8 Big-Name Players You May Want to Avoid in Week 5

A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

The rule is always "start your studs", but right now A.J. Green looks like he might need a little bit of time to regain his super-stud swagger on the football field. His last game performance in Week 3 gave him 6 receptions for 102 yards, a very solid number. One can't complain about that. However, Green has been nursing a toe injury for weeks, and missed almost all of Week 2's action because of it. He has the natural physical ability to pull a Brandon Marshall and stand in the end zone to catch three touchdowns, but would I bet on that happening? The bye week will certainly help his recovery, but I don't want to risk a zero in my lineup if I have any other palatable options. This is less a "bench him" recommendation as a "try to find an alternative if possible".

Adding to Green's toe woes, he has his first career matchup against shutdown shadow cornerback Darrelle Revis this week when the Patriots host the Bengals in Foxborough. Andy Dalton may look to other receivers, or the Bengals may run the rock with a similar game plan as the Chiefs had last week. There are enough red flags for me to at least think twice about starting Green in Week 5.