October 8, 2016

Joe Sorensen covers his top sits and starts for fantasy football Week 5, using his matchup-based analysis. This week he focuses on running backs.

Week after week, we never know who is going to blow up the stat sheet for a great game. Chances are he is either on the fantasy waiver wire or on your bench. So, what do you do? Submit a waiver claim and get him, making sure to start him the following week. Result? He was not worth the start.

Without question, this happens every week to almost every owner that has ever played fantasy football. While a strong draft is one of the keys to winning your fantasy season, so is knowing who to pick up from the waiver wire and knowing when to start him. This is the biggest issue with running backs. With many teams using a running back by committee approach, one of them can be productive one week and not see a touch the following.

So, who is worth starting this week?

*Remember: These columns do not include your every-week starters. For this week, players like Todd Gurley, LeSean McCoy and Lamar Miller are not considered. This article goes deeper than that.

Best Start Possible - DeAndre Washington v. SD

It is time to unleash another talented rookie for the second consecutive week. Last week, we got to see Jordan Howard of the Chicago Bears break out in his first start against the Detroit Lions. This week, now that incumbent starter Latavius Murray will likely be inactive on Sunday, Washington is the next man up. With Washington, Murray and Jalen Richards all seeing snaps, the team ranks 7th in rushing. The Chargers, who have a host of injuries themselves, are ranked 7th in rushing defense. This is because the Chargers passing defense is 28th in the league. This is not to say that Washington will repeat Howard’s performance (26 touches for 132 total yards), but I think he is a reasonable starter this week as we deal with more bye weeks.

Quality Start - Duke Johnson v. NE

I know. You are thinking why I would suggest starting anyone against the New England Patriots. You just answered your own question. It is because it is the Pats. Tom Brady will more than likely have his team on top early, meaning Duke should see more snaps than usual. The Browns will be forced to abandon the run and Isaiah Crowell early and start throwing the ball around - Johnson’s specialty. In the past two games, both of which were much closer than this is expected to be, Johnson had 15 touches for 81 yards against Miami and 14 for 76 yards against Washington. This could easily be a game that Johnson finishes with 20 touches, including 8-10 catches for those of you in PPR leagues.

Worst Possible Start - Whoever Plays RB for MIA v. TEN

This should be an easy decision for anyone that has Arian Foster, Jay Ajayi, Kenyon Drake or even Damian Williams on their roster. This is not a play against the Titans rush defense considering they held Adrian Peterson to 31 yards in the season opener. The Dolphins have become too indecisive in selecting a workhorse back. Being a Dolphins fan, which I unfortunately am, leads me to believe that we have good RBs. Then, we see them on the field and their production, only to be extremely disappointed. While by themselves, a healthy Foster and possible Ajayi have the opportunity to put up solid fantasy numbers, I am taking the Titans’ 20th-ranked rush defense over Miami’s 28th-ranked rushing offense.

Not a Good Start - Charles Sims v. CAR

In two games without Doug Martin, Sims has been extremely disappointing. In those games, Sims has 28 carries for 83 yards (2.9 ypc) for one TD. He also has eight catches for 73 yards. Those do not seem like the numbers that a workhorse back should be putting out. Sims has not been good - a disappointment to everyone who jumped on him when they found out Martin was hurt. In what should be his last start before the Muscle Hamster returns, Sims is facing a defense that need to redeem themselves. The Panthers should be looking for a strong outing from their defense after allowing Matt Ryan and Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcon to destroy them last week. If you do not have another choice but to start Sims, good luck.

Next week, we look again at another very confusing position: wide receiver. Even at the top of the rankings, this position is congested and unexpected. It only gets more confusing as we look deeper and find bye-week replacements.

*Have a player or position question you would like me to talk about? Follow me on Twitter @JSorensen119 and let me know.