Week 5 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Each Position’s Top 10 Players and Stat Predictions

The first month of the 2015 NFL season is in the books, and Week 5 kicked off on Thursday night with the Arizona Cardinals vs. the San Francisco 49ers.

This is an important point in the season for fantasy football enthusiasts, as the second month can erase both hot starts and slow beginnings. We’re here to help you start that second month right with some start ’em, sit ’em advice and player rankings.

We’ll break down some of the best players at each skill position, make our own stat projections and identify some players to avoid. We’ll base our picks on factors such as past performances, matchup, roster makeup and health, where applicable.

Our rankings are based on the points-per-reception (PPR) format.

Quarterbacks

Let’s start out by addressing Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who has a favorable matchup this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

If Newton is healthy, he immediately jumps to the top of our start list, because the Buccaneers defense isn’t good. Pro Football Focus rates Tampa 30th in overall defense.

The problem is that Newton is in the concussion protocol and may not start Monday night.

Cam Newton not practicing again today. Panthers play Monday night vs TB.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2016

According to the Associated Press’ Steve Reed, Derek Anderson has been taking first-team reps in practice, and the Panthers aren’t interested in rushing Newton toward the playing field.

“We are not forcing players to get onto the football field,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said, per Reed. “We will do exactly as the protocol tells us and what the doctors and experts tell us.”

If you’re a Newton owner, don’t be afraid to stash Anderson on your bench and play him if necessary. Given the matchup, he could have a productive fantasy outing.

According to PFF, the three other worst defenses are the Detroit Lions (No. 32), Indianapolis Colts (31) and Washington Redskins (29). This is why quarterbacks Carson Wentz, Brian Hoyer and Joe Flacco are all starting-caliber options this week.

Barring a meltdown like he had against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is a must-start regardless of who he faces. This week, though, he gets the New York Jets. The Jets are rated dead last in pass coverage.

Expect Big Ben to have a big day.

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Don’t expect a ton …

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