Week Five Fantasy Player Breakdown

(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

(McNabb should be raising his arms plenty this week.)

Sick of the regular start and sit columns that pick five random guys to take a chance on, and then five other guys who you shouldn't? Yeah, me neither. But still, sometimes fantasy owners need a bit more information than a lousy 100-player board ranking, a start and sit column, or an injury report.

This player breakdown takes a look at every NFL match-up and the top players from each team. Take a look at some quick analysis that should gently push you in the right direction as far as getting the best possible roster set-up for Sunday and Monday.

Sunday Games

Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens

QB Carson Palmer: The Ravens should stop the run without difficulty, so expect Palmer to throw a ton.
RB Cedric Benson: He averaged less than two yards per carry last year and isn't at full health.
WR Chad Ochocinco: Not a great match-up, but should be targeted enough to be a solid WR3.
WR Laveranues Coles: Hasn't been reliable all season. Not a good match-up at all.

QB Joe Flacco: Is playing well, and could have twice as a good a day as Derek Anderson had last week.
RB Ray Rice: Not a touchdown king, but has been a beast with the yards. Play him with confidence.
RB Willis McGahee: Should score as usual. Not a match-up to fear.
WR Derrick Mason: A strong WR3 no matter who the opponent is. Could have a nice day.
WR Mark Clayton: Needs to bounce back after last week's drop. Bengals secondary could allow some big plays.

Minnesota Vikings @ St. Louis Rams

QB Brett Favre: Has been extremely hot and this is a nice match-up.
RB Adrian Peterson: If Favre can take the pressure off as he has been doing, AP should have a huge day.
WR Bernard Berrian: Minnesota is attacking deep more, so definitely a possibility for a big play or two.
WR Percy Harvin: Was quiet last week, and could be active with no one on St. Louis who can contain him.
WR Sidney Rice: Has scored in two straight weeks and Favre likes him. Makes for a decent WR4.

QB Kyle Boller: Should get the start with Bulger not 100 percent, but not a good play against a solid defense.
RB Steven Jackson: Minnesota can top the run, but how can you sit S-Jax?
WR Donnie Avery: He and Keenan Burton are questionable, but aren't good plays, anyways.
TE Randy McMichael: Has been very average, but Minnesota got burned by the tight end the past two weeks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Philadelphia Eagles

QB Josh Johnson: Was only average against Washington, so you can't hope for much against a solid Philly defense.
RB Carnell Williams: Eagles stop the run fairly well, but he's the feature back for now, so there could be decent numbers.
WR Antonio Bryant: Could test Philly's secondary a bit, but with Johnson under center, likely only a low-end WR3 this week.
TE Kellen Winslow: Should be active as Johnson's security blanket.

QB Donovan McNabb: As long as he finishes the game, could have a huge first-game back.
RB Brian Westbrook: Is splitting carries, but Tampa's awful run defense is too good to ignore.
RB LeSean McCoy: Should see 10-15 touches and could post solid Flex numbers.
WR DeSean Jackson: Is healthy and has been absolutely on fire. Don't expect it to stop against the Bucs’ sad secondary.
WR Kevin Curtis: Hasn't done anything, but is healthy and has a beautiful match-up. If he's going to get going ever, this would be the best stage for it.
TE Brent Celek: All he did was record 100 yard games with Kevin Kolb under center. That should change, but he's still a solid TE1 for now.

For all the rest of the match-ups and fantasy player analysis, go to NFL Daily Dose.

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