NFL Week 5: Players to Watch For
Another great week is in the books for the NFL. And the one thing about the NFL that makes it so different from other sports is that the NFL doesn’t have to create drama, it just happens. This past week we had the Cowboys appear to have a strangle-hold on the undefeated Lions being up 27-3 in the third quarter. It had everyone, even the announcers, saying that this year is different for the Cowboys. They must have forgotten that the Cowboys still have Tony Romo. While I like the guy, he just doesn’t seem to have that killer instinct that great quarterbacks have. First he gives up a pick six to his best man at his wedding, then he gives up another pick six, and then when the Cowboys are hanging on for dear life with a lead of only 3, he throws another pick to set up the Lions game winning drive.
Then we had Michael Vick and the Eagles roll in to San Francisco like they meant business. They came out firing on all cylinders and quickly built up a 23-3 lead. It looked like the Eagles started packing their bags early and making plans for the evening because they just fell apart after that. Supposedly one of league’s best defenses let Frank Gore and Alex Smith scorch them in the second half. The Eagles now fall to 1-3 after being many people’s Super Bowl picks. This is why we love the NFL; it’s full of parity and drama. Something the NBA needs to try and copy.
Now onto week 5: There should be some great games with some great fantasy matchups. I know it’s early in the week, but here are some matchups that have already caught my eye:
Week 5 Players to Watch
QB: Michael Vick (at Buffalo Bills): There is absolutely no way that the Eagles can lose this game and have any hope of making the postseason. I expect an all out performance from Vick and the Eagles. This will be the game that they look back on as the turning point in the season. Not only did Vick have a great game last week against the Niners, but the Buffalo Bills have been prone to giving up lots of fantasy points to opposing QB’s. Andy Dalton even had a big week against the Bills. I think Vick will challenge Aaron Rodgers for the most fantasy points for a QB this week.
RB: Ryan Mathews (at Denver Broncos): Matthews has quickly become a fantasy stud this season by being a double threat out of the backfield. He has everything that you want in a running back: great speed, great power, and a great attitude. This week he has a great matchup against the Denver Broncos who haven’t been very good against the run this year. He should be able to stack up the yardage both rushing and receiving.
WR: Julio Jones (vs. Green Bay Packers): This is one of my sleeper picks this week because in order for the Falcons to stay close to the Packers, they are going to have to score a lot of points. The Packers defense is going to key in on Roddy White and Michael Turner which should leave some big play opportunities for Julio. I think he will have the biggest game of his young career.
TE: Jermaine Gresham (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars): My picks in my articles for weeks 1-3 haven’t been anything too special so far, but I have been able to pick a tight-end each week that had a monster game. Last week I picked Gresham and I am going to roll with him again. The Jaguars have given up huge games to opposing TE’s this year and Dalton needs a safety valve. Look for Gresham to have a great game this week.
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About the Writer: Derek ‘Notorious’ Farnsworth has been playing fantasy sports ever since he could walk. He loves sports so much he swears his first words were “Michael Jordan.” He recently graduated with a Master’s degree from the University of Utah and is excited for their entrance into the PAC-12. He was introduced to daily fantasy sports last year by clicking on one of Draftstreet’s famous referee ads, and quickly climbed the RotoGrinders Rankings into the Top 25. He also loves betting on sports and the occasional craps table.