The 2023 NFL Season is here, and with it comes some lineup questions. Which moves should you make to maximize your points? Let this weekly post be your guide as I offer one start and one sit suggestion at QB, RB, WR, and TE. These suggestions are based on my rankings against consensus each week. And because we want to measure our success, check back each week for a recap on how I did.
For the purposes of this project, a start is a player I think will finish Top 12 at QB or TE and Top 24 at RB or WR. A sit is a player I suspect will finish outside those metrics. Before we move forward, let’s look at last week’s picks. All finishes courtesy of Fantasy Pros.
Week 5 Starts
QB: Lamar Jackson, QB20 Miss. The Steelers held Jackson in check.
RB: David Montgomery, RB 5 Hit. Montgomery continues his hot tear.
WR: Nico Collins, WR53 Miss. Collins didn’t have a big day for the Texans.
TE: Evan Engram, TE20 Miss. Engram was fine but not TE1 level.
Start Record: 1-3
Week 5 Sits
QB: Daniel Jones, QB26 Hit. Jones isn’t doing well this season.
RB: Gus Edwards, RB38 Hit. Edwards isn’t a viable RB2 option.
WR: Jerry Jeudy, WR29 Hit. Jeudy continues to thrive below WR2 levels.
TE: Dawson Knox, TE25 Hit. Knox isn’t heavily involved for the Bills.
Sit Record: 4-0
Now, on to the Week 6 picks!
Quarterbacks
Start: C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
About: While Anthony Richardson is on IR and Bryce Young continues to struggle, Stroud has been the best of the rookie QBs. He’s been a strong performer through the first five weeks, sitting QB14 on the season. He had a bit of a down in Week 5 against the Falcons, but prior to that had three straight games over 20 points. This week, he’s back home against a Commanders’ defense that’s struggling. They’re 31st overall in points allowed and in the bottom third in passing yards and touchdowns allowed. They are fresh off allowing Justin Fields to throw four touchdowns as the Bears hung 40 points on them. I like Stroud’s chances.
Sit: Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
About: There’s a lot going against Watson in this game. First, he’s dealing with a shoulder injury on his passing arm. He’s far from a lock to play on Sunday, which is an issue. In addition, the Browns are facing the 49ers, who are No. 1 in points allowed and No. 3 in yards allowed. They have a fierce front and a robust defense. I’m staying away from Watson.
Running Backs
Start: Breece Hall, New York Jets
About: The Jets remembered last week that it was important to run the ball. That coincided with them taking any snap restrictions of Hall, who is returning from a knee injury. He responded with 177 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown. The Jets are facing the Eagles this week, and they’ll need a stout offensive performance to hang in the game. Hall is their best offensive player, and I expect them to feed him the ball. He should be a Top 24 play.
Sit: Miles Sanders, Carolina Panthers
About: Sanders was an interesting signing, but he hasn’t produced this season for the Panthers. He’s just RB28 on the season. Last week, he practically split carries with Chuba Hubbard. I like Sanders, but the Panthers are a mess. He’s not a reliable RB2 start at this point.
Wide Receivers
Start: Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
About: Was Nacua a flash in the pan? Could he still produce when Cooper Kupp returned? We got the resounding answer of yes in Week 5. Kupp and Nacua both had solid days, while Nacua remains WR3 on the season with four games out of five with at least 20 points, including Week 4. Playing the Cardinals this week, I’m firing him up.
Sit: Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints
About: Once upon a time, Thomas was the man at receiver. After a couple of years missed due to injury, it’s been nice to see him as a regular producer. But does that mean he’s back as a Top 24 option at receiver? No, it doesn’t. Thomas has had a nice, stable floor. He’s produced at least nine points each week for PPR. But the problem is he doesn’t have a big ceiling. His high point production is just 12. He’s WR38 on the season. That makes him a decent deep-league flex option but not a Top 24 WR candidate.
Tight Ends
Start: Logan Thomas, Washington Commanders
About: Thomas has been a solid producer in Washington, and that’s held true in 2023. He’s TE11 on the season despite missing Week 4 entirely. He’s averaging 11.6 points per game, which has him as TE6 on a per-game basis. The Commanders are facing the Texans, who just allowed both Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith to have a big day. I’m firing Thomas up.
Sit: David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
About: Njoku has talent, and heading into the season, he seemed like an appealing TE option. It hasn’t played out that way. He is just TE24 on the season, averaging seven points per game. And this week, the Browns face the 49ers, possibly with P.J. Walker at quarterback. I’m staying away.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
