Warning: Be sure to sit players who have a bye week this week, those teams include the Atlanta Falcons, the Denver Broncos, the New Orleans Saints and the Washington Redskins.
Week 4 brought another exciting week in football, with a few upsets, and a few surprises in fantasy football. With the highest scoring honors going Le’Veon Bell, who scored 30 points, and ran for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns. There were some rough injuries that made a big impact on teams, Derek Carr suffered a fractured back, and Dalvin Cook who tore his ACL. Week 5, will kick off with thursday night football, where the Patriots will be taking on the Buccaneers.
Starts:
Tom Brady, Quarterback, Patriots
Brady is coming off a week 5 loss a game where he posted 307 yards, and two touchdowns. This week Brady faces the Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football. The Buccaneers have a lackluster defense. The last two weeks they have allowed a combined 57 points. Brady should light up the Bucs and should have another great week.
Doug Martin, Running Back, Buccaneers
Martin missed the first four games due to a suspension. In his first game back, he will face the New England Patriots. The Patriots have had trouble stopping the run in their first four games, allowing 531 yards. Martin should have an explosive week and I would heavily consider working him into your lineup.
Golden Tate, Wide Receiver, Lions
Tate had a slow week last week against the Vikings. He caught only 3 passes for 29 yards. I would expect Tate to have a bounce back week, because he will be playing a Carolina Panthers team that got exposed on defense last week against the Patriots. I think that Tate will be targeted at least 7 times for 70 yards and a touchdown. Consider starting Tate, even though he had a bad week. He is one to watch.
Kyle Rudolph, Tight End, Vikings
Rudolph has had a rocky start to begin the season, since in his last four games he has caught 10 passes for 109 yards total and one touchdown. This week however, he will face the Chicago Bears. This matchup should favor Rudolph, because the Bears got torched last week against the Green Bay Packers with giving up 35 points. Do not be afraid to start Rudolph. This should prove to be a strong comeback game and fans should see an increase in his targets and productivity.
Vikings Defense
The Vikings have a very stingy defense, and they should show out against the Chicago Bears. Minnesota has struggled all year to put points up on the board. I would expect the Vikings to hold the Bears to very few points, and maybe nab a few interceptions, in the Thursday night matchup.
Sits:
Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seahawks
Wilson had a spectacular game against the Colts. He threw for 295 yards, 2 touchdowns, but also 2 interceptions. This week he will face the Rams spectacular pass rush, being lead by super star defensive tackle Aaron Donald. The Seahawks offensive line has also been very suspect through the first four weeks. I can see Wilson having a tough week and would consider him as a sit this week.
Dalvin Cook, Running Back, Vikings
Cook sustained a torn ACL, on Sunday in a 14-7 loss against the Lions. Cook was having a great rookie year, showing amazing fantasy potential, unfortunately, he will now spend the rest of the season on the sideline. Now fantasy owners will have to find a replacement, or look to their bench to fill the void that Cook will leave.
Antonio Brown, Wide Receiver, Steelers
Brown’s productivity was sealed last week in a game against the Ravens, where he only caught four passes for 34 yards. Also, he made quite a scene by throwing a tantrum to the coaching staff about not getting the ball enough. I could see consequences and a tough Jaguars defense, limiting Browns production this week.
Martellus Bennett, Tight End, Packers
Last week Bennett saw only six passes for 39 yards. This week he will face a young and fairly reckless Cowboys defense who in their last 4 games have allowed a combined, 91 points. However, the Cowboys do have a great middle linebacker in Sean Lee, who will most likely end covering Bennett. This will fairly limit his productivity, and I could very well see Bennett being used primarily as a blocker. Even if you can’t sit him, I would plan your team around Bennett having a slow week.