Week 5 QB Start’em, Sit’em: Quaterback Fantasy Football Strategy

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The importance of a quarterback cannot be understated in real life, but also the same can be said in fantasy as well. While there are a lot of viable options on a weekly basis at the position, that doesn’t make them any less important. Quarterbacks consistently rank atop the leaderboards in overall production every season. With that said, it is important to know which players may be in for a better week than others. Here are my 5 quarterbacks you should start, and 5 quarterbacks I’d rather leave on my bench

Start’em

Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

Opponent: Cardinals
Dalton has a very enticing matchup against the Cardinals’ secondary. Arizona ranks 29th worst in points allowed per game, and 23rd in pass defense. Dalton should be able rebound after an abysmal performance against Pittsburgh in week 4. The Cardinals also have shown not to be able to cover tight ends well. The Cards’ have given up at least 100 yards or a touchdown to a tight end in every game they have played this season. Dalton should carve up the Cards, he is a viable starter in week 5.

Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Opponent: Saints
Tampa Bay’s quarterback is coming off quite an impressive game especially considering Winston’s play in recent memory. Winston threw for nearly 400 yards and 4 touchdowns against the Rams. While the Saints are coming off a strong performance against Dak Prescott and the Cowboys, they haven’t statistically been a strong team against the pass this season. New Orleans ranks just 24th in passing defense. I hope you have a more trustworthy option on your team other than Winston, but if you don’t, Winston is a startable quarterback this weekend.

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

Opponent: Bengals
The rookie quarterback has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career. Week 5 may be one big flash for Murray, as he should carve up the Bengals. Cincinnati ranks 28th worst in points allowed per game. Additionally, the Bengals just gave up 27 points to Steelers’ replacement quarterback Mason Rudloph. Murray should be in for a big week, I’d start him if I had him on my team.

Jacoby Brissett, Indianapolis Colts

Opponent: Chiefs
Colts’ inexperienced starting quarterback should have an excellent week 5. Jacoby Brissett gets to square off with a Kansas City defense ranks 20th worst in passing defense. Brissett should throwing early and often to keep up with Mahomes and the rest of that high octane offense. Brissett should be in for a 3 touchdown performance against the Chiefs.

Gardner Minshew II, Jacksonville Jaguars

Opponent: Panthers
Jacksonville’s fan favorite quarterback is playing up to his popularity. The vibrant rookie quarterback has looked anything but a rookie thus far. Through 4 games, Minshew II has 7 touchdowns and only 1 interception. The Panthers’ passing defense is stout, ranking best in yards allowed, which should be cause for concern. However, given how Minshew II is playing, I don’t think it matters until we see something otherwise. I’d feel comfortable starting Gardner Minshew II in week 5.

Sit’em

Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Opponent: Packers
Dak Prescott’s nightmare against New Orleans in week 4 may continue on against Green Bay. The Packers rank 7th best in points allowed, and are the 3rd best in pass defense. With a quarterback who has shown to have limitations, those statistics are cause to pause on Prescott this weekend. Additionally, star running back Ezekeil Elliott may be sidelined with an injury. The cards are stacked against Prescott and the Cowboys this weekend, I’d leave him on my bench.

Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans

Opponent: Bills
Marcus Mariota dazzled last week against the Falcons, throwing for 227 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, the Titans tend to be one of the more inconsistent teams in the league. After the beatdown they gave to Cleveland in week 1, they stumbled against the Colts and Jaguars in weeks after that. I’d take last week’s performance with a grain of salt. Furthermore, the Titans get a matchup against the Bills who just held Tom Brady and the Patriots to just 16 points. All signs point to keeping Mariota on the bench.

Daniel Jones, New York Giants

Opponent: Vikings
The rookie has impressed the masses so far, but he gets a brutal task in week 5. Jones faces of against a Vikings’ defense who ranks 5th best in points allowed and 9th best in passing yards allowed per game. This matchup looks to be a rude awakening for the young quarterback. Jones will have his startable weeks, but this is just not of those weeks.

Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders

Opponent: Bears
Similar to Jones, Derek Carr has a daunting task this week against the Bears. Chicago ranks 2nd best in points allowed per game. They are simply a force to be reckoned with, and I wouldn’t put my money on Carr being the player to change that narrative. The Raiders are just ranked 26 in passing yards and 21st in points scored per game. This is quite a no-brainer, don’t start Carr in week 5.

Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

Opponent: Giants
Minnesota’s 84 million dollar man, has looked anything but that. Kirk Cousins has just 3 touchdowns to go along with 2 interceptions on the season. To make matters worse, he has just a 29.2 quarterback rating. Until we see him have a strong game, you can’t trust Cousins in your fantasy lineup. He has a great matchup Sunday against the Giants, but Minnesota’s offensive issues seem to be much greater than who their matchup is. Until further notice, Kirk Cousins is not a fantasy option.