IDP Start/Sit Week 5
In week 4, we plateaued hitting 50% of our starts and sits again. Some matchups are becoming easier to predict based on poor offensive schemes being more noticeable. However, in the NFL anything can happen. One week a team looks horrendous, like it would be an IDP gold mine for our fantasy teams. On the other hand, some offensive schemes are consistently causing for top IDP performers to have their down weeks. As we progress through these weeks, we will start to play more based on matchup rather than stardom. In week five, some teams are looking strong, others on the fence, and the rest become opportunities for our IDP to take advantage of to help us dominate our fantasy leagues.
*SIDE NOTE*—We consider a start as a player who will earn 10 or more points for you, while a sit scores less than 10 points.
Before we look at our Week 5 IDP Starts and Sits, let us take a look at how we did in Week 4.
| 3pts | FAIL | |
| 6pts | FAIL | |
| 12pts | PASS | |
| Ernest Jones | 9pts | FAIL |
| 12pts | PASS |
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2pts | PASS |
| 8pts | PASS | |
| 5pts | PASS | |
| 18pts | FAIL | |
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14pts | FAIL |
**Injuries happen when we least expect it! In case of an all-of-sudden injury or reason a player cannot play, be sure to check out our pivot options too!**
STARTS
Defensive Lineman – Minnesota Vikings – Andrew Van Ginkel (vs. NYJ) – START
Last week, we benched Van Ginkel which was the right move, but this week he is back in our starting lineups. Despite losing his three-game sack streak last week, Van Ginkel is ready for a bounce-back performance. The Jets’ offensive line has been struggling, allowing four sacks and 24 total pressures on their quarterback over the past two weeks. This trend presents opportunity for Van Ginkel to get back to his pass-rushing ways. His ability for pressuring the quarterback, combined with the Jets’ vulnerability in protection, makes him a strong candidate to post sack numbers and generate significant fantasy points.
Additionally, Van Ginkel has been a consistent threat for the Vikings’ defense, contributing not just in sacks but also in tackles and pressures. The Jets’ shaky offensive line should allow him to expose gaps and disrupt the backfield. This will increase his chances to rack up meaningful stats. Given the Jets’ recent issues in pass protection, this matchup is gold for Van Ginkel. He will look to reignite his sack streak a strong fantasy performance.
Defensive Lineman – New York Giants – Dexter Lawrence (@ SEA) – START
Last week, the Seahawks allowed 27 total pressures on their quarterback, signaling vulnerability in their offensive line. Lawrence, currently leads the Giants’ defense with 18 total pressures. Plus, he is tied for the team lead with three sacks through four games. This positions Lawrence to exploit the weaknesses seen in Seattle’s offensive protection. He has shown the ability to generate constant pressure and has different tactics for getting to the quarterback. The Seahawks’ offensive line struggles provide Lawrence with multiple opportunities to disrupt plays and potentially add to his sack total.
On another note, Lawrence has been one of the most consistent performers for the Giants’ defense. He is excelling not just in pass rushing but also in run defense. His ability to collapse the pocket and bully the opposing offense at the line of scrimmage makes him a key playmaker. Facing a Seattle team that has shown weakness to pressure, Lawrence is likely to be heavily involved in disrupting their offensive rhythm. Given his current form and the favorable matchup, Lawrence should be able to build on his strong start to the season.
Linebacker – Pittsburgh Steelers – Patrick Queen (vs. DAL) – START
The Cowboys have consistently targeted the middle of the field more than any other area. This plays right into Queen’s strengths as a tackling machine in that zone. After a slow start to the season with just two tackles in Week 1, Queen has turned it around, averaging six tackles per game in the last few weeks. This uptick in production highlights his growing role in the Steelers’ defense. He has the ability to read plays and make key stops, making him a valuable asset for IDP leagues this week.
Additionally, Queen’s ability to cover the middle of the field will be impactful in this matchup. The Cowboys tend to utilize their tight ends and receivers in that area. His instincts and speed make him well-suited to rack up tackles this week. With the Cowboys likely to continue attacking the middle, Queen should see plenty of opportunities. Queen offers solid IDP value and could be in line for a productive day.
Linebacker – Cincinnati Bengals – Germaine Pratt (vs. BAL) – START
In 2022, Pratt struggled to find consistency in his first few games. This made him a risky play for fantasy managers early on. However, this year, Pratt has been a tackling machine! He is averaging an impressive 10.5 tackles per game. His ability to read plays and react quickly has also led to two forced fumbles within the first four weeks. Pratt’s improved consistency and high floor make him a reliable option for steady production at the linebacker position.
This week, Pratt faces a Baltimore Ravens team known for its run-heavy offensive approach. An approach that plays directly into his strengths. With the Ravens likely to lean heavily on their ground game, Pratt should have ample opportunities. He should continue to rack up tackles. Thus, continuing his strong start to the season. His instinct for being around the ball ensures that he will be heavily involved in stopping the Ravens’ rushing attack. Pratt is primed for another productive week, making him a must-start in fantasy football formats.
Defensive Back – Chicago Bears – Kevin Byard (vs CAR) – START
With Andy Dalton at quarterback, the Panthers have been taking more shots down the field. This increases the chances for Byard to make plays in coverage. Byard has been a consistent presence for the Bears’ defense. He is currently averaging 8 tackles per game over the last three weeks. His ability to stay around the ball and make impactful stops is noticeable. The Panthers’ downfield passing attack could lead to more opportunities for Byard. He will have opportunity to intercept passes, break up plays, or add to his tackle total.
In addition to his solid tackle numbers, Byard’s football IQ allows him to capitalize on aggressive offenses like the Panthers’. With Dalton airing it out more often, Byard could also be in line for an interception or a pass deflection, adding bonus points to his already high floor in tackles. His ability to track the ball and disrupt deep passes makes him a great candidate for IDP managers. Given his recent form and the Panthers’ tendencies with Dalton under center, Byard is a strong start this week and could deliver significant fantasy production.
Additional Players to consider starting:
Las Vegas Raiders – Edge – Christian Wilkins
New York Jets – Edge – Quinnen Williams
Atlanta Falcons – LB – Kaden Elliss
Buffalo Bills – LB – Terrel Bernard
Los Angeles Rams – DB – Quentin Lake
SIT
Defensive Line – Jacksonville Jaguars – Travon Walker (vs INDY) – SIT
Despite seeing a season-high 81 percent of snaps last week, Walker remains a risky play for week five. While his increased playing time shows the Jaguars’ confidence in him, Walker has struggled to capitalize on his opportunities. The Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line has allowed only three sacks over the last two weeks, which means he could have a tough time breaking through for big plays. Adding to his concerns, Walker has missed over 20 percent of his tackles, limiting his ability to turn pressures into fantasy-relevant stats.
Although Walker is second on the team in total pressures, he has yet to consistently convert those pressures into meaningful fantasy points. His inability to connect off the rush leaves him with a low ceiling until he proves he can deliver in key moments. Until Walker shows that he can turn his pressures into sacks or tackle for losses, it is safer to keep him on the bench.
Edge Rusher – Chicago Bears – Montez Sweat (vs CAR) – SIT
Sweat has been on a two-week hot streak, notching sacks and boosting his value in IDP fantasy football formats. However, this week may pose a challenge, as the Panthers’ offensive line has been particularly effective at protecting their quarterback. Over the past two weeks, they have only allowed one sack and nine total pressures. The Panthers’ have been able to neutralize pass rushers. This solid performance in pass protection could limit Sweat’s opportunities to continue his sack streak.
Additionally, with Dalton’s quick decision-making, Sweat may struggle to generate the same level of pressure he has in recent games. His talent and momentum are undeniable. However, the matchup against a disciplined offensive line suggests that this could be the week his production slows down. For fantasy managers, it might be wise to bench Sweat as this could be a low-output week for the Bears’ star edge rusher.
Linebacker – Houston Texans – Azeez Al-Shaair (vs. BUF) – SIT
Al-Shaair has been solid so far this season, this week’s matchup could limit his opportunities. Bills quarterback Josh Allen has struggled to consistently move the offense down the field, especially on the road. This has led to more turnovers on downs, allowing opposing defenses to get off the field quickly without racking up meaningful stats. If this trend continues, Al-Shaair may not have as many chances to generate tackles or other impactful plays.
Additionally, if the Texans’ defense can keep Allen confined to the pocket and force him to pass rather than run, it will further limit Al-Shaair’s production. Allen’s running ability typically opens up opportunities for linebackers to make tackles. However, if the Texans take away that aspect of his game, Al-Shaair could see a dip in his fantasy output. The lack of sustained drives by the Bills could also mean fewer defensive snaps for Al-Shaair, further reducing his chances for meaningful stats. While he is a reliable linebacker, this matchup does not look strong for IDP production, making it wiser to leave him on the bench this week.
Linebacker – Los Angeles Rams – Byron Young (vs. GB) – SIT
The Packers have shown solid pass protection downfield. They make it difficult for opposing defenders to generate pressure on the quarterback. Young has been averaging just three tackles per game. This limits his fantasy value when he is not getting to the quarterback. While he has had two double-digit fantasy scoring games this season, both were reliant on him recording a sack. Given the Packers’ ability to protect their quarterback effectively, the likelihood of Young earning a sack this week seems low. This could reduce his upside in this matchup.
Additionally, without a high tackle floor, Young becomes a risky play when sacks are not guaranteed. The Packers’ offense utilizes efficient blocking schemes, which could further reduce Young’s opportunities to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. This makes him a boom-or-bust candidate, with more risk than reward in this particular matchup. Until he shows more consistency in production outside of sacks, this week is not the best time to roll the dice on Young in IDP formats.
Defensive Back – Miami Dolphins – Jevon Holland (@ NE) – SIT
The Patriots, dealing with inconsistent quarterback play, may lean heavily on their running game. This could limit Holland’s opportunities to make impactful plays in coverage. When teams focus on the run, defensive backs like Holland tend to see fewer chances at opportunity. They tend to lack tackles, pass breakups, or interceptions, significantly reducing their fantasy upside. Additionally, with Miami facing quarterback issues of their own, this matchup could turn into a low-scoring affair with fewer big-play opportunities for either defense. These reasons create a less favorable matchup for fantasy production overall.
Moreover, Holland’s fantasy relevancy this season has been inconsistent. His only notable game was in Week 1, where he forced a fumble. Since then, he has struggled to reach double-digit fantasy points, putting up underwhelming performances. Given the potential for a run-heavy game and his recent lack of production, it is hard to trust Holland in this matchup. Fantasy managers should consider benching him this week. Until Holland shows more consistent scoring potential, especially in matchups where passing opportunities are limited, he remains a risky start.
Additional Players to Consider Sitting:
New York Giants – DL – Brian Burns
Buffalo Bills – DL – Greg Rousseau
Denver Broncos – LB – Cody Barton
Chicago Bears – LB – Tremaine Edmunds
Seattle Seahawks – DB – Devon Witherspoon
Be sure to follow us along all season long for weekly tips on who start and who to sit on the defensive side of the ball. Follow me on X @ThePPRShow for more fantasy football content and for offensive starts and sits be sure to check out @TFFGRobbie article too. Thank you for reading.
For a more detailed start/sit list, make sure you check out our Weekly IDP Rankings.