2012 Week 5 Fantasy Advice

I'm wondering as I write these columns, "Is this why I never do well in my real leagues, because I can't make a decent pick for beans?" Since the answer to that question is most certainly yes, I will keep writing this column for an extended period of time because I have to fill this blog with some content during the week.

Byes: DET, OAK, TB, DAL

Who to Start:

QB Matt Ryan (ATL) vs. WSH: The 4-0 Falcons are that way because of their offense, and Matt Ryan has feasted on the poor defenses he's had to play so far. And next, he gets to play Washington! Absolute must-start this Sunday.

RB Frank Gore (SF) vs. BUF: Even though this seems like a more obvious start than it really is, the Bills gave up 242 yards rushing to New England last week. Yes, the team that can't run the ball for beans. Gore will gore (pun intended) the Bills rushing defense on Sunday.

WR Demaryius Thomas (DEN) vs. NE: The Pats secondary has been torched in the past 2 weeks by both Baltimore and Buffalo, and now Peyton Manning and Denver come to town. Thomas should have a big game on Sunday.

WR Alshon Jeffery (CHI) vs. JAX: Despite the fact he only has 12 catches on the year, the Jaguars secondary is a very good matchup for Jeffery, mainly because Jay Cutler is not likely to be sacked too often on Sunday. He could see a nice uptick in production on Sunday.

TE Dennis Pitta (BAL) vs. KC: Yes, he scored 0 fantasy points last Thursday. But the good news, is that the Chiefs defense gets torn apart by everyone, so even Dennis Pitta should have a decent amount of fantasy success on Sunday.

DEF New York Giants vs. CLE: It's way too obvious.

Who to Sit:

QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) vs. PHI: Even though he is coming off the bye week, the Eagles defense has been very stout this season. Ben has had some troubling moments here and there in the Steelers first 3 games, so he might be a guy to avoid come Sunday.

RB DeAngelo Williams (CAR) vs. SEA: While Seattle's offense is questionable, their defense is not. They can stop the run. Williams and his partner-in-crime Jonathan Stewart could have big problems putting up points against the Seattle defense.

WR Pierre Garcon (WSH) vs. ATL: That foot injury might still be bothering him some, and the Falcons defense despite points issues, has been pretty good at defending the pass this season. He might be one to avoid.

WR Brian Hartline (MIA) vs. CIN: Just because he had the best receiving day in Dolphins history last Sunday doesn't make him an automatic fantasy start. The Bengals banged up secondary had a great game last week, and could get healthier this week, meaning Hartline is a risk. 

TE Coby Fleener (IND) vs. GB: He had a fast start to the season, but has faded from the stat-sheet of late. The Packers have done a good job defending the Tight End this season, so Fleener is a risky start.

DEF New York Jets vs. HOU MON: Do I even have to explain why?

3 Super Sleepers:

QB Andy Dalton (CIN) vs. MIA: The Dolphins secondary has been good, but not great. It doesn't have a lot of depth, either. Dalton and the Bengals pass offense should take advantage of that.

RB Michael Bush (CHI) vs. JAX: The Jaguars pass defense has been bad,  but their rush D has been worse. With Matt Forte still a bit hobbled, Bush could see some carries, and therefore yards, on Sunday.

WR Malcolm Floyd (SD) vs. NO: Even though he has struggled some in the last 2 games, he goes up against the putrid Saints secondary. He could, finally, have a big game.

Buyer Beware:

QB Matt Schaub (HOU) vs. NYJ MON: And it's not because I like the Jets defense (see above). The Texans will gash the Jets horrible run defense to a new level, so Schaub will barely have to throw the ball. He is a risky option on Monday.

Good luck in Week 5!