Despite some occasional offensive struggles, the Denver Broncos have started the 2015 NFL season at 4-0. The once-woeful Oakland Raiders are looking relevant at 2-2, with only a disappointing loss to the Chicago Bears last week keeping them from being one of the early season’s top stories. If the Raiders really want to stake a claim at relevance, though, they’ll need to beat the Broncos on Sunday.
Fantasy football advice, Week 5: Who to start/sit for Broncos vs. Raiders
The Broncos are a fairly expected 4-0. The Raiders are a wholly unexpected 2-2, and looking to leave their mark on the 2015 AFC West race.
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The Broncos come into Sunday’s game largely healthy from a fantasy perspective. Several of their fantasy contributors were on the week’s injury report, though most were “not injury related,” and the one who was, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, isn’t expected to miss any time despite his neck issue. For Oakland, running back Latavius Murray and wide receiver Michael Crabtree are both dealing with injury issues, but both should play Sunday.
The Raiders will host the Broncos Sunday, with game time scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy considerations:
BRONCOS
Start ‘em: If you drafted Peyton Manning, you’re more-or-less stuck; he’s had his moments, but he’s also been frustrating. Either way, you’re stuck with him. ... Every week, one way or another, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders get their numbers. ... Owen Daniels has scored in back-to-back weeks, and is the latest tight end to take a ride on the “against the Raiders” wagon. ... Brandon McManus is averaging 14 points a week kicking. ... The Broncos’ defense might be the best in the game.
Start ‘em?: Through four weeks, Ronnie Hillman has outscored C.J. Anderson in every game. He still hasn’t completely supplanted Anderson as the team’s No. 1, with both looking like middling flex options.
Sit ‘em: With the matchup against Oakland, even Virgil Green might be intriguing, but that’s probably a bridge too far.
RAIDERS
Start ‘em?: The only Raiders who look like decent fantasy options this week are Latavius Murray and Amari Cooper, and in this matchup, even they are only flex plays. ... If Manning continues to struggle, the Raiders’ defense could be decent.
Sit ‘em: Even with some surprising performances, it’s going to be hard to trust any Raiders against the Broncos. That includes Derek Carr. ... Michael Crabtree falls to unstartable territory against Denver. ... Mychal Rivera is averaging all of half a fantasy point per game. ... Sebastian Janikowski has had good numbers of late, but the offense might struggle Sunday.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Owen Daniels, Brandon McManus, Denver defense
Start if you’re desperate: Ronnie Hillman, C.J. Anderson, Latavius Murray, Amari Cooper, Oakland defense
Bench: Virgil Green, Derek Carr, Michael Crabtree, Sebastian Janikowski
