Fantasy football preview: Week 5

Greetings, Falcoholics! The Atlanta Falcons are now 1-3 and have traveled across the pond to play host to another struggling team, the New York Jets. I can’t say either team is desirable fantasy wise, but there could be some sneaky good matchups to be had.

Throughout the season, every Friday, we will be previewing the fantasy matchups and who you may want to consider starting and also benching. Additionally, if you have any fantasy questions you’d like answered, you can submit them every week.

With that, let’s get started.

Matt Ryan might struggle

After starting the season off with a 7.36 fantasy point day against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan has put together three-straight weeks of welcomed fantasy numbers. From Weeks 2-4, Ryan has no fewer than 20.62 fantasy points while also haveing a phenomenal 38.02 fantasy points last week against the Washington Football Team. The key is that Ryan has thrown at least 2+ touchdowns in each of the last three games, but will it continue against the Jets? So far this season, the Jets defense has only allowed two passing touchdowns and have allowed the 4th fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. If you really must start Ryan, who will be without wide receiver Calvin Ridley on Sunday, I would limit expectations.

Until further notice, Cordarrelle Patterson is a must-start every week

If there’s one thing I’m confident in this weekend, it’s that the Falcons run game will have their best game of the season. The mixture of Cordarrelle Patterson and Mike Davis has had its ups and downs, but this is a must-start game for both. Patterson recorded at least five catches and 50 yards over the last three weeks and have three receiving touchdowns just last week. The offense is essentially flowing through him, and with no Ridley on Sunday, Patterson should get even more usage in the passing game.

You may be hesitant to consider Mike Davis a must-start in Week 5, but I am confident that he’ll at least beat his projections this week. Davis has quietly had 10+ fantasy points every game this season, and he finally scored a touchdown last weekend against Washington. With the Jets secondary being stingy and their run defense currently allowing the most fantasy points to opposing running backs, I consider Davis a low-end RB2 this week. I predict 15 carries, 70 yards and a touchdown.

Kyle Pitts should go off against the Jets

Whether he’s on your fantasy team or not, we’ve all been waiting for Kyle Pitts to go off this year. It hasn’t happened yet, but it should this weekend. If Kyle Pitts doesn’t have a great game against the Jets considering the Falcons don’t have Ridley this week, I’ll be shocked. It all boils down to the fact that someone has to catch the ball and Pitts is by far the best target Ryan will have on Sunday, along with Patterson. The tight end position is so thin in fantasy this year that you’re likely starting him anyways, but if you don’t have Pitts, now is the time to trade for him. Once he goes off, I don’t think he’ll ever return to his current fantasy numbers.

If you need a sneaky play on Sunday, fire up Olamide Zaccheaus. Ryan trusts him and he’s available in 96% of leagues. This would be an absolute desperation play, but last time I recommended Zaccheaus, he scored a touchdown.

That about does it for the Week 5 fantasy football preview. Next week the Falcons will be on a Bye so there will be no fantasy article.

As I say every week, when it comes to fantasy football – always go with your gut!