Week 5 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Play-or-Bench Tips for Fantasy Football Owners

The arrival of Week 5 means that bye weeks begin in earnest, which changes the complexion of the fantasy football landscape.

This week, owners will have to do without New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson and Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham, to name a few.

Sometimes the bye week makes a situation downright funny. You’re already down star power, and other top-tier players seem like guys to ignore because of terrible matchups. When you combine byes and bad matchups, it can seem like your fantasy roster is the equivalent of the Cleveland Browns instead of the New England Patriots.

To help fight off the first major wave of byes, let’s compare fantasy matchups and zoom in on a few stars.

      

Quarterback

Start ‘Em: Andy Dalton, CIN (at DAL)

It’s time to unleash Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton.

He has been a major disappointment for fantasy owners so far this year by not reaching 20 points in a game, but losing wide receiver Marvin Jones in free agency and not having injured tight end Tyler Eifert on the field haven’t helped. 

This weekend, the TCU product will put it all together in a somewhat friendly environment. The Dallas Cowboys defense has already allowed two multi-touchdown outings to quarterbacks this year—one from New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning took all of 28 attempts to produce three scores.

With A.J. Green on the field, Dalton projects for a huge day.

                          

Sit ‘Em: Matthew Stafford, DET (vs. PHI)

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Detroit Lions wideout Matthew Stafford laid one of the biggest eggs of all last week, posting seven points despite an incredible matchup against the Chicago Bears. 

Now Stafford heads into perhaps the worst matchup of his season.

The Philadelphia Eagles might not strike much fear into an owner, but the defense has allowed the fewest points on average to opposing signal-callers. Sure, one of the opponents was the Cleveland Browns, but the Eagles also held Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to six points.

Granted, Stafford has a pair of outings of 25 or more points. But after last week and given this matchup, it’s best to look elsewhere for help.

                            

Running Back Start ‘Em: Terrance West, BAL (vs. WAS)

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The Baltimore Ravens pulled a fantasy stunner last week, handing the keys of the ride over to running back Terrance West.

West responded, rumbling for 113 yards …

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