Fantasy football advice, Week 5: Who to start/sit for Saints vs. Eagles

The New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles are two of the NFL’s highest-profile teams in the recent era, but both are struggling to start the season, both at 1-3. The Saints got their first win in overtime in Week 4, while the Eagles’ lone win came in Week 3. The two teams play each other Sunday. More or less, the loser is done for 2015, while the winner could use the win as a springboard for turning its season around.

New Orleans wide receiver Brandin Cooks was on the weekly injury report with an ankle injury, but he’s expected to be fine for Sunday. From a fantasy perspective, the Eagles are even cleaner; none of the Philadelphia fantasy contributors appeared on the report at all.

The Eagles host the Saints Sunday, with game time scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:

Start ‘em: A solid, predictable 10-12 fantasy points a week from a running back is very good. Sure, maybe you want the occasional game of 20-something points, and Mark Ingram doesn’t give you that, but he’s still a must-start.

Start ‘em?: If you have Drew Brees, odds are good you’re using him, but keep in mind his risk; he’s still not 100 percent, he’s now on the road and outdoors, he won’t get a gift 80-yard touchdown from blown coverage every week. ... Brandin Cooks has had a disappointing season, but he’s still the best receiver on the Saints.

Sit ‘em: As long as Ingram is healthy and productive, Khiry Robinson and C.J. Spiller will battle for touches and productivity, and neither will get enough to be a fantasy helper. ... With the Saints’ offense underwhelming so far, there isn’t a secondary pass-catcher (Marques Colston, Willie Snead, Brandon Coleman, Josh Hill, Benjamin Watson) worth a fantasy start. ... Every time you consider putting Zach Hocker in your lineup, remember his missed potential game-winner of Week 4 and change your plans. ... The Saints’ defense has averaged three fantasy points a week. It isn’t good.

Start ‘em: It’s been a disappointing run in Philadelphia for DeMarco Murray, but he’s still getting enough carries and the team’s leading guy, so he’s a must-start, if a frustrating one. ... Everyone fell in love with Jordan Matthews after his first two weeks. He’s cooled since, but is still a good fantasy starter.

Start ‘em?: Maybe you’re stuck using Zach Ertz, because tight end becomes a wasteland pretty quickly, but this is a guy with nine fantasy points in four weeks. He’s not elite or even close. Look elsewhere if you can. ... The Eagles’ defense looked bad in Week 4, but still has starting-defense upside. It comes down to your belief in the New Orleans offense.

Sit ‘em: Week 4 was easily Sam Bradford’s best game as an Eagle; his 23 fantasy points were better than any two of his other Eagles games combined. Still, you can pick apart the Washington defense, and that won’t always happen. Let’s see Bradford do it twice before we buy in. ... As long as Murray is healthy, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles just aren’t fantasy options. Sproles will be more helpful (especially in PPR), but neither is doing a lot. ... There’s a reason all these kickers, Caleb Sturgis included, are sitting out there available for signing when teams’ top guys blow up.

Start in every league: Mark Ingram, DeMarco Murray, Jordan Matthews
Start if you’re desperate: Drew Brees, Brandin Cooks, Zach Ertz, Philadelphia defense
Bench: Khiry Robinson, C.J. Spiller, Marques Colston, Willie Snead, Brandon Coleman, Josh Hill, Benjamin Watson, Zach Hocker, New Orleans defense, Sam Bradford, Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles, Caleb Sturgis