Here is a no huddle approach, toward addressing your best starts, and most advisable sits for all teams that will be in action this week. That excludes the Vikings, Steelers, Buccaneers and Redskins, who will each have their byes. Game time in Cleveland is approaching, so we’ll immediately launch into Week 5.
Bills at Browns
Buffalo
Start: Robert Woods
He has now garnered 18 targets in the past two weeks. And with Cleveland likely to have Joe Haden maintaining his focus on neutralizing Stevie Johnson, E. J. Manuel should be launching numerous passes toward Woods
Other Starts: Fred Jackson
Sit: C. J. Spiller
Yes, you utilized a top five draft pick on Spiller, and were promised that he would be employed extensively. Four weeks later, he has just 230 rushing yards, a 3.5 YPC, and has failed to score. You should be starting other backs if you can
Other Sits: Tashard Choice, Scott Chandler, Stevie Johnson
Cleveland
Start: Brian Hoyer (2 QB Leagues)
Two consecutive promising performances, and the combined presence of Jordan Cameron and Josh Gordon, make Hoyer a viable option in deeper leagues
Other Starts: Josh Gordon, Jordan Cameron
Sit: Willis McGahee
His production should improve in the upcoming weeks, but you should not consider using him yet
Other Sits: Chris Ogbonnaya, Bobby Rainey, Davone Bess, Travis Benjamin
Ravens at Dolphins
Baltimore
Start: Torrey Smith
Baltimore inexplicably called only nine running plays in Week 4, while asking Joe Flacco to launch 50 passes. That ratio simply will not continue, and you should expect a massive reversal in percentages for this week’s encounter with Miami. However, Smith has 42 targets, the NFL’s third most receiving yards (435), and will remain Flacco’s preferred receiving weapon by a considerable degree
Other Starts: Ray Rice
Sit: Joe Flacco
Even if 2 QB leagues, he is no longer a viable option. This team is severely limited in weaponry, and there have been far too many turnovers.
Other Sits: Bernard Pierce, Marlon Brown, Dallas Clark
Miami
Start: Brian Hartline
The Ravens have been vulnerable against the pass, having surrendered eight TDs. Hartline continues to lead the Dolphins in every major receiving category, and should be in your lineups
Other Starts: Lamar Miller, Mike Wallace, Charles Clay, Ryan Tannehill (2 QB Leagues)
Sit: Daniel Thomas
He is ineffective as a rusher and receiver, plus he is a liability in pass protection. Whatever it is that Miami's coaching staff continues to see in Thomas, certainly does not translate into viability for fantasy owners
Other Sits: None
Jaguars at Rams
Jacksonville
Start: Cecil Shorts
Any frustration about the Jaguar offense and the continued presence of Blaine Gabbert would be understandable. But Shorts is tied for the NFL lead in targets, and you should absolutely have him in your lineup
Other Starts: None
Sit: Justin Blackmon
Yes, he is back, but could be on a limited snap count . Exercise continued patience before starting him
Other Sits: Maurice Jones-Drew
St. Louis
Start: Sam Bradford
After four games, inaccurate passing and inexplicably poor play calling are legitimate concerns. But the schedule works in his favor for owners in two QB leagues. Because the Jaguars should not be able to keep him from producing his best numbers since Week 1
Other Starts: Tavon Austin, Chris Givens, Austin Pettis, Jared Cook
Sit: Daryl Richardson
If there were a clear cut RB1, he would be a must start against Jacksonville’s 32nd ranked rush defense. Instead, Richardson’s forgettable 12 carry for 16 yard performance in Week 4 was just the latest example of the Rams’ inability to establish a rushing attack. Richardson, Pead, Cunningham, and possibly Zac Stacy are likely candidates to split carries regardless of who starts, making them all to risky to trust
Other Sits: Isaiah Pead, Benny Cunningham, Zac Stacy
Chiefs at Titans
Kansas City
Start: Jamaal Charles
Of course you are starting him. He is listed here because no other Chiefs should be in your lineups versus Tennessee’s ninth ranked defense.
Other Starts: None
Sit: Dwayne Bowe
He accumulated 58 yards and scored last Sunday, so he is now achieving better chemistry with Alex Smith… right? Not really. His 34-yard TD occurred late in the fourth quarter, which avoided yet another disappointing performance. Which he will deliver this week.
Other Sits: Alex Smith, Dexter McCluster, Donnie Avery, Sean McGrath
Tennessee
Start: Nate Washington
Not only has he surpassed 100 yards in two consecutive contests, but the 30 targets that he has received shows that he is an integral part of the Titans’ passing game. That should not change with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center
Other Starts: Chris Johnson, Kendall Wright
Sit: Ryan Fitzpatrick
On the off chance that you were considering the former Bill in two QB leagues, his matchup with the Chiefs should negate any such thoughts
Other Sits: Justin Hunter, Damien Williams, Delanie Walker
Eagles at Giants
Philadelphia
Start: Michael Vick
Vick should have considerable success versus a Giants defense that has already permitted a league worst 10 TD passes
Other Starts: LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek
Sit: Bryce Brown
If McCoy is ever sidelined by injury, Brown becomes an excellent RB1 candidate depending upon his matchup. But until that time, keep him rostered and securely on your bench
Other Sits: Riley Coper, Jason Avant
New York
Start: Victor Cruz
Not only is he the most productive Giant, but at this point he is also the only dependable one
Other Starts: None
Sit: Hakeem Nicks
Even though the Philly is a paltry 31st against the pass, Nicks has just three catches for 33 yards in the last two games combined. That, and his questionable attitude, should provide you with sufficient reason to leave him out of your lineup, regardless of the matchup
Other Sits: Eli Manning, David Wilson, Brandon Jacobs, Rueben Randle, Brandon Myers
Seahawks at Colts
Seattle
Start: Marshawn Lynch
Yes, he is an obvious start. But Seattle’s meager passing attack is ranked just 25th, prohibiting all other Seahawks from that distinction
Other Starts: None
Sit: Russell Wilson
24 other signal callers have accumulated more passing yards, while four have generated more yardage on the ground. He has the talent to be an every week QB1, but is currently handcuffed by an offensive approach that negates his ability to be a playmaker
Other Sits: Sidney Rice, Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin, Zach Miller
Indianapolis
Start: Reggie Wayne
Lining up against either of Seattle’s starting CBs is a daunting task. But the most targeted Colt should still deliver sufficient results for those who use him
Other Starts: Andrew Luck, Trent Richardson, Coby Fleener
Sit: T. Y. Hilton
He has exceeded 50 yards just once in four contests, and has yet to discover the end zone. This is not the week to expect a huge upgrade in production
Other Sits: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Ahmad Bradshaw
Saints at Bears
New Orleans
Start: Darren Sproles
Last week, it was predicted in this column that his TD drought would end. Even though the Bears will be focused on containing him, he possesses enough talent to continue producing for you
Other Starts: Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston
Sit: Pierre Thomas
Even with Mark Ingram out of the lineup, his abilities do into not translate into fantasy points
Other Sits: Kenny Stills
Chicago
Start: Martellus Bennett
He has been targeted at least seven times in three of four contests, including a season best 12 in Week 4. Against New Orleans, he should remain highly involved in the offense, and reward owners once again
Other Starts: Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall
Sit: Alshon Jeffery
Last week’s output was outstanding. Yet he only caught five of his 11 targets, and you should not expect that level of production this week
Other Sits: Jay Cutler, Michael Bush
Patriots at Bengals
New England
Start: Kenbrell Thompkins
You may need to suffer through some drops, but the rookie generated 168 yards and three TDs in his last two games, and has certainly earned a spot in your lineup
Other Starts: Tom Brady, Julian Edelman
Sit: Stevan Ridley
Add his troublesome thigh bruise to the discouraging production and the disturbing time share with LeGarrette Blount, and you have sizable rationale for leaving him on your bench
Other Sits: LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Bolden, Aaron Dobson
Cincinnati
Start: Giovani Bernard
Even though Cleveland neutralized Cincinnati’s ground game in Week 4, owners should embrace the fact that his touches have steadily increased from 5-9-14-16. That process will continue against the Patriots
Other Starts: A. J. Green
Sit: Andy Dalton
I have consistently warned owners to stay away from Dalton. And his alarming regression should compel you to search for other options, even in deeper leagues.
Other Sits: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Mohamed Sanu, Jermaine Gresham, Tyler Eifert
Lions at Packers
Detroit
Start: Joique Bell
He should garner enough touches to accumulate yardage against Green Bay’s 28th ranked defense, which is yielding over 400 YPG (404)
Other Starts: Matthew Stafford, Reggie Bush, Calvin Johnson
Sit: Ryan Broyles
If you were among the owners that suffered through his Week 4 shutout (on one lonely target) then you probably do not need a recommendation to bench him
Other Sits: Kris Durham, Brandon Pettigrew, Joseph Fauria, Tony Scheffler
Green Bay
Start: Eddie Lacy
He has recovered from the concussion and should capture the majority of carries against Detroit’s 20th ranked rush defense
Other Starts: Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Jermichael Finley
Sit: Johnathan Franklin
It is best to employ other options as Lacy’s presence will limit Franklin’s opportunities
Other Sits: None
Panthers at Cardinals
Carolina
Start: Greg Olsen
The Cardinals struggled to contain Jimmy Graham, which is understandable. But they also failed to neutralize Jared Cook and Tampa Bay’s Timothy Wright. Get Olsen into your lineups
Other Starts: Cam Newton, DeAngelo Williams, Steve Smith
Sit: Brandon LaFell
Do not overreact to his two TDs in Week 3 because he only manufactured a total of eight in the three previous years combined
Other Sits: Ted Ginn
Arizona
Start: Larry Fitzgerald
The league’s 26th ranked offense will be lining up against an imposing defensive unit, and all other Cardinals should be firmly planted upon your bench
Other Starts: None
Sit: Rashard Mendenhall
He has a 3.4 YPC, more fumbles (2) than TDs (1), and is being outperformed by Andre Ellington. Plus, he isn’t going anywhere against the NFL’s seventh ranked rush defense
Other Sits: Carson Palmer, Michael Floyd, Andre Roberts, Andre Ellington
Broncos at Cowboys
Denver
Start: Knowshon Moreno
He has been the most productive from among the Broncos' stable of backs, and should deliver favorable numbers in Dallas
Other Starts: Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, Eric Decker, Julius Thomas
Sit: Montee Ball
The three man committee approach, his anemic 3.2 YPC and two fumbles should be sufficient reason not to expect much production anytime soon
Other Sits: Ronnie Hillman
Dallas
Start: DeMarco Murray
Denver allows the fewest rushing yards of any NFL team (74 YPG), and the Cowboys will prefer to attack their 30th ranked pass defense. But do not overthink the matchup because you have to start Murray
Other Starts: Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten
Sit: Miles Austin
It appears increasingly doubtful that he will be available due to the hamstring issue
Other Sits: Terrance Williams, Duane Harris
Chargers at Raiders
Start: Philip Rivers
He is seventh in passing yardage (1,199) and second in TDs (11). Plus, he has thrown just two INTs. On Sunday night he should shred an undermanned Oakland defense that has been extremely vulnerable when facing upper tier QBs
Other Starts: Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead, Antonio Gates, Eddie Royal
Sit: Keenan Allen
He should become a regular contributor later this season. Just not quite yet
Other Sits: Ronnie Brown, Vincent Brown
Oakland
Start: Terrelle Pryor
His elusiveness will cause problems for a Charger defense that ranks 30th, and has struggled to contain opposing QBs
Other Starts: Rashad Jennings, Denarius Moore
Sit: Darren McFadden
Do not plan for him to be available this week. But do prepare for yet another extended absence
Other Sits: Marcel Reece, Rod Streater, Mychal Rivera
Texans at 49ers
Houston
Start: Arian Foster
His sizable increase in touches, and the corresponding decline in Ben Tate’s workload should help owners feel even better about having him in their lineups
Other Starts: Andre Johnson
Sit: DeAndre Hopkins
His playmaking ability will be beneficial to owners in upcoming weeks. But avoid using him against San Francisco’s third ranked pass defenders
Other Sits: Matt Schaub, Ben Tate
San Francisco
Start: Colin Kaepernick
He will only be a low end QB1 against Houston's top ranked defense, as the Texans can matchup with his limited weaponry
Other Starts: Frank Gore, Anquan Boldin, Vernon Davis
Sit: No other 49ers should even be on your rosters
Other Sits: None
Jets at Falcons
New York
Start: Bilal Powell
Even with Chris Ivory and Mike Goodson remerging as potential candidates to pilfer his touches, Powell is easily the only Jet who should be started this week
Other Starts: None
Sit: Jeremy Kerley
Even though he is suddenly the Jets’ primary receiving option, it is not advised that you start him against a Falcon unit that will have little else to be concerned with
Other Sits: Geno Smith, Clyde Gates, Kellen Winslow
Atlanta
Start: Roddy White
Should deliver just enough fantasy points to justify using him against a sturdy defensive unit
Other Starts: Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez
Sit: Jacquizz Rodgers
Even though he has performed more effectively, the Jets fifth ranked run defense is too sturdy for you to start him
Other Sits: Jason Snelling
