Fantasy Football 2018: Start or sit for Week 5

Start

Marshawn Lynch at Los Angeles (Chargers) – After a disappointing 2017 campaign, many in the fantasy community were quick to write off Marshawn Lynch in 2018. Include myself in those ranks, as I just didn’t think Lynch had much left in the gas tank. Then he proceeded to eat his Skittles and prove everybody wrong thus far, entering Week 5 as fantasy football’s eighth ranked running back.

Lynch has scored no less than 12 points in each matchup thus far, and is coming off a 130-yard performance in what was a shootout in Oakland last week. The Raiders now travel to LA to face a Chargers defense that allows nearly 110 yards per game on the ground, along with four touchdowns allowed to date as well. Los Angeles’ run defense could be in for a long day if Lynch sees the same workload as Week 4, something head coach Jon Gruden plans on doing if all goes to plan.

Matt Breida vs. Arizona – After bursting on the scene the first few weeks of the season, Matt Breida’s injuries have caused him to slow down in terms of snaps and production. Breida has yet to see over 11 attempts in a game, and finds himself as questionable this week as the 49ers play host to the Cardinals.

If active, however, Breida is favored to have one of the most productive days out of the running back group. On just 41 carries, Breida is tied for third in rushing yards, something that doesn’t bode well for an Arizona defense that ranks second-worst in the league in terms of rush defense (141.3 yards per game).

San Francisco has shown they are willing to throw the football with C.J. Beathard at quarterback, but head coach Kyle Shanahan should be salivating at the opportunity to win the game on the ground. If Breida is active, he’s a high-upside RB2 at worst.

Sit

Tevin Coleman at Pittsburgh – Tevin Coleman is one of the best handcuff running backs in fantasy football, yet every handcuff has their ceiling. Devonta Freeman is expected to make his first start since opening night after nursing a knee injury, severely downgrading Coleman’s appeal in week five despite a savory matchup in Pittsburgh.

Even in Freeman’s absence, Coleman wasn’t able to produce in the likes of his fellow running back counter-part. A touchdown in week one saved a 10-point performance for Coleman, who has yet to truly explode in what should be one of the highest-scoring offenses in the league. Expect a hefty load of Freeman against the Steelers, signaling limited opportunities for Coleman on Sunday.

Adrian Peterson at New Orleans – Adrian Peterson appears to have a little something left at the tail end of his career, hitting 20+ point outings in 2-of-3 games this season, despite sharing a backfield with Chris Thompson. Peterson currently sits as questionable with an ankle injury, but coming off a bye week and having an extra day to prepare, Peterson is almost a guarantee to suit up for Monday night.

Yet, the Saints field one of the toughest run defenses in all of football, limiting running backs to just 3.2 yards per carry on the season. In a game where the Saints welcome back Mark Ingram, New Orleans is expected to light up the scoreboard. This matchup isn’t exactly welcoming for a running back strictly used on the ground. The ceiling for Peterson in Week 5 is low, yet his floor might be sitting at a modest 60 yards rushing.