Fantasy Football: Which Eagles to sit or start in Week 5

I know I struggle to make fantasy football decisions when it comes time to set my lineup. This way, you and I can struggle together. Each week, we’ll take a look at ESPN’s predictions for the Eagles’ key playmakers, and decide who to sit and who to start.

START: Carson Wentz

ESPN Predictions: 23/34, 274 yards, 1.5 TD, 0.9 INT, 3 rush, 14 yards

Wentz has looked like a stud through three games. Now, the Lions have ample film to watch on the gunslinging rookie, but I really don’t think that’s going to make much of a difference. The Lions’ defense has allowed the second-most passing touchdowns of any team this season (12) and forced just one interception by opposing quarterbacks. Wentz should have a field day as the Eagles march to 4-0.

SIT: Ryan Mathews

ESPN Predictions: 11 carries, 52 yards, 0.4 TD, 1 catch, 6 yards

Mathews should be back from his ankle problems, yes, but I’m still not sold on him being back to 100 percent. Doug Pederson admitted as much Wednesday morning, saying Mathews was still a little sore. I know Pederson is set on treating Mathews as the team’s primary back, but based on what we saw in the Pittsburgh game, I would be surprised if Wendell Smallwood and Kenjon Barner didn’t spell Mathews with regularity.

SIT: Darren Sproles

ESPN Predictions: 5 carries, 26 yards, 4 catches, 33 yards

Now, listen: the ageless wonder had an incredible game against the Steelers, yes. He caught a 72-yard touchdown and looked like the Roadrunner, yes. But it’s not happening again. I’m very confident in this. If I’m wrong, I hope you all tweet at me and tell me I’m a moron, because if it happens again I will gladly admit I’m a moron who decided to bet against Darren Sproles. But it’s not happening again.

START: Jordan Matthews

ESPN Predictions: 6 catches, 77 yards, 0.4 TD

First quarter touchdown aside, Matthews had a quiet game in the Eagles’ win over the Steelers. However, he’s still on pace for his first 1,000-yard season, as well as 10 TDs. He’s also the team’s best wide receiver by a country mile, and has established himself as Wentz’s favorite target. The Lions’ pass defense sucks. Bet on Jordan Matthews to have at least 80 yards and a touchdown. I’m starting him myself!

START: Dorial Green-Beckham

ESPN Predictions: 2 catches, 29 yards, 0.2 TD

I have a feeling this is the game we see DGB finally flash a little bit and show why the Eagles traded for him. With two full weeks to do nothing but study and prepare, he should be almost fully acclimated to the team’s offensive strategies and schemes. He’s got the height and athleticism, Detroit’s secondary lacks the talent, and he’s got a stud throwing the ball to him. Touchdown time for DGB.

START: Zach Etz

ESPN Predictions: 4 catches, 54 yards, 0.3 TD

Zach Ertz is itching to get back on the football field. It was very, very evident in the locker room this week that he is back to full health — that’s why they took their time treating the injury! — and ready to get going. With three tight ends rolling out on Sunday, Ertz should get favorable matchups as the Lions struggle to figure Pederson’s schemes out. I like Ertz for a 20-something yard touchdown. Big return for the big boy.