Week 4 is a wrap and we learned some valuable lessons. Let me explain…
A rookie QB can be a positive producer in fantasy on the right team.
The Seattle Seahawks still haven’t been able to run the ball since Beast Mode was unplugged.
Looks like Pittsburgh misses a guy named Bell more and more each week.
Amari Cooper proves his production comes and goes like a jet stream on a weather map.
Andrew Luck still can’t throw a football longer than 40 yards, while his kicker is making history.
Drew Brees is having one of those years, while a Chief named Mahomes is proving he’s for real and ambidextrous.
Now let’s bring on Week 5!
As always, I look forward to your opinions and feedback. You can tweet me with any questions (@TCutillo23) and leave your comments below. Here are my [PPR] picks for Week 5:
WEEK 5 STARS (Last week: 5/8)
QUARTERBACKS
MATT RYAN (@ PIT)
|
Matty Ice is the reason why you don’t overdraft QBs in fantasy football.
|
ALEX SMITH (@NO)
|
Alex doesn’t show up on many Start’em lists, but a matchup with the Saints is something that can give his numbers a boost.
|
RUNNING BACKS
MARK INGRAM (vs. WAS)
|
He was so anxious to get working he met his team at the airport last week. Mark is hungry and ready to show what he can do fresh of his absence.
|
JOE MIXON (vs. MIA)
|
Gio held it down, but now Mix is ready to reestablish himself as the future for the Bengals.
|
KERRYON JOHNSON (vs. GB)
|
The more I see this kid play, the more I like the prospects of him as a reliable starting Fantasy RB. He plays a team in GB who still is trying to figure themselves out on defense and will have a lot of holes to find. KJ will be slashing himself all the way to Tier 1 status in Week 5.
|
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
STEFON DIGGS/ADAM THIELEN (@ PHI)
|
Philly couldn’t cover a #4 WR in Tennessee with the game on the line and now they have to stop two perennial Pro Bowlers. Enough said!
|
COREY DAVIS (@BUF)
|
A weak team + a stronger Mariota hand = Davis outbreak. |
MIKE WILLIAMS (OAK)
|
With Keenan Allen on the mend, Big Phil is looking to his second year WR more and more each week. Look for the trend to continue.
|
WEEK 5 STIFFS (Last week: 5/7)
QUARTERBACKS
JOE FLACCO (@CLE)
|
The Browns have an underrated defense that is looking for respect each and every week. Joe has looked electric so far, but a trip away from home to the dog-pound could knock him off his ledge.
|
BLAKE BORTLES (@KC)
|
Blake has been excellent so far, but this could be the week he falters. He may be serviceable, but a heavy dose of the run in KC may not produce quality fantasy numbers.
|
RUNNING BACKS
MATT BREIDA (vs. ARZ)
|
I know he’s been good and Arizona stinks. However, his knee is concerning and this could be where the Cards pick up their first win.
|
LESEAN MCCOY (vs. TEN)
|
He’s hurt and on a bad team. Just not a good fantasy option right now.
|
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
DEVIN FUNCHESS (vs. NYG)
|
The Giants’ defense has been underrated against the pass and the Panthers have struggled airing it out. Funch could be used more as a blocker in Week 5 to help pave the way for CMAC.
|
LARRY FITZGERALD (@SF)
|
There always comes a time when the great just aren’t great anymore. I like Larry and hope Rosen can rekindle the flame. However, with a bad hammy and a team that is looking for an identity on offense it will take a while before he can be trusted again.
|
JORDY NELSON (@ LAC)
|
The honeymoon may be over this week in LA. Jordy has shown flashes, but the inconsistent offense has become the new Raider way. I am looking elsewhere for WR2/3 help in Week 5.
|
SLEEPERS (Last week: 1/2)
MOHAMED SANU (@ PIT)
|
With this game looking to be a shootout and bye weeks in full swing, the third option in ATL has the opportunity to put up WR1 numbers.
|
DAVID NJOKU (vs. BAL)
|
I’ve seen the relationship between him and Baker flash last week. This week could be the next building block in the process. He is slowly becoming the #2 option in Cleveland.
|
BUST ALERT (Last week: 1/2)
COOPER KUPP (@SEA)
|
I’m feeling a Cooks kind of week!
|
KENYAN DRAKE (@CIN)
|
From #1 RB discussion to waiver wire fodder in Week 5? What is going on with “The Drake?” This isn’t the week to find out.
|
THE WEEK 5 HEAT GAUGE
Three players who are kicking up the temperature
BEN ROETHLISBERGER (vs. ATL)
|
AB hasn’t had a 100-yard game yet and the offense is starting to show why they miss their star RB. However, this is a Ben week and his arm will be plenty busy on Sunday.
|
CHRIS THOMPSON (@ NO)
|
This could be the shootout of the week and CT will play a big part. He’s fresh off a BYE and ready to roll.
|
TYLER BOYD (vs. MIA)
|
He leads the team in catches and yards and has quickly asserted himself as a Top WR in the NFL.
|
Three players who are lowering the setpoint
AARON RODGERS (@ DET)
|
I am cringing as a type this, but the discount double check is just not the same with a bad knee. On top of that the line has been bad and injuries are starting to deplete the receiving core as well. If you have an above average QB on the bench I would seriously consider benching Mr. Rodgers this week.
|
DERRICK HENRY (@BUF)
|
I wasn’t a big fan in the preseason and I’m certainly not now. He has done nothing to show me he is reliable. If only he was like Craftsman and came with a LIFETIME warranty with trade backs.
|
KEKE COUTEE (vs. DAL)
|
No, it’s not a Drake challenge you may have seen on YouTube. Instead it’s the new option in Houston when Fuller goes down. It looks like he’s back, which could delegate Keke back to option #3.
|
As always you can stop by my Facebook page (FantasySportsAddiction) or tweet me (@TCutillo23) for questions or some nice fantasy debates. E-mail me at [email protected]. You can listen to The Heat Ratio (@TheHeatRatio) podcast every Wednesday at 12 P.M. on Wildfire Radio, and subscribe on iTunes here. I can also be heard weekly via the internet stream live at WengRadio every Monday at 4:00pm EST for a weekend sports wrap. But most importantly, you can catch me here at Pi!
Follow Philly Influencer on Twitter (@PHL_Influencer), Facebook and Instagram.