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!
Should you bench Roddy White this week? | Image courtesy of USA TodayCheck out past postings of the 5th Down for each week:
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13Quarterback - EricMust Start: Josh Freeman 
vs. 
Freeman has thrown 2+ TD passes in 8 games this season and 7 of his last 8 games - 18 TD 4 INT over that span. The Eagles-D has allowed 16 TD and 0 INT over that same span!!!
Must Sit: Philip Rivers 
vs. 
The Steelers-D has been pretty solid since their Week 4 bye only allowing 7 TD and 6 INT - and over 200 yards just once. Rivers on the other hand has played quite the opposite. He has scored under 10 fantasy points in 3 of his past 6 games and over 20 just once. Rivers has 1 TD pass in his last 2 games. If you're in the playoffs, hopefully you have somebody better to start like my sleeper....
Sleeper: Brandon Weeden 
vs. 
Now the 29 year old rookie is not something to salivate over, but he is facing one of the worst pass defenses in the league. Last week, he went off for 364 yds and a TD. The Chiefs have only 1 INT over their past 4 games and allowed 7 TD over that same span. If your in a pickle, Weeden may bail you out.
Running Back - BillyMust Start: Ahmad Bradshaw 
vs. 
Bradshaw is coming off a strong game against the
Skins with 103 rushing yards. He faces the worst rush defense this week in New Orleans. Provided that he plays, he should be able to run for over 100 yards again.
Must Sit: LeSean McCoy vs. McCoy is not likely to play this week against the top rushing defense in Tampa. Even if he somehow does play, Reid doesn't seem to know how to properly utilize this top running back!
Sleeper: Steven Jackson 
vs. 
Jackson has only had 4 double digit scoring outings all year in basic scoring leagues, but he should be able to do some damage against a bad
Bills run defense
Wide Receivers - Philly GirlMust Start: Eric Decker 
vs. 
It's a bold pick. Thomas is the obvious must start wide receiver from Denver, but Decker's production has been at a season-low for the past month. Stokeley has been receiving more looks and the Broncos run game is at full steam. Still, the black pit allows a lot of production through the air and Decker torched them for 7 catches, 79 yards, and a touchdown in their last game.
Must Sit: Roddy White 
vs. 
You drafted Roddy White expecting him to be a great wideout. He has caught 68 balls for 1,023 yards plus 4 TDs for the year. Why would you bench him now? Six catches for 77 yards is why. That is his production over the past two weeks against two suspect secondaries. Matty Ice is cooling off and Julio is the popular kid in class. This week, the Dirty Birds play Carolina who has been one of the better secondaries in the league. If you don't have decent options then roll with White, but temper your expectations.
Sleeper: Andrew Hawkins vs. 
Hawkins name hasn't been called in the 5th Down in many weeks. He was a fantasy star in the first three weeks, but that star fizzled. He has been okay in the past two weeks - at least catching a TD against the Giants. This week provides a great matchup against the Cowboys who allow more fantasy points to opposing WR than most of the league.
Tight Ends - JMACMust Start: Aaron Hernandez 
vs. 
With injuries to Edelman, Welker, and the Gronk out, expect Brady to look early and often to Hernandez this week. Houston's defense has been suspect of late. There is no doubt that Brady will look to take advantage of them and utilize his TE this weekend. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 6-8 catches and 85 plus yards with a score seems realistic for Hernandez.
Must Sit: Scott Chandler vs. Chandler has been a fringe TE1 this season with his 6 TDs, but the Rams have been a very stingy defense against tight ends this season. St. Louis has been playing competitively as of late. I would bench him this week and take a flier on someone else if possible.
Sleeper: Jermichael Finley 
vs. 
He had a solid game last week with 6 catches for 60 yards and could possibly be back in Rodger's good graces in what looks to be a high scoring affair. I see Finley being a top 10 TE this week, and he may see the end zone as well - like he did last game versus Detroit in which he went for 60 plus yards and a TD on 3 catches. I would play him this week and feel pretty good about it.
Defense - MikeMust Start: Seattle 
vs. 
Arizona is giving up more sacks than any other team, and Seattle has some real play makers ready to pounce on Ryan Lindley.
Must Sit: Houston vs. The Texans are getting thrown on by some really suspect quarterbacks, and this week it's Brady on the opposite side. Find defensive help elsewhere.
Sleeper: Jacksonville 
vs. 
The Jags defensive unit hasn't been as bad as their record, and the Jets can't do anything on offense. The Jaguars-D (who now have Babin) could see a few sacks with some turnovers coming their way.
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