Fantasy football advice, Week 5: Who to start/sit for Browns vs. Ravens

Speaking entirely anecdotally, it seems like the Cleveland Browns have played the Baltimore Ravens closer than they have any other team in recent seasons. (Checks old schedule) The regularly woeful Browns are at least more competitive against the Ravens than they typically are against other teams. They’ll need it Sunday, with both teams coming into their matchup at 1-3, and the loser guaranteed last place in the AFC North for at least a week.

The only fantasy-notable member of the Browns with a question mark on the weekly injury report is wide receiver Brian Hartline, who comes into Sunday’s game questionable with rib and thigh injuries. The Ravens have a lot more to worry about. They’ll be without wide receivers Steve Smith Sr. and Breshad Perriman and tight end Crockett Gillmore for Sunday’s game. Running back Lorenzo Taliaferro, however, is probable for Sunday’s game as he deals with a foot injury.

Cleveland will travel to Baltimore for Sunday’s game, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:

Start ‘em?: In his two starts since returning from concussion, Josh McCown has averaged 20.5 fantasy points a game. He’s still Josh McCown, but things are looking up of late. ... Isaiah Crowell is still the running back you want from Cleveland, but the rise of Duke Johnson Jr. leaves both on the edge of flex consideration or just outside of it. ... Travis Benjamin has continued producing even with Johnny Manziel’s departure. He’s a fine flex option. ... If the Cleveland offense can keep up its recent production, Travis Coons could keep getting decent kicker points.

Sit ‘em: Benjamin’s rise to prominence renders Brian Hartline and Andrew Hawkins pointless for fantasy. ... In a month or two, we’ll look back on Gary Barnidge’s 29 fantasy points the last two weeks with confusion; he’s not this productive. ... The Browns’ defense has put up one fantasy point or fewer in three of four games so far.

RAVENS
Start ‘em: We finally saw Justin Forsett looking like his 2014 self in Week 4, putting himself firmly back in must-start territory. ... One way or another, Justin Tucker gets his kicks in.

Start ‘em?: The dearth of weapons in the Baltimore offense makes Joe Flacco a mid-to-low QB2 with a low, low floor. ... The absence of Steve Smith Sr. makes Kamar Aiken the receiver to use in Baltimore. Being the best option gives him flex consideration, but it’s not exciting. ... The Ravens’ defense has been so-so thus far. It’s not an exciting fantasy option, but there’s some potential.

Sit ‘em: With Crockett Gillmore out in Week 4, many thought attention would shift to Maxx Williams, and he responded with one fantasy point.

Start in every league: Justin Forsett, Justin Tucker
Start if you’re desperate: Josh McCown, Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson Jr., Travis Benjamin, Travis Coons, Joe Flacco, Kamar Aiken, Baltimore defense
Bench: Brian Hartline, Andrew Hawkins, Gary Barnidge, Cleveland defense, Maxx Williams