Week 5 Start Sit Advice (Part 2) | Sneaky Starts & Players to BENCH (10/09 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Alvin Kamara is ranked around 28th-29th at running back and offers a potential floor in PPR formats through receiving work. The source notes that when Tyler Shuck is blitzed, he has an 8% running back target rate, and suggests that Kamara could potentially see five or more catches in the Saints' high-volume passing game. This receiving volume could provide a safety net even if the Saints' overall offensive output is limited.

If both top Commanders receivers (Diggs and McLaurin) are out, Antonio Williams becomes a high-end number three receiver or potentially the number one receiver for Washington in a positive matchup against the Giants; the source recommends picking him up immediately as a short-term opportunity.

Antonio Williams may be undervalued and should rank higher in PPR formats. He had eight targets in Week 4 despite a third-string quarterback and a touchdown called back. With Jaden Daniels back, Williams has shown he can get designed plays and opportunities; he should be in the number three receiver conversation in full PPR, especially if McLaurin is unavailable.

The source indicates that Austin Ekeler will not receive his full workload with the Commanders, suggesting limited usage in the backfield due to the team's injury situation and depth chart considerations.

Robinson is positioned as the safer play in a backfield committee situation where touches may be distributed similarly to other split-back scenarios. The source recommends taking chances with the team running the ball better, positioning Robinson favorably.

In a start-sit comparison, the source initially had Bill ranked higher but changes to prefer Brian Robinson Jr. over Bill.

Despite having an MVP-caliber season, Purdy faces a difficult matchup against Seattle's elite secondary. The source advises starting Stafford or Goff over Purdy this week, and notes that Trevor Lawrence is in the conversation as well (Dave has Lawrence one spot ahead, Jamie has Purdy two spots ahead, Heath has them back-to-back). The source expects this to be a week where Purdy, McCaffrey, Kittle, and the receivers help you avoid losing rather than lead you to victory.

Purdy is having an MVP-caliber season and is a must-start quarterback; the source explicitly states 'You're not benching him' despite San Francisco facing Seattle, a team that humiliated them twice at the end of last year.

Bucky Irving is mentioned in a start-sit comparison question against Mark Andrews in half-PPR scoring.

Caleb Williams faces the Packers, who run a zone-heavy defense similar to the Jets. The Packers have a hard time generating pressure on the quarterback, which should allow Williams time to make throws downfield.

Ward averages 5.1 yards per attempt or worse against the Giants, a notably poor matchup alongside Dak Prescott and Jacoby Brissett.

Ranked below Rome Odunze in start-sit decisions. The source places Odunze ahead of Tate.

Olave is a must-start receiver for the Saints against Minnesota; despite the Vikings' tough pass rush blueprint, Olave remains a core fantasy asset.

McCaffrey's targets are down; the 49ers are 29th in pass rate and have become increasingly pass-heavy over the last two years, with Brock Purdy averaging only 28.3 pass attempts per game through four games. The source notes everyone's targets are down in San Francisco's offense.

McCaffrey is a must-start running back. The source states 'McCaffrey's McCaffrey. You're not benching him,' indicating he should be started without question regardless of matchup.

Watson benefited from a fluky 81-yard touchdown against Minnesota in week one that should have been flagged for illegal block in the back, highlighting the unpredictability of that matchup.

Ranked ahead of Matthew Golden in start-sit decisions. The source prefers Watson as a start option.

Cole Kmet is mentioned in a start-sit comparison question against Mark Andrews in non-PPR scoring.

The source recommends starting Colston Loveland in the Chicago passing game against Green Bay, ranking him third among Chicago receivers. Loveland is highlighted for his target volume last week and the overall Chicago offense structure playing on time with Baygent under center.

Loveland ranked 12th (Jamie), 15th (Dave), and 21st (Heath) at tight end for the week. After a sluggish start, he posted a nine-target game, which the source views as encouraging; anything north of six targets is considered positive. Against the Jets' defense, Loveland averaged 14.2 PPR points across three matchups last year, including a monster playoff game. With the Jets now down a linebacker, Loveland led the Bears in targets despite Odunze's involvement, positioning him as a featured option. The source recommends starting Loveland over Kincaid due to the matchup and Kincaid's recent decline in route participation and playing time.

Target per route rate spiked to approximately 35% in week four—more than one out of every three throws from Tyson Bajan going to Loveland—signaling the involvement the source invested in him to provide. Despite concerns about sustainability, the source ranks him just outside the top 12 tight ends and would start him if the elevated involvement continues.

Colston Loveland is mentioned in start-sit comparison questions against Mark Andrews in non-PPR scoring and in a multi-player start-two scenario.

If Monongai does not play, Swift is viewed as a high-end number two running back and must-start. If Monongai plays, Swift remains a high-end number two running back and must-start. He is ranked ahead of Emmanuel Wilson and Monongai in start-sit decisions, and ahead of Matthew Golden in comparative rankings.

DeAndre Swift had a big receiving game against the Saints defense, catching multiple passes out of the backfield. The source uses Swift's performance as a comparable example for why Alvin Kamara could see 5+ catches against the Saints' high-volume passing attack.

Prescott averages 5.1 yards per attempt or worse against the Giants, a notably poor matchup that the source finds unusual; he's part of a group of QBs (including Cam Ward and Jacoby Brissett) who have all struggled against New York.

Kincaid is the best Bills pass catcher and should shine against the Rams unless they double-team him every route like the Patriots did; the Bills will have to throw in this game, and Kincaid's mismatched quality should allow him to play more and produce.

The source favors Kincaid in Week 5 against the Patriots, who have allowed only 85 receiving yards to opposing tight ends through four games (12 catches). The Patriots' defense is vulnerable to tight ends despite the low yardage total, and the Bills will be forced to throw; Kincaid is the preferred tight end play among the three Bills options discussed.

Kincaid has posted two bad games recently with declining route participation and playing time over the last couple of weeks. The source views the matchup as brutal and recommends starting Loveland over Kincaid due to these concerns.

Dalton Schultz is mentioned in a start-sit comparison question against Mark Andrews in non-PPR scoring.

Jameis Winston looks for Waller and checks down to him frequently; he can generate easy fantasy points through checkdown opportunities and target volume.

Against Seattle's zone defense, Debo is one of only two 49ers receivers winning in short area throws; the source recommends starting him as a flex rather than a number two receiver if Mike Evans plays, as the 49ers will struggle winning downfield and must rely on short, sweet passes to Debo, Kittle, and McCaffrey.

Against Seattle's elite secondary, Debo Samuel is rated as a mid-tier number three receiver. The source has less faith in Samuel's touchdown upside compared to Mike Evans. Additionally, both Evans and Samuel were not on the Seahawks' roster last year when San Francisco played them, which changes the defensive context. The source advises not expecting Samuel to lead a fantasy victory this week.

Debo Samuel is flagged as a player the source questions trusting in the 49ers-Seattle matchup; when asked if there are must-start guys to get away from for San Francisco, the source identifies Mike Evans and Debo Samuel as the key trust questions, given two teams on bye and multiple injuries elsewhere.

Ranked above Monongai but below Swift in start-sit decisions against San Francisco. The source places Wilson in the middle tier of running back options.

Wilson is a must-start running back based on workload. The source expects him to see north of 15 touches plus a couple of catches, and he's the goal-line back for Seattle. With a 70% success rate when getting 10+ carries (7 of 10 games in his career), Wilson projects as a number two running back. The 49ers have allowed a running back to hit 12.3 PPR points or more in every game, and Wilson has hit 11.7 PPR points in 7 of 10 games with 10+ carries.

Kittle is the other 49er winning in short area throws against Seattle's zone coverage; the source will start him because he's George Kittle, and if Evans plays, Kittle becomes a low-end number two receiver in a matchup where the 49ers will struggle winning downfield.

Kittle is a must-start tight end; the source states 'Kittle is Kittle. You're not benching him' when discussing whether to fade any 49ers must-start players against Seattle.

Kittle is a must-start tight end. Even though Seattle wasn't very good against tight ends last year, the source rhetorically asks 'who's sitting George Kittle at this point?' indicating he should be started without question.

Isaiah Likely leads all Giants receivers in target per route run against two-high zone coverage, blowing away the rest of the field. This coverage matchup advantage supports his fantasy value in Week 5.

Brissett averages 5.1 yards per attempt or worse against the Giants, a notably poor matchup alongside Dak Prescott and Cam Ward.

In a start-sit comparison, Jayden Daniels is preferred over Jalen Hurts versus the Jaguars; the source suggests Hurts could potentially be dropped from rosters.

The source ranks Winston ninth among QBs for this week and projects he could reach 250 yards and a couple of touchdowns against Washington's weak pass rush and terrible secondary. While acknowledging Winston is not a top-25 QB in the league, the source notes that every QB to face Washington except Daniel Jones has scored at least 30 fantasy points this season, and believes Winston could still be a top-12 QB this week if the Giants can't run the ball and he gets time to make reads.

James Cook is recommended as a start for Week 5 in the Buffalo-Rams game.

The source expresses excitement about Jameson Williams against Arizona's defense, which is described as 'pretty bad.' Despite a declining target share (23% in Week 1, down to 16% in recent weeks), the source believes Williams' elite talent will create open opportunities that Jared Goff will exploit. Arizona's weak pass rush and poor defensive talent mean coverage scheme matters less than Williams' superior athleticism; the source expects Williams to potentially match last week's performance with triple-digit yardage.

Despite wide receiver injuries and an elbow concern, Daniels should still be started because of his leg mobility; the source believes the team won't dramatically change who he is as a quarterback, though ideally he'd have both top receivers available.

Jayden Daniels is ranked ninth or tenth among Commanders players in start-sit rankings for Week 5; the source notes potential rain in the game which could impact his performance.

Ranked as a minimum number three wide receiver in start-sit decisions when compared against other receivers. The source places him in the tier of receivers to start over lower-ranked options.

The source downgrades Jeremiah Love in favor of Jameson Williams, citing limited reps and a conservative approach by the coaching staff to preserve him for the full season. Head coach LaFleur has indicated preference for Tyler Algier in passing situations, which constrains Love's upside in a game where Arizona is unlikely to have a lead and the Lions will control the game script.

Jeremy McNichols' practice window opened off the PUP list for the Commanders, but the source does not expect him to play in Week 5. His potential role remains uncertain as the Commanders evaluate their backfield depth.

Love had a solid game against Minnesota in week one with a ton of pass attempts, including a fluky 81-yard touchdown to Christian Watson that should have been flagged for illegal block in the back; he played all right but the matchup can be unpredictable.

Jordan Tyson is positioned as a potential league-winner candidate once he returns to the Saints offense in a few weeks. The source believes Tyson is significantly more talented than other Saints receivers aside from Chris Olave, and when combined with the high-volume passing game Kellen Moore is running (potentially 50+ pass plays per game), Tyson should see substantial target volume. The source recommends stashing Tyson if roster space allows.

Josh Allen is preferred over Matthew Stafford in a start-sit comparison; the source notes Allen can put on the Superman cape and run for a bunch of touchdowns, though it's close.

Ranked below Bears receivers in start-sit decisions. The source places Downs third in the Bears receiver hierarchy behind Odunze and Burden.

Joshua Dobbs is in a good spot for Week 5 and is ranked among the top options in a start-two scenario with Shakir, Antonio Williams, Loveland, and Higby.

Johnson was ranked around fifth or sixth at tight end last week but has been lowered to closer to 10th this week against Minnesota; he remains a low-end starting tight end option.

Johnson is mentioned as a streaming tight end option. If a manager drafted Loveland but had been streaming Johnson as a replacement, the source suggests sticking with Johnson rather than pivoting back to Loveland.

Juwan Johnson faces similar downside to Devon Vele when Jordan Tyson returns to the Saints passing game. Despite benefiting from high target volume in recent weeks, Johnson will likely see a significant role reduction once Tyson is healthy. The source indicates Johnson's current production is not sustainable and will need to score touchdowns to maintain fantasy relevance.

Coleman faces a tough matchup against Trent McDuffie, who has been really good against opposing receivers; if McDuffie lines up against Coleman head-to-head, the source would be concerned about Coleman's production despite his talent.

Ranked below Bears receivers in start-sit decisions. The source places Coleman lower than Odunze, Burden, Shakir, and other options in comparative rankings.

Shakir will get the most targets among Bills pass catchers in this game, though the source's primary focus is on Kincaid and Coleman for upside.

Ranked below Odunze, Burden, and Downs in the receiver hierarchy. The source would start Shakir over a Bears receiver if Moore is out, but places him below multiple other options in comparative start-sit rankings.

Khalil Shakir is ranked among the top options in a start-two scenario; if DJ Moore is out, the source would probably start Shakir.

Kyren Williams is recommended as a start for Week 5 in the Buffalo-Rams game.

The source recommends starting Luther Burden in the Chicago passing game against Green Bay, ranking him second among Chicago receivers. Burden is noted as getting a lot of short manufactured targets, though the source suggests he may have less explosive play opportunity than A.J. Dunze.

The source cautions against starting Burden despite the Bears' strong rushing attack, noting that both Bears running backs (Swift and Monongai) have only combined for double-digit PPR fantasy points in the same game three times over two years, with one instance in week one this season. Burden is ranked below both Bears running backs and multiple other receivers in start-sit hierarchy.

Malik Nabors ranks second among Giants receivers in target per route run against two-high zone coverage at 24%, behind Isaiah Likely but ahead of Scadaboo.

Andrews is ranked fifth among Commanders players in start-sit rankings for Week 5.

Lloyd's target volume spike was directly tied to Chris Brooks' injury; his route participation rate more than doubled when Brooks went down. With the addition of Pierre Strong, Lloyd's opportunity is now uncertain. The backfield situation remains murky with touches likely to be distributed similarly to other committee situations.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is mentioned in a start-sit comparison question against Ja'Cory Crosby Merritt and Adams Nosehairs.

The source identifies Golden as 'the guy' even if Bengals receivers sit out, indicating he is the priority receiver in that offense. Golden is ranked above Dante Myers and close to or above Swift depending on Monongai's status.

Stafford is the only quarterback who has done well against the Giants, standing out from a group of QBs (Prescott, Ward, Brissett) who all average 5.1 yards per attempt or worse against New York.

Matthew Stafford is compared to Josh Allen in a start-sit decision; the source notes it's close but Allen is preferred.

Evans is the 49ers receiver the source worries about most against Seattle; the matchup is poor for him, and the source would almost prefer he not play so the 49ers can focus on the run game and short passes to Debo, Kittle, and McCaffrey instead.

Against Seattle's elite secondary—which has allowed only one receiver (Terry McLaurin) double digits in PPR and ranks second-fewest in fantasy points allowed to the position—Evans is downgraded to a high-end number three receiver. The source notes Seattle's secondary has been amazing, and while Evans has more touchdown upside than Debo Samuel, the matchup is unfavorable enough that the source advises not expecting Evans to lead a fantasy victory this week.

RJ Harvey is ranked lower than Devon Vele in the source's weekly rankings, indicating a preference for Vele in head-to-head start/sit decisions.

Roman Wilson is ranked lower than Devon Vele in the source's weekly rankings. The source expresses some uncertainty about this comparison but ultimately prefers Vele, suggesting Wilson offers less fantasy value this week.

Ranked ahead of D.J. Moore and Luther Burden in the Bears receiver hierarchy; the source prefers Odunze over Burden and ranks him as a minimum number three wide receiver in start-sit decisions. He is ranked above Josh Downs, Keon Coleman, and Khalil Shakir in comparative rankings.

Darnold is ranked 17th-19th at quarterback this week (Dave has him 19th, Jamie has him 17th) for the start-sit conversation, indicating he's in the mid-tier range for weekly quarterback rankings.

The source is starting Barkley in this Giants-Commanders matchup, noting that his recent usage in passing situations is positive. However, the source tempers expectations, stating this is not with the expectation of a huge game and positioning him in the low-end RB2 range. The source acknowledges the Giants have a terrible run defense while the Commanders have a very good run defense, creating an unfavorable matchup for Barkley.

Stefon Diggs is ranked higher than Devon Vele in the source's weekly rankings, with the caveat that Diggs must play (injury status dependent). This indicates a preference for Diggs over Vele in head-to-head start/sit decisions.

If both Diggs and McLaurin play, Diggs ranks ahead of McLaurin for the week. If McLaurin is out and Diggs plays, he is a number two wide receiver in start-sit rankings.

Jaden Daniels has shown a preference for Stefan Diggs in his limited play so far (six to seven quarters). Daniels leans on Diggs quite a bit, establishing him as a primary target in the Commanders offense.

After missing last week and not returning to practice, the source is very skeptical McLaurin will play this week; his availability is in serious doubt.

Vele is a number three receiver for the Saints against Minnesota; the source notes expectations are down for all Saints receivers due to the tough matchup.

Will Shipley is ranked higher than Alvin Kamara in the source's rankings, indicating a preference for Shipley in head-to-head comparisons. This suggests Shipley offers better fantasy value or upside in the current week's matchups.