FTN has created a metric called adjusted line yards which shows the push an offensive line gets vs. a defensive line from the line of scrimmage. This metric helps measure the impact a good or a bad offensive line will have on the ground game in any given week.
In this analysis, we have reviewed the adjusted line yards of the offensive line and defensive line to identify the top matchups for Week 5. Below you will see the matchup rank for each player. The matchup rank represents the rank of the defense based on our adjusted line yards metric.
To see the full analysis and where each offense, defense, and matchup ranks as a whole, go check out our new adjusted line yards metric here on Razzball.com.
If you want to see the original data, you can find it on FTN!
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Top Running Back Starts
- Player: Alexander Mattison
- Opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
- Matchup Rank: 1st
After a slow start to the season, Alexander Mattison has rattled off back-to-back 90-yard rushing performances. In Week 5, Mattison’s matchup doesn’t look strong, as the Chiefs have allowed the 7th fewest points to running backs through Week 4. However, when diving deeper, the Chiefs have allowed the 9th highest yards per attempt so far in 2023. Finally, if the Chiefs passing game can finally get going again vs. a vulnerable Vikings pass D then Mattison should catch some passes in this matchup, making him a high floor RB2 in Week 5.
- Player: Joe Mixon
- Opponent: Arizona Cardinals
- Matchup Rank: 2nd
This season couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start for the Bengals’ offense. Joe Burrow hasn’t looked like himself, as Cincinnati has scored one TD over the past two games. Somehow with all the early season struggles, Joe Mixon is still the RB21 in PPR. In Week 5, the Bengals will face a Cardinals DST that has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to running backs. This includes allowing the RB1 to score at least 13.6 or more fantasy points in each of the first four games.
- Player: James Conner
- Opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
- Matchup Rank: 4th
We should give props to the surprisingly competent Arizona Cardinals offense through Week 4. Josh Dobbs looks much better than expected, which has led to James Conner being the RB15 through Week 4. This Week the Cardinals will face a Bengals run defense that has allowed the 6th most rushing yards and the 3rd highest yards per carry on the season. Due to Conner’s insane usage rate, he’s a locked-in RB2 for Week 5!
Top Running Back Sits
- Player: Miles Sanders
- Opponent: Detroit Lions
- Matchup Rank: 26th
Miles Sanders looked sluggish last week while dealing with a groin injury finishing with just 19 yards on 13 carries. Heading into Week 5, SICScore.com has Sanders at 65, which means he is still nowhere near 100%. On top of the injury, Sanders will have to face a stout Detroit Lions run D that has allowed the second-lowest yards per attempt through Week 4. This is why it is best to leave Sanders on benches if you can this week.
- Player: Zack Moss
- Opponent: Tennessee Titans
- Matchup Rank: 23rd
Zack Moss has been a revelation this season as he sits as the RB11 in PPR PPG through Week 4. One of the issues potentially leading to this fade is the potential return of Jonathan Taylor. However, outside of that, Moss will have to go up against a Titans DST that has allowed the fewest yards per carry and the 2nd fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Even if Taylor sits again, Moss shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than a flex play this week.
Honorable Mention Sit: Najee Harris vs. the Ravens
If you have lineup questions or want more information on starts and sits, don’t forget to join us LIVE every Sunday for our Sunday Live Start and Sit Show on the Razzball Fantasy YouTube Channel!
For more from Bobby and his Razzball content, find him on Twitter @bobbylamarco.
Sources: Razzball.com, PFF.com, FantasyPros, FFToday, Pro Football Reference and Football Outsiders
