Health Meter: Healthy Fantasy Picks for Week 5

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Football is a brutal game. With gigantic men running at full sprint towards each other, someone is bound to get hurt.

And even though it may hurt the guys on the field, it hurts our fantasy teams even more to see a pivotal player hit the IR (maybe not physically, but emotionally).

It's time to play doctor. Here are a few guys you should start and a few guys you should sit in the upcoming NFL week.

Sit: Michael Bush

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Everybody's favorite number three running back suffered a ankle injury in the Raiders' Week 4 loss to the Patriots. 

Though Michael Bush is listed as questionable in the early goings of this week, it's his ankle that is bothering him. With Darren McFadden carrying the bulk of the load (Bush has been primarily a third down/ goal line option), the Raiders will likely give Bush the week off.

It's good news for McFadden owners. Bush has poached three touchdowns from his hard-working counterpart.

Start: Ryan Grant

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Ryan Grant has been cleared to play against the Falcons this week who should probably focus on Aaron Rodgers and his top flight fleet of wide outs.

That being said, Grant should have a breakout game. The Falcons are ranked 10th in the NFL in rushing defense and 24th against the pass. With their focus shifting on Rodgers, Grant will find some holes.

Grant carried the ball 17 times against the Bears in Week 3 for 92 yards but never crossed the goal line. Look for him to score his first touchdown of the season and have at least 20 touches versus Atlanta.

Sit: Andre Johnson

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It's never a good sign when you see a player crumple to the turf without being touched. That's exactly what happened to stand out receiver Andre Johnson in the Texans' Week 4 victory over Pittsburgh.

Johnson is seeking a second opinion on his bum hamstring, but it's probably safe to say he'll take the week off.

It's too bad, considering the struggles the Raiders showed against Tom Brady's passing attack.  

Start: Michael Vick

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What do you say about a guy who suffered a hand bruise one week, and throws for a personal best 416 yards the next?

Well, you say start him regardless of what ails him. Vick told the media early last week that he was certain that he would play against the 49ers.

Vick put up some gaudy fantasy numbers on Sunday and with the Bills next on the schedule, I'm sure he'll do it again. Buffalo is 24th against the pass and 25th against the run this year despite their great start. Vick can do both, so the Bills might be in for a long game.

Sit: Antonio Gates

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Fantasy owners the world over groaned when they saw their extremely relevant tight end go down with a foot injury early in 2011.

Gates is still listed as inactive and the San Diego North County Times is reporting that he might not start until after the Chargers' Week 6 bye.

Once Gates is healthy, he'll return as the game changer he's been in past seasons. You can't deny his brutality or his athleticism.

Start: Steve Johnson

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Steve Johnson's groin injury shouldn't be a problem this coming week against the Eagles.

Philly's passing defensive has been pedestrian at best (11th in the NFL) and Buffalo has aired out the ball successfully in three of the first four NFL weeks. Last week, the Eagles secondary looked lost against a much improved 49er passing attack.

Johnson only caught four passes against the Bengals last week, but Cincy is third in the league against the pass.

As of October 4th, Johnson has been listed as probable. Look for him to get back to form against Philadelphia. Johnson got into the painted section in his first three games and should score this weekend.