Sep 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver
Andre Johnson(80) warms up before the game against the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
We are getting ready to start Week 5 of the NFL season, and at the end of this week, the NFL season will be 31-percent complete … that’s a scary thought.
Don’t take the NFL season for granted because it will be over before we know it.
This week I went out on a limb on a couple players, expecting them to break out during favorable matchups. Also, I mentioned a few obvious players, because of certain reasons, health, matchups, slow start, perceptions — they haven’t been getting the credit they deserve.
Good luck this week with your fantasy, and if you are in need of any help, hit me up on Twitter @bmatz08.
Sunday, Oct. 5
Sep 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) catches a pass during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
1 p.m. games
• Chicago at Carolina
Brandon Marshall WR (CHI)
The Panthers got torched by Steve Smith last week for 139 yards and two touchdowns, and Marshall will be a candidate to go off against the Panthers this week.
Projection: 5 receptions, 90 yards, TD
• Cleveland at Tennessee
Browns Defense
The Browns defense is going to feast on some horrible quarterback play from either Charlie Whitehurst or Jake Locker. Locker is recovering from a hand injury and may or may not play this week. If Locker plays, he’s not going to be 100-percent, and even when Locker is healthy, he’s a turnover machine.
Projection: 15-plus fantasy points
• St. Louis at Philadelphia
Zac Stacy RB (STL)
The Eagles defense is weak against the run, and the Rams are going to want to run the ball to keep Philly’s high-paced offense off the field. Look for Stacy to get a lot of touches and some goal line looks.
Projection: 55 rushing yards, one rush TD; 2 receptions for 10 yards
• Atlanta at NY Giants
Victor Cruz WR (NYG)
The Giants are starting to spread the field more with their offense, and it’s allowing Cruz to get a lot better looks in the passing game. Atlanta has a lack of a pass rush, so Eli Manning is going to be able to sit in the pocket and deliver accurate throws again this week.
Projections: 8 receptions, 110 yards, one TD
• Tampa Bay at New Orleans
Austin Seferian-Jenkins TE (TB)
I’m going out on a limb on this one, so only start him if you’re in a bind at tight end. Last week, ASJ played 71 out of 71 offensive snaps, and he was utilized in the passing game ,receiving seven targets from QB Mike Glennon. He is a 6-5, 262-pound mastodon who is an athletic freak that will clean up around the goal line. He missed practice Wednesday due to ankle injury, so monitor his injury going forward.
Projection: 4 receptions, 35 yards and one TD
• Houston at Dallas
Andre Johnson WR (HOU)
The Dallas offense is cooking with fire, and the Texans are going to have to throw the ball in the latter part of the game to keep up with them. Johnson should be a beneficiary to the game script and should be able to capitalize on his targets this week.
Projection: 6 receptions, 80 yards, one TD
• Buffalo at Detroit
Sammy Watkins WR (BUF)
The Bills are making a QB change to Kyle Orton this week, and Watkins should benefit greatly. Orton’s passes will be more accurate than those of EJ Manuel (the Bills’ previous QB), which would give Watkins more catchable targets.
Projection: 10 receptions, 120 yards, one TD
• Baltimore at Indianapolis
TY Hilton WR (IND)
Start TY this week. He’s seventh in the league in targets, tied with Pierre Garcon, and he produces his best stats when he’s at home, averaging 16.4 yards per catch versus 12.3 yards per catch on the road. Hilton hasn’t scored a TD yet this year, but that means he’s due with the amount of targets he’s receiving.
Projection: 9 receptions, 100 yards, one TD
• Pittsburgh at Jacksonville
Antonio Brown WR (PIT)
Brown has been awesome this year, and he should produce another incredible stat line. I’ve never given Brown that much credit in the past, but he’s one of the best wide receivers in the league and should be treated like one in your lineups.
Projections: 10 receptions, 100 yards, one TD