I feel like every year we say this, but this might be one of the wildest seasons to date. With superstar quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson missing time, along with Malik Nabers and CeeDee Lamb, many fantasy teams are in turmoil. As a result, the starts you make are that much more impactful, and if you happen to have your superstars healthy, this could be a crucial time to get ahead of the crowd.
My name is Ellis Johnson, and this is your weekly smash starts article. Last week, we highlighted Ashton Jeanty (RB1), Drake London (WR6), Nico Collins (WR27), Jordan Love (QB6) and Brenton Strange (TE20). Overall, we hit big on our hits, and our misses didn’t ruin your week. Still, let’s hope we can hit on all five this week.
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Fantasy Football Smash Starts: Week 5
David Montgomery (RB – DET)
Harvey Dent would be proud of David Montgomery’s two-faced impression over the last two weeks. After a career-high 151 rushing yards and two scores on 12 rushes against Baltimore, he followed it up with a nine-carry, 12-yard game against Cleveland. However, this week should be more like it was against the Ravens.
Despite the AFC North historically being hard-nosed, defensive teams, they are home to two of the worst defenses in the league. After torching the Ravens two weeks ago, the Lions take on the Bengals, who are struggling to stay afloat. Let’s face it, the Bengals team we saw on Monday Night Football looked like an XFL team.
Cincinnati is allowing the second-most yards, attempts and fantasy points to the running back position. Jahmyr Gibbs will continue to shine, but there will be plenty to go around in this matchup. This screams a game where Montgomery finds the end zone and runs down the clock.
Michael Pittman Jr. (WR – IND)
This Colts team is filled with feel-good stories. From Indiana Jones (Daniel Jones) having a career year to Michael Pittman returning as a very good NFL receiver, it’s a hard team not to cheer for. This week, they face a floundering Raiders team. With Geno Smith leading the league with seven interceptions in four games, and an offensive line that would only make the Bengals proud, it’s a tough start to the season for the Raiders.
Maxx Crosby has done his best Myles Garrett impression and single-handedly carried the Raiders’ defense. As a result, the Raiders have allowed an average of 74 rushing yards to running backs each week. In contrast, they have allowed the fourth-most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers (173.8 yards per game). Pittman is currently the WR14 on the season, and has cemented himself as this team’s top target alongside Tyler Warren. This could quietly be a very fun game to watch, and Pittman could easily find his way into the top 10 at the position this week.
Justin Fields (QB – NYJ)
We knew it wasn’t going to be pretty, but it doesn’t need to be for fantasy football. Justin Fields has marginally improved as an NFL quarterback, continuing to struggle with panic throws and inaccuracy. However, his 43-yard touchdown run last week is why we hang onto him for fantasy. That play had no business being anything but a mistake, and yet Fields turned it into a touchdown.
This week, he faces a Cowboys defense that allowed the now-benched Russell Wilson to pass for 450 yards and three scores. Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall and Justin Fields should be able to do whatever they want all game against this defense. Thankfully, the Jets’ defense is not a lot better. Dak Prescott and company should also be able to move the rock with ease, potentially turning this game into a shootout. Whether it’s through the air or on the ground, Fields is a top-tier option this week.
Rachaad White (RB – TB)
With Bucky Irving likely missing this week, Rachaad White has a dream matchup. Not to discount Sean Tucker, who will likely be this team’s primary between-the-tackles back, but this Seahawks team was made for White to exploit. Interestingly, the Seahawks and the Buccaneers are allowing the most and second-most receiving yards to opposing backs. In contrast, the Bucs are allowing the fewest rushing yards, and the Seahawks the second-fewest.
Without Irving, White should have a huge role as this team’s primary back and top receiving option. Outside of receiving backs, the Seahawks’ defense has been great. On the season, they have allowed the second-fewest yards and fantasy points to the wide receiver position. If the Bucs need to move the ball, White is their best option. It may be tough for White to have a massive week with limited rushing upside, but his receiving makes him a mid-range RB2.
Alvin Kamara (RB – NO)
The Saints are surprisingly fun to watch. Heading into the season, a mix of Spencer Rattler, Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara and Juwan Johnson did not sound ideal for fantasy. However, through four weeks, Johnson is the TE7 in fantasy, Olave has the fifth-most receptions in the league and Rattler is the fantasy QB18. Kamara has also been quietly productive, despite having yet to find the end zone.
It seems like every year, the veteran back gets enough volume to maintain solid fantasy production. Although he is not the elite fantasy back we saw last year, he is still 15th in rushing yards and ninth in receptions at the position. Last week, we saw Kendre Miller take some work and score an 18-yard touchdown. Despite that, Kamara led the backfield with 15 attempts for 70 yards and four receptions for two yards.
This week, the Saints take on the Giants, who are coming off an upset win over the previously undefeated Chargers. Despite their recent heroics, the Giants are a very comparable team to the Saints, and this should be a close game. On defense, the Giants have struggled to stop running backs. Not only did Omarion Hampton rush 12 times for 128 yards and a score, but on the season, they have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards. Kamara should record an RB2 finish, but I have a feeling he finds pay dirt and flirts with RB1 production.
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