:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65381295/1178194996.jpg.0.jpg)
The Seattle Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football to kick off Week 5 of the 2019 NFL season. The two teams sit at 3-1, with the Seahawks coming off a relatively easy win over the Arizona Cardinals and the Rams coming off an ugly loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Seahawks defense shut down the Cardinals, and were the fourth highest scoring fantasy defense in Week 5. Four sacks, an interception, and a touchdown will do that for a D/ST unit. Meanwhile, the Rams managed a positive performance only because of a Marcus Peters pick six. Even with that and two sacks, they were just barely in the positive thanks to giving up 49 points to the Bucs offense.
Fantasy analysis: In fantasy football years past, both defenses would have been must-starts week in and week out. The Seahawks have taken a step back after moving on from the Legion of Boom, and they have been a unit in transition. Meanwhile, the Rams are immensely talented but just have not been overly impressive. They’ve been much more consistent than the Seahawks, but they have not been the kind of clear option we’ve seen in years past.
Short week NFC West games can be rather strange. The Rams offense is putting up points, but Jared Goff has been inconsistent at best. Russell Wilson has been his usual great self, but the rest of the offense is taking some time to get on the same page. I’d suggest avoiding either defense if possible. Both have a decent enough floor, but the ceiling is just not there for either. If I had no other choice, I’d lean Seahawks at home, but only if there was nothing else from which to choose.
Recommendation: Sit both the Rams and Seahawks D/ST. Seahawks would be the call if you’re truly desperate.