Week 5 Fantasy Football Projections: Ben Roethlisberger and 3 Hurt Stars to Sit

Sitting Andre Johnson this week is obvious. As painful as it is to put a guy like that on your bench, he's not going to play for a few weeks.

So, we're not looking at him right now. Instead, let's take a look at some banged up stars. As of right now, we don't know if they are going to play or not.

But it doesn't really matter. These are guys that are best left on your bench this week, whether they play or not.

Ben Roethlisberger

Unless you find yourself in a really deep league the plays multiple quarterbacks, you can probably make up for Roethlisberger for a week.

Now, word is that he's going to play this week, so I understand the temptation. But Pittsburgh's offensive line has done a poor job of protecting Roethlisberger this season. While sacks don't necessarily hurt fantasy totals, the potential of fumbles is just too great.

If Roethlisberger's mobility is limited, he's going to have a rough day for fantasy owners. Truthfully, your backup is just a better option. Actually, if we're talking about a one-week scenario, a free agent pickup is not a bad move.

Ben Tate

Maybe I am being a little liberal with the use of the word star here, but Tate started the season putting up some great numbers.

Now, he's banged up and Arian Foster is back in the Texans' lineup and at full health. With Andre Johnson out, it makes some sense that Houston will want all available hands on deck.

Still, even if he plays, it's best to leave him on the bench. The running back production throughout the league is increasing; you can do better.

Wednesday, October 5 at 2:15 p.m. EDT

Mike Gambardella of Big 3 Sports reports via Twitter that Aaron Hernandez didn't practice today.

ESPN's advice was that if Hernandez doesn't practice, you should keep him out of your lineup. Officially listed as questionable, he may play, he may not.

But given New England's depth at receiver and tight end, and their apparent new commitment to the run, it's likely that Hernandez will be eased into action.

Throw that on top of the fact that they are playing a strong Jets' defense that will be desperate for a win, and you should leave Hernandez on the bench.