Fantasy Football Week 5: Five Top Matchups to Watch Out for

Fantasy football can be a cruel game at times.

We've all seen that team in our league that scored the second most fantasy points in a given week lose to the only team that scored higher than them. Some of us have even felt the embarrassment of losing to a team that had half of its active players on a bye week or injured reserve.

In a game where every point matters, paying close attention to player matchups can be the difference between winning and losing.

Any casual fantasy football owner can decide his or her weekly lineup by looking up which players on their team have scored the most fantasy points so far. However, that strategy will not get those owners very far. A good owner looks beyond the past production of his players and pays attention to favorable matchups.

Let's take a look at the top five matchups you should be aware of heading into Week 5 of the fantasy football season.

Kevin Boss Vs. Houston Texans Pass Defense

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 26: Kevin Boss #89 of the New York Giants is tackeld by Michael Griffen #33 (L) and Jason McCourty #30 of the Tennessee Titans after completing a 54 yard reception in the first quarter at New Meadowlands Stadium on Septembe

Kevin Boss has had a slow start to the 2010-2011 season. However, Boss will have the opportunity to turn things around in Week 5 against a porous Houston Texans pass defense.

The Texans have allowed a league-high 1,421 receiving yards in the first four weeks of the season. More specifically, tight ends have been especially successful against the Texans with 36 receptions for 410 yards and three touchdowns in four weeks.

If Boss is going to have a breakout game this season, it is going to be against the Texans.

New York Giants Defense Vs. Houston Texans Offense

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 03: Justin Tuck #91 of the New York Giants sacks Caleb Hanie #12 of the Chicago Bear at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 3, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

After a historic 10-sack game last week, it will be tempting for many New York Giants defense owners to quickly pass over their backup defense as a starting option this week. That could be a mistake if you have a solid backup option.

The Texans are fourth in the league in scoring with 108 points scored. Additionally, they have an experienced pocket passer in Matt Schaub who will get the ball out quickly and avoid being sacked nearly as much as Jay Cutler was last week.

Start the Giants defense if you wish, but don't expect a great outcome.

Santonio Holmes Vs. Minnesota Vikings Pass Defense

If you have been holding on to Santonio Holmes since your league's fantasy draft at the beginning of the season, chances are you have been looking forward to this week. Holmes will return from his suspension against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings have allowed only 567 receiving yards this season. More importantly, they have held opponents to only three receiving touchdowns.

Not only will Holmes have to shake off some rust in his first game back, but he will also be facing one of the best pass defenses in the league. Hopefully you held on to that extra receiver you've been starting in his place because it might not be a great week for Holmes.

Donovan McNabb Vs. Green Bay Packers Pass Defense

Donovan McNabb has not been spectacular, but he's been a solid fantasy option this season. This week could be a different story as McNabb faces a stingy Green Bay Packers defense.

The Packers have allowed opposing quarterbacks only 740 passing yards and four touchdowns. Additionally, the Packers have recorded five interceptions and a league-high 16 sacks.

If your league deducts points from quarterbacks for being sacked, you may want to consider benching McNabb this week.

Maurice Jones-Drew Vs. Buffalo Bills Run Defense

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 03: Running back Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Field on October 3, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

So far, Maurice Jones-Drew has not been worth the high position he was most likely drafted at in most fantasy leagues. A Week 5 matchup with the Buffalo Bills could make up for Jones-Drew's lack of production early in this season.

The Bills have allowed league highs of 696 yards rushing and seven rushing touchdowns. Against a running back of Jones-Drew's caliber, this could mean a ridiculous number of fantasy points if you have been patient enough to hold on to the Jacksonville running back.

If you've held on to Jones-Drew or were lucky enough to have received him in a trade from an impatient owner, he is a MUST start in Week 5.