A month of the NFL season is officially in the books. As if fantasy football wasn’t complex and frustrating enough this season, the schedule is now in bye week mode which gives team owners something else to worry about. Here are the players to pay attention to for Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 5.
Note: This article is for players who are considered flex options or for matchup-specific reasons. You won’t see players like Jahmyr Gibbs or Malik Nabers on here because they should be starting all the time.
Fantasy Football 2024: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 5
Quarterbacks
Start: Geno Smith
Geno Smith posted a career game in the loss against the Lions, and he goes into this week against a bad defense. The Giants are allowing opponents to throw for an average of 213 yards per game against them. Smith isn’t afraid to sling it, and he’s already thrown for 300+ yards twice this season. Expect him to have another big game this week.
Sit: Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins has been a steady QB2 option for fantasy for a long time, but it’s obvious he’s not the same player he used to be. He hasn’t thrown for more than 240 yards in a game this year and is turning the ball over too often. He faces a tough Buccaneers defense on Thursday Night Football, so it might be best to avoid him this week.
Sit: Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence has a favorable matchup against the Colts this week, but it doesn’t overlook how bad the Jaguars offense is right now. The group has scored just 65 points through four games, and the pass game struggles to get the ball moving. This could be the week things change, but it’s better to wait until that change happens to start Lawrence.
Read More: Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings Week 5
Running Backs:
Sit: Devin Singletary
Devin Singletary didn’t have a strong performance last week against the Cowboys, and it makes you wonder if the groin injury didn’t have something to do with it. His health remains a big question mark after not practicing Thursday. If he can go, it’s a favorable matchup. However, it’s seeming more and more likely he won’t be active against the Seahawks.
Start: Bucky Irving
It doesn’t matter what is said about Rachaad White being the starter in Tampa Bay. Bucky Irving is forcing a committee with his strong performances. He’s putting pressure on Todd Bowles to use him more every time the Buccaneers play. Irving might not get a lot of touches, but he’ll make them count. Consider him to be a flex option this week.
Sit: Rico Dowdle
Rico Dowdle is the best running back in a Dallas uniform, but this decision is solely based on matchup. The Steelers defense has allowed the third-fewest rushing yards this season, and nothing will change going against Dowdle. To add on to it, Pittsburgh has conceded just one rushing touchdown in 2024.
Bonus Start: Trey Sermon***
***Only If Jonathan Taylor Sits Out Due to Injury***
Read More: Fantasy Football Week 5 Running Back Rankings
Wide Receivers:
Start: Wan’Dale Robinson
The Giants are going to run the ball against Seattle, but the Seahawks are going to try and force Daniel Jones to beat them. Nabers will take the spotlight, but Wandale Robinson has been tearing up opposing defenses. Through four games, he owns a 25.5% target share and has caught 6+ passes three times already. He’s making a name for himself as a solid flex option in fantasy. If Nabers misses the game due to injury, Robinson’s value increases even more.
Sit: Jakobi Meyers
With Davante Adams sitting out this week due to injury (and trade reasons), Jakobi Meyers steps into the WR1 role. That means he’ll line up with Pat Surtain who has been one of the best corners this season. Surtain has shut down Mike Evans, D.K. Metcalf, George Pickens and Garrett Wilson so far this season. Meyers is his next victim which makes him sit worthy this week.
Start: Justin Watson
Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce still exist, but someone else has to be involved in the Chiefs passing offense. Justin Watson is the next man up and could see a rise in targets with Rashee Rice out indefinitely. He’s a risky play since the Chiefs play Monday night, but he’s one to consider if you’re in a crunch for the flex spot.
Read More: Fantasy Football Week 5 Wide Receiver Rankings
Tight Ends:
Sit: Mark Andrews
Mark Andrews being a “sit” contestant in 2024 is completely unexpected, but there’s no way to justify playing him. Some fantasy owners are even dropping him after recording zero catches the last two weeks. He’s produced just 65 yards this season which is just incomprehensible. Dropping Andrews might be a little too far (for now), but you can’t take the risk of playing him.
Read More: Fantasy Football Week 5 Buy/Sell
Start: Cade Otton
If you’re in a tight end crunch and need someone to replace Andrews or another tight end dud, look no further than Cade Otton. He’s hauled in 13 receptions on 17 targets over his last two games and totaled just under 100 yards between them. Atlanta has allowed opposing tight ends to make 5+ catches three times this season, making him a viable option especially for those in PPR leagues.
Main Photo Courtesy of Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports
