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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.
New York Giants
Start ‘em
Odell Beckham, Jr. has lost his cool for consecutive weeks, but buried in that narrative is his plus matchup with a Packers defense that is surrendering an average of 8.9 yards per pass attempt, good enough for 31st in the NFL. Should such a trend continue, and it’s not unlikely that the Giants will have to play catch-up with the well-rested Packers on the road, then Beckham could be in for a big bounceback game. Sterling Shepard and Eli Manning also deserve starting consideration for this reason.
Start ‘em?
Victor Cruz has exceeded expectations after being two years removed from playing a snap. However, he is a high-floor player instead of a high-ceiling one, and can be considered an unassuming flex option.
Sit ‘em
The Packers’ run defense, however, can be considered far more formidable than their pass defense. The green and gold have allowed just 1.8 yards per carry on the season, and with the Giants’ backfield resigned to a committee approach, their running backs should remain far from any lineups.
Green Bay Packers
Start ‘em
Jordy Nelson is back. Not just playing, but playing at a high level, and is coming off of a bye week. He and Aaron Rodgers are elite options at their respective positions at home, and Eddie Lacy could have a positive game script to feast on against a Giants team that comes into Lambeau Field as 7.5-point underdogs. Lacy is firmly in RB2 territory.
Start ‘em?
It’s difficult to have much faith in Randall Cobb with limited production to start the season, but the Giants’ secondary remains littered with injuries. If there is a “get right” week in store for Cobb, Week 5 could present it. Cobb is more of a WR3 than anything else, but upside remains. Richard Rodgers also could be in store for a good night with Jared Cook sidelined. Rodgers is a dart-throw TE1 who could find the end zone.
Sit ‘em
Davante Adams, James Starks, and the rest of the Packers’ ensemble can remain out of fantasy lineups.