Start 'Em & Sit 'Em is the ultimate look at the weekly NFL matchups and how they'll affect your fantasy football team. Sleeper alert features an under-the-radar player who could produce good numbers. Owners beware features a regular fantasy starter who could fail to meet expectations based on the strength of his opponent. Obvious fantasy starters like Aaron Rodgers and Adrian Peterson will not be featured. For your final lineup decisions, check our lineup rankings.
QB Start of the week
Philip Rivers at Oakland Raiders: Rivers is on absolute fire, scoring the third-most fantasy points among all players after four weeks. His success in the stat sheets should continue against the Raiders, who have allowed an average of close to 20 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season. Rivers now needs to be owned in all leagues. (Maximum value: High-QB1)
QB Start 'em
Matthew Stafford at Green Bay Packers: The Packers have one of the league's most explosive offenses, but their defense leaves much to be desired. In fact, quarterbacks have averaged the fifth-most fantasy points against Green Bay. That's good for Stafford, who has recorded 45-plus pass attempts in each of his two career games at Lambeau Field. (Maximum value: High-QB1)
Michael Vick at New York Giants: The fourth-highest scoring player in fantasy football, Vick has been one of fantasy's best draft bargains to date. While his numbers have dropped over the last two weeks, he's still a nice option against the Giants. Their defense has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2013. (Maximum value: Mid-QB1)
Eli Manning vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Manning is a dreadful 24th in fantasy points among quarterbacks, so why is he a start 'em? Well, the Eagles have surrendered the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. What's more, Manning has a combined 13 touchdown passes with just two interceptions in his last four home meetings against the Eagles.(Maximum value: Low-QB1)
Sleeper alert - Terrelle Pryor vs. San Diego Chargers: It looks like Pryor will be back on the field in what will be a late start against the Chargers on Sunday night, so he's back on the fantasy radar. The matchup couldn't be better, as San Diego has allowed more fantasy points to quarterbacks than any other team in the National Football League. (Maximum value: Low-QB1)
QB Sit of the week
Matt Schaub at San Francisco 49ers: The Niners have allowed an average of close to 20 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks at home, but one of those games was against Aaron Rodgers. Schaub is no Rodgers, and he's turning the football over a ton (six interceptions). Unless you're absolutely desperate, he needs to be on your bench this weekend. (Maximum value: High-QB2)
QB Sit 'em
Alex Smith at Tennessee Titans: After four weeks, Smith is the sixth-best quarterback in the league based on fantasy points. However, it's tough to trust him - even during the bye weeks - against the Titans. Their improved defense has allowed an average of fewer than 10 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks on their home field in 2013. (Maximum value: High-QB2)
Carson Palmer vs. Carolina Panthers: Palmer opened the season with a nice performance, but he's averaged fewer than 10 fantasy points in his last three contests. Next on the schedule is a tough matchup against what is a much improved Panthers defense that has surrendered the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks after four weeks. (Maximum value: Mid-QB2)
Joe Flacco at Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins looked awful against the pass in New Orleans last Monday night, but Drew Brees can make even the best defensive units look feeble. The same can't be said for Flacco, who threw five interceptions in last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills. He's just not someone owners can trust right now, even in the bye weeks. (Maximum value: Mid-QB2)
Start/Sit: Beware Kaepernick
A string of down weeks and a bad matchup with Houston in Week 5 has Michael Fabiano wary of starting Colin Kaepernick. More ...
Owners beware - Colin Kaepernick vs. Houston Texans: Did you know that EJ Manuel, Jay Cutler and Sam Bradford all have more fantasy points than Kaepernick? Couple that with a tough matchup against the Texans, and you have a risky start. The Texans have surrendered an average of just 14 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season. (Maximum value: Low-QB1)
RB Byes:Le'Veon Bell, Doug Martin, Alfred Morris, Adrian Peterson
RB Start of the week
Ray Rice at Miami Dolphins: The folks on Twitter are all up in arms over Rice, who has been a disappointment to this point in the season. Well, he needs to remain in your starting lineup this week against the Dolphins. Their defense has struggled against the run, allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to runners. Look for Rice to rebound. (Maximum value: High-RB1)
RB Start 'em
DeMarco Murray vs. Denver Broncos: The seventh-ranked running back in fantasy football based on points, Murray is on pace to rush for over 1,400 yards based on his current totals. He has a solid matchup on paper this week against the Broncos, who have surrendered seven total touchdowns and the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs. (Maximum value: High-RB2)
Start/Sit: Ray Rice could cook
Eddie Lacy vs. Detroit Lions: Assuming Lacy is back on the field after missing time with a concussion, he needs to be back in your starting fantasy lineup this weekend. The Lions have had a tough time with running backs, allowing seven total touchdowns and the third-most fantasy points to the position after the first four weeks. (Maximum value: High-RB2)
Maurice Jones-Drew at St. Louis Rams: Let's face it - Jones-Drew has been a bust so far. But we are in the bye weeks, so he's going to be active in a lot of fantasy leagues even if it's as a flex starter. No team has allowed more fantasy points to runners than the Rams, so it's time for MJD to step up - or risk becoming fantasy bench fodder. (Maximum value: Mid-RB2)
Sleeper alert - David Wilson vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Wilson has been a huge fantasy disappointment. After four weeks, 64 running backs have more fantasy points. But when you are in the middle of the bye weeks at a shallow position, sometimes you have to take a risk. The Eagles have struggled to stop the run, so Wilson has flex-starter value. (Maximum value: High-RB2)
RB Sit of the week
Ryan Mathews at Oakland Raiders: In a season that has seen several bad run defenses from a season ago become far more formidable, the Raiders have allowed an average of just 14.43 fantasy points to running backs after four weeks. That's bad news for Mathews, who has 19 touches and 116 scrimmage yards in two career meetings against Oakland. (Maximum value: Mid-RB2)
RB Sit 'em
BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs. New England Patriots: We are starting to see a transition in the Bengals backfield from Green-Ellis to Giovani Bernard, who is a far more talented runner. As a result, it's tough to trust the Law Firm against his old team. The Patriots have allowed an average of just 13.25 fantasy points to running backs on the road. (Maximum value: Mid-RB3)
Rashard Mendenhall vs. Carolina Panthers: Mendenhall remains the top back on the Cardinals depth chart, but he's drawn the ire of coach Bruce Arians in recent weeks. He's been average in fantasy land too, scoring more than seven points just once. He needs to ride the fantasy pine against a Panthers defense that has improved against the run. (Maximum value: Low-RB3)
Daryl Richardson vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: The Rams have a great matchup this week against the Jags, but how can you trust Richardson? Coach Jeff Fisher said he's going to use all of his running backs, and Richardson told a fan on Twitter that he isn't expecting to start. It's a good situation gone bad in fantasy land, so sit D-Rich. (Maximum value: Low-RB3)
Owners beware - Chris Johnson vs. Kansas City Chiefs: There is a good chance you can't afford to sit Johnson during the bye weeks, but owners with backfield depth should at least consider it. He's just 26th in fantasy points among running backs, and this week's opponent, the Chiefs, have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs. (Maximum value: High-RB2)
WR Start of the week
DeSean Jackson at New York Giants: Jackson hasn't had much success against the Giants in recent years, averaging just 82 yards in his last seven meetings. This is a much different offensive unit, though, and the G-Men have some major issues on the defensive side of the football. So despite the negative trend, Jackson remains a solid option. (Maximum value: Mid-WR1)
WR Start 'em
Jordy Nelson vs. Detroit Lions: The Packers are fresh off a bye and at home against the Lions in what could turn into a serious shootout at Lambeau Field. That's good news for Nelson, who along with Randall Cobb should post strong fantasy numbers. In his last home game against Detroit, Nelson put up 162 yards and three touchdown catches. (Maximum value: Low-WR1)
Eric Decker at Dallas Cowboys: It's a no-brainer to start Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker, but owners should keep Decker in their lineups as well. He's averaged 12.3 fantasy points over his last three games, and this weekend's matchup in Dallas is favorable. The Cowboys have allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers at home. (Maximum value: High-WR2)
Hakeem Nicks vs. Philadelphia Eagles: We're in the bye weeks, so there's bound to be a few players we have to start that we don't trust. That's the case with Nicks, who has been awful over the last two weeks but has a very favorable upcoming contest against the Eagles. No team has allowed more fantasy points to wide receivers on the road. (Maximum value: Mid-WR2)
Sleeper alert - Justin Blackmon at St. Louis Rams: Blackmon is back from a four-game suspension, so owners might be afraid to start him. But with four teams on a bye and a positive matchup against the Rams, that shouldn't be the case. St. Louis has allowed the eight-most fantasy points to wideouts, so Blackmon is still a viable option. (Maximum value: High-WR3)
Start/Sit: Get off the Mike
Baltimore's pass defense has improved and Michael Fabiano doesn't like what that means for Mike Wallace in Week 5. More ...
WR Sit of the week
Mike Wallace vs. Baltimore Ravens: A total of 51 wide receivers have scored more fantasy points than Wallace after four weeks. 51! Couple that with this week's matchup against the Ravens, and it is clear that Wallace is a risk. Since being torched in Week 1, Baltimore has allowed an average of just 15 fantasy points per game to wideouts. (Maximum value: Low-WR3)
WR Sit 'em
Dwayne Bowe at Tennessee Titans: Bowe has alternated good and horrible stat lines this season, and he's due for a stinker against the Titans. That's a likely scenario against a much-improved Titans defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers among home teams. Unless you're in dire straits, look elsewhere in Week 5. (Maximum value: Low-WR3)
Anquan Boldin vs. Houston Texans: Boldin is coming off a solid 15-point effort against the St. Louis Rams, but he'll have a much tougher task this week against the Texans. No team has allowed fewer receiving yards to wideouts than Houston - their defense has also surrendered an average of just 15.75 fantasy points per game to the position. (Maximum value: High-WR3)
Roddy White vs. New York Jets (Mon.): White has been a huge disappointment, due in large part to the fact that he's been dealing with a high ankle sprain. He suffered a setback with the ailment in recent weeks, and playing on Monday night makes him even more of a risk in fantasy leagues. He needs to remain on your bench once again. (Maximum value: Low-WR3)
Owners beware - Reggie Wayne vs. Seattle Seahawks: Wayne has been a bit inconsistent this season, posting two strong performances to go along with two forgettable ones. He could wind up with the latter this week against the Seahawks, who have allowed fewer fantasy points to wideouts than any other team in the NFL. Temper your expectations. (Maximum value: High-WR2)
TE Byes:Tom Crabtree, Fred Davis, Heath Miller, Kyle Rudolph
TE Start of the week
Julius Thomas at Dallas Cowboys: Thomas scored just 4.30 fantasy points in last week's win over the Philadelphia Eagles, but he is bound to bounce back against the Cowboys. Their defense has been vulnerable to tight ends, allowing the most receptions, the most receiving yards and the seventh-most fantasy points to the position in 2013. (Maximum value: High-TE1)
TE Start 'em
Antonio Gates at Oakland Raiders: Gates has been resurrected both in the stat sheets and in fantasy football leagues, ranking second in receiving yards and an impressive four in points at his position. Next on the schedule is a date with the Raiders - Gates has recorded a touchdown catch in four of his last six games against them. (Maximum value: High-TE1)
Greg Olsen at Arizona Cardinals: Olsen averaged a solid 8.5 fantasy points per game before Carolina's bye week, and his success should continue after the break in Arizona. The Cardinals have been a tight end's fantasy dream come true, allowing the second-most receiving yards and the third-most fantasy points to the position this season. (Maximum value: Mid-TE1)
Jared Cook vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Cook has been tough to figure this season. After a 24.10-point explosion in Week 1, he's recorded a combined 9.90 fantasy points in his last three games. With the bye weeks here and a matchup against the Jags up next, however, Cook should still be considered a viable starting option in most leagues. (Maximum value: Low-TE1)
Sleeper alert -- Coby Fleener vs. Seattle Seahawks: Fleener's value is on the rise, as he's scored 12-plus fantasy points in two of his last three games. The unquestioned No. 1 option for the Colts, Fleener is a nice option against the Seahawks - their defense has surrendered an average of 12.85 fantasy points per road game to tight ends. (Maximum value: Low-TE1)
TE Sit of the week
Owen Daniels at San Francisco 49ers: Daniels had a hot start to the season, catching three touchdown passes in his first two contests. Since then, however, he has scored a combined 10.10 fantasy points with no end-zone visits. His struggles could continue against the Niners, who have allowed just 14 catches for 142 yards to tight ends.(Maximum value: Low-TE1)
TE Sit 'em
Martellus Bennett vs. New Orleans Saints: The sixth-highest scoring tight end in fantasy football, Bennett has been a draft bargain. So while it's tough to bench him during the bye weeks, keep in mind that this week's matchup against the Saints isn't favorable. Their defense has allowed just 11 receptions to tight ends in four games. (Maximum value: High-TE2)
Brandon Myers vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Myers scored a combined 20 fantasy points in his first two games, but the proverbial wheels have fallen off since then - he's scored 3.30 points in his last two contests. This week's matchup against the Eagles is favorable for the Giants, but their defense hasn't allowed a tight ends to score. (Maximum value: High-TE2)
Zach Miller at Indianapolis Colts: Miller has had one game where he scored double-digit fantasy points, and that was against the Jaguars in a game where he had five yards (and two touchdowns). In his other three games, he's recorded a combined 7.10 fantasy points. The Colts are tough on tight ends, so keep Miller on your fantasy bench. (Maximum value: Mid-TE2)
Owners beware -- Vernon Davis vs. Houston Texans: If Davis is on your team, chances are you're starting him. Just keep in mind that over the last three weeks, he's missed one game and has a combined 38 yards in the other two. The Texans are also tough on tight ends, allowing the fourth-fewest yards and the third-fewest fantasy points. (Maximum value: Low-TE1)
K Byes:Kai Forbath, Rian Lindell, Shaun Suisham, Blair Walsh
K Start of the week
Matt Bryant vs. New York Jets: Bryant had a slow start to the season, but he's picked things up with a combined 24 fantasy points over the last two weeks - including 11 against the New England Patriots. Next up is a date with the Men in Green, who have surrendered an average of 10 fantasy points to kickers over the last two weeks. (Maximum value: High-K1)
K Start 'em
Mason Crosby vs. Detroit Lions: Crosby hasn't been the same elite kicker he was a few years back, but it's hard not to like a matchup against the Lions. There won't be a lot of defense in this contest, so Crosby should see more than his share of chances to produce in the stat sheets. He is a free agent in 86 percent of NFL.com leagues. (Maximum value: Low-K1)
Alex Henery at New York Giants: A free agent in more than 80 percent of NFL.com leagues, Henery makes for a nice one-week option for those fantasy owners who like to stream kickers. This week he goes up against the Giants, who have given up an average of 10.50 fantasy points to kickers - that's tied for the second-most in the league. (Maximum value: Mid-K1)
Sleeper alert -- Greg Zuerlein vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Zuerlein has struggled in recent weeks, scoring a combined 10 fantasy points over his last three games. Still, this week's matchup against the Jaguars makes him worth a look - their defense has surrendered an average of just under 10 fantasy points per game to kickers this season. (Maximum value: Low-K1)
K Sit of the week
Adam Vinatieri vs. Seattle Seahawks: Vinatieri went off last week against the Jaguars, scoring 13 fantasy points on the strength of three field goals. However, his fortunes aren't likely to remain positive against the Seahawks - their defense has surrendered 4.25 fantasy points per game to kickers - that's third-fewest in the NFL. (Maximum value: High-K2)
K Sit 'em
Randy Bullock at San Francisco 49ers: A preseason sleeper candidate among kickers, Bullock has been an unreliable option in fantasy leagues after four weeks. Next on the schedule is a date with the 49ers, who have been tough on kickers. In fact, the position has averaged a pedestrian 6.25 fantasy points against them so far this season. (Maximum value: Mid-K2)
Robbie Gould vs. New Orleans Saints: Gould has started the season off strong, scoring eight or more fantasy points in three of his first four games. That streak could come to a halt this weekend, though, as he'll face a Saints defense that has allowed an average of 3.25 fantasy points per game to kickers - that's the fewest in the NFL. (Maximum value: Mid-K2)
Owners beware -- David Akers at Green Bay Packers: Akers, owned in 52.9 percent of NFL.com leagues, went off last week for an impressive 16 fantasy points in a win over the Bears. He does have a far tougher matchup this week, though, as the Packers have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers during the 2013 campaign. (Maximum value: Low-K1)
DEF Start of the week
Falcons defense vs. New York Jets: The Falcons aren't even in the top 25 among defenses based on fantasy points after four weeks, but it's tough to look past this matchup against the Jets. Rookie quarterback Geno Smith turns the ball over a ton, leading defensive units to score an average of over 13 fantasy points per game against them. (Maximum value: Low-DEF1)
DEF Start 'em
Panthers defense at Arizona Cardinals: Fresh off a bye week, the Panthers and their improved defensive front seven will look to continue the success it had before the bye week. The matchup is ripe for the taking, as the Cardinals and turnover-prone quarterback Carson Palmer have been great for fantasy owners looking to stream defenses. (Maximum value: Low-DEF1)
Eagles defense at New York Giants: This could turn into an offensive shootout in the Meadowlands, but the numbers suggest that the Eagles could be a strong fantasy option. In fact, opposing units facing the Giants have combined to score the most fantasy points at the position. Philadelphia is available in most NFL.com fantasy leagues. (Maximum value: Low-DEF1)
Sleeper alert -- Rams defense vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Here's Rule No. 1 in streaming fantasy defenses this season: Start the team facing Blaine Gabbert and the Jaguars. Defensive units have scored a combined 65 fantasy points against Jacksonville - that's the second-most in the NFL. Enter the Rams, who should make some noise at home. (Maximum value: Low-DEF1)
DEF Sit of the week
Cowboys defense at Denver Broncos: The Cowboys are a solid fifth in fantasy points among defenses after four weeks, but you want nothing to do with them against Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Believe it or not, but opposing defenses have combined to score negative fantasy points when facing Denver this season. Need I say more? (Maximum value: Low-DEF2)
DEF Sit 'em
Titans defense vs. Kansas City Chiefs: The Titans have the third-ranked defense based on fantasy points, but this week's matchup against the Chiefs is anything but favorable. In fact, defenses have combined to score the sixth-fewest fantasy points when facing Alex Smith and the Kansas City offense. That's pretty bad news for the Titans. (Maximum value: Mid-DEF2)
Jets defense at Atlanta Falcons: The Jets had a nice start to the season, scoring 10 fantasy points in a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since then, however, this unit has scored five or fewer fantasy points in three of their last four games. Couple that with a tough road matchup in Atlanta, and it makes sense to bench the Jets. (Maximum value: Mid-DEF2)
Owners beware - Bengals defense vs. New England Patriots: No matter the personnel, one thing has remained the same about the Patriots - opposing defenses just don't score a lot of fantasy points against them. That doesn't bode well for the Bengals, who have been a bit of a disappointment in fantasy football leagues this season. (Maximum value: High-DEF2)
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com and NFL Network and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame. Have a burning question on anything fantasy related? Tweet it to _**@MichaelFabiano**_ or send a question via **Facebook**!
