Welcome back, fantasy football fanatics! As we head into Week 5 of the 2024 season, injuries are mounting, and bye weeks are keeping some of your star players out of action. Fear not; this guide will help you sift through the chaos to determine which players to start and which ones are better left on the bench. Let’s break down the best and worst matchups for this week.

Last week saw notable players like James Cook, Garrett Wilson, and Travis Etienne Jr. struggle to find their footing, finishing with disappointing fantasy points. For instance, Etienne managed only 11 carries for 50 yards. Now, let’s dive deep into this week’s matchups!

Matchup Analysis - Sunday 9:30 a.m. EDT Game (London): New York Jets at Minnesota Vikings

- **Spread**: Vikings -2.5 - **Implied Total**: Jets (19) vs. Vikings (21.5) **Players to Start:** - **RB Aaron Jones**: Focused and on fire! He’s been a top running back, consistently exceeding 105 total yards in three out of four games. The Vikings' defense allows over 4.6 yards per carry, so make sure to get him in your lineup. - **TE Tyler Conklin**: With many tight ends on bye, Conklin stands out with consistent target volume against the Vikings, who have been vulnerable to tight ends recently. **Players to Sit:** - **QB Sam Darnold**: The numbers tell the story. Darnold is a risky QB2 with his current form against a strong defense that only yields an average of 8.6 points to opposing quarterbacks. - **QB Aaron Rodgers**: Despite the Vikings allowing the most pass yards, Rodgers is facing a relentless pass rush, making him more of a risky option this week.

**Injury Report:** None affecting key players this week.

Matchup Analysis - Sunday 1:00 p.m. EDT Games: Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals

- **Spread**: Ravens -2.5 - **Implied Total**: Ravens (26.5) vs. Bengals (24) **Players to Start:** - **Bengals TEs**: Erick All Jr. is becoming a potential starter with good usage against a Ravens defense that struggles against tight ends. - **QB Lamar Jackson**: He's scored at least 23 fantasy points in three of four games. Ready for a solid outing against the Bengals' leaky pass defense. **Players to Sit:** - **Bengals RBs**: Facing a tough Ravens defense that allows only 2.7 yards per carry, they become risky plays.

Matchup Analysis - Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars

- **Spread**: Jaguars -2.5 - **Implied Total**: Colts (22) vs. Jaguars (24.5) **Players to Start:** - **Colts QBs**: Both Joe Flacco and Anthony Richardson (if healthy) have a favorable matchup against a Jaguars unit yielding high fantasy points. - **WR Brian Thomas Jr.**: After a breakout performance last week, he could shine again against the struggling Colts’ secondary. **Players to Sit:** - **WR Christian Kirk**: If Kenny Moore II plays, his shadow could limit Kirk’s production significantly.

Matchup Analysis - Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots

- **Spread**: Patriots -1.5 - **Implied Total**: Dolphins (17) vs. Patriots (18.5) **Players to Sit:** - **Dolphins WRs**: With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle struggling in Tua Tagovailoa’s absence, both are risky starts this week against a tough Patriots secondary.

Matchup Analysis - Cleveland Browns at Washington Commanders

- **Spread**: Commanders -3 - **Implied Total**: Commanders (23.25) vs. Browns (20.25) **Players to Start:** - **QB Deshaun Watson**: A favorable matchup against the Commanders could help Watson bounce back. - **RB Jerome Ford**: With Cleveland's injuries to the backfield, he should see plenty of work. **Players to Sit:** - **Commanders RBs**: Facing one of the league’s strongest run defenses isn’t ideal.

Additional Information for Your Week 5 Lineup:

- Matchups can make or break your fantasy week, so always check injury updates and anticipate game scripts. Be proactive about adjustments based on reports about players’ practice participation and injury statuses. - Don’t forget to utilize all resources available, such as fantasy football podcasts, apps, and analysis platforms to craft the most winning lineup possible.

Get ready for an action-packed Week 5! Make sure to set those lineups wisely and keep an eye on player statuses leading up to game time! Who will be this week’s fantasy football hero? Don’t miss out!