Sunday, October 11, 2015

Week 5 Start Em, Sit Em... Mike Vick?



To say the first four weeks of the season have been surprising would be an absolute understatement. Who could've guessed that Devonta Freeman would be leading all running backs a quarter of the way into the season? The Jets were an offense that everyone looked to avoid on draft day. Geno Smith getting his jaw broken by a teammate looks to be a blessing in disguise to Brandon Marshall as he's a top ten receiver and must start every week now. Heading into Week 5 the studs are separating themselves from the pack, but you may still have questions about who to start with bye weeks in full swing. These are the guys you're going to want to give you the edge today, and the players to keep on your bench.



Start Em!

Mike Vick, QB Pittsburgh - Vick struggled in his first week under center playing in place of Big Ben, but that was on a short week. His numbers would've also looked better had Antonio Brown not uncharacteristically dropped a sure TD in the end zone. He has a full week to practice with the first team offense. Martavis Bryant also returns from suspension today so Vick will have a full array of weapons. I like Vick to be a solid start this week against San Diego.

Tyrod Taylor, QB Buffalo - It's crazy to think Tyrod is a Top 10 QB after a quarter way into the season, but it's true. After a rough Week 4 people are going to be quick to jump off the bandwagon, don't do it. He's playing a Tennessee defense that has given up almost 28 points a game this year. With McCoy and Los Williams out, the team will rely more on the passing game. Add in his running ability, and you have a winner on your starting line up.

Dion Lewis, RB New England - I never thought I would say start a Patriots RB. Belichick  has proven over the years that nobody knows what kind of game plan they're going to come with. We also saw Blount come in and score 3 second half TDs in week 3. Coming off of a bye and facing a weak Dallas run defense, I still like Lewis to have a big roll in this high powered offense. Start him with confidence, especially in PPR formats.

Justin Forsett, RB Baltimore - Justin Forsett has had a rough go at it this season so far but got back on track last week with 150 yards on 27 carries last week. Steve Smith Sr. is also out of the line up so I expect Baltimore to go extremely run heavy against a Cleveland team that has given up 540 yards on 5+ yards a carry this year.

Jeremy Maclin, WR Kansas City - Yes, he only has one TD on the season through four games, but that's still one more TD than any WR than all of KC's WRs had all of last year. He's still on pace for 1,600 yards and is coming off two straight 140+ yard games. Start him against a bad Chicago team. If Maclin can hit pay dirt again, you're looking at a stud in your line up.

Pierre Garcon, WR Washington - Pierre is their only solid option through the air with DeSean Jackson and Jordan Reed out with injury. He's also scored twice already this year, and they'll be playing from behind against a strong Atlanta offense. Look for Garcon to see a heavy target count today and put up his best game of the season.

Honorable mention to start, Julius Thomas... The Jacksonville TE is making his season debut against a bad Tampa Bay team this week. He has the talent to put up big numbers.


Sit Em!

Marcus Mariota, QB Tennessee - The rookie has had a very solid start to the season, but this is a very tough match-up for him. Buffalo will put the pressure on him early and often. This isn't the week for the kid, but make sure you hold on to him, he has some prime games later in the season.

Terrence Williams, WR Dallas - TD Williams is Dallas' #1 option out wide, but I don't like this match-up against New England. They are going to make life tough on the Cowboys offense, and Williams production will suffer from it.

Chris Johnson, RB Arizona - CJ2K has had a massive resurgence in Arizona this year, but the Lions have been stingy against the run these last couple of weeks. With Andre Ellington likely to be involved as well, Johnson's numbers are headed downhill. I'd keep this former 2,000 yard back on your bench.

Honorable mention to sit, Andy Dalton... I know he's had a ridiculous start to season, but Seattle's defense has been a different animal since Kam Chancellor returned. I don't like Dalton at all this week, but some people are calling him a must start after his hot first quarter of the season. I'm not buying it.

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