Fantasy Football Week 5: Starts, Sits For Colts Vs. Patriots ‘Thursday Night Football’

The Week 5 edition of “Thursday Night Football” could be tricky for fantasy owners.

The New England Patriots will host the Indianapolis Colts in a matchup that once featured two high-flying offenses trading blows. This installment, however, could be much different.

Despite last week’s victory over the Miami Dolphins, the Patriots still aren’t exactly rolling on either side of the ball. And the Colts, fresh off a brutal overtime loss to the Houston Texans, will be without their starting running back and top receiver. As intriguing as this matchup is from a purely football standpoint, it might not offer much from a fantasy perspective.

That said, there still should be plenty of points up for grabs at Gillette Stadium. Here’s who you should start and sit in Colts vs. Patriots:

STARTS
Tom Brady, QB, Patriots. Brady has yet to put up the numbers we’re accustomed to seeing from him, but a primetime game in front of his home crowd should be just what the doctor ordered. Plus, you have to believe he still harbors some ill will toward the Colts over Deflategate, and would love nothing more than to embarrass them.

Sony Michel, RB, Patriots. We’re not going overboard on Michel. Yes, he posted his first 100-yard game last week, but the offensive line had a ton to do with that. Still, the Colts will be without some of their top defenders, and the Pats could lean on Michel’s young legs on the short week. Expect low to mid-tier RB2 production.

Eric Ebron, TE, Colts. Ebron has seen a lot of targets from quarterback Andrew Luck, and should see more with wide receiver T.Y. Hilton out of the game. We think the Colts will struggle, but if anyone’s a candidate to get a touchdown grab, it’s Ebron.

Nyheim Hines, RB, Colts. If you’re desperate in the flex spot, Hines could work. The dual-threat back caught nine balls for 63 yards last week, and this could be the kind of game where Luck frequently checks down to his backs. Plus, with starting back Marlon Mack out of the game, Hines should see an uptick in the run game.

Phillip Dorsett, WR, Patriots. Dorsett has developed decent chemistry with Brady and actually ranks second on the team in targets, with 26. With Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman back to space the field, Dorsett is a candidate for a big play or two against his former team. Expect WR3 production.

Patriots D/ST. This is about the time when New England’s defense typically turns things up a notch. Add in the fact that the Colts will be without Hilton and Mack, and we don’t see Luck and Co. moving the ball with much success.

SIT
All Patriots receivers/tight ends not named Dorsett. Yes, this includes both Gronkowski and Edelman, who is fresh a four-game PED suspension. While Gronk reportedly is expected to play, it would be a surprise if he gets much usage on a short week. As for Edelman, you have to believe he’ll be rusty, considering he hasn’t played in a meaningful game since Super Bowl LI. We still are holding off on Josh Gordon until he proves he’s earned Brady’s trust, while Chris Hogan has been a virtual non-factor to date.

Andrew Luck, QB, Colts. While Luck had a good game last week, the ball still doesn’t look like it’s coming out right. Plus, his best receiver won’t suit up for this game. He still is a great fantasy asset, but you should bench him this week.

All Colts receivers/tight ends not named Ebron. Aside from Hilton and Ebron, the Colts’ offense stinks. Stay away from the likes of Chester Rogers and Zach Pascal, please.