Welcome to IDP Sit & Start (Week 5). This is where we highlight a few players at each position that we are looking to sit or start this week. For the starts, we will be avoiding the obvious starts, and for the sits, we will be avoiding the obvious sits. This is a place to deal with the players who make tougher decisions. For our full list of weekly rankings, head over to The FFU Weekly Rankings Page or try out our Sit/Start Tool Powered by Fantasy Pros.
Start ‘Em- Defensive Linemen
Embed from Getty ImagesCalais Campbell, Dolphins vs NE (1)
Calais Campbell, of the Miami Dolphins, has been a solid presence on the defensive line. For Week 5, he’s facing the Tennessee Titans, which is considered one of the easier matchups for defensive players. Campbell has been averaging around 9.2 fantasy points per game this season. Given his experience and the favorable matchup, he could be a decent option if you’re looking for a defensive lineman to fill in your lineup. He has totaled 12 tackles and two sacks on the season and should provide extra punch in your IDP lineup this week against the Patriots who are allowing 46.4% more fantasy production to lineman than the league average.
Jonathon Cooper, Broncos vs LV (2)
A’Shawn Robinson, Panthers vs CHI (4)
Start ‘Em- Linebackers
Bobby Wagner, Commanders vs CLE (1)
Bobby Wagner, of the Washington Commanders, remains a top-tier IDP option for Week 5. Facing the Cleveland Browns, Wagner is expected to be heavily involved in stopping their run-heavy offense. He has consistently played over 1,000 snaps in recent seasons and continues to be a three-down linebacker. This week, he’s projected to score around 12-15 fantasy points, making him a solid LB1 choice. His tackling ability and leadership on the field should translate to a productive fantasy outing in an ideal matchup with the Browns who rank as the best matchup for opposing linebackers.
Additionally, Wagner’s experience and football IQ make him a reliable option for generating turnovers and making key plays. His ability to read the offense and position himself effectively often results in high tackle counts and occasional sacks or interceptions. Given the Browns’ reliance on their running game, Wagner is likely to see plenty of action, which bodes well for his fantasy output. If you’re looking for a consistent performer with a high floor and the potential for a big game, Wagner is a strong start this week.
Nick Bolton, Chiefs vs NO (3)
Carl Granderson, Saints vs KC (4)
Start ‘Em- Defensive Backs
Jaquan Brisker, Bears vs CAR (1)
Jaquan Brisker, the Chicago Bears’ safety, is a strong IDP option for Week 5. Facing the Carolina Panthers who rank as the best matchup for opposing defensive backs. Brisker is expected to be a key player in the Bears’ defensive strategy. He has been a consistent performer, filling the stat sheet with tackles, sacks, and interceptions.
In Week 4, Brisker had a standout performance against the Rams, contributing significantly to the Bears’ victory. This week, he’s projected to score around 8-10 fantasy points, making him a reliable DB2 (Defensive Back 2) or flex option. His ability to read the offense and make impactful plays should translate to a productive fantasy outing. Given the Panthers’ offensive inconsistencies, Brisker has a good chance to rack up tackles and possibly force turnovers.
If you’re looking for a consistent and high-upside defensive back, Brisker is a solid start for Week 5.
Jason Pinnock, Giants vs SEA (2)
Damar Hamlin, Bills vs HOU (4)
Sit ‘Em- Defensive Linemen
Will Anderson, Texans vs BUF (32)
Will Anderson Jr., the Houston Texans’ standout defensive end, is a risky IDP option for Week 5. Facing the Buffalo Bills, Anderson is expected to be a key player in the Texans’ defensive strategy. He has shown significant potential in his rookie season, with 7 sacks, 22 QB hits, and 45 combined tackles in 2023.
In Week 4, Anderson had a solid performance, contributing to the Texans’ defensive efforts. This week, he’s projected to score around 5 fantasy points, making him a risky DL2 (Defensive Lineman 2) or flex option. His ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the backfield always gives him the chance to produce but the matchup with Buffalo is one to avoid. Given the Bills’ offensive tendencies, Anderson has a limited opportunities to rack up tackles and possibly add to his sack total.
If you’re looking for a consistent and high-upside defensive lineman, Anderson is someone to avoid for Week 5 against a Bills offense that ranks as the best matchup for opposing lineman and is allowing 46.0% less fantasy production to the position than the league average.
Charles Snowden, Raiders vs DEN (30)
Sam Hubbard, Bengals vs BAL (39)
Sit ‘Em- Linebackers
K.J. Britt, Buccaneers vs ATL (32)
K.J. Britt, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker, is a must-sit for Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons. Britt has struggled to make a significant impact this season, with limited playing time and inconsistent production. He has only recorded 12 tackles and no sacks through the first four games.
The Falcons’ offense, led by a strong running game, presents a challenging matchup for Britt. Tampa Bay’s defensive scheme often relies on more experienced linebackers in critical situations, further reducing Britt’s opportunities to make plays. Additionally, the Falcons have been effective at limiting linebacker production, making it unlikely that Britt will see enough action to be a viable fantasy option this week.
Given these factors, it’s best to look for more reliable and higher-upside linebackers for your Week 5 lineup. Britt’s low projected fantasy points and limited role make him a risky start.
Travon Walker, Jaguars vs IND (30)
Divine Deablo, Raiders vs DEN (29)
Sit ‘Em- Defensive Backs
Jalen Pitre, Texans vs BUF (32)
Jalen Pitre, the Houston Texans’ safety, is a must-sit for Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. Pitre has been dealing with an injury, which has limited his practice time and could affect his performance. Even if he plays, his recent form has been inconsistent, making him a risky fantasy option.
The Bills’ offense, led by a balanced attack, poses a challenging matchup for Pitre. Buffalo’s ability to spread the ball around and utilize multiple offensive weapons means Pitre may not have many opportunities to make impactful plays. Additionally, the Texans’ defense has struggled overall, which could limit Pitre’s chances to rack up tackles or turnovers.
Given these factors, it’s best to look for more reliable and higher-upside defensive backs for your Week 5 lineup. Pitre’s low projected fantasy points and injury concerns make him a risky start.
Ji’Ayir Brown, 49ers vs ARI (31)
Jalen Ramsey, Dolphins vs NE (30)
Thank you for checking out this week’s IDP Sit & Start column. For our latest content, head over to our YouTube Channel for daily videos.
