The fantasy football week 5 schedule is here and some sleepers and starter options include players like Anthony Dixon, Leonard Hankerson, Allen Hurns, Charles Sims, Rueben Randle, Kamar Aiken, Devonta Freeman, Gary Barnidge, Willie Snead, Tavon Austin, Ronnie Hillman, Owen Daniels, Andre Williams, Dion Lewis and Chris Johnson for team owners.
This week there are a number of notable players dealing with injuries, including Andrew Luck, Marshawn Lynch, Alshon Jeffery, LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams are all banged up. Luck is out and that could make everyone on the Colts a downgrade for fantasy this week, while the Bills have two running backs injured. McCoy is dealing with a hamstring issue and Williams is dealing with a concussion, making Dixon a solid starting option for fantasy owners.
Leonard Hankerson has been stepping up for the Falcons and he is the clear number two receiver option now over Roddy White. Julio Jones is obviously number one, but Hankerson has been solid this season and White has not been playing well at all. Hankerson is a sleeper this week against the Redskins and against that banged up secondary he could put up some numbers. Allen Hurns has been solid for the Jaguars and he remains the top WR option from that team.
Doug Martin and Charles Sims have been playing well for the Bucs and while Martin has been the lead back, Sims has started taking some carries away and could be worth a start this week. Sims comes in after putting up 53 yards against the Panthers and he could get more playing time due to his stellar pass blocking, as Pro Football Focus rates him as the sixth best back this season doing that. Martin had 106 rushing yards last week and added 37 receiving yards and he will continue to be the starter, but Sims is worth a look.
Allen Hurns is a great pickup option for teams in need of replacements for injured players like Alshon Jeffery and Dez Bryant. Hurns missed practice on Wednesday, but he is expected to play and he comes in after making 11 catches for 116 yards and a TD against the Colts. Hurns had 15 targets and he has 22 catches this season for 314 yards in four games. Rueben Randle has stepped up with Victor Cruz still out and he is a solid option for the Giants.
Ronnie Hillman is a strong start option for this week, as the Broncos have liked what he has been doing compared to CJ Anderson over the past couple games. Anderson has not been able to stay healthy and has not been a consistent option this season after breaking out last year. Fantasy owner should not give up on Anderson yet, but Hillman is a strong handcuff heading into this week for the Broncos.
Hankerson comes in after making six catches for 103 yards and a TD against the Texans and he has been a solid WR3 option this season. Hankerson has 17 catches this season for 241 yards and is worth a start against the Redskins. With Steve Smith injured, Kamar Aiken is a solid pickup option. Last week Aiken had five catches for 77 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers.
Check here for more on fantasy football for Week 5, pickups and sleeper options and players to start or sit this week.
