Week 5: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em

Quarterbacks:

Start ‘Em:

Eli Manning, NYG at GB

This is less about liking the frustrating fantasy quarterback that is Eli Manning and more about loving the matchup.  The Packers have allowed an average of two touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks this year and are getting no help with Sam Shields missing his fourth straight game with a concussion.  Stefon Diggs and Marvin Jones Jr. have already torched the Packer's secondary and now they welcome Odell Beckham Jr. to Lambeau field for a redemption game.

Derek Carr, OAK vs SD

Jameis Winston, TB at CAR

Carson Wentz, PHI at DET

Sit ‘Em:

Matt Ryan, ATL at DEN

Matt Ryan has definitely been a welcome surprise for fantasy owners this season and should be applauded for his crazy four touchdowns and 503-yard game last week against the Panthers.  But, the number one fantasy quarterback faces off against the number one passing defense and owners should temper expectations.  The Broncos, allowing a 61.3 passer rating to quarterbacks this season, are a completely different test that I don't see Ryan passing.  Expect a steep regression to the mean this week at Denver and next at Seattle.

Matthew Stafford, DET vs PHI

Marcus Mariota, TENN at MIA

Dak Prescott, DAL vs CIN

Running Backs:

Start ‘Em:

Frank Gore, IND vs CHI

Gore should be in line for a large amount of work at home against the Chicago Bears who have been tore up by opposing running backs.  This is supposed to be a high scoring game and elevates the consistent veteran to a low end RB1.  He may not be a flashy play but there should be plenty of goal line work for Gore who already has three touchdowns on the season.

Jordan Howard, CHI at IND

DeMarco Murray, TENN at MIA

Jerick McKinnon, MINN vs HOU

Jeremy Hill, CIN at DAL

Sit ‘Em:

Rashad Jennings, NYG at GB

The Packers defense is allowing a measly 1.8 yards per carry to opposing running backs.  Pair that with what should be a shootout and I don't see the Giants needing to run the ball much in this matchup.  As long as Rashad Jennings still has a cast like wrap on his injured thumb expect the Giants to turn to their other running backs for pass blocking and receiving duties.

LeSean McCoy, BUF at LA

Tevin Coleman, ATL at DEN

Giovani Bernard, CIN at DAL

Theo Riddick, DET vs PHI

Wide Receivers:

Start ‘Em:

Sammie Coates, PITT vs NYJ

You are already starting Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown in this matchup, but Sammie Coates should also enter your lineup as a flex option.  The Jets secondary has been terrible and apt to give up long touchdowns.  The Bill's Greg Salas and Marquise Goodwin in week two burned them for 71 and 84-yard scores and last week the Seahawk's Tanner McEvoy got them for a 42-yard touchdown.  Sammie Coates is the Steelers number two wide receiver in terms of snap count and is seeing more targets than just an occasional deep pass.

Amari Cooper, OAK vs SD

Kelvin Benjamin, CAR vs TB

Steve Smith, BAL vs WSH

Jordan Matthews, PHI at DET

Tyrell Williams, SD at OAK

Deep Sleeper Glory Plays:  Brice Butler, DAL vs CIN and Cameron Meredith, CHI at IND

Sit ‘Em:

DeAndre Hopkins, HOU at MINN

It depends on you alternatives, but if Xavier Rhodes is covering Hopkins all game do not be afraid to bench your first round pick.  DeAndre Hopkins is coming off of a one catch, four-yard performance against the Titans and now has his toughest individual matchup of the year.  Rhodes has already shut out Kelvin Benjamin and held Odell Beckham Jr. in check.  Add to your fantasy decision-making equation that the Texans offensive scheme with Lamar Miller and Will Fuller no longer has to force the ball to Hopkins.  At the very least you should not expect monster numbers this week.

Stefon Diggs, MINN vs HOU

Will Fuller V, HOU at MINN

Golden Tate, DET vs PHI

Dontrelle Inman, SD at OAK

Mike Wallace, BAL vs WSH

Tight Ends:

Start ‘Em:

Richard Rodgers, GB vs NYG

Rodgers is a good bye week fill in at tight end while Jared Cook  (ankle) sits out.  Last season without Cook, Rodgers was the TE #9 in PPR formats.  At home, where the Packers and Aaron Rodgers score plenty of touchdowns expect the sure-handed tight end to get his chances.

Cameron Brate, TB at CAR

Zach Miller, CHI at IND

Zach Ertz, PHI at DET

Sit ‘Em:

Kyle Rudolph, MINN vs HOU

Jacob Tamme, ATL at DEN

Dwayne Allen, IND vs CHI

Defense/Special Teams:

Start ‘Em:

LA Rams vs Buffalo Bills

Cincinnati Bengals at Dallas Cowboys

Sit ‘Em:

Green Bay Packers vs New York Giants

Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings