Last week, we suggested starting C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, and Marcus Mariota. Two of those would have given you a great shot at winning your week, but with Mariota going down, we cannot predict injuries. After all, we are real humans and not AI.
In Week 5, the matchup is key: some QBs struggling this year face fantasy-friendly opponents, while QBs racking up points face tough tests. This Week is pivotal and will set the tone for the rest of your fantasy season. Now, let's see who will exceed expectations and who should find a comfy spot on your bench.
Start - Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Will this be a Super Bowl preview? It is very possible. The Buffalo Bills score a ton but also give up a lot of points. As odd as it is to say, Stafford
will want to have something to prove in this one to show that he is still elite and can make a run. It just makes sense to ride with Stafford in this one, especially with a healthy receiving corps.
Start - Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Goff will have the opportunity to play inside, where he usually thrives. This week, it will be against an Arizona Cardinals team that gives up a ton of points on the scoreboard to opposing QBs. Goff is elite and continues to prove it, ranking second in the NFL in passing and third in touchdowns.
Start - Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags will host the Philadelphia Eagles in London in Week 5. Yes, this is a tough matchup for Lawrence, but he's been mediocre this season regardless of the opponent. He's averaged just over 16 points per game so far, and the Eagles have allowed about 21 points to opposing QBs. The outside matchups bode well for Lawrence to cash in this week.
Sit - Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have Dallas Goedert, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley all listed as hurt this week. One or more of them may return for Week 5, but their injuries could limit their output or reduce their workload if they reaggravate them. I think we should avoid him this week.
Sit - Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
The Atlanta Falcons had Shough running for his life on Monday night. What do you think a Brian Flores-led defense will do to him during Week 5? The Minnesota Vikings will bring pressure often, forcing the young QB into mistakes. Although he has been very good leading up to Monday Night Football, it's best to avoid this matchup.
Sit - Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy hasn't necessarily played well recently against the Seattle Seahawks. In fact, over three games against them last season, he averaged 181 yards a game and threw 2 touchdowns while being picked up 4 times. The Divisional Round last season left a bad taste in my mouth because he had a 38.4 passer rating. The Seahawks' defense could be better this season.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 5: QB Edition
