Fantasy Football Collective

WR Anquan Boldin (fractured sinus, did not practice Thursday) – Arizona have been resting Boldin all week after he suffered a big hit in Week 4. He didn't practice again on Thursday and is questionable to start this week. Right now it doesn’t look like Boldin will go Week 5, so it might be a good idea to pick up WR Steve Breaston who would start in his absence.

RB Willis McGahee (ribs, limited in practice Thursday) – According to the Ravens McGahee’s status for Week 5 is still up in the air. They are taking it day to day, but if he doesn’t go it would be a good idea to pick up LeRon McClain. McClain leads the Ravens in rushing yards and has 3 touchdowns so far this season.

WR Brandon Lloyd (knee, did not practice Thursday) – Lloyd’s injury in Week 4 seemed pretty severe as he left the game on Sunday and did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. He would be a decent No. 3 receiver this week against Detroit, but it doesn’t look like is going to play this week. No other Bears receiver has any real fantasy relevance in his place.

QB Carson Palmer (right elbow, limited in practice Thursday) – Palmer who hurt his elbow Week 3 missed Sunday’s game against the Browns and looks like he will miss Week 5 too. According, to the team the elbow is still sore and Palmer threw a little on Thursday. Palmer is a risky start even if he does play and backup Ryan Fitzpatrick is sure to have another tough outing against a very solid Dallas defense in Week 5. Neither is a good start this week.

RB Chris Perry (hamstring, full practice Thursday) – Perry claims that his hamstring is fine and will start this week. He could lose some carries to the newly signed Cedric Benson this week at Dallas. The combination of an injury, a tough matchup, and the prospect of losing carries make this a bad week to take a chance on starting Perry.

D/ST Green Bay Packers (too many injuries to list) – It is now time to look for a better option than the Packers defense week in and week out. They have lost both CB Al Harris and DE Cullen Jenkins to season ending injuries. Both S Atari Bigby and CB Charles Woodson missed practice Wednesday. The list of banged up defensive players also includes S Nick Collins, LB A.J. Hawk, DT Ryan Pickett, and S Aaron Rouse. Keep this unit reserved at least until they get healthy.

QB Aaron Rodgers (right shoulder, did not practice Thursday) – Despite a sprained right shoulder it looks like Rodgers will go this week. The Packers rested Rodgers on Thursday, but he is intent on playing this Sunday against Atlanta. Keep an eye on Rodgers who has a great matchup against Atlanta if he plays. Rookie Matt Flynn would start in his absence, but isn't worth a start.

WRs Marques Colston and David Patten, TE Jeremy Shockey (multiple injuries, are out for Week 5) – Colston, Shockey, and Patten are all out this week. The good news is with these three banged up WRs Lance Moore and Robert Meachem will get to start in their absence. Moore and Meachem have performed well and are worth starting this week since Brees and the Saints like to throw the ball. If they are somehow still available in your league, stop reading and go pick them up now.

RB Brian Westbrook (right ankle, limited in practice Thursday) – Westbrook is day to day and could be another game time decision heading into Week 5. The Eagles aren't saying much about his status either. Correll Buckhalter would start if Westbrook is out and is a decent start as the Eagles face the Redskins this week. Monitor the situation closely as the game gets nearer.

RB Willie Parker (knee, OUT for Week 5) – Fast Willie is out again this week and rookie RB Rashad Mendenhall was placed on injured reserve this week. RB Mewelde Moore will start this week at Jacksonville. Moore is a good pick up and decent start this week if you have no one else. But, with Najeh Davenport possibly resuming his goal line duties after being signed this week, Moore could be a risky start.

TE Antonio Gates (hip, full practice Thursday) – Gates has been banged up all season, but has played every game. There is no indication that this week will be any different. He will start this week at Miami.

WRs Bobby Engram and Deion Branch (full practice Thursday) – Engram and Branch are both back in the mix for the receiver-less Seahawks and will play in Week 5. Engram has better value than Branch who is coming back from knee surgery. They will probably be rusty, but are decent starts if your options are limited this week. Matt Hasselbeck’s performance should improve as well in the coming weeks.

WR Joey Galloway (foot, did not practice Thursday) – Galloway hasn’t practiced in weeks and looks like he is going through an injury ridden low production season. Clearly this is a bad season for Galloway and he should be replaced with someone who will actually help your fantasy team this season. WR Antonio Bryant will continue to start in his absence and is worth rolling a dice on.

LenDale White (shoulder, did not practice Thursday) – White missed another practice Thursday. Be sure to monitor his status this week. He has a touchdown in every one of the Titans’ games and has 5 TDs on the season. White’s goal line work is the only thing keeping him relevant in the fantasy world and he could get some of that work again this week despite the difficult matchup. That being said, rookie Chris Johnson has been outperforming him in all other aspects of the game. Expect this to continue especially if White doesn't play.

Justin Gage (knee, did not practice Thursday) – Gage has over performed this season and has emerged as a solid WR No. 3 play. However, being banged up and facing a ruthless Ravens defense does not bode well for him this week. Sit him if you have him even if he does end up playing.

Author - Alex Otil (otilmeister)