Fantasy football advice, Week 5: Who to start/sit for Cardinals vs. Lions

Both the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions lost in Week 4. Of course, the Cardinals’ loss was their first of the season, bringing them to 3-1, while the Lions’ loss brought them to 0-4, the only winless team in the league. On Sunday, they’ll both be looking for a win to get over last week’s loss.

The Cardinals are expected to get running back Andre Ellington back from injury this week, his first time on the field since Week 1. On the Detroit side, the Lions will be without running back Joique Bell and tight end Eric Ebron for Week 5, as both deal with injuries.

Detroit plays host for Sunday’s game, with kickoff scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:

Start ‘em: Even in the team’s loss, Carson Palmer put up 16 fantasy points. He’s now averaging 20 fantasy points a game. ... Larry Fitzgerald finally came back to earth in Week 4, but “coming back to earth” was still seven fantasy points, and he’s averaging 17.3 fantasy points a game. ... Chandler Catanzaro is putting up fantasy points as reliably as any kicker. ... The Cardinals’ defense has had some rough showings, but all told it’s an elite unit.

Start ‘em?: At some point, John Brown will have a breakout game. Until then, well, he’s still putting up seven fantasy points a game. He’s fine.

Sit ‘em: The return of Andre Ellington really messes with everything about the Arizona running game. Chris Johnson will get the lion’s share of touches, but Ellington will factor into that, and David Johnson will get a few as well. Ultimately, I’d rather avoid using any of them, though Chris Johnson is the safest play there. ... Since that big Week 1, Darren Fells has two fantasy points. Total.

Start ‘em: A big game is coming eventually for Calvin Johnson. He’s still a must-start.

Start ‘em?: Since 15 fantasy points in Week 1, Ameer Abdullah has 4.3 fantasy points a game, and is barely worth starting consideration as a flex. ... The Lions’ defense is averaging almost nine fantasy points a game, though Arizona presents a strong opponent.

Sit ‘em: It just keeps getting worse for Matthew Stafford, who is a long way from starting territory. ... Theo Riddick has ability, but he’s not getting enough looks to perform. ... That’s barely four points a game for Golden Tate, who is barely on the fantasy radar. ... With the Detroit offense struggling, Matt Prater doesn’t have a lot to offer.

Start in every league: Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald, Chandler Catanzaro, Arizona defense, Calvin Johnson
Start if you’re desperate: John Brown, Ameer Abdullah, Detroit defense
Bench: Andre Ellington, Chris Johnson, David Johnson, Darren Fells, Matthew Stafford, Theo Riddick, Golden Tate, Matt Prater