🏆 Skill Position Starts & Sits

Welcome to the Fantasy Drop Army newsletter!

The bye weeks have begun! Which means we have a whole new ballgame to play in our start and sit decisions. Relax and let me take care of that for you.

Today in 5 minutes or less, you’ll learn:

• The MUST-START players of Week 5 🔥 

• Players to consider leaving on your bench 🪑 

• The latest news from around the NFL 🏈

SIT: Kareem Hunt (KC)

Hunt is someone I’m looking at conservatively, at least until we see him handle more of an expanded role. There’s a good chance that it happens this week with the Chiefs really hurting on offense. But, the Saints present a formidable defense, so it’s wait and see with Hunt if you have another similar option.

START: Jerome Ford (CLE)

Ford’s volume and output have been solid. He has double-digit carries in 3 of 4 games this season, and he’s 2nd in the NFL in both targets (20) and receptions (17). This week, he draws the Commanders, who aren’t known for their run defense over the last few seasons. I’m alright keeping Ford in my lineup as an RB2.

SIT: Rico Dowdle (DAL)

It’s true that Dowdle has taken over the Cowboys’ starting role from Zeke Elliott. But, this isn’t the week to trust him. The Steelers are allowing the 2nd-fewest fantasy points per game to RBs. If the Giants were able to keep him relatively in check, then this week looks even more challenging.

START: D’Andre Swift (CHI)

Is it too late to put my foot in my mouth on Swift? I’m not just chasing points here. Swift has a very strong matchup against Carolina, who have allowed the 2nd-most fantasy points per game along with the 2nd-most rushing yards per game to RBs this season. But, Swift’s involvement in the passing game last weeks makes me think he deserves a lineup spot. He caught 7 passes for 72 yards. That’s the upside drafters were looking for.

SIT: Bengals RBs

Zack Moss has been pretty good, averaging 88 total yards and a touchdown over the last two weeks. But, the Ravens’ defense is just too tough, allowing the fewest rushing yards and the 3rd-fewest RB fantasy points per game. Sure there’s a chance Moss or Chase Brown finds the end zone, but I’d play it safe with these guys for this matchup.

SIT: Tank Dell (HOU)

Dell got back into the swing of things last week, catching 5 of his 6 targets. But, he still trailed heavily in opportunity to his two teammates. The Bills won’t make things any easier for him, as they tend to keep opposing passing games on lock. Tread carefully with the Tank here, even during the first bye week of the year.

START: Garrett Wilson (NYJ)

Wilson hasn’t been the first round stud we’ve been looking for, but the Vikings have allowed the 3rd-most fantasy points per game to WRs, and the 4th-most fantasy points total to perimeter guys. There should be plenty of opportunity for Rodgers to find a rhythm and hit Wilson with a lot of targets.

SIT: Jordan Addison (MIN)

The Jets have too tough a defense to trust Addison. His return back from injury brought a decent fantasy game and a touchdown. But, his volume just isn’t where it needs to be with Justin Jefferson doing what Justin Jefferson does. After a trip to Europe, Addison is better left on your bench this week.

START: Brian Thomas Jr. (JAX)

After a 21.9-point spike game last week, Thomas has officially arrived as a consistent fantasy football contributor. He trailed only Christian Kirk in targets, and has carved out a solid role. That should continue to be the case this week against Indianapolis, who allow the 7th-most fantasy points to WRs. Keep it rolling here this week.

SIT: Jakobi Meyers (LV)

Meyers doesn’t have the best matchup this week. With Davante Adams trending in the wrong direction to play. Meyers will likely see a lot more Patrick Surtain in coverage, and that hasn’t been good for anyone. If and when Adams is traded, Jakobi should see his value increase. This is not that time.

🧀 Jordan Love Limited, Musgrave Absent for Packers

🦵 Matt Prater Misses Practice with Knee Injury

📈 Trey McBride Limited, Trending Toward Week 5 Return

✨ Breece Hall Shines in Goal-Line Situations for Jets

🚨 Jonah Williams' 2024 Return in Doubt for Cardinals

🩼 Browns' O-Line Struggling Amid Key Injuries

🏈 Nyheim Hines Limited in Return from ACL Injury

🔥 Davante Adams Expected to Miss Week 5 with Injury

🏃‍♂️ Nick Chubb Limited as 21-Day Practice Window Opens

Fantasy Drop Army is a must-read for every NFL fan — pure signal, highly actionable, and one-liners funny enough to make you pee a little bit.

If this one didn’t hit the spot, reply to this email... I would love to hear from you on how you think we can do better next time.