By: Matt Gruber

Week five is upon us and it is time for the weekly starts and sits. This is now the fifth installment of the 17-piece series aimed to help you make the roster decisions to give you an edge over your opponent. Let’s jump into it and win some championships!

Quarterbacks

Start: Kirk Cousins ”“ Minnesota Vikings

After a down week last week, I expect Kirk Cousins to bounce back when he takes on the Detroit Lions. In his last four games against the Lions, Cousins has averaged 301 yards and just under three touchdowns. I am starting Cousins confidently this week as he should be in line for a quarterback one performance.

Honorable Mentions: Mac Jones @ HOU, Zach Wilson @ ATL, Daniel Jones @ DAL

Sit: Ben Roethlisberger ”“ Pittsburgh Steelers

Last week, Ben Roethlisberger saw his worst fantasy performance, scoring just over nine points. Still yet to break 14 fantasy points this season, he will remain on the bench for me. This week he goes up against a solid Broncos defense that has only given up three passing touchdowns all season. Until Big Ben can show us he can turn things around, I will not be starting him.

Honorable Mentions: Baker Mayfield @ LAC, Carson Wentz @ BAL, Jared Goff @ MIN

Running Backs

Start: Chase Edmonds ”“ Arizona Cardinals

Coming off his best fantasy performance of the season in week four, I expect Chase Edmonds to continue producing. He has recorded at least four catches in every game so far and it is that passing work that provides a safe floor. Yet to find the endzone, Edmonds is due to score against a San Francisco team that has allowed a rushing touchdown in back-to-back games. Fire him up with confidence this week.

Honorable Mentions: Damien Williams @ LV, Nick Chubb @ LAC, Leonard Fournette vs. MIA

Sit: Melvin Gordon ”“ Denver Broncos

Aside from his long touchdown in week one, Melvin Gordon has not been too impressive this season. Splitting carries with rookie running back Javonte Williams, his ceiling is severely capped. He faces the Pittsburgh Steelers that have not allowed a single rushing touchdown to running backs all season. With this in mind and the lack of volume, I am looking elsewhere at the running back position for week five.

Honorable Mentions: Latavius Murray vs. IND, Myles Gaskin @ TB, Miles Sanders @ CAR

Wide Receivers

Start: Marvin Jones ”“ Jacksonville Jaguars

Back-to-back disappointing weeks have fantasy managers concerned for Marvin Jones. I am not one of them. Still an integral part of the offense, I expect his usage and targets to increase even more with fellow wide receiver DJ Chark out with an ankle injury. This week he has a nice matchup against the Titans that have given up eight touchdowns to wide receivers this season. I am starting him without hesitation.

Honorable Mentions: Emmanuel Sanders @ KC, Corey Davis @ ATL, Jaylen Waddle @ TB

Sit: DeVonta Smith ”“ Philadelphia Eagles

Coming off his best performance of the season, DeVonta Smith finds himself on the sit list for me. This is solely matchup-based. This week, he faces the Carolina Panthers. While they have given up three touchdowns to wide receivers in the last two weeks, they have not allowed more than 135 receiving yards in either game. For Smith to be a solid play, I think he will have to find the endzone. If I have better options at receiver, I am playing them over Smith.

Honorable Mentions: Chase Claypool vs. DEN, Robby Anderson vs. PHI, Odell Beckham Jr. @ LAC

Tight Ends

Start: Dalton Schultz ”“ Dallas Cowboys

Recording six catches in back-to-back games and scoring three touchdowns, Dalton Schultz has earned himself a spot on the start list. Putting up 15 fantasy points during this run, Schultz has become a dependable tight end to plug into lineups. This week he gets the New York Giants that have allowed a touchdown to tight ends in every single game. Start Schultz with confidence this week.

Honorable Mentions: Dawson Knox @ KC, Jonnu Smith @ HOU, Dallas Goedert @ CAR

Sit: Tyler Conklin ”“ Minnesota Vikings

Tyler Conklin saw his best game by far in week three. Every other week he was not someone you would want in your lineup. This week, he will remain on my bench. He has not produced enough for me to be willing to plug him in. This week he plays the Detroit Lions and they have been good against tight ends. Only allowing one touchdown, I am looking for another option at tight end this week.

Honorable Mentions: Evan Engram @ DAL, Jared Cook vs. CLE, Maxx Williams vs. SF

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