Fantasy Football: Week Five Staff Must Start, Must Sit and Sleeper Picks

Sep 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts leaving the field after the game. The Carolina Panthers defeated the New York Giants 38-0 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Dillon:

Must Start: Cam Newton (QB) Carolina Panthers

In each game this season, Newton has put up an increasing number of fantasy points, starting with 12, then 16, and finally 28 on week 3 against the Giants. Returning from a bye-week, a refreshed Newton should have no problem navigating the Cardinals’ defense, which has allowed opposing quarterbacks to average more than 22 fantasy points.

Must Sit: Stevan Ridley (RB) New England Patriots 

Ridley has been the bane of fantasy owners so far this season, since many owners drafted him either as a late 1st round or early 2nd round pick. Last week against Atlanta was Ridley’s first time breaking 5 points for the season, and he only totaled 7. With LeGarrette Blount and Brandon Bolden getting more snaps each week, Ridley will have a hard time finding the endzone let alone increased playing time. After being limited in practice this week with a lower thigh injury and add in the fact that the Patriots play a Bengals team with a phenomenal front-7, I’d send Ridley to the bench. With the incredibly shallow depth at running back this year, though, you may be forced to start him.

Sleeper Pick:  Tavon Austin (WR) St. Louis Rams

Fantasy owners that took the late-round chance on Austin have to be patient with this budding talent. He has struggled a bit, but Sam Bradford’s play is partly to blame. In 4 weeks, he’s only managed to put up 19 points, 15 of them coming in week 2. This week the Rams take on the worst team in the league, the Jaguars, so Austin may be worth a start if your other WR2 or Flex is on a bye-week. It’s a risk, but it may pay off.