Anthony Beers, Staff Writer
Start ‘Em:
Robert Griffin III QB, Washington Redskins: This year’s second overall pick has been just what the Redskins hoped for after trading up in 2012 draft. Griffin has shown that he can deliver for fantasy owners as well. In the first five weeks, Griffin has thrown for 1,161 yards, 4 touchdowns and just 1 interception. In additon to his great passing numbers, Griffin has 241 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. In a tough loss to the Falcons, Griffin suffered a brutal hit that resulted in stitches and a concussion. Reports have said that Griffin’s concussion is not that serious and he should be ready to go for next week. Griffin’s running ability is his most valuable asset but his health will be a concern going forward. Hopefully Griffin will learn from his close call against Atlanta and do what he can to avoid injury.
Matt Ryan QB, Atlanta Falcons: In the past, Ryan had not proven that he could be a week in and week out fantasy option. That is not the case anymore. This season Ryan has been nothing short of superb, leading the Falcons to a 5-0 record and with his dynamic duo at wide receiver of Roddy White and Julio Jones, Ryan has thrown for 1,507 yards, 13 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. As long as Ryan continues to put those numbers up, he will have nothing further to prove to fantasy owners this season.
Reggie Wayne WR, Indianapolis Colts: Wayne struggled last season as many of the Colts did following the neck injury to Peyton Manning that had him sidelined for the entire season. Following the pitiful year, many of the Colts’ free agents left Indianapolis due to the fact that the team was clearly entering a rebuilding stage. However, Wayne chose to stay. He already had a Super Bowl ring, so why not finish his career in Indianapolis? That seems like a wise decision now. Wayne has been fantastic this season with rookie quarterback Andrew Luck throwing him the ball. Wayne had 13 catches for 212 yards and a touchdown Sunday in the Colts upset win over the Packers. Wayne is proving he is still a reliable fantasy option week in and week out.
Sit ‘Em:
Tony Romo QB, Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys had a bye last week, but there’s no question that fantasy owners will have no desire to start Romo in the weeks to come if they have a way around it. Romo looked absolutely lost during a Monday night lose to the Bears, in which he threw 5 interceptions. This obviously diminished Romo’s fantasy value early in the year. It would be tough to picture Romo struggling all season long, but this week he is far too risky to start after Monday night’s game. Romo probably will become more reliable in good time, but if fantasy players have another option at quarterback it’s smarter to go with that one for Week 5.
Michael Vick QB, Philadelphia Eagles: Vick has kept the Eagles in every game this year and is a proven starter in the NFL. His quickness and elusiveness has allowed him to be a fantasy jackpot in the past with rushing yards and touchdowns to go on top of his passing stats. But this year, Vick’s biggest problem has been turnovers. His carelessness with the ball has resulted in 6 interceptions and 5 fumbles lost in just five games. Vick had a crucial fumble on the one yard line against the Steelers on Sunday that made the difference in the game. Vick’s only fundamentally sound game came against the Giants struggling defense two weeks ago. Until Vick can prove that he can be more disciplined with the football, he is not a reliable fantasy option.
Sidney Rice WR, Seattle Seahawks: A lot of fantasy owners remember how valuable Sidney Rice was just a couple years ago on the Minnesota Vikings. But after an injury and a new team, it has been a few years since Rice has had any kind of similar dominance. This was the first year in a while Rice was healthy so Rice was taken late in drafts as a possible sleeper pick. But at this point, Seattle’s game plan is clear. They are pounding the ball on the ground with running back Marshawn Lynch every game and he is doing great things with it. There tough defense is helping to keep them in games to make up for their conservative offense. Rookie quarterback Russell Wilson has been unpredictable and has not shown he can consistently get Rice the ball. He is not worth starting.
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