Fantasy Football Week 5: Top 5 sleepers with LTJ and Genna Preston
Heading into Week 5 Fantasy Football action, here are the top 5 sleepers discussed between Luis Tirado Jr. and Genna Preston of The Jet Press.
Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) is defended after a catch by Oakland Raiders safety Reggie Nelson (27) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Week 5 is here and so far this fantasy football season, things have been pretty weird. Everyone thought would household names would deliver big time but they haven’t lived up to their fantasy projections. Rookies and sleeper picks have been stepping up big time in the grand scheme of things.
Related Story: Fantasy Football: Top 10 Sleeper Picks for Week 5
Genna Preston, Contributor for The Jet Press, truly knows everything and anything when it comes to fantasy football. She’s always spot on in her predictions and since I also love fantasy football, I figured it would be great to see which players she thought would be huge sleepers this week and well, every week from here on out.
If you’d like to read her amazing work, here is her FanSided author page. Also, check out her Facebook author page as well as her Twitter account. She enjoys interacting with fellow fantasy football owners and loves to help others with their lineups.
Without further ado, here is a sit-down we had over the top five sleepers heading into Week 5 action in fantasy football.
Next: 5. A Raider making a name for himself
Oct 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
5. Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree, Oakland Raiders
LTJ: This week, wide receiver Michael Crabtree is entering a favorable matchup against the San Diego Chargers. I honestly see him having another huge game since the Raiders will undoubtedly want to keep the momentum going by feeding him the football. Will he have another two or three touchdown fantasy game?
Genna: I am sure fantasy owners are hoping for a repeat performance however, I am not sure it will happen. Yes, I see him doing great things but to repeat three touchdowns is going to be difficult. Although, there is a one or two touchdown possibility against the Chargers. The Chargers have literally given opponents over 1,150 passing yards this season.
LTJ: Ouch! That pass defense of the Chargers is pretty bad, you’re right. I think Crabtree will easily have a two-touchdown game against their abysmal defensive secondary. How many yards you think he’ll drop? I say 125+!
Genna: It’s tricky because you never know who else will be targeted, not that there are many options on the Raiders but, I can see 110 yards
Next: 4. Watch out for this Raven
4. Wide Receiver Steve Smith Sr., Baltimore Ravens
LTJ: Steve Smith Sr. sure is some story, eh? The Baltimore Ravens have a date in Week 5 with the Washington Redskins this week. Even at 37-years-old, he’s still an effective wide receiver and is coming off a game where he scored his first touchdown of the season. What should fantasy football owners expect this week out of him?
Genna: I absolutely love Smith! I am so impressed with his talents and athleticism. Not only is he 37 but he had a mean Achilles injury at the end of last season, he’s incredible! Expect another great outing. I actually already claimed him in my league. This week we should expect close to 20 fantasy points if not more! Last week, Smith totaled over 100 yards and the Redskins are offering their opponents 73 or more yards per game. They also have allowed four wideouts to score. On paper, Smith looks amazing. I can predict 120 yards and another touchdown in Week 5.
LTJ: Wow! Now that would be something, although I worry the Ravens, due to their Week 4 loss to the Raiders, will do more to establish the ground game instead of airing it out. What kind of offensive game plan you see them launching against the Redskins?
Genna: That all depends on Joe Flacco. When he’s good he’s great and when he’s bad he’s awful. Unfortunately for Flacco, the Redskins have only allowed two passing touchdowns in the last three weeks. The odds are against a passing game but, it will be a chance for Flacco to prove his worth. Flacco has also been vocal about their lack of a passing game. Although it’ll be tough this week, I expect to see more passing and some key plays from Mike Wallace, as well.
Next: 3. A Bear on the rise
Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) throws a pass during the second half against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Chicago won 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
3. Quarterback Brian Hoyer, Chicago Bears
LTJ: Week 5 has the Chicago Bears hitting the road against the Indianapolis Colts. I like the momentum Brian Hoyer has been having so far ever since he took over forJay Cutler. I think Hoyer can put the Bears back in the right direction as I see him having a big day against the Colts. What kind of fantasy predictions for you have for him?
Genna: The poor Bears, they just can’t get it together, until now. Isn’t it crazy that Brian Hoyer is balling? Well, compared to what we’re used to seeing from the Bears. Hoyer had back to back 300-yard games. He’s literally taken the job from Jay Cutler, and it’s not stopping in Week 5. The Colts are allowing over 270 passing yards per game and are currently ranked 25th against the pass. I can say with confidence that Hoyer is going to explode this week.
LTJ: Completely agree! I also predict a huge game, think he’ll bring those Colts back to reality as they barely beat the Jacksonville Jaguars last week in London. The Bears are 1-3 but there is still a ton of football left to be played. Who should fantasy owners pair up with Hoyer if they acquired some of their other offensive stars?
Genna: It would be amazing if everyone could play the Colts once a year. I am hoping to see some good things from Alshon Jeffery. He hasn’t really lived up to any fantasy football expectations. Actually, every week I think of dropping him but I just can’t bring myself to let go. I’m hoping this week he convinces everyone he was worth the fantasy draft pick.
Next: 2. A disagreement over this Jet
Oct 2, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Tony McDaniel (93) tackles New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. Seattle Seahawks defeat the New York Jets 27-17. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
2. Running Back Matt Forte, New York Jets
LTJ: As we all know, the meltdown of the New York Jets has come earlier than usual this season. I think this is the week they finally get some traction on offense. While I don’t see them beating the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road, I predict another big fantasy game from running back Matt Forte. Should owners throw him into their starting lineups this week?
Genna: I am so disappointed with the Jets. I also usually preach about separating your favorite football team from your fantasy team, however, this season I drafted Forte. But, after the last four weeks, I am just not confident enough to start any Jets player, including Forte the offensive workhorse. The Steelers literally shut down the run; fifth in the league allowing only 78 rushing yards per game. Not to mention, Forte is currently listed questionable after hurting his ankle/foot. I never suggest starting injured players, we all know what happened in Week 3 with Rob Gronkowski, right? Huge bust after an injury! I just don’t see Forte pulling through in Week 5.
LTJ: While I totally see what you mean, I agree in a sense but still think Forte will find the end zone at least once or twice in 1st and goal situations. I highly doubt the Jets will pass for more than 20 times against the Steelers and focus more on their ground game. Should fantasy owners start looking for another running back if Forte doesn’t show up in Week 5 like you think he won’t?
Genna: I definitely think he is worth keeping, I mean it’s still Matt Forte. But, until the Jets really get it together and have easier matchups he’s a week to week play.
Next: 1. Another disagreement but with a Dolphin
1. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
LTJ: The Miami Dolphins welcome the Tennessee Titans to a home game in Week 5. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been Mr. Inconsistent as of late but I predict a nice bounce back game for him. He’s at home, has shown some signs of improvement but has yet to put it all together. I think he’s going to have one of his better performances this week in fantasy, what do you think?
Genna: I hope you’re right Luis because I have him in a two-quarterback league. But, I have to be honest, I have lost all faith in Tannehill. Inconsistent is putting it nicely, he’s all over the place. He also has been the most sacked quarterback in the NFL. And now, the Titans. Although they are giving their opponents almost 250 passing yards per game, they have only allowed four touchdowns all season. Last week he didn’t even reach 200 yards and only had one touchdown. I just can’t chance it with Tannehill anymore. If he does have a comeback game I’ll be surprised but for now I’m confident he won’t pull through.
LTJ: Do you think it has more to do with him or just working with a new head coach in Adam Gase? I know Gase is an offensive mastermind with a knack in getting the most out of his quarterbacks. I know it’ll take time to grasp his system/style and all, but I think this could be that game that it all comes together in.
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Genna: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. It’s now what, year five? There’s no excuse, new coach or not. Eli Manning has a new coach and isn’t terrible; not fantastic but not terrible. I am hoping he gets it together but, at what expense, your fantasy season? Nope!