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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.
Buffalo Bills
Start ‘em
LeSean McCoy is the focal point of the offense, and while defenses know that, it didn’t stop him from posting 109 yards and a score against a typically stingy New England Patriots defense. McCoy remains a solid RB1 based on usage and his ability to capitalize on his opportunities, and owners should have no hesitation starting him against a Rams defense that could be without Robert Quinn, Michael Brockers, and William Hayes.
Start ‘em?
Tyrod Taylor played a fabulous game against the Patriots, but will always be a boom-or-bust option at such a deep position. His upside tantalizes fantasy owners, but his downside can cripple a lineup in any given week. With Sammy Watkins sidelined, Taylor’s upside takes a hit and should be considered an extremely risky QB2. As a result, Robert Woods has ascended to the top receiver after catching 7-of-10 targets and having six receptions in back-to-back weeks. Woods deserves flex consideration in PPR formats as a result.
Sit ‘em
There generally isn’t much wealth to spread among the Bills pass catchers, making the likes of Marqise Goodwin and Charles Clay not worthy of starting.
Los Angeles Rams
Start ‘em?
Yes, there’s a question mark after “start ‘em,” which is astounding to consider after fantasy owners drafted Todd Gurley early in drafts. But he is truthfully too touchdown dependent amid an anemic offense, and fantasy owners cannot guilt themselves into putting him into lineups each week just because of his draft status. Gurley remains a boom-or-bust RB2 for Week 5 against a Bills defense that is allowing just 3.6 yards per carry.
Tavon Austin has some upside if the Rams are forced to take to the air, but has caught just 16-of-36 targets this season. “Trust” would be too strong of a word to associate with the speedy gadget player.
Sit ‘em
Case Keenum, Brian Quick, and Kenny Britt can safely remain far away from any lineup.