Well Rush Nation, we are getting ready for Week 6. The next few weeks will be chaotic with the new bye week schedule, after the Patriots and the Titans have had to postpone games over the last two week. This makes starts and sits even more important. If you planned your bye weeks at your draft, you now need to update your bye weeks, as some apps like sleeper have not updated them. Therefore, start thinking about how you will navigate those byes.

There is no Thursday Night Football this week. That means we have even more time to watch out for injuries and keep an eye out for any changes. There are also two games on Monday, including a Monday afternoon/early evening game. Therefore, make sure your Monday players are in your flex spots, to give you more time.

STARTS

Ben Roethlisberger- QB Pittsburgh Steelers

This is one of those classic, “don’t overthink it” selections. People will look at the wins and losses and think this is going to be a tough game. However, Cleveland have allowed multiple TDs to QBs in 4 of their 5 games this year and also two 300+ yard passers. Ben is going to cook this week. 

Ryan Fitzpatrick- QB Miami Dolphins

He was in the Waiver Wire column and I Streamed a Stream column this week. Everyone has gone ham on the Jets this season, with the exception of Philip Rivers, who hasn’t lit it up against anyone this season. This reeks of a 300+ yards/ 2-3 TD game for Fitz this week.

Antonio Gibson- RB Washington Football Team

I am predicting that this is the week for the Antonio Gibson breakout party to begin. Last week he played 56% of snaps at Running Back (up 12% on Week Four), but he also was involved in 40% of routes per dropback. What does that mean? When they run the ball, it mostly goes to Gibson, especially at the goalline. And then he’s also massively involved in the passing game. Now he gets the New York Giants. Time to break out.

Damien Harris- RB New England Patriots

This is the week for another breakout. This time, perhaps a year late. But with the Patriots being 9 point favourites at home, playing with a backup QB potentially, who are playing a team who have lost a lot of pieces to injury including their QB, and his competition is injured and on IR. This is the time for Harris. Game script is in his favour, with a lack of competition. It’s a powder keg ready to explode.

Jamison Crowder- WR New York Jets

Jamison Crowder, in his 3 games this season, has at least 7 catches and 100 yards in each game. Why would you not put that production in your lineup? Especially in PPR. Yes, he will have Joe Flacco throwing him the ball. However, Flacco isn’t the worst QB you will see lineup in the NFL this season. They play Miami this week, so a favorable matchup.

Davante Parker- WR Miami Dolphins

Parker is going to eat this week, giving he is facing the Jets. The reason why Fitz is a must start is exactly the same reason that Parker is a must start. He should easily see lots of targets and hope he find the end zone to cap off a potential top 15 week.

Robert Tonyan- TE Green Bay Packers

To avoid sweeping with Dolphins players, I have gone with Tonyan here. I expect the Bucs to keep Jones in check on the ground and expect Green Bay to cook up the passing game. The Bucs are susceptible to Tight Ends, so Tonyan will be involved in this game. I expect him to find the end zone this week also.

SITS

Joe Burrow- QB Cincinnati Bengals

For the second week in a row I am going to ask you to sit the same QBs. Burrow was given the treatment by Baltimore and put up a negative score last week. He faces the number 1 defense in football this week in the Indianapolis Colts. Sit Burrow once again

Carson Wentz- QB Philadelphia Eagles

If you aren’t sure on this, just go back and watch Joe Burrow get mauled by the Baltimore Ravens defense. Not to mention Wentz has as many Touchdowns as Interceptions (9). Once again, the easiest sit in this weeks starts and sits column.

Melvin Gordon- RB Denver Broncos

Gordon is also in the sits this week because I don’t think he plays. It’s the same match-up so its the same reasons as last week if he does go. However, the fact he has been charged with a DUI and speeding means I think he will be benched by Fangio this week. But if he goes, just read last weeks column to read up why you should bench him.

Frank Gore- RB New York Jets

If you think that the Jets, now without Le’Veon Bell, who was released this week, will rely on Frank Gore, you have another thing coming. It’s best to fade every New York Jet with the exception of Jamison Crowder. There are better desperation plays off the Waiver Wire than Gore.

T.Y Hilton- WR Indianapolis Colts 

T.Y Hilton is struggling. In three previous games of his first four games, against Minnesota, the Jets and Chicago, Hilton combined for just 18 PPR points on just 13 targets. Ok, he rebounded slightly in Week 5 in a competitive game. However, against the Bengals, I would expect the Colts to run the ball and not worry about putting it in the air too much. Hilton is a liability this week.

Jarvis Landry- WR Cleveland Browns

Landry has been held to less than 50 yards in 3 of 5 games this season, has zero receiving Touchdowns this season and no 100 yard games. He’s not getting enough volume and Baker Mayfield is playing hurt. Don’t be tempted to play Landry, just leave him on your bench.

Hayden Hurst- TE Atlanta Falcons

Hurst appeared on the Injury Report today with a back injury. That is not a great sign for a player who has not really lit it up this season so far. Best to stay clear and go with another Tight End this week.

That will do it for this week. Thank you so much for reading. If you have any questions, then please do get in touch. However, until next week with more starts and sits Rush Nation, and more starts and sits, Keep Rushing!

– Murf (@murf_NFL)