The 5th Down Blog is designed to help you, the fantasy owner, on whom to start, sit, and who we pick as a sleeper for the week. Each week, five of us will take turns doing a position for the week. Feedback is always welcome as we love to discuss football!
Check out past postings of the 5th Down for each week:
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3Quarterback - MikeMust Start: Christian Ponder 
vs. 
Easy call..look at two things. What did Ponder do to maybe the leagues best defense? What did Jake Locker do to Detroit last week? Add a returning Jerome Simpson and Ponder does it again.
Must Sit: Mike Vick 
vs. 
No shock here, but you just can't trust Vick anymore, his turnovers are killing his once great fantasy value. Until he shows signs of ball control, keep him benched.
(other must sits: Josh Freeman, Jake Locker, Phillip Rivers)
Sleeper: Alex Smith 
vs. 
With Darrell Revis out, look for Smith to take advantage with many catches by Crabtree, Davis, and I'd even expect Moss to find the end zone.
(other sleepers: Blaine Gabbert, Carson Palmer, Kevin Kolb)
Running back - Philly GirlMust Start: Frank Gore vs. Through Week 3, the Jets D have allowed the second most rushing yards overall and seventh-most fantasy points to RBs. Gore should get several opportunities and with a lead, expect the ground game to hammer away at the Jets D.
Must Sit: Chris Johnson 
vs. 
**Disclaimer** Each week my "must sit" has had his breakout week. In hoping that the football Gods are paying attention, lets continue this trend. Johnson is averaging 1.4 yards per carry and ranks 50th in fantasy points among running backs. The Texans are a formidable opponent this week and unless the Gods are paying attention, his stats don't look promising again this week.
Sleeper: Cedric Benson 
vs. 
As a free agent just a few weeks ago, Benson epitomizes sleeper this week. He has totaled 180 yards in his last two games and this week the Packers play the Saints who have allowed the most fantasy points to RBs this season.
Wide Receiver - ProFSLMust Start: WR Andrew Hawkins 
vs. 
Hawkins was relatively unknown going into this season, but the 2nd year wideout from Toledo
is producing. While he has only caught two passes per game for the past two weeks, he has made the most of those catches by scoring TDs and accruing yards. Overall for the season, he has been Dalton's 2nd favorite target with 12 receptions, 224 total yards, and 2 TDs. This week, the Bengals' passing attack gets to feast on the Jaguars who are the second worst defense in the league regarding how many fantasy points they allow opposing WRs to score. A.J. Green is an obvious must start and Hawkins has caught enough attention that he isn't a sleeper anymore. Get him in your lineup now!
Must Bench: Any non-Megatron Lions WR vs The Vikings have surprised many of us this year quietly being productive on offense with a balanced attack, but mostly relying on great play by their secondary. They have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs and will have their toughest test this week with the Lions' aerial attack. With that said, one should never bench Megatron, but for those who like Nate Burleson or Titus Young at WR3 (or WR1/2 in deeper leagues) then I suggest benching those guys this week.
Sleeper: WR Cecil Shorts vs. I have already touched on the Jaguars' shortcomings in their secondary. Cincinnati isn't that much better at stopping opposing WRs. This game is bound to be a shootout and Mr. Shorts will benefit. He has been the best Jaguars WR this year with 27 fantasy points in a league like
The Gridiron. He has a solid shot at 90 yards and a TD this week. If you have bye week blues because you own Reggie Wayne, Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, and Donnie Avery (bye week), then this is the substitute for you!
Tight End - JMACisBACKMust Start: Antonio Gates 
vs 
I am hoping this is the week that Gates finally gets the ball from Rivers in a rivalry game to determine 1st place in the AFC West. I look for Gates to find the end zone this week in addition to 5-6 catches and 50-65 yards as well.
Must Sit: Greg Olsen 
vs Houston is giving up the 3rd fewest PPG for TEs on the season. They have a top tier def and Newton is struggling of late. Only play Olsen if you have no other options but I do not see him scoring or putting up solid receptions or yards vs this stout def.
Sleeper: Jermichael Finley vs He doesn’t seem like he should be a sleeper per say, but he has not done much this season and is slipping down the rankings. I look for Finley to find the end zone this week vs an anemic Saints defense and see Aaron Rodgers and company having a breakout game offensively with Finley benefiting nicely.
Defense - Philly Girl/ProFSLMust Start: 
vs. 
The Cardinals are on a roll and everyone is wondering if they are for real. This question is directed more at their offense but their defense has handled the Seahawks, Patriots, and Eagles and now they are going up against a potentially Reggie Bush-less offense. Look for Arizona to continue their winning streak and keep MIA under two TDs.
Must Sit: 
vs. 
I have been hot on the Bills this year (actually last year as well); however any team facing NE after two tough losses is nearly doomed. This is more about what I expect New England to come out and do over what I expect the Bills to handle. I believe Brady and gang will look to light up the Bills secondary and prove their prominence in the AFC.
Sleeper: 
vs. 
Seattle's D is leading the league with PPG allowing 13, and averaging under 300 yards per game to offenses. This week they face St. Louis who has allowed 12 sacks in three weeks.
