Sit/Start Week 5: Reviewing All Fantasy Relevant Players In Every Single Game

Game Info

Kickoff: Sunday, October 8th @ 1:00 PM ET

Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Betting Odds: BLT -4.5,  38 total via PFF.com

Network: CBS

Writer: Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ on Twitter/X)

Baltimore Ravens

Quarterbacks

Lamar Jackson (Start, QB1)

Have a day, Lamar Jackson. The passing yardage (186) wasn’t all there, but it didn’t matter. He still threw for two touchdowns and had another two scores on the ground. Jackson holds a 4:1 pass TD to Int ratio through four games and also has four rushing scores. He’s set to face a Pittsburgh defense that has given up the 14th most fantasy points to QBs this season; the same Steelers that just lost to rookie CJ Stroud and the Texans 30-6.

Running Backs

Gus Edwards (Start, FLEX), Justice Hill (Sit), Melvin Gordon (Sit)

Gus Edwards continues to ‘lead the way‘ – if you want to call it that – in a crowded Ravens backfield. He had 15 carries in the rout of the Browns last week, but only had 48 yards. Justice Hill and Melvin Gordon were involved as well but combined for just six carries and 54 yards. This RB room, as has been the case for the last few years, is one to avoid if you can afford to do so; and that’s even recognizing that the Steelers defense just allowed Dameon Pierce to rush for 108 yards on 25 touches. If there is any ‘back to have in your lineup, it’s Edwards. Per CBS Fantasy, the Steelers rank 27th in fantasy points allowed to running backs with an average of 20.5 per game.

Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends

Zay Flowers (Start, WR3), Mark Andrews (Start, TE1)

It was a quiet week for the Baltimore wide receivers, as the four who dressed combined for just six catches on eight targets & 68 scoreless yards. Zay Flowers continues to lead the way with Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham Jr. sidelined. Bateman is dealing with a hamstring injury, and OBJ an ankle.

Nelson Agholor has filled in in their absence, but it’s Flowers who is the only WR worth starting in a juicy matchup against a Steelers defense allowing the fifth most fantasy points to receivers through the first four games.

Mark Andrews had his first big game of the season, catching both of Jackson’s touchdown passes. Andrews caught all five of his targets for 80 yards and will remain a TE1 this week. It’s worth noting that the Steelers are strong defenders against tight ends, allowing the 29th most fantasy points to the position, but Andrews has the ability to not let that stop him.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Quarterback

Kenny Pickett (Sit), Mitch Trubisky (Sit)

It was late in the 3rd quarter when  Kenny Pickett went down with what looked to be a serious knee injury. He exited the game and did not return, but news came out on Monday that he’s fortunately only dealing with a bone bruise. He also has a muscle strain, yet he has a chance to suit up against Baltimore this week. With a Week 6 BYE, it would be wise for Pickett not to start; and even if he does, you aren’t going to stream him anyhow. On Wednesday, Pickett made claims that he is going to play on Sunday.

If Mitch Trubisky is under center for the Steelers, he likely won’t help the cause for an already struggling offense.

Running Backs

Najee Harris (Start, FLEX), Jaylen Warren (Sit)

Najee Harris is coming off his best game of the season, and that’s saying something. On 14 carries, he had 71 yards, as well as one reception for 32 yards. Despite six more carries for Harris, it was Jaylen Warren who had the better fantasy day in PPR leagues – albeit by .20 points – as he caught all six of his targets for 26 yards. Warren’s touches per game should remain steady, but it’s hard to entrust him with FLEX consideration right now. You can start Harris in a spot where Trubisky (or Pickett) will try to lean on the run game as much as possible.

Wide Receivers/Tight End

George Pickens (Start, FLEX), Calvin Austin III (Sit), Allen Robinson (Sit), Darnell Washington (Sit)

Off of expected volume alone, George Pickens may still find a way into your lineups no matter who is under center. That’s simply because the Steelers will be down yet another pass-catcher (Diontae Johnson was the first casualty of the season) in Pat Freiermuth. The ‘Muth suffered a hamstring injury against Houston that will sideline him for 2-3 weeks; having a Week 6 BYE will help in his recovery. Calvin Austin III and Allen Robinson should see an uptick in targets, but Pickens is the only body with fantasy relevancy. Rookie Darnell Washington is the next man up behind Freiermuth, but he is not an option at TE right now for your lineup.