Week 5 Mailbag Q&A! Start/Sit, Waivers & Questions Answered! (10/10 Fantasy Football Podcast)

With Devontae Smith's injury, holding A.J. Brown is recommended as a long-term play; Wicks and Adonai Mitchell are described as similar players who will both be heavily involved in the Eagles offense.

A.J. Brown's value depends on his return to form; source notes if A.J. Brown returns to being A.J. Brown (elite level), then trading JSN for Jefferson and A.J. Brown would be a winning trade. However, source still advises against it due to the risk of losing league-winning core players.

Ranked highest among Judkins and Emmanuel Wilson in a start-one scenario; described as 'the highest rank' by Square. Get.

In a start/sit decision between Rodgers, Sam Darnold, and Jameis Winston (4-point passing TD scoring), the source recommends Rodgers as the clear choice, noting that Winston faces bad weather concerns and Darnold has a poor matchup.

Adonai Mitchell is described as similar to Wicks and will be heavily involved in the Eagles offense; however, holding Wicks is recommended over dropping for Mitchell due to DeVonta Smith's injury.

Ruled out for Week 5.

Identified as a contingency target if McLaurin or James is unavailable; with Diggs also potentially out, Williams could see increased opportunity in the Commanders' receiving corps.

Square. Get suggests Antonio Williams as a flex option if McLaurin or James is out, indicating Williams has flex appeal in a scenario where Washington's receiving depth is compromised.

Todd Bowles indicated the team will check out Mayfield's thumb injury, with the plan to start Jalen Daniels next week instead, suggesting Mayfield may be unavailable or limited.

In a keeper league where the questioner has both Bijan and JSN but feels the rest of the team is underwhelming with Burden, JMO, and Loveland underperforming, the hosts advise against trading Bijan, emphasizing that with Bijan and JSN the team can still win and it's too early in the season to give up.

Braylon Allen recommended as a start over Harvey and Montgomery in a pick-two scenario; source indicates Allen is the preferred play in PPR formats.

Mentioned in context of Adonai Mitchell being ruled out for the week; Hall's status or role not explicitly discussed in the excerpt.

Breece Hall is ruled out for the week; Adonai Mitchell is also ruled out, affecting backfield availability.

In a trade comparison, one speaker expressed concern about Breece Hall's injury status, stating 'I would prefer the other side of that over Brees Hall who's already injured,' suggesting Hall's injury history makes him less desirable than alternatives like Derek Henry and Devante Adams.

Brian Robinson Jr. not recommended as a start over David Montgomery against Tennessee; source prefers Montgomery due to game script and possession opportunity.

Brian Robinson Jr. was acquired by a good team in a 14-team league trade, received alongside Justin Herbert in exchange for Saquon Barkley and Kirk Cousins from a 0-4 team; the trade created league controversy as the receiving team gained significant advantage despite no suspected collusion.

Brock Bowers is characterized as a potential difference-making player with upside comparable to league-winning caliber performers; the source argues there is value and logic to acquiring him in trade, though acknowledging uncertainty about whether he will outperform other tight end options down the line.

Brock Bowers is generating interest and has some value proposition in trades; the source acknowledges there is logic and idea behind acquiring Bowers, with some belief he could outperform the players given up (Omarion Hampton and Dalton Schultz) down the line, though the certainty is not absolute.

Purdy is the clear choice over Goff and May for rest-of-season quarterback play, with the source stating this is the only reasonable answer to the question.

Square. Get recommends Carnell Tate over Harold Fannin Jr. and later over Tate Harvey or Jawan Johnson. Tate is described as legit and was moved around last week—not just lining up on the outside but getting slot snaps, which is how you beat the Texans; the Cowboys showed that you need your receiver inside against those corners.

Chase Brown discussed in trade context as comparable in value to Jalen Coker; source notes Hampton and Coker are in the same range, making Chase Brown and a receiver (likely Garrett Wilson) equivalent value in a proposed trade.

Square. Get indicates willingness to trade Neighbors and Kikade, and even Boston, to acquire Olave, suggesting confidence in Olave's value relative to the asking price.

Acquired in a dynasty trade where the trader gave up Alec Pierce, a late 2027 second, a late 2028 first, and a late 2029 first to get Olave and Tyreek Hill; Square. Get notes 'a little bit of an overpay, but you're getting Olave, which is great' in a win-now mode context.

Trade target in mid-season; one speaker successfully negotiated Chuba for a second-round pick after rejecting multiple higher asks (second and third, second and fourth, Debo and Chuba for two and two threes). The speaker felt this was a win because Chuba was in demand among competing teams and few teams could offer picks for him.

Square. Get traded a late 2027 second for Chuba Hubbard in a dynasty league and describes it as 'a great trade' and 'a big win for you,' indicating strong value for acquiring Hubbard at that price point.

Preferred tight end start over Cole Kincaid in Week 5 start/sit decision.

Considered one of the two best players in a trade evaluation where he was given up along with Jamison Williams and J.K. Dobbins for Mark Andrews and Saquon Barkley; Square. Get suggests Loveland and Jamo may be the strongest assets in the deal.

Loveland was mentioned as underperforming in a keeper league, but the hosts note that Loveland had a productive week last week, suggesting recent positive performance despite earlier struggles.

Referenced as potentially out; if Moore is unavailable, Keon Coleman becomes a relevant waiver/trade target. The Eagles are described as a 'collapsing team,' suggesting Moore's absence would create opportunity for Coleman.

In a non-PPR trade scenario (Swift and Higgins for Puka), speakers favor the Puka side, suggesting Swift's value is lower than Puka Nakua in non-PPR formats.

Dalton Schultz was part of a controversial trade where the commissioner gave him up along with Omarion Hampton to receive Brock Bowers; the source evaluates the trade as having some underlying logic despite the ethical concerns around the commissioner's conduct.

Target share analysis shows significant variance based on Puka Nakua's availability: 22% and 18% target share in two games with Nakua; 33% and 26.5% target share in two games without him. Despite the reduction when Nakua plays, speakers expect touchdowns to continue coming for Adams, making him a reliable scorer.

David Montgomery recommended as a start over Brian Robinson Jr. against Tennessee; source cites favorable game script (Eagles likely to run away with game against weak Titans defense), possibility of running away with the game, and opportunity for extended possessions. However, source expresses concern about Montgomery's lack of goal-line touches and notes this may be his last viable week if he doesn't score.

DeVonta Smith is dealing with an injury that impacts Eagles receiver strategy; his injury status is cited as a reason to hold A.J. Brown and Wicks long-term.

In a PPR trade comparison (DeVonta Smith for Jeremiah Love), one speaker prefers Smith over Love, suggesting Smith has better value or production in PPR formats.

In a sit-one scenario with Parker Washington and Matthew Golden, Wilson is retained despite role concerns; the source prefers to chase Wilson's volume and hope for improvement rather than bench him.

In a pick-two decision, Garrett Wilson is recommended as a start alongside Michael Wilson, despite weather concerns for the Giants game.

Garrett Wilson recommended as a start in a three-of-four receiver selection; source indicates Wilson should be started over Dante Myers.

Square. Get recommends sitting Garrett Wilson over Devontae Adams, Parker Washington, and Malik Nabors in a start/sit decision. Wilson is the sit choice, though if weather is really bad in New York (where Wilson plays), he would be the sit; if weather is bad in Washington instead, Nabors might be the sit.

George Pickens was traded for Jekoski Merritt late in the season in a league where the receiving team had no running backs and was competing for playoffs; the trade sparked major league controversy with calls for veto, but was ultimately allowed to proceed; the receiving team won the league despite starting with minimal running back production.

Traded away along with Colston Loveland and Jamison Williams for Mark Andrews and Saquon Barkley; not identified as one of the strongest assets in the deal.

Noted as going through red zone work alongside Tee Higgins, with Square. Get noting 'We'll see what happens there' in the context of live updates from the field.

Square. Get identifies Jahmyr Gibbs as the best RB2 dart throw by far for the season, indicating strong value and upside at the running back position.

Jalen Coker valued in the same range as Will Hampton in trade discussions; source indicates both players are comparable assets in mid-season trades.

Todd Bowles indicated the plan is to start Jalen Daniels next week, with Baker Mayfield's thumb to be checked but Daniels expected to get the start.

Winston faces bad weather concerns for his upcoming game, making him an unattractive start option compared to Aaron Rodgers.

James Cook valued highly in trade context; source indicates trading Cook and Neighbors for Jefferson and Judkins is a terrible trade, implying Cook's value is significantly higher.

Considered one of the two best players in a trade evaluation where he was given up along with Colston Loveland and J.K. Dobbins for Mark Andrews and Saquon Barkley; Square. Get suggests Jamo and Loveland may be the strongest assets in the deal.

In a trade discussion, the source states Jameson Williams should be a better play than most other players in the proposed trade, suggesting he has strong value relative to the trade context.

Preferred start over Jordan Love in a PPR league with 6-point passing touchdowns; Love's matchup against Chicago's strong defense is unfavorable, though Daniels' game carries weather risk.

Square. Get picks Waddle over Jamo when asked to choose two between Waddle, Jamo, and Michael Wilson, indicating Waddle is a preferred start in this week's matchup.

In a PPR trade comparison (DeVonta Smith for Jeremiah Love), one speaker prefers Love, but another speaker prefers Smith, suggesting mixed or uncertain value for Love compared to Smith.

Joe Burrow was drafted significantly ahead of Matthew Stafford in one-quarterback leagues (round 8 or 10 range), establishing him as a higher-tier quarterback option; however, the source notes this draft capital advantage represents only a negligible win in trade value, suggesting Burrow's ADP premium over Stafford does not translate to substantial fantasy advantage.

Joe Burrow is currently outscoring Matthew Stafford by 17 fantasy points over four weeks; he was drafted as a top-five quarterback going into the season (fifth to sixth round ADP in major leagues), not an eighth to tenth round pick as one speaker claimed, making him a legitimate starting quarterback option rather than a meaningless late-round selection.

Matchup against Chicago's strong defense is unfavorable; not preferred over Jaden Daniels in start/sit decision.

Justin Herbert was acquired by a good team in a 14-team league trade, receiving him along with Brian Robinson Jr. in exchange for Saquon Barkley and Kirk Cousins from a 0-4 team; the trade created league controversy as the receiving team gained significant advantage despite no suspected collusion.

Justin Jefferson's target per route run rate is 30.4%, described as terrific; in three games played, he has a 25% target share despite limited snaps in one game (two routes, six snaps). Source notes early signs are very encouraging and this week's performance will help establish his true value.

Justin Jefferson is being heavily targeted on nearly every snap; source emphasizes the Cardinals are really trying hard to get him involved frequently, indicating a significant role expansion compared to last year.

Discussed in context of a two-flex PPR league where the questioner drafted both Johnson and Tucker Kraft at tight end; the hosts affirm it's acceptable to start multiple tight ends in flex spots, noting it's become necessary at this point in the season.

Noted as having 'the highest upside' in a start-one scenario among Malik Washington, Casey Concepcion, and Kalief Raymond in PPR format.

Ranked above Adam I. Mitchell in a rest-of-season PPR comparison, with Square. Get stating 'Keenan Allen' as the preferred option.

Kenneth Walker is identified as one of the five players defining fantasy football this year, underscoring his elite tier status and league-winning potential; the source emphasizes his value by noting he was left on the bench by an inactive manager and became the centerpiece of a controversial trade, highlighting how critical his production is to fantasy outcomes.

Considered in start/sit decision alongside Monongai McConkie and Woody Marks; recommended start if McConkie is ruled out and DJ Moore is unavailable.

Identified as a contingency target if D.J. Moore is unavailable; playing for the Eagles, described as a 'collapsing team,' which could increase Coleman's opportunity and target share.

Kirk Cousins was traded away by a 0-4 team manager alongside Saquon Barkley to a good team in exchange for Justin Herbert and Brian Robinson Jr.; the trade created league controversy as the receiving team gained significant advantage by acquiring elite talent from a struggling manager.

Described as 'the safest' option in a start-one scenario among Washington, Keaton Mitchell, Casey Concepcion, and Kalief Raymond in PPR format.

Received in trade for Colston Loveland, Jamison Williams, and J.K. Dobbins; identified as the best player in the deal by one Square. Get.

In a sit-one scenario with Garrett Wilson and Parker Washington, Golden is the clear choice to bench, with the source stating 'You have to sit Golden.'

Matthew Stafford has not performed well in the current fantasy season; the source explicitly states 'Stafford hasn't really been that good this year' and ranks him as QB 12, indicating below-average quarterback production relative to draft expectations.

In a pick-two decision between Michael Wilson and Garrett Wilson, the source recommends Michael Wilson, noting he should be started despite bad weather concerns for the Giants game.

Square. Get picks Michael Wilson over Jamo when asked to choose two between Waddle, Jamo, and Michael Wilson, indicating Wilson is a preferred start in this week's matchup.

Ranked as a potential starter in a start-two scenario among Concepcion, Roman Wilson, Tyler Algier, and Mike Kosicki in PPR format; Square. Get considers Gesicki as an option, particularly 'if any of the Bengals receivers are up.'

Omarion Hampton was part of a controversial trade where the commissioner gave up Hampton and Dalton Schultz to receive Brock Bowers; the source notes Hampton was originally expected to be a high producer at a more important position (running back), giving the trade some underlying logic despite the commissioner's questionable conduct.

In a sit-one scenario with Garrett Wilson and Matthew Golden, Parker Washington cannot be benched, indicating strong role/usage confidence.

Parker Washington recommended as a definite start in a three-of-four receiver selection; source indicates Washington should never be benched.

Square. Get recommends to 'Keep. Hold. He's good' despite two recent bad weeks; notes that last week he was shadowed by DJ Turner, a top cornerback for Cincinnati, but only when he was outside, not when he was in the slot, suggesting role flexibility and upcoming positive regression.

Puka Nakua has a pre-hernia (groin issue) that may require surgery at some point; there is risk of re-aggravation requiring surgery soon. Source notes this concern was reported before his recent return to play, so the severity may have changed. Source advises caution but suggests not being overly worried given his recent games played.

Puka Nakua trade consideration: source suggests if you can get back a premier player, it may be worth selling now to maximize value before potential surgery. However, source advises against trading for two inconsistent receivers in a two-for-one deal.

Involved in a dynasty trade where Puka and Malik Washington were traded for Kyron Johnson and DeVontae Adams; Square. Get rates this as 'B' tier, with the caveat that if Ashen Gentry gets hurt, the trader will regret it.

In a trade comparison (Puka Nakua and Breece Hall vs. Derek Henry and Devante Adams), one speaker favored Puka and Hall despite the other preferring Henry and Adams. Puka is noted as consistently doubted but reliable; speakers acknowledge his value despite recurring skepticism about his performance.

RJ Harvey's target share over the last two games is notable; source notes Bo Nix's running back target rate has been elevated the last two games, but cautions this is likely unsustainable as Sean Payton takes over play-calling and the offense will likely shift to targeting more wide receivers.

Ranked as a starter in a start-two scenario among Concepcion, Roman Wilson, Tyler Algier, and Mike Kosicki in PPR format; Square. Get selects Wilson as one of the two starters.

In a start/sit decision, Darnold is not recommended due to a poor matchup, making him a less attractive option than Aaron Rodgers.

Received in trade for Colston Loveland, Jamison Williams, and J.K. Dobbins; analysts express skepticism about his value, noting the Eagles offense may be poor and uncertainty about his return timeline from injury; trade graded as D to B depending on Square. Get.

Barkley's injury status is uncertain; the source notes "we don't know how long Barkley's out" and calls the situation "risky," estimating a few weeks of absence.

In a 14-team league trade, Saquon Barkley was dealt away by a 0-4 team manager to a good team in exchange for Justin Herbert and Brian Robinson Jr. The receiving team gained significant value by acquiring Barkley, a top-tier running back, while the struggling team gave up elite talent; the trade sparked league controversy over fairness despite no suspected collusion.

Stefan Diggs was not at practice, raising concern about his availability for the upcoming week.

Referenced as likely to be out; if Diggs is unavailable, it impacts the Commanders' receiving corps and creates opportunity for other receivers like Antonio Williams.

Noted as going through red zone work alongside Jamar Chase, with Square. Get noting 'We'll see what happens there' in the context of live updates from the field.

In a non-PPR trade evaluation (Swift and Higgins for Puka), Higgins is noted as a touchdown-dependent player, but speakers express concern about his injury status, describing it as 'a classic Higgins start to get hurt' and suggesting a potential season-ending injury pattern.

Terry McLaurin was at practice, indicating he is healthy and available, in contrast to Stefan Diggs who was not at practice.

Square. Get states 'McLaurin has no trade value at this time' and recommends waiting 'a few weeks with Jaden' before attempting to trade him, suggesting current depressed value due to quarterback situation.

Referenced as potentially out; if McLaurin is unavailable along with Diggs, Antonio Williams becomes a relevant waiver/trade target for the Commanders.

Discussed in context of a two-flex PPR league where the questioner drafted both Kraft and Juwan Johnson at tight end; the hosts affirm it's acceptable to start multiple tight ends in flex spots, noting it's become necessary at this point in the season.

Acquired alongside Chris Olave in a dynasty trade where the trader gave up Alec Pierce, a late 2027 second, a late 2028 first, and a late 2029 first; part of a win-now strategy despite being described as 'a little bit of an overpay.'

Considered in start/sit decision alongside Monongai McConkie and Keon Coleman; recommended start if McConkie is ruled out and DJ Moore is unavailable.

Zay Flowers recommended as a definite start in a three-of-four receiver selection; source indicates Flowers should never be benched.