FSH NOTEBOOK: FF WEEK 5 SITS

October 7th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Late-Evening Edition

Fantasy Football Week 5

Sit’Ems

There is a lot to navigate in week 5 with a lot of notable injuries to work around, but just as important as knowing who to insert into your lineup, you have to know who to avoid and sit. Injuries play a part, just as much as matchups when making the start/sit decision.

These are your Week 5 notable injuries;

Jimmy Garappolo (concussion) P

Joe Burrow (calf) Q

Derek Carr (shoulder) Q

Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) D

Javonte Williams (quad) Q

Aaron Jones (hamstring) Q

Saquon Barkley (ankle) Q

Davante Adams (shoulder) Q

Amon-Ra St. Brown (abdomen) D

Tee Higgins (ribs) O

Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) O

These are my Week 5 notable sits.

Joe Burrow (Bengals) - We’ve now had a four week sample size of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. He has not looked sharp and the offense has struggled. While it is understandable, Burrow has been dealing with a calf injury, this fantasy owner is growing impatient with the dismal production.

Burrow still has his big play weapon in Ja’Marr Chase available, but after four weeks with little to show, it is probably best for now to move Joe Cool to your bench. We’ll need to see better play from Joe Cool and good health before we can trust him. Sit Burrow.

Najee Harris (Steelers) - Just like Burrow, the Steelers running back Najee Harris has not been productive through the first four weeks and this fantasy owner is getting restless. His week 5 matchup against the Ravens does not look any better and chances are it will be more of the same.

The Ravens defense is ranked 13th against the run, have allowed the 12th fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs, and have yet to surrender a rushing touchdown this season. At this juncture it would be wise to move Harris to your bench until we see better offensive line play and production from the Steelers offense. Sit Harris for week 5.

The Patriots receivers - If you are looking for help at the wide receiver spot for Week 5, you should probably avoid the New England receivers. Other than Kendrick Bourne’s big week one when he scored twice, only one other Patriot receiver has topped double digit fantasy points and that was DeVante Parker with 11.6 (ppr).

The passing game has been inconsistent and unreliable paired with poor play from the QB position. Until Belichick and company can get this rectified, all Patriots receivers should be avoided. Fantasy owners should just move along. Sit the Patriots.

Kyle Pitts (Falcons) - There is no question that the Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has talent and ability, but it is just not showing up on the field. Through four weeks, Pitts has yet to score in double digit fantasy points.

Through four games Pitts is actually the second leading receiver at the tight end position for the Falcons. He has been targeted 21 times, has caught 11 passes for 121 yards receiving, averaging less than 6 fantasy points per game in ppr format. Pitts has ability and skill, but fantasy owners are just not seeing it on the field, so for the time being leave Pitts on your bench until we see improved numbers.

If you are going to own a Falcons tight end, Jonnu Smith is the tight end to own. Sit Pitts.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega