’ll find the endzone. Cha-ching.

Cooper Kupp (WR, Rams) vs. Eagles (if he returns)

For those of you that drafted Kupp in anticipation of his return, wait no longer.

For the first four weeks, all the attention in LA has gone to Puka Nacua. He is shattering rookie records left and right while already becoming a dangerous threat to opposing secondaries.

It’s difficult to tell right now whether Kupp being back will hinder Nacua’s productivity, or if it’s too late for Kupp and Stafford will continue to favor Nacua. Right now, however, it’s Cooper Kupp. You have to start him. If he returns.

Darren Waller (TE, Giants) @ Dolphins

Waller has been frustratingly quiet thus far, most likely because of the Giants’ gauntlet of a start to the season.

It’s tough to put up exceeding numbers against the defenses New York has faced, especially since three of the four teams are fringe top-half in terms of covering the position.

I think the narrative changes this week in Miami, though. The Dolphins haven’t been able to figure out how to really cover a tight end for a few years now, so I think this matchup has high upside for Waller to finally break out.

Sit ’em

Mac Jones (QB, Patriots) vs. Saints

It was one game, but I think it might be panic time in New England.

Jones was a turnover machine against Dallas, struggling to find anything to work left and right before finally being benched halfway through the third quarter.

Although the offense doesn’t look great, this is still a tough Saints defense that ranks ninth in the league for points allowed. Pass.

Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Lions) vs. Panthers

This one might come back to bite me, but I always try to fray away from saying to start/sit the surefires, so that’s going to come with some risks here and there.

The Panthers’ run defense is horrid, as they’ve allowed every running back they’ve faced to average five or more yards per carry except week 2.

That said, this is a high upside game for Gibbs. However, David Montgomery carried the ball THIRTY TWO TIMES against Green Bay. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the Montgomery show on the ground in Detroit. I just don’t see it in the cards for a sudden switch. Sorry Gibbs, pass.

Denver WRs vs. Jets

After seeing 0-4 and nothing but complete shambles for a second, the Broncos offense came alive and erased a 21-point deficit against Chicago last week. That’s not happening again this week.

For the first time in his career, Mahomes was outplayed by the opposing quarterback. That doesn’t sound like a real stat, but here we are.

That game was a morale-reviving moment for Zach Wilson and the Jets defense, and my money is saying they’re hitting pedal to the metal to keep that vibe going.

Evan Engram (TE, Jaguars) @ Bills (London)

Engram has been a very reliable target for Trevor Lawrence the past three weeks, seeing eight targets each week in that span. I think he’ll quiet down a bit against Buffalo this week however, as I’m sure he’ll be seeing plenty of Matt Milano and the Bills’ linebackers.

He’s usually a confident start, but the Bills are currently allowing the seventh fewest PPR points to opposing tight ends. Stick him in your back pocket this week.

BYES: CLEVELAND BROWNS, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS