Week 5 Start Sit Advice (Part 1) | MUST-Start Players & Big Names to AVOID (10/08 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Rodgers is a top-15 quarterback for the week, showing improved play with deep-ball aggression (averaging 10+ air yards per attempt) and benefiting from a more pass-heavy scheme under Mike McCarthy.

Heath Cummings views Allen as a must-start RB2, expecting around 20 touches against the Browns. While Cleveland is tough against the run, they have allowed 4.8 yards per carry to running backs.

The source prefers Braylon Allen over Denzel Boston for weekly starting lineups. While Boston has big-play upside, his reliance on deep targets and high ADOT makes him less reliable than Allen.

Carnell Tate is a must-start as a WR2 despite the risk associated with the Texans' defensive play-caller change. He is the clear number one wide receiver for the Texans and has shown significant talent as a first-round rookie.

Brown is a strong start for the upcoming matchup, as the game script is expected to favor a dominant rushing performance for him.

The source confirms Chris Bell is a startable waiver wire wide receiver, noting he is capable of big performances and recently had a 60-yard touchdown called back due to stepping out of bounds.

Dallas Goedert is considered a back-end starting option (ranked 13-24 range) for tight ends. While he has potential due to target share, the source suggests debating him against other options like Colston Loveland, Tyler Higbee, or Jake Ferguson.

Goedert's availability is uncertain for the week; he is a potential start if he logs a full practice by Friday, but there is skepticism regarding whether he will actually play.

Cooper is emerging as a viable number three receiver option, having earned seven targets last week and three touchdowns over his last three games; he is a trusted target for Jalen Hurts.

Deshaun Watson is highlighted as a high-end QB2 and a favorite streamer. His fantasy value is bolstered by his rushing production, ranking second among QBs, and the effectiveness of the Todd Monken system.

The source has become more optimistic about Drake Maye, ranking him as a top-10 quarterback for the week. His fantasy value is tied to his rushing production, and he is expected to live in the 20-25 point range.

Jamie Eisenberg projects Wilson to receive the majority of touches against San Francisco, noting that in his 10 career games with at least 10 carries, he has scored 11.7 PPR points or more in seven of them.

Heath Cummings considers Daniels a must-start top-12 quarterback whenever active, noting his dual-threat ability as both the team's best passer and rusher against a Giants defense that lacks talent.

Jalen Waddle is a low-end WR2 who lacks consistency. The source notes concerns about his lack of red zone, green zone, and end zone targets, and his usage patterns appear random and unpredictable.

Warren remains a must-start running back despite the potential return of Rico Dowdle; his recent full-workload performance has been excellent, and he is expected to maintain a significant role.

The source ranks Josh Downs ahead of DK Metcalf for this week, noting that both players have been consistent in target volume but inconsistent in fantasy production. The preference for Downs over Metcalf is contingent on Keenan Allen's status; if Allen is out, Downs is the preferred start.

Heath Cummings expresses concern about starting Shakir against the Rams, noting that the Rams defense has not allowed any wide receiver to exceed 50 receiving yards in a game this season.

Kirk Cousins has been performing well, exceeding expectations since Week 1. His success is attributed to an improved offensive line and the Kubiak system, making him a reliable fantasy starter.

If Ladd McConkey plays, he is a borderline top-24 wide receiver. However, his health is a concern, and he should be viewed as a boom-bust WR3.

Despite a poor performance against Minnesota, Malik Willis retains some fantasy potential due to his rushing ability, which could help managers at some point this season.

Jamie Eisenberg highlights Stafford as a start of the week, noting his high volume with over 50 pass attempts in each of his last two games and a favorable matchup against a forgiving Bills defense.

Gesicki is a risky start; his target-per-route-run rate spikes when Tee Higgins is off the field, but he remains touchdown-dependent with low overall target volume.

The source recommends starting Mike Gesicki over Dallas Goedert and Juwan Johnson, provided that the team's wide receivers are out.

Jamie Eisenberg considers Gordon a good flex play but expresses concern about his matchup against a strong Bengals run defense, noting that the team may increase Jalen Wright's workload.

Washington is the only wide receiver on his team worth starting, consistently preferred over options like Josh Downs, Bucky Irving, and Jacoby Myers in start/sit decisions.

Jamie Eisenberg notes Judkins has seen a boost in production due to his role in the passing game, recording at least five receptions in two of his last three games.

Quinshon Judkins is viewed as a low-end RB2. While he looked faster and better last week, his production remains inconsistent, and he has only one game with more than 53 rushing yards.

Heath Cummings views Stevenson as a risky flex play rather than an RB2, citing health concerns, lower rush attempt volume compared to Trevion Henderson, and the risk of losing playing time if he fumbles.

If Rhamondre Stevenson plays, he is considered a top-15 to top-20 running back. If he is active, other Patriots running backs become much less appealing for fantasy lineups.

Heath Cummings ranks Harvey as a top-20 running back in full PPR formats, projecting 6-7 targets due to the team's inability to run the ball effectively and Bo Nix's short-yardage passing tendencies.

RJ Harvey has seen career-high target shares over the last two weeks. While the source warns not to expect 17 targets every game, his involvement in the passing game makes him a player worth looking at.

Wilson has established himself as the team's number two receiver with consistent target volume (six per game) and big-play ability, making him a solid low-end WR3 or bench depth piece.

Romeo Dobbs is not a universal must-start, but is viable in three-receiver leagues. He has shown inconsistency with two very good games and two mediocre ones, though he is coming off a nine-target performance.

The source is encouraged by Romeo Doubs, noting that the absence of Mac Hollins is significant. Doubs had nine targets last week and caught two touchdowns, and his high ADOT (16.1) pairs well with Drake Maye.

Tank Bigsby is an RB2 who should be started, though he faces competition for touches. The source believes he has top-10 fantasy running back potential if the Jaguars increase his opportunities, specifically in the passing game and at the goal line.

The source views Trevor Lawrence as a top-10, potentially top-5 quarterback for this week against the Eagles. Despite the Jaguars' low pace and low play volume, Lawrence is having a phenomenal year with a 69% completion rate and 8.1 yards per attempt, both career highs, while his off-target rate has significantly improved.

Jamie Eisenberg identifies Shipley as a potential pass-catching asset against the Jaguars, noting that Jacksonville consistently allows at least five catches to running backs, making Shipley a viable play in that specific role.

Will Shipley is viewed as a high-end flex option for the Eagles, projected for around 13 carries and the majority of the team's running back targets. He is preferred over Damian Pierce, who is only an add in very deep leagues.