Week 5 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Last-Second Tips and Point Predictions for Week 5

Week 5 is upon us and that means the dreaded bye weeks have begun. While NFL teams enjoy the one-week respite from the daily grind, fantasy owners find themselves in some tough situations trying to fill the holes left by their star players.

It's important to remember that playing it safe with an option who is guaranteed touches is usually smarter than taking a chance on a boom-or-bust option.

Without further ado, let's take a look at some of the other things you should know before Week 5 kicks off.

Quarterbacks

Stud: Michael Vick

The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback knows his team is digging a hole that soon might be too deep to dig out of and will do everything within his power to right the ship against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills rank 23rd against opposing fantasy QBs in 2011.

Prediction: 20 fantasy points

Dud: Ben Roethlisberger

Roethlisberger's foot won't be 100 percent for Sunday's clash with the Tennessee Titans, which is bad news for fantasy owners. The Titans rank in the top 10 against the pass and have only allowed four touchdown passes in as many weeks.

Prediction: 8 fantasy points

Sleeper: Kyle Orton

After becoming one of the best waiver wire finds of 2010, Orton has returned to Earth this season without Josh McDaniels running the show. He's a nice under-the-radar player this week after a strong performance against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.

Prediction: 12 fantasy points

Running Backs

Stud: Arian Foster

Foster finally appears back to full strength after struggling to shake a hamstring injury early in the campaign. He goes up against a weak Oakland Raiders run defense in Week 5 and should carry a lot of teams to victory.

Prediction: 22 fantasy points

Dud: James Starks

The Green Bay Packers' backfield is going to cause headaches for fantasy owners around the globe this season. Between Starks, Ryan Grant and the occasional appearance from touchdown vulture John Kuhn, it's a situation to avoid unless there is a clear lead dog named.

Prediction: 5 fantasy points

Sleeper: LaDainian Tomlinson

Even though Shonn Greene is the starter for the New York Jets, it's become clear over the past two seasons that New York's coaching staff turns to Tomlinson quickly if Greene struggles. Combine a weak Patriots run defense with the Jets planning to run the ball more and LT is an intriguing option.

Prediction: 10 fantasy points

Wide Receivers

Stud: Vincent Jackson

Jackson has had two good games and two bad games so far and, although owners would like more consistency, he ranks in the top five among wide receivers. He should have a big week against a Denver Broncos secondary that struggles to stop the pass.

Prediction: 20 fantasy points

Dud: Robert Meachem

While Meachem is averaging nine points per game through four weeks, there are so many options for Drew Brees that playing Meachem is a risky proposition. Add in the fact Carolina ranks sixth in the league against the pass and it's clear you should just leave Meachem on the bench this week.

Prediction: 4 fantasy points

Sleeper: Michael Crabtree

Crabtree's foot injury finally appears to be a thing of the past, which bodes well leading into a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs rank 24th against opposing fantasy receivers, including back-to-back dismal outings against the Colts and Falcons.

Prediction: 12 fantasy points

Tight Ends

Stud: Brandon Pettigrew

Pettigrew has yet to find the end zone, but that should change against a Chicago Bears defense that has struggled mightily against tight ends. The third-year Oklahoma State product should have no problem scoring double digits for the second time this season.

Prediction: 14 fantasy points

Dud: Marcedes Lewis

Other than Dallas Clark, whose value has been destroyed without Peyton Manning, Lewis might be the most disappointing fantasy tight end of 2011. He hasn't scored more than three points in any week and isn't getting as many red-zone looks as he did during last season's breakout campaign.

Prediction: 3 fantasy points

Sleeper: Jermaine Gresham

Gresham had his second big game of the season against the Buffalo Bills last week and will look to build off it against a weak Jaguars linebacking corps in Week 5. He's building a good rapport with rookie quarterback Andy Dalton and could be a top-five tight end over the final 13 weeks.

Prediction: 10 fantasy points

Defense/Special Teams

Stud: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have scored at least six points in every week, which is exactly what you want to see from your starting defense. It's not often that slot will win you the week, but it can certainly lose it with a negative performance. The Jaguars' offense should mean another good week for the Bengals D/ST.

Prediction: 10 fantasy points

Dud: New York Jets

No matter how highly-touted a defensive unit is, they should be on the bench when going against the New England Patriots. The Jets have allowed 34 points in consecutive weeks and could score in the red during their annual visit to Foxboro.

Prediction: 0 fantasy points

Sleeper: Indianapolis Colts

Even though the Colts haven't been able to pick up a win through four weeks, the defense continues to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are among the best defensive end duos in the league and should eat Matt Cassel for lunch.

Prediction: 8 fantasy points