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Fantasy owners have much to factor into their decisions for Week 5, whether it is four teams on bye weeks, or Hurricane Matthew’s winds potentially whipping around in football stadiums along the East Coast. In the meantime, fantasy owners can have some clarity in setting lineups by looking at Week 5’s matchups, one at a time.
Chicago Bears
Start ‘em
It’s just looking bleaker and bleaker for a Bears team that is now down Kevin White in addition to Jay Cutler. Alshon Jeffery should resume being a target monster after White cut significantly into them and a Colts defense that just surrendered an embarrassing touchdown to Allen Hurns, who effortlessly knifed through them en route to a score. Jeffery’s talent and monopolization of targets should put him in WR1 territory. Zach Miller can also be considered a steady TE1.
Start ‘em?
Jordan Howard encouraged his fantasy owners with over 100 yards in his Week 4 start against the Lions, but game script may not be in his favor if the Bears have to play catchup with a potentially potent Colts offense. Howard’s usage garners RB2 consideration, but fantasy owners expecting an encore performance of his first start may be in for a rude awakening.
Sit ‘em
Cameron Meredith and Brian Hoyer shouldn’t be in lineups. With Cutler set to return, Hoyer isn’t worth the roster spot.
Indianapolis Colts
Start ‘em
It’s difficult to envision the Colts having trouble moving the ball against a hapless Bears defense, giving Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton firm starting status in lineups of all formats. Though Frank Gore can’t do what he used to in the early days of his career, he is garnering enough touches and goal-line looks to warrant every-week RB2 status.
Start ‘em?
Phillip Dorsett saved what would have been a goose egg with a 64-yard touchdown in Week 4, but that’s the kind of player he will be. His volatility won’t make him a popular fantasy option, but he needs to be considered as a WR3 against a susceptible secondary.
Sit ‘em
Dwayne Allen and Jack Doyle aren’t getting the looks that tight-end needy owners should be seeking out. They can remain stashed.