/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67606129/usa_today_14998858.0.jpg)
If there was a theme to this week’s suggestions, it’s planning around replacement quarterbacks. That’s usually a good sign for defenses, especially if they’re already solid units. But not all replacement QB situations are created equal, so beware. Here are a few suggestions for D/ST plays in Week 5.
D/ST to start
Arizona Cardinals
Let’s start where we always start, with whatever team plays the New York Jets. Denver ended up surrendering more points to the Jets last week than I thought possible—thanks in large part to injuries on offense—but they still managed to post six sacks. This week the Jets are starting Joe Flacco against the Cardinals, who should feast on him, and won’t have any offensive struggles to weigh them down either.
Los Angeles Rams
Here’s another team with a nice matchup thanks to a quarterback change by their opponent. Only the Washington Football Team can explain why they’re benching Dwayne Haskins for Kyle Allen, but it’s a later move, at best.
D/ST to sit
Denver Broncos
You probably shouldn’t be using the Broncos for anything other than a streaming option, and that could be tempting this week since they’re playing a Patriots team rolling with its third quarterback, Jarrett Stidham. The biggest problem with the Broncos defense is that they’re going to struggle to overcome lapses by an offense hammered with injuries.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are another attractive streaming option in certain weeks, but this is not one of those weeks, even with Drew Brees looking like a battered shell of his former self. The Chargers have been pretty good at limiting the damage done by running backs, but that’s a much harder task against Alvin Kamara.