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The season is young, and your fantasy football losses are racking up mighty fast. Let me be your guide to turn things around.
Start: Arian Foster
A healthy Arian Foster is a dangerous Arian Foster. The return of the former Texan may be just what the Miami Dolphins need. While his return is still labeled as "questionable," rumor has it that he is expected to play. The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently ranked 21st against running backs, and the absence of defensive end Cam Heyward only makes the match up more inviting. Foster's pass catching abilities makes him a dual-threat running back, giving him plenty of opportunities for a big day. As anyone who has owned Foster in fantasy football before knows, he tends to be very injury prone-- so use him while you have the chance.
Sit: Matt Jones
If you're a "pattern" kind of person, then maybe Matt Jones is for you. Jones' numbers in standard leagues go as follows: 3, 12, 7, 19, 3. The pattern would say he's due for a solid performance, but reality does not say the same. The Philadelphia Eagles are coming to town, and they have shown to be one of the stingiest opponents for running backs. Coming off of their first loss, expect the Eagles defense to show up in a big way Sunday afternoon. Philadelphia has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher, and that is unlikely to change in Week 6.
Start: Christine Michael
Why do Seattle Seahawks running backs always seem to ball out, regardless of who they put out there the past two seasons? Marshawn Lynch, Thomas Rawls, now Christine Michael. Michael entered last week's bye with games of 23 and 15 points. Now after a week's rest, an inviting match up at home against the Atlanta Falcons awaits. Falcons enter the week ranked 22nd against the run, and playing in Seattle is no easy task. Expect a good day from Michael, in what is setting up to be a fantastic game overall.
Sit: Jeremy Hill
Not even looking at the match up, Jeremy Hill's stats speak for themselves. The Cincinnati Bengals running back has had a poor start to the season aside from Week 3 versus Denver. Throw in an uninviting match up against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, and you should have no reason to take Hill off of your bench. The Patriots defense ranks 3rd against running backs, and in a game that will likely be air attack vs air attack, running backs are not likely to thrive. Hill's back up, Gio Bernard, may be worth more consideration, as he is Cincinnati's passing-down running back.
Start: Michael Crabtree/Amari Cooper
The Oakland Raiders passing game has become potent. It is time to accept that Derek Carr is a perfectly capable quarterback, and he has two dangerous weapons out wide. Amari Cooper is coming off of his biggest game of the season, and Michael Crabtree is slowly becoming one of the most consistent wide receivers in fantasy football. Do not expect a repeat performance of last week for Cooper, but you are safe to project double digit performances for both wide outs. A visit from the Kansas City Chiefs is not something to be scared of anymore. A typically stellar defense has been tamed this season, as they are entering Week 6 allowing the 5th most points to wide receivers.
Sit: Brandon Marshall
This one hurts to write. Brandon Marshall is typically a must-start in all fantasy formats, but this season has not been his greatest, thus far. Marshall is totaling only two touchdowns for the season, and finding the end zone will be a tall task this week in Glendale, Arizona. While the loss of Eric Decker for the season has a positive impact for Marshall in the long run, it sort of hurts this week. The Cardinals typically have one of the stingiest pass offenses in the NFL, and can now put even more focus on covering Marshall, with the loss of Decker. Brandon Marshall, say hello to Patrick Peterson. If FitzMagic continues his turnover trend that has plagued his 2016 season, a long day is ahead for all New York Jets players.