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, we will take turns doing a position for the week. Feedback is always welcome as we love to discuss football!
Courtesy of USA TodayCheck out past postings of the 5th Down for each week:
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7Quarterback - MikeMust Start: Ben Roethlisberger
vs. 
The Redskins are giving up more yards through the air than any other team, and Big Ben has been playing well, and I'm still not sold on the current running game in the Steel City.
Other must starts: Andrew Luck, Christian PonderMust Sit: Matt Stafford
vs. 
Stafford can no longer be trusted, he only has eyes for Megatron, and everyone knows it. The Seahawk corners are big and physical, and Lynch will grind it out from the other side of the ball. Look for a low scoring game.
Other must sits: Mike Vick, Cam NewtonSleeper: Brandon Weeden
vs. 
With Richardson banged up, and with Weeden getting into a grove with his young WR's, look for a big day against the Chargers soft pass D.
Other sleepers: Sam Bradford, Brady QuinnRunning Back - MikeMust Start: Willis McGahee
vs 
I can see the Broncos wanting to play control, and Willis is the guy for the job, the Saints are 2nd to last in rush-d.
Other must starts:Reggie Bush, Ryan Matthews, Chris JohnsonMust Sit: Trent Richardson
vs 
He's not healthy, and the bolts are stout on the run, look for another option.
Other must sits:Shonn Greene, Steven Jackson, Adrian PetersonSleeper: Alex Green
vs 
The Pack should blow out the Jags, as they lost MJD, and maybe Gabbert too. Green should have his best game of the season this Sunday.
Other sleepers:Vick Ballard, Felix Jones, Peyton HillisWide Receivers - Philly GirlMust Start: Vincent Jackson
vs. 
He has been on fire as of late with 4 TDs, 33 targets and an average of 127.3 yards over the last 3 games. Granted this all rides on Freeman, but with those numbers it seems that Freeman is looking to rely on Jackson.
Other Must Starts: Brandon Gibson, Eric Decker, Kevin WalterMust Sit: DeSean Jackson
vs. 
This may be slightly self-serving but with the only undefeated team left in town to visit the fledgling Eagles, I am struggling to see anyone on the Eagles offense having a successful day. During the bye-week, the Eagles tried to address their failures by firing their defensive coordinator, however did nothing to address the 17 turnovers the offense has had. Granted the Eagles historically do well after their bye but the failure to address key concerns and league leading turnover stats leads me to believe that this will only be another miserable outing for the Eagles against a very well rounded

team.
Other Must Sits: all Philly WRs, Carolina WRsSleeper: Randall Cobb
vs. 
In the absence of Greg Jennings, Cobb is standing out as a solid option for Rodgers, who seems to be quite comfortable giving him looks. On Sunday, Cobb caught all 8 passes his way for 89 yards and 2 TDs.
Other Sleepers: Andre Roberts, Josh Gordon, Jeremy KerleyTight Ends - ProFSLMust Start: Jimmy Graham
vs. 
I know what you're thinking. Graham is always a must start. However, injuries and possibly unavailability thwart the star players' chances for a lineup (see my comments below on Aaron Hernandez). Graham is not a top 10 TE this year in most leagues this season. On top of that, his injury status makes him questionable for the road game in Denver. The Saints NEED a win to avoid falling to 2-5. Denver has allowed the fifth most fantasy points to TEs in most scoring formats. Start Graham and collect the fantasy points.
Must Sit: Kyle Rudolph
vs. 
One of the most productive tight ends this year put up a goose egg last week. I took the liberty of starting him over Aaron Hernandez two weeks in a row and regretted it last week. There is no excuse for no production. The match-up isn't great this week either for Minnesota tight ends.
Sleeper: Anthony Fasano
vs. 
The Jets are one of the worst teams against tight ends. Fasano is hit or miss, but Miami has to expose any weak point they can get to help their rookie QB lead the team to a victory. i like the Dolphins and Fasano in this match-up.
Defense - JMACisBACKMust Start-
vs 
Jax is without MJD, Gabbert has a torn labrum on non throwing shoulder and the PACK seem to be BACK. Look for this defense to tee off on whoever is at QB for the Jags and a sure fire top 5 def this week.
Must Sit-
vs 
Lee is probably out for the year, they always have coverage issues vs the Giants and I don't see why this game will be any different. These are not your father's Cowboys anymore and the Giants may be the best team in the NFL, Sit the Boys def this week
Sleeper-
vs 
Detroit's defense looked pretty darn good vs the Bears on Monday night football. Seattle has a rookie QB ( albeit a good one), and a relatively weak WR core. Look for DET to finally turn things around in an upset this week vs SEA and their defense to be the main reason.