Fantasy football advice, Week 5: who to start/sit for Cincinnati Bengals vs. Dallas Cowboys

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.

It took a 300-yard game from Julio Jones to overshadow A.J. Green’s brilliant Week 4 outing, posting a ridiculous 10-173-1 line on the Miami Dolphins. Though fewer opportunities could present themselves for Green against the clock-eating Cowboys, it would be foolish for fantasy owners to bet against the Bengals’ stud receiver. Green can be considered a high-end WR1 as usual.

Andy Dalton could run into troubles against the Cowboys due to the previously stated clock-killing nature of their offense. If the Bengals adhere to the 20 minutes of average time of possession the Cowboys are surrendering, Dalton will have to be incredibly efficient to warrant QB1 usage.

Should the Bengals manage to flip the script, however, the Cowboys rank 21^st in the NFL in yards per passing attempt and opposing quarterback rating. Yards should be there, but opportunities may be scarce for Dalton, making him a fringe QB1/QB2 with upside.

Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard should be considered touchdown-dependent options for Week 5, and fantasy owners should give them the nod if they find themselves in a bye-week bind. Bernard has just 27 rushing yards in his last two outings, and there may not be enough chances for them to light up the stat sheet.

The Bengals boast a run defense that is allowing 3.8 yards per carry and have surrendered zero rushing touchdowns through four week. Ezekiel Elliott has gotten better each week and leads the NFL in rushing, which sets the stage for a “something’s got to give” scenario. Though Elliott will see more resistance than usual, he can still be considered a top-flight RB1. Expect Elliott to once again shoulder a huge responsibility with Dez Bryant ailing, which also paves the way for Jason Witten to assume TE1 status, but with more upside than usual.

Cole Beasley had emerged as the Cowboys’ target leader entering Week 4, but drew just four targets in their win over the 49ers. The Bengals have shut down slot receivers so far this season, most recently doing so against Jarvis Landry, who was held in check for just 61 yards. Beasley is a high-floor, low-ceiling WR3 for Week 5.

Complementary pass catchers Brice Butler and Terrance Williams can stay on fantasy benches along with their quarterback Dak Prescott amid a tough matchup. Butler led the Cowboys in targets and came down with a touchdown in Week 4, but will face a much steeper hill to climb against the Bengals’ defense.