Cleveland Browns

The Browns have spent a fortune to go get their guy in Deshaun Watson, and so far it hasn’t worked out. For now there is still hope, Watson has no better chance than now to rekindle the 2018 flame he had when he led the Texans to the divisional round.

The pressure is on for Watson but with that 1st ranked defense (270.2 YPG) and a healthy Nick Chubb, the turnaround in Cleveland could definitely happen.

New Orleans Saints

Maybe the most likely scenario listed, the Saints have all the pieces to make a run. After firing OC Pete Carmichael Jr. and making a complete overhaul of their offensive staff firing multiple position group coaches and even some advisors the message seems to have been made clear in New Orleans. Not enough offense.

The hiring of former 49ers passing game specialist, Klint Kubiak could provide the spark the Saints have needed badly for the past few years. In terms of the defense, Marshon Lattimore’s potential departure could be something to keep an eye on. If all goes right New Orleans could seriously make a run.

Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis has been a very under the radar team the past few years. But for a few weeks at the start of last year, everyone was paying attention. Anthony Richardson was shocking the world with his insane running ability and absolute cannon of an arm. Cam Newton comparisons were circulating and everything seemed trending upwards.

Then Richardson had season-ending shoulder surgery and just as fast as Indianapolis’ spark came, it left. With the draft coming up in a few weeks a new WR to pair with Michael Pittman Jr. would be a luxury for Richardson and potentially a deciding factor in the Colts’ season.

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Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em

Derek Carr (vs. Chi) – The Saints offense exploded for 38 points last week and it came at a perfect time. Carr and the New Orleans offense were heavily scrutinized the week before and Carr was visibly frustrated. It was nice to see him back bounce under increased pressure and next up they get the lowly Bears at home. Expect Carr and the Saints offense to continue to roll as the Bears are giving up an average of 19.6 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.

Sit ‘Em

Geno Smith (@ Bal) – Geno Smith hasn’t quite been the same player as he was last year. So far that hasn’t hurt the Seahawks as they are 5-2 and lead the NFC West. If he keeps playing like this though it could hurt their chances down the stretch. Up next they have to travel cross-country to Baltimore where the Ravens have been tough at home. Smith will have difficulties moving the ball against this Ravens defense and it’s best to sit him this week.

Running Backs

Start ‘Em

Joe Mixon (vs. Buf) – Mixon has been somewhat disappointing this season but did show signs of breaking out last week. He finished with his best performance of the year against the 49ers and racked up 87 rushing yards and 1 touchdown. Up next the Bengals will face the Bills at home and I like Mixon to continue to improve. The Bills can at times be vulnerable against the run and I expect this to be a high-scoring contest.

Sit ‘Em

Rhamondre Stevenson (vs. Wsh) – Stevenson has really been a dud the season and that will continue on Sunday vs. the Commanders. At this point in the season, it’s hard to justify starting Stevenson who has yet to break 60 yards rushing in a game. The Commanders defense is vulnerable against the pass but they have held their own against running backs.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

Michael Pittman Jr. (@ Car) – Look for Pittman to have another big game on Sunday vs. the Panthers. Pittman is starting to come into his own and has had great chemistry with quarterback Gardner Minshew. He’s had 32 targets in his last three games including 2 touchdowns during that span. Up next is the Panthers defense who have struggled against the deep ball.

Sit ‘Em

DeVonta Smith (vs. Dal) – Smith has had his moments but hasn’t been consistent enough this season. He has had some puzzling drops this year and at times disappears from the game plan for the Eagles. Up next Philadelphia will face the Dallas defense that has locked down the receiver position despite key injuries. I’m not giving up on Smith yet but sitting him for this game.

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

Taysom Hill (vs. Chi) – Hill has been one of the surprises over the last two weeks including finishing as TE1 last week. Hill has been used heavily in the run game for the Saints but also has 14 targets in his last 3 games. Expect Hill to continue to get utilized for New Orleans who will look to attack the weak Bears defense.

Sit ‘Em

Dalton Schultz (vs. TB) – Before last week’s dud, Shultz had three consecutive weeks with receiving touchdowns for the Texans. I still like Schultz long term but not this week. He will face a Buccaneers defense that is allowing just 5.9 fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Sit Schultz this week but keep him on your roster.

Start of the Week

Gardner Minshew (@ Car) – Minshew is our start of the week as he has a favorable matchup on Sunday. Minshew and the Colts offense have put up 38+ points the last two weeks and I see them putting up big numbers vs. Carolina. Minshew is averaging 19.2 fantasy points per game in his 4 starts and I see him getting 20+ again this week. Really the only thing holding him back is the turnovers (5 int’s the last 3 games). If he can eliminate the mistakes Minshew will be a plus starter the rest of the way.

The post 2023-24 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 9 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em

Sam Howell (vs. Chi) – Howell bounced back from a rough outing against the Bills and almost led the Commanders to an overtime victory versus the Eagles. Next up is the lowly Chicago Bears who are in complete disarray. The Bears defense is allowing 22.1 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and they will be without DBs Eddie Jackson and Jaylon Johnson. Expect a big game from Howell and also the Commanders receivers.

Sit ‘Em

Trevor Lawrence (@ Buf) – Lawrence started to show signs of life in the week 4 victory against the Falcons but next up are the red-hot Bills. Even though this game will be in London it could be a long day for the Jaguars offense. The Buffalo defense is for real and they were able to keep the high-powered Dolphins offense in check last week. I do like Lawrence’s prospects for the rest of the season just not in this game.

Running Backs

Start ‘Em

Breece Hall (@ Den) – Hall has disappointed thus far but that will change Sunday when the Jets travel to Denver. According to reports Hall will no longer be on a snap count and this is the perfect game to unleash him. The Broncos defense has been dreadful against the run allowing an average of 38.0 fantasy points per game to running backs. Don’t forget about last year when Hall torched the Broncos for a 62-yard touchdown before he went down with an ACL injury.

Sit ‘Em

Kyren Williams (vs. Phi) – Williams has been a nice surprise this season but he will take a step back Sunday versus the Eagles. Williams is dealing with a hip injury that may hamper his effectiveness. He is also up against the vaunted Eagles d-line that is also tough to run against. Sit Williams but just for this week.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

Michael Pittman Jr. (vs. Ind) – Pittman was quiet on Sunday versus the Rams. He had a season-low 5 targets and only 15 receiving yards. That will change when the Titans come to town in week 5. Pittman has yet to eclipse the 100-yard receiving mark but I believe this is the game he does it. The Titans defense is allowing an average of 26.2 fantasy points to wide receivers so far this season.

Sit ‘Em

George Pickens (vs. Bal) – What has happened to the Steelers offense? Pittsburgh laid another egg last Sunday when they were dominated by Houston. Up next is Baltimore who will be looking to add to the Steelers misery. Quarterback Kenny Pickett is dealing with a bone bruise in his knee but is still expected to play. Even when he was healthy Pittsburgh’s offense just looks off. It could be another long day for Pickett and Pickens.

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

Zach Ertz (vs. Cin) – Ertz had his second 10-target game in week 4 as the Cardinals continue to look his way. I can see Ertz grabbing his first touchdown of the season versus a struggling Bengals defense. Cincinnati is allowing an average of 10 fantasy points per game to tight ends thus far. Ertz should be a big part of the game plan again this week.

Sit ‘Em

Cole Kmet (@ Was) – It’s hard to start anyone on the Bears offense this week against Washington. Kmet had a huge game versus the Broncos in week 4 where he hauled in 2 touchdowns. The momentum won’t continue on Thursday night as Washington has allowed minimal production to opposing tight ends.

Start of the Week

Zay Flowers (@ Pit) – Despite decent production, Flowers has yet to find the end zone. That will change on Sunday versus the Steelers. The volume has been there for Flowers but he has yet to have a breakout game. Pittsburgh is allowing an average of 31.3 fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and just gave up 168 yards to the Texans Nico Collins. This is the week we see big returns for Flowers.

The post 2023-24 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 5 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Puka Nacua – Nacua is by far the biggest surprise of the early season. His ADP was #280 (Half PPR) and he now leads the NFL in targets with 42. It’s a pretty amazing story but can he continue on this tear? Nacua will be a factor in fantasy for most of the year but when Cooper Kupp returns expect his numbers to come back down to earth.

Justin Jefferson – As expected Jefferson is towards the top in targets and averaging 12.7 targets per game. The touchdowns haven’t been there yet but Jefferson is averaging 152.7 receiving yards per game. If he keeps up this pace he will certainly break the single-season receiving yards record held by Calvin Johnson.

Michael Pittman Jr. – Pittman is also a somewhat surprising name to be at the top of this list. Pittman production was expected to drop off some with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson taking over but that hasn’t been the case. Whether it’s Richardson or Gardner Minshew behind center they have both looked for Pittman early and often.

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