Start Hendricks or Smith Week 5: Analyzing Fantasy Football's Toughest Call

The fantasy football playoffs are approaching, and every decision becomes crucial. One of the toughest calls this week is deciding between starting Kendrick Bourne or Marquez Valdes-Scantling in Week 5. Both players have had their ups and downs this season, but which one should you trust in your lineup?

Kendrick Bourne: The Safe Choice

Kendrick Bourne has been a consistent performer for the New England Patriots this season. He has at least four targets in every game and has scored at least one touchdown in four of the Patriots' five contests. Bourne is also averaging 5.7 receptions per game, which is third on the team behind only Jakobi Meyers and Hunter Henry.

Bourne's consistency makes him a safe choice for fantasy owners. He is likely to get his targets every week, and he has a good chance of scoring a touchdown. However, Bourne's ceiling is limited. He has yet to top 60 receiving yards in a game this season, and he is not a player who will consistently put up big numbers.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling: The High-Risk, High-Reward Option

Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a much more volatile player than Kendrick Bourne. He has had some big games this season, including a 10-catch, 123-yard performance against the 49ers in Week 1. However, Valdes-Scantling has also had some duds, including a two-catch, 14-yard game against the Giants in Week 3.

Valdes-Scantling's volatility makes him a riskier start than Bourne. However, he also has a much higher ceiling. Valdes-Scantling is a big-play threat who can take the top off of a defense. He is also a good red-zone target, as he has scored three touchdowns in five games this season.

Who Should You Start?

The decision of whether to start Kendrick Bourne or Marquez Valdes-Scantling in Week 5 depends on your team's needs. If you need a safe player who is likely to get you some points, then Bourne is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a player with a higher ceiling who could win you your week, then Valdes-Scantling is the better option.

Here is a table summarizing the key stats for Kendrick Bourne and Marquez Valdes-Scantling this season:

Factors to Consider

When making your decision, here are some factors to consider:

• Matchup: The Patriots have a tough matchup against the Browns in Week 5. The Browns have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. The Packers have a more favorable matchup against the Giants, who have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season.
• Team news: The Packers are dealing with some injuries at wide receiver. Allen Lazard is questionable to play in Week 5, and Christian Watson is on injured reserve. This could lead to more targets for Valdes-Scantling.
• Your team's needs: If you need a safe player who is likely to get you some points, then Bourne is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a player with a higher ceiling who could win you your week, then Valdes-Scantling is the better option.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks for making the right decision:

• Check the injury report: Make sure to check the injury report before making your decision. If one of the players is injured, it could impact your decision.
• Consider the matchup: The matchup is an important factor to consider. If one player has a tough matchup, it could be better to start the other player.
• Trust your gut: Ultimately, the decision of who to start is up to you. Trust your gut and make the decision that you think is best for your team.

How to Step-by-Step Approach

Here is a step-by-step approach to making the decision:

1. Check the injury report.
2. Consider the matchup.
3. Consider your team's needs.
4. Trust your gut.

By following these steps, you can make the best decision for your team in Week 5.