Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 5: who to start for Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings

Fantasy owners have much to factor into their decisions for Week 5, whether it is four teams on bye weeks, or Hurricane Matthew’s winds potentially whipping around in football stadiums along the East Coast. In the meantime, fantasy owners can have some clarity in setting lineups by looking at Week 5’s matchups, one at a time.

Lamar Miller’s usage puts him at a RB2 floor at worst, even in a tough matchup. Miller’s averaging just over 26 touches per game, but has maddeningly never found the end zone in a Texans uniform. Miller being the focal point of the Texans offense will always keep him in lineups, but his upside will be capped against such a stout defense.

DeAndre Hopkins was the victim of horrendous circumstances in Week 4, dealing with double teams and ineptitude from the quarterback position. Week 5 will not be any easier against a Vikings defense that has the look of being the best in the NFL. One that just shut down Odell Beckham, Jr. Hopkins, and Will Fuller can still be considered starting options in season-long leagues, but they’ll be extremely volatile despite their ability.

Brock Osweiler and Ryan Griffin have horrendous matchups and shouldn’t be bothered with in Week 5.

Jerick McKinnon continues to reap the rewards of Vikings backfield duties, putting him in RB2 territory after not having much competition from Matt Asiata. With Stefon Diggs doubtful to take the field, the Vikings will likely take a committee approach at receiver, leaving Kyle Rudolph a primary option in the passing game. Rudolph can be considered a TE1.

Sam Bradford doesn’t have the upside to warrant QB1 consideration in a tough matchup, despite the encouraging start to his Vikings career, and the rotation of Vikings receivers shouldn’t excite fantasy owners of any format.