Many fantasy owners might be concerned after the significant upsets from Week 4. Our advice: DON’T PANIC! This happens every single year. Many players and teams that start off hot might cool off a few weeks later. Every gameplan changes every week. As frustrating as it can be, that’s the reality of NFL football. All we can do is absorb and adjust. Here’s our selections for start, sit, and stream for Week 5.
Brandon’s Picks:
Two players you should start this week:
- Sam Darnold – The former USC standout has come a long way to make it onto a weekly start list. His tenure with the Jets made many people question his ability to even be a backup in the NFL. Darnold has proved the haters wrong with 1,189 passing yards and five touchdowns in his first four games with Carolina. Not only that, but the Panthers’ red zone play calling has given Darnold the opportunity to use his legs for five additional touchdowns. While the Eagles have statistically been a good team against quarterbacks, their soft zone and tendency to give up defensive penalties brings enough appeal for Darnold to continue his hot fantasy start.
- Kenny Golladay – After a multiple-year breakout in Detroit, “Babytron” hasn’t been a huge factor early on for the Giants. Splitting targets with a loaded receiving core has limited the weekly volume for the former Motown WR1. Now with Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton injured, Golladay’s floor has increased dramatically. After 116 yards last week against Atlanta, all that is missing is the red zone targets and touchdowns. It may be a gut feeling, but I believe number 19 will find the endzone for the first time and have a similar outing in what will likely be a shootout versus Dallas in Week 5.
Two players you should sit this week:
- Myles Gaskin – Week 4 seemed to be the worst-case scenario for Gaskin. After falling behind early in the second quarter to Indianapolis, the Dolphins nearly abandoned the run game altogether. The former Washington running back finished with two runs, zero catches, and a total of three yards in the contest. Gaskin was out touched by Malcom Brown and Salvon Ahmed despite being what many consider Miami’s lead back this season. For bounce-back game potential, the sudden change in personnel and a matchup with Tampa Bay’s intimidating run defense brings too much concern in Week 5.
- Pat Freiermuth – After overtaking Eric Ebron as the top fantasy relevant tight end in Pittsburgh, Freiermuth hasn’t done much more to solidify weekly starting status. The rookie has recorded less than 100 yards and only one score in his first four games in the “Steel City.” The matchup for Freiermuth doesn’t look promising with the Broncos coming to town, who have allowed only 122 yards and zero scores to tight ends this season. Considering Pittsburgh’s offense has been inefficient and frustrating in the eyes of fantasy analysts, I will probably not be the only telling you to avoid Freiermuth this week.
One player you could stream this week:
- Dawson Knox – Despite competing with top targets Stefon Diggs and Emmanuel Sanders, Knox has found his spot in this Bills’ offense the last two weeks. As the team’s leader in touchdown receptions, Knox has already notched 53.4 ‘PPR’ fantasy points this season. This is approximately 14 points away from his season total in 2020. Looking into a matchup this week against the Chiefs, Kansas City just gave up 28.6 points to tight ends Dallas Goedert and Zach Ertz last week. For those in need of a pickup for Week 5, Knox is available in over 80% of fantasy leagues (ESPN) and is a viable option in an explosive Buffalo offense.
Brody’s Picks:
Two players you should start this week:
- James Robinson – After a worrying start to the season for fantasy managers who invested a high-end pick in the young Jacksonville star, Robinson proved that he still has. Actually, it’s had more to do with Urban Meyer finally giving Robinson the touches he deserves than anything Robinson has done wrong. With Carlos Hyde inactive this past week against Cincinnati, Robinson feasted. I expect more of the same against a lackluster Tennessee rush defense in Week 5, even if Hyde is active again.
- Corey Davis – Davis has been the definition of a matchup play to start this season. In week 5, he gets another great matchup against the Falcons. Playing in London, Davis should have a big game against one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. Aiding his case is a weak pass rush from Atlanta as well, allowing Zach Wilson to have time to send Davis some deep balls. I expect Davis to be in the top 15 WR’s this week.
Two players you should sit this week:
- James Conner – Back-to-back two touchdown performances from Conner probably has the recency bias kicking in for his fantasy managers. However, he’s not going to score in every game. When he doesn’t score, he averages just three-and-a-half points per game. This week, against a tough 49ers defense, I would not have Conner in my starting lineup.
- Miles Sanders – If you drafted Miles Sanders, you have probably been extremely frustrated with his production. If you drafted Miles Sanders, you should have known better. This is simply not an offense that uses him a lot. Even Kenneth Gainwell is taking snaps away from Sanders. I love the player, but hate the situation. It’s hard to bench a guy that you spent a third (or maybe higher) round pick on, but there are better starting options than Miles Sanders.
One player you could stream this week:
- Mike Gesicki – Don’t look now, but Miami is actually starting to get their best offensive player involved. Following a 12-target performance in Week 3, Gesicki had another solid showing in Week 4 and found the endzone. The Dolphins have a brutal matchup against the stellar Tampa Bay front seven this week, but the Bucs’ secondary has been shaky to start this season. Gesicki plays a lot from the slot and out wide, so I expect the Dolphins to pepper him with short targets. This could be a massive PPR performance for Gesicki.