By Sean Reis
Columnist
For Week Five, I again suggested the minimum players at each position below, but I also suggest drafting Carson Palmer, Karlos Williams or Torrey Smith, depending on your weekly budgeting.
Quarterback:
Eli Manning ($6,800) — In the first four weeks, Manning has thrown seven touchdowns and only one interception, averaging 244 passing yards per game. This consistent Giants QB is not who we are used to seeing, but from a fantasy perspective, Manning suddenly seems to be a trustworthy play, especially at an average price against a struggling San Francisco defense in Week Five.
Running Backs:
Le’Veon Bell ($8,500) — Despite being one of the most expensive RBs week after week, Bell now has to carry the load in Pittsburgh with Ben Roethlisberger injured so if you have the money left in the budget, spend it on Bell in Week Five. Bell has very high upside while running little risk in a decent matchup against an OK San Diego defense.
Justin Forsett ($5,800) — The 2014 Justin Forsett finally returned to play this past week, rushing for 150 yards on 27 attempts. Although he is yet to prove himself as a consistent pick this season, I like his chances of continuing to perform well in Week Five, playing at home against Cleveland.
Wide Receivers:
Kenan Allen ($7,200) — I went with Allen last week and he repaid with four receptions for 72 yards and one touchdown, having his third double digit performance of the season. It may be a tough matchup for Allen in Week Five, but Philip Rivers has played relatively well recently, which definitely helps justify the price for the risky reward.
James Jones ($5,700) — Davante Adams may or may not be back on the field for the Green Bay Packers in Week Five, but while Randall Cobb is covered, Aaron Rodgers will be looking for Jones to be open, especially in the redzone. At $5,700, I like Jones in Week Five at home, where Rodgers will find the holes in San Diego’s defense.
Rueben Randle ($4,400) — Victor Cruz is yet to return from injury and Randle is starting to fill the void, scoring a touchdown in the past two games and doing the salsa as a tribute to Cruz in his Week Four celebration. While I cannot promise Randle will receive a touchdown pass in Week Five, I do like Manning a lot this week. And at only $4,400, I like Randle as well.
Tight End:
Jason Witten ($4,500) — Without Tony Romo at QB, the Dallas Cowboys have struggled, but Brandon Weeden has continued Romo’s favoritism, always looking for Witten in tough times, which is all the time at the moment and why I continue to draft Witten frequently.
Defense:
New York Giants ($2,900) — The New York Giants defense has not been the threatening pass rush we had grown accustomed to. However, in Week Five they will be playing in primetime, Sunday Night Football against an inconsistent San Francisco team, where I predict they should shine.
