The Pewter Plank
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Fantasy football sit, start, and sleepers: Week 5 picks from every NFL Division

By David Harrison

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans scrambles pursued by Karl Klug #97 of the Tennessee Titans in the third quarter at NRG Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans scrambles pursued by Karl Klug #97 of the Tennessee Titans in the third quarter at NRG Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 01: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs for a first down after a catch against Darian Thompson #27 and Jonathan Casillas #52 of the New York Giants in the fourth quarter of a game at Raymond James Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs defeated the Giants 25-23. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 01: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs for a first down after a catch against Darian Thompson #27 and Jonathan Casillas #52 of the New York Giants in the fourth quarter of a game at Raymond James Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs defeated the Giants 25-23. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

NFC SOUTH

The Buccaneers kick-off our fantasy football coverage hosting the Thursday Night action.

Then, on the weekend, Carolina is in Detroit while New Orleans and Atlanta both have the week off. Must be nice.

SIT: Wide Receiver, Devin Funchess – Carolina Panthers

I know he had a great week against the Patriots in Week 5. This doesn’t mean he’s suddenly thrust himself into WR1 conversations, or even WR2 really. What it means is he had a great week. If you have a bench slot open, go ahead and stash him, but outside of that he’s a non-play.

START: Wide Receiver, Mike Evans – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ren called Evans his Buccaneers player to start this week against the Patriots, and I couldn’t agree with him more.

New England struggled mightily against Funchess of the Panthers because of his size as a receiver. Evans has plenty of it, and more talent in his right hand than the Carolina receiver could dream of having. This is going to be a big game for Evans.

SLEEPER: Running Back, Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers

Run CMC hasn’t been the fantasy football gold mine some of us – me – thought he’d be. Still, the kid has talent and it’s clear to see. In fact, he nearly broke a couple of big ones against the Patriots last week, and Cam Newton rudely stole a touchdown run from him on a read option which he took for himself. Expert analysis there.

Anyway, it’s not the rush defense which makes me put McCaffrey on here as a sleeper, it’s the pass defense against running backs.

While the Lions have given up the 13th fewest points to running backs this season, they’re allowing the seventh most receiving yards to the same position. This is a prime opportunity for McCaffrey to bust out.

Must Read: Bucs Specific Fantasy Advice for Week 5

AFC SOUTH

No bye weeks here, which means plenty of fantasy football options. Indianapolis hosts the 49ers while the Jaguars visit Pittsburgh, both in the 1PM EST time slots.

Tennessee is visiting Miami in the same time slot, but Houston hosts the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.

SIT: Quarterback, Deshaun Watson – Houston Texans

Listen, I like Watson. A lot. In fact, I picked him up in at least one of my leagues. That being said, his match-up against the Chiefs is a bad one, and I don’t like it at all.

START: Running Back, DeMarco Murray – Tennessee Titans

With Marcus Mariota nursing a hamstring injury, the Titans are going to have to lean on the running game. No matter how much they, or you, or anyone else really likes Derrick Henry, this means an increased workload for the veteran back. They play a Miami defense giving up 17.5 points per game to running backs in fantasy football.

SLEEPER: Quarterback, Jacoby Brissett – Indianapolis Colts

The former Patriots quarterback has had a decent string of games from a fantasy football standpoint. Nothing that is going to win you championships, but it’s enough to tide you over if you have Matt Ryan, Drew Brees, or Kirk Cousins on a bye.

This week, against the 49ers less than amazing defense, he should pull out numbers similar to the ones he got against Cleveland when he tossed 259-yards, one scoring pass and two rushing touchdowns to his fantasy trustees.

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