2013 Week 5 Fantasy Advice

In 2010 we saw Tuesday Night Football. In 2012 we saw Wednesday Night Football. There was a Friday game in 2009 too. And so in 2013, we now have Monday Morning football with the Chargers-Raiders game getting moved to the third shift Sunday night. If any of you stay up for that game and you're not a fan of either team, you are a stronger person than I am.

Byes: TB, MIN, WSH, PIT

Who to Start:

QB Eli Manning (NYG) vs. PHI: Sure he turns the ball over a ton, but this week he's playing the Eagles, who are a sieve defensively. Even Alex Smith had a good day against them. If there's any game for Eli Manning to bounce back with, it has to be this one.

RB DeMarco Murray (DAL) vs. DEN: I guess one of the advantages in having a record pace setting offense is that your defensive struggles do get hidden, and the Broncos have certainly had some. Now while Denver might be #1 against the run, it's because they're blowing teams out so fast. Expect a heavy dose of Murray for the Cowboys if they want to win.

WR DeSean Jackson (PHI) vs. NYG: This game is pretty much going to be an old west shootout, so Jackson figures to be in the picture to reap some rewards from that. Despite his recent struggles against the Giants (Miracle in the Meadowlands part deux aside), he should be in for a big game Sunday.

WR Jordy Nelson (GB) vs. DET: Speaking of a shootout, this Packers vs. Lions game will likely be one too. He has great career numbers against the Lions, and they can be exploited in the secondary. Plus, there's the whole "Detroit hasn't won in Green Bay since 1991" thing too.

TE Jared Cook (STL) vs. JAX: After his Week 1 outburst, he's been relatively quiet since. That should change against the Jags, who of their many problems have some serious issues defending Tight Ends. Cook should get back on track on Sunday.

DEF Carolina vs. ARZ: Carolina's front 7 is criminally underrated, and as the Cards trade away offensive lineman, the matchup gets even tastier. The turnover prone QB plus sketchy offensive line is always a good formula for a fantasy defense.

Who to Sit:

QB Joe Flacco (BAL) vs. MIA: Despite his offensive line getting help with Eugene Monroe coming in, Flacco's 5 INT's against a patchwork Bills secondary have to be a red flag. The Dolphins secondary was exposed by Drew Brees, but then again everyone's is. They should rebound, which hurts Flacco.

RB Chris Johnson (TEN) vs. KC: He's really struggled this season, and going up against the very, very solid Chiefs defense probably won't help matters. He might see more carries because of Ryan Fitzpatrick starting, but the yards aren't going to come easy.

WR Mike Wallace (MIA) vs. BAL: Time to sound the bust alarm? Not yet, but he's been nearly invisible for the first 4 games. After the Ravens got torched in Week 1, they've been much better since then. This is a risky play.

WR Steve Johnson (BUF) vs. CLE THU: He had negative fantasy points in some leagues last week, and going up against Joe Haden won't change his fortunes all that much. Cleveland has been pretty stout defensively at home, and with the primetime buzz it won't help Stevie Johnson's case any.

TE Zach Miller (SEA) vs. IND: 2 TD's on 2 catches isn't a recipe for success 2 weeks later, and that's what happened to Zach Miller. The Colts D is pretty stout against Tight Ends, so starting him is another risky play.

DEF Dallas vs. DEN: Who are they playing?

3 Super Sleepers:

QB Terrelle Pryor (OAK) vs. SD: If he's healthy, he could be an interesting bye week play (if you actually need it). The Chargers secondary is banged up and has been torched already this season, so it's quite conceivable that it happens again.

TE Coby Fleener (IND) vs. SEA: A sleeper against the Seahawks? Yep, and it's because Fleener has really stepped up in Dwayne Allen's absence. The Seahawks have had some trouble defending Tight Ends away from Seattle, so he could be an interesting play.

DEF St. Louis vs. JAX: Blaine Gabbert. Need I say more?

Buyer Beware:

QB Colin Kaepernick (SF) vs. HOU: The problems for the Texans have been on offense, not defense. With that, and the problems Kaepernick has been having at points this season, this matchup is a possibly tricky one.

Good Luck in Week 5!