I say this every year but it sure does look like there are a ton more injuries this season to key personnel than in years past. Whether it's the new rules, harder hitting or just fluke plays, more starting fantasy options are coming up lame on a weekly basis.
These type of game-missing injuries play heavily into this week of Love/Hate as we have one of each that have been affected by an injury. On the plus side, one big injury usually makes way for another player to step up and perform so if you are behind the eight ball already this season, those are the guys you should be looking out for.
James LeBeau is an avid fantasy football participant and a sports contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @Jlebeau76 or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
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Week 5 Love/Hate
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Andrew Luck QB – Indianapolis
Luck is facing another NFC team this week as the Colts take on the Seattle Seahawks, and from a statistical point of view, that's not good. In five games against the NFC, Luck has struggled, passing for 1,445 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions. Against a regular NFC team, this would lead to a strong reconsideration to his starting fantasy position, but against the Seahawks that changes. The Seahawks have been brutal to opposing quarterbacks, allowing an average of 210.5 passing yards a game and a dismal 11.5 fantasy points. Overall, it doesn't look good for Luck this week so if you have another option go with it.
HATE
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Brian Hoyer QB – Cleveland
Brian Hoyer has been a solid fantasy quarterback over his two starts this season. He has completed 55 passes for 590 yards and five touchdowns in the Browns' two wins with him starting. Look for him to put up another week of solid production against the Bills on Thursday night despite Buffalo being on a roll against opposing QBs, intercepting seven passes over the last two weeks.
With two talented receiving options in Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron, and the growing confidence of the rest of the team, look for Hoyer to top 300 yards and add two touchdowns despite the short week.
LOVE
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Darren Sproles RB – New Orleans
Sproles proved once again on Monday night what a threat he is as part of an explosive Saints offense. Catching seven of eight targets for 114 yards and two TDs, Sproles is the perfect weapon out of the backfield for quarterback Drew Brees.
Facing a potent Chicago Bears team in week 5, the Saints will need to continue to score the ball in bunches and Sproles will be an essential checkdown. Look for him to put up over 100 total yards and a score as he continues to showcase his fantasy prowess.
LOVE
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Lamar Miller RB – Miami
Working out of a backfield that is determined to split the carries between Daniel Thomas and himself, Lamar Miller has made the best of his limited touches the past two weeks. Against the Saints on Monday night, Miller averaged 5.6 yards a carry as he took his 11 rushes for 62 yards and a touchdown.
Thanks to that sharing of carries, it's hard to love Miller against any but the most porous of defenses. Facing the Baltimore Ravens in week five, it just may be best to leave Miller on the bench if you have other options. Though a shell of their former glory, the Ravens are still a stingy defense, especially against the run. While Miller may grab a goalline touchdown, his limited touches and expected low yardage makes him a very questionable play.
HATE
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Randall Cobb WR – Green Bay
Randall Cobb has been a key piece to the highly potent Green Bay offense and looks to be one of quarterback Aaron Rodgers' favorite targets. He racked up 16 fantasy points in week one while putting up 18 in week two. Week three saw a dip in the stats with Cobb only catching five balls for 54 yards but it wasn't from lack of attention, as Rodgers targeted Cobb eleven times on the day.
Facing a Detroit team that has an equally great offense, the Packers will need every point they can get, so expect Cobb to get back on track with a 100 yard game and at least one score.
LOVE
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Nate Washington WR – Tennessee
Nate Washington comes into week five on a hot streak, putting together back to back 100 yard games. However, the loss of starting quarterback Jake Locker to a hip injury should come in the way of making that three straight great games. Combine a new quarterback with the Titans facing the Kansas City Chiefs and you got a recipe for a fantasy dud.
So far this season, the Chiefs have allowed just 188 passing yards per game, second best in the league. They also lead the league with 18 sacks. No, it may be best to look elsewhere for a wideout start and keep Washington sidelined this week.
HATE
