The NFL schedule is now into week 5 and with the Cleveland Browns improving to 3-0 after trading away former first round pick Trent Richardson with a win over the Bills, Sunday marks the next big fantasy day and some players to watch to start and sit includes Steven Jackson, Brandon Marshall, Jonathan Franklin, Stevan Ridley, Danny Amendola.
The schedule has some interesting games on the docket, including the Patriots and the Bengals, which has some prime players to watch in the Pats running backs in LeGarrette Blount, Stevan Ridley and Brandon Bolden. The Patriots rush game has not been as consistent as it was last season with Ridley leading the way and with Shane Vereen on the IR with the designation to return, both Bolden and Blount have seen their production increase.
Ridley was looked at as the main starting running back entering the season, but he has not been as effective as the other backs and now it appears that Blount will be the main back in goal line situations. For the game against the Bengals, Ridley is someone to sit for owners, as he missed practice and likely will be a game time decision against a tough defense. Ridley has not rushed for over 60 yards in any game this season and he has only gone over 50 yards once and that came last week against the Falcons.
The team has been spreading the ball around to each of the backs and if Ridley can't go, Bolden and Blount are players that are must STARTS on Sunday. The Patriots are 4-0 this season and they will be on the road against the Bengals for their second toad game in a row after playing against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4. The team has a tough matchup against the Saints next week and now fantasy owners should keep an eye on the injury report heading into Sunday.
The Atlanta Falcons have a Monday night matchup coming up against the NY Jets and with Steven Jackson looking like he will be out again, Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling are good options to start. The Jets have been struggling and both those running backs should get plenty of touches in the game. Jackson has played in just two games for the Falcons, rushing for 77 in one game and zero in the first and now it looks like he will be out for at least another week or two at minimum.
Danny Amendola is another SIT player after he is dealing with an injury, while Brandon Marshall and Jonathan Franklin should both START on Sunday. Marshall has a tough game against the Saints and after making seven catches for 79 yards last week on 14 targets, he should be primed for another big game. Franklin should get plenty of touches with James Starks out and even with Eddie Lacy playing, he should have a nice game on Sunday.