Fantasy Football Week 5 Starts of the Week: We Want Moore

After a rough start to the season, Mixon, Beckham., & Chark (just to name a few), finally paid off in a big way for fantasy managers that acquired them. Just because a player has had a down week, doesn’t mean you should always bench them. It is important to evaluate the circumstances that can lead to these types of performances and it is up to you to decide whether they are worth starting. 

Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans, Quarterback

Coming off a solid performance against the Vikings with 300 passing yards and two touchdowns, Watson’s day could have been even bigger had a late score to Fuller not been overturned. Searching for their first win, this Sunday Watson and the Texans take on a Jacksonville team that surrendered 33 points along with 300 yards through the air and over 200 yards on the ground to the Cincinnati Bengals. Watson showed last week he is more than capable of airing the ball out and with the rushing ability he’s shown in the past, he should be able to put up a lot of points in fantasy and on the scoreboard.

Honorable Mentions: Teddy Bridgewater, Ben Roethlisberger

James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars, Running Back

James Robinson has recorded 17-plus touches and over 90 yards in every game so far this season. This Sunday he faces a Texans defense that allowed Dalvin Cook to go off for 146 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns last week. Although the Jaguars defense isn’t much better, Robinson’s rushing and receiving ability allows him to stay on the field in any situation. Given his effectiveness with the touches he’s received, Robinson should continue to see plenty of opportunities to take advantage of in a favorable matchup.

Honorable Mentions: David Johnson, Jerick McKinnon 

DJ Moore, Carolina Panthers, Wide Receiver

Coming off some tough cornerback matchups, this is the week for DJ Moore to bounce back. This Sunday, Moore and the Panthers face a banged-up Falcons secondary that has allowed over 300 yards through the air in every game and four receiving touchdowns in three of their last four contests. Even with the concerns of Robby Anderson, starting opposing pass catchers against Atlanta has been a weekly theme, setting both receivers up for success. As long as Moore continues to see targets, he should be in for a productive day and has the chance to reach the end zone for the first time this season.

Honorable Mentions: Justin Jefferson, Robby Anderson

Evan Engram, New York Giants, Tight End

Another bounce-back candidate, Evan Engram, gets a favorable matchup against a division rival this weekend. The Cowboys defense got exposed last Sunday, surrendering over 500 yards and 49 points. With Golden Tate’s status in question and injuries to Saquan Barkley and Sterling Shepard, Engram should continue to see targets after leading the team with ten in their last outing. Given this is a weaker defense, Engram should be more productive and could see the endzone for the first time this season, considering the Cowboys have allowed a touchdown to a tight end in each of their last three games.

Honorable Mentions: Hunter Henry, Hayden Hurst

Arizona Cardinals, D/ST

If there’s a defense playing against the Jets, there’s a good chance that they are worth starting that week. With limited playmakers and now down their starting quarterback, it’s tough to envision the Jets offense having much success or putting up many points. Coming off back to back losses and now getting their pro bowl safety Budda Baker back, this is a determined Cardinals defense that should be able to take advantage of a favorable situation against a struggling team.

Honorable Mentions: Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots

Writer

-Sunny Choudhury