Fantasy Football Week 5 Rankings: Cam Newton and 5 Boom-or-Bust QBs

Feeling a little risky in setting your fantasy football lineup this weekend? Start a boom-or-busy quarterback like Cam Newton of Carolina. 

He's given us three of the top fantasy performances from the position over four weeks, but he also had a 158-yard, one touchdown performance in a monsoon against Jacksonville. At this point, Newton is still more boom than bust, but there's still that possibility with the rookie quarterback.

The Saints are giving up the 17th most fantasy points to quarterbacks, so that doesn't give us a telling preview of what Newton could pull off on Sunday. He'll likely be behind, however, so there's the possibility for big totals in both passing and rushing yards. Sprinkle in a couple of scores, and Newton has another top five total.

Here are four other boom-or-bust quarterbacks for this weekend: 

Ryan Fitzgerald, Bills

For as good as the Bills and Fitzpatrick were through three weeks, the Bengals gave each a wake-up call last Sunday. Cincinnati rallied back from 14 down to knock the Bills from the ranks of the undefeated, and Fitzpatrick was held under 200 yards with no scores for the first time this season.

The Eagles defense has struggled for the majority of this season, but they have the talent to turn it around at any point. While I wouldn't hesitate to start Fitzpatrick in this matchup, there is the possibility of another poor performance.   

Matt Ryan, Falcons

The Packers defense presents an interesting challenge to owners of Matt Ryan this weekend. On one hand, Green Bay has struggled mightily against the pass and fantasy quarterbacks have scored the 27th most points against the Packers. There is the possibility for big points from Ryan on Sunday night.  

On the other hand, that same defense harassed Ryan in the playoffs last season and can turn on the switch at any time. There is simply too many playmakers in the Packers secondary to fully trust a quarterback in that matchup. You really have to weight the risk-reward of starting Ryan this week.  

Mark Sanchez, Jets

It's a similar for Sanchez, who has struggled this season throwing the football but is going up against the worst defense against the pass in the New England Patriots. That unit has given up at least 340 yards and a score in all four games this season. Can Sanchez do the same, or will we see the same guy who couldn't complete a pass last Sunday night in Baltimore?   

Kevin Kolb, Cardinals

Kolb started out hot for the Cardinals in his first two starts, throwing for 560 yards and four scores. Since then, he's cooled down considerably. Against the Seahawks and Giants, Kolb has just one touchdown and five turnovers. This weekend, he gets the Vikings on the turf in Minnesota. They haven't been good against the pass all season and there should be opportunities. Still, the recent performances from Kolb have to make you think twice.