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You have lineup questions, we have lineup answers — at least we hope so. Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is here to help fantasy managers make difficult roster decisions. And you know what is a good move? Starting Justin Jefferson. But that’s too obvious, so you won’t see such simple analysis here. Instead, we’re exploring more debatable situations. And if you can’t find a player you are looking for, please check out the latest NFL Fantasy lineup rankings. Unless otherwise noted, all stats come from NFL Pro, Next Gen Stats or NFL Research.
Start ‘Em
Don’t look now but the Broncos defense has been very reliable for fantasy purposes. They have topped double digits in three of four games and scored as many as 15 at their ceiling. But this could be Denver’s best outing yet, as the Raiders have taken sacks at the sixth-highest rate in the NFL. They’re not an offense to be fearful of either.
The Patriots allowed 22 fantasy points to the 49ers defense last week. That was after the Jets got them for 16 in Week 3. They have taken sacks at the highest rate this season. We are clearly picking on the Patriots offense in fantasy right now and the Dolphins are the lucky winner of this matchup this week. The Dolphins were unable to take advantage of a good matchup last week, but Will Levis leaving the game early changed everything. Give them a mulligan this week.
This may look like a good matchup on paper for the Bears offense, but so have the last two and they didn’t do a great job of taking advantage of those. The Bears have taken sacks at the fifth-highest rate and they have had some turnover issues. Two of the last three defenses to face the Bears scored 11 or more fantasy points.
The Jaguars played their best football against the Texans. But the two defenses that faced the Jags before that each scored double-digit fantasy points against them. Jacksonville is in the top 10 in sacks taken as well. The Colts defense is coming off a four-sack, two-takeaway performance. They are in play this week.
The Broncos may have a good defense, but their offense is very much a work in progress. We have seen two good fantasy performances against them by opposing defenses so far. This has the makings of a low-scoring, defensive battle. But Maxx Crosby’s health is huge here — if he’s out, you can pivot to a different defense.
Sit ‘Em
The Texans defense failed to have a good fantasy day against the lowly Jaguars. Are you really going to trust them against Josh Allen and the Bills? Houston has scored fewer than five fantasy points in three of four games. Do not even think about playing them this week.
The Browns are a good defense. But you know who else is very good? Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. It’s time we start treating this offense with the respect it deserves. All they do is control the clock, move the ball and score points. The Browns have yet to have a huge fantasy day and I highly doubt it comes this week. Find another defense in Week 5.
This is not the Cowboys defense we are accustomed to. They have finished with negative fantasy points in two of the last three weeks. Now they’re extremely banged up with Demarcus Lawrence out and Micah Parsons‘ status up in the air. I would find another defense this week.
The Saints are a tough defensive unit. But I don’t care — do not play them against Kansas City. The Chiefs may not have the high-powered offense that we’re accustomed to, but they control the clock, do not take sacks and typically take care of the ball. A defense has yet to reach double-digit fantasy points against them. Sit the Saints.
The Bucs do two things at a high rate — take sacks and score touchdowns. One is good for opposing fantasy defenses and one is terrible. I would not want to test one of the hottest offenses in the NFL. Find a different defense to play in Week 5.
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