Week 6 - Start / Sit

BYE WEEK: Buffalo, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Tennessee

QB – Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tony Romo, Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler, Kurt Warner

INJURY WATCH: Aaron Rodgers(GB), Carson Palmer(CIN), Matt Hasselbeck(SEA), Matt Schaub(HOU), Jon Kitna(DET), Brian Griese(TB), Gus Frerotte(MIN)

Start

Brett Favre(NYJ) – Okay, so I doubt Favre will throw for six touchdown passes this week, but anything is possible with him. Still, he needs to be in your lineup this week against Cincinnati. While the Bengals haven’t been terrible against the pass, they’re still very young and vulnerable. The Jets have had two full weeks to prepare for this game and they are at home, two things that will be a key ingredient in their success this week.  17 of 28 275yrds, 2 TD’s

Jason Campbell(WAS) – I’m gonna go out on a limb with this one and say that Campbell continues his efficient fantasy scoring this week. This will be a run first offense and St. Louis will prepare to slow that down. With constant safety help being moved into the box, Campbell will find one-on-one coverage all day, and his receivers know how to get open and make plays. You should also see a couple of deep balls thrown off the play-action and some scoring as the result.  16 of 22 250yrds, 2 TD’s, 20yrds rush

Sit

Philip Rivers(SD) – While Rivers started the season very strong, there’s been a drop-off with each passing week in his performance. Attribute that to what you will, but I don’t see things getting better. Tomlinson, Gates, and Chambers are all ####ed up, leaving Rivers with Sproles and Vincent Jackson maybe? That doesn’t seem like it’s going to be enough to be successful against a Patriots defense that is looking to redeem its past two pitiful outings.  13 of 25 175yrds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 FUM

Derek Anderson(CLE) – Hopefully Anderson used the BYE week to get better prepared and work out the timing issues with his receivers. The thing holding the Browns back is coaching, lets be honest. The Browns will struggle as long as Romeo remains. This week, Anderson will struggle against a Giants defense that is second in scoring defense in the league. You should be able to find a better quarterback this week.  200yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT, 1 FUM

RB – LaDanian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Brian Westbrook, Steven Jackson, Clinton Portis, Frank Gore, Marion Barber, Reggie Bush, Michael Turner, Ronnie Brown

INJURY WATCH:  LaDanian Tomlinson(SD), Brian Westbrook(PHI), Willis Mcgahee(BAL), Darren McFadden(OAK), Maurice Jones-Drew(JAC), Chris Perry (CIN), Justin Fargas(OAK), Ahman Green(HOU), Laurence Maroney(NEP), Lamont Jordan(NEP), Maurice Morris(SEA)

Start

Brandon Jacobs(NYG) – Jacobs seems to only be playing one half of his games, but still managing to rack up monster numbers. Expect similar things this Monday Night as Jacobs travels to Cleveland to face the beleaguered Browns. Again, he may only play a little into the second half due to the RB depth of the Giants, but look for numbers regardless as the Giants pound away at the weak Cleveland front seven.  125yrds, 2 TD’s, 2 for 10yrds

Ryan Grant(GB) – I think this is the week Grant finally gets things going. I don’t anticipate the Pack being down or out of this one at any point and they need to get the run game established to pose a more balanced threat to opposing defenses. One dimensional teams, what the Packers have been to this point, usually don’t go far, and I think that’s shown through the first five weeks.  100yrds, 1 TD, 2 for 15yrds

Sit

Joseph Addai(IND) – Difficult to sit a Top 7 draft pick, but let’s be realistic, the Colts play the Ravens this week and the game plan will be to attack through the air. While Addai may catch a bunch of passes, the Raven defense will limit the featured back in this one. Some key RB’s are on BYE this week, so play Addai if you must, but don’t expect numbers better than what a #3 RB would produce.  30-40yrds, 5 for 30-40yrds, 1 FUM

DeAngelo Williams(CAR) – Yes, he lead all players in fantasy points last week and the Carolina offense seems to be firing on all cylinders, but it’s all more the reason to sit him this week. Tampa Bay’s defense is built to handle smaller, quicker backs and Williams fits that mold to a T.  I think Carolina’s other back will shine this week, so curb your expectation for Williams.  55yrds, 3 for 20yrds

WR – Brandon Marshall, Terrell Owens, Reggie Wayne, Larry Fitzgerald, Greg Jennings, Calvin Johnson, Steve Smith(CAR), T.J. Houshmanzedah, Andre Johnson, Plaxico Burress

INJURY WATCH: Marques Colston(NO), Anquan Boldin(ARI), Roy Williams(DET), Calvin Johnson(DET), Derrick Mason(BAL), Deion Branch(SEA), Eddie Royal(DEN), Anthony Gonzalez(IND), Javon Walker(OAK), Kevin Curtis(PHI), Jerry Porter(JAC), Reggie Williams(JAC), Joey Galloway(TBB), Sidney Rice(MIN), Darrell Jackson(DEN), Donte Stallworth(CLE), Devin Hester(CHI), Brandon Lloyd(CHI), David Patten(NO)

Start

Santana Moss(WAS) – Though Moss was shutout last week, he continues to be an integral part of the Washington offense. I expect him to bounce back this week against the Rams. Although the Skins will pound the ball with Portis, Moss has the ability to get open anywhere on the field to make plays, including the deep ball that might fly his why once or twice this week.  6 for 115yrds, 1 TD

Bobby Engram(SEA) – Engram played his first game of the season and produced nicely for being out for such a long time. He’s been Hasselbeck’s main target for the past couple of seasons and that’s not something that’s gonna change considering there’s nobody left on the team to throw to, possibly even Deion Branch who suffered another injury. I expect Engram to be the go to guy this week as Seattle could struggle to move the ball on the ground and may end up in a shootout. And let’s face it, they want to throw the ball anyway.  6 for 100yrds, 1 TD

Sit

Torry Holt(STL) – Holt will not benefit from the coaching change and it’s unfortunate. There’s even rumors flying that he’ll be traded and that might be the best thing for him right now. Considering that teams only have to worry about Steven Jackson for about the first quarter and half, Holt is the only other player that can really hurt defenses, so guess where the coverage constantly rolls. Washington will have Bulger scrambling for his life all day, and Holt will be left running routes without much purpose, ouch.  4 for 50yrds

Chad Ocho Cinco #85(CIN) – The Jets defense has been very underrated so far this season and I think that will hurt the Cincinnati offense, especially #85. He hasn’t really done much so far this season,  his longest catch barley touching 25yrds. The Bengals should deplore much more o####round game this week with Benson, limiting passes down field. When they do drop back to pass, the offensive line hasn’t been much more than paper mache’, and that spells trouble for an ailing quarterback and his receivers.  5 for 50yrds

TE – Jason Witten, Antonio Gates, Kellen Winslow, Chris Cooley

INJURY WATCH: Antonio Gates(SD), Kellen Winslow(CLE), Tony Scheffler(DEN), Jeremy Shockey(NO), L.J. Smith(PHI), Randy McMichael(STL), Ben Watson(NEP), Leonard Pope(ARI)

Start

Greg Olsen(CHI) – Olsen has clearly passed Desmond Clark on the depth chart, and his recent numbers confirm it. The Chicago receivers are ####ed up and inconsistent, leaving Olsen a reliable option for Orton underneath and in the flats. Chicago likes to throw to the backs and tight-ends when they get near the red-zone and the field shrinks. Olsen should be a strong performer against Atlanta this week.  60yrds, 1 TD

K – Nick Folk, Mason Crosby, Stephen Gostkowski, Adam Vinatieri, Nate Kaeding, David Akers, Robbie Gould

INJURY WATCH: Stephen Gostkowski(NEP), Lawrence Tynes(NYG), Mike Nugent(NYJ)

Start

Josh Scobee(JAC) – I think the Jaguars will be able to move the ball consistently against the Denver defense, but may have trouble scoring touchdowns. Scobee has the power to convert 50yrd field goals and the thin air of the Mile-High should afford him at least one opportunity for such. Jacksonville will be desperate, but I think they’ll take their chances at points this week rather than passing up opportunities like they did last week.  4 FG’s, 2 XP’s

DEF – Vikings, Bears, Ravens, Eagles, Giants

INJURY WATCH: Baltimore (Kelly Gregg-NT, Samari Rolle-CB), Minnesota (Erin Henderson-LB, Madieu Williams-S), Chicago (Charles Tillman-CB, Nathan Vasher-CB), Tampa Bay (Derrick Brooks-LB, Barrett Ruud-LB), Indianapolis (Bob Sanders-SS, Dwight Freeney-DE), Green Bay (Al Harris-CB, Charles Woodson-CB), Dallas (Terence Newman-CB, Tank Williams-DT), Jacksonville (Reggie Nelson-S, Drayton Florence-CB), Washington (Jason Taylor-DE, Shawn Springs-CB), Arizona (Bertrand Berry-DE, Eric Green-CB),

Start

Washington Redskins – Call me crazy, but given the way the Redskins have performed against the high powered offenses of Dallas and Philly, St. Louis should be a push over. The Rams offensive line is suspect at best, so once Steven Jackson is contained and the Skins move out to a big lead, there will be a lot of pressure on the QB as the Rams try to play catch up. That will lead to the inevitable turnovers and sacks that the Rams seem to be so generous with.  <300 YA, <17 PA, 5 sacks, 2 INT’s, 1 FUM

Week 2 - Start / Sit

QB – Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tony Romo, Ben Roethlisberger, Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler (removed: Tom Brady)

Start

Eli Manning (NYG) @ St. Louis – I’m not sold on Eli’s consistency yet, and if your league penalizes for INT’s, he’s always going to be a bit of a risk.  Not this week.  The Rams will be forced to load eight men into the box to stop the run, allowing Manning to find the one-on-one receiver down field.  250yrds, 2 TD’s

Damon Huard (KC) vs. Oakland – Huard will start this week for the injured Brodi Croyle, increasing the value of KC’s receivers.  The Chiefs will feature a heavy dose of Larry Johnson on the ground, bringing the safeties up, allowing Huard to go over the top for the big play.  225yrds, 2 TD’s

Sit

Matt Hasselbeck (SEA) vs. San Francisco – Hasselbeck is hurt, he has no receivers to throw to, and has no ground game to take the pressure off him.  Even against a bad 49ers team, Hasselbeck must be benched until he gets some receivers back or Seattle signs a veteran to come in and play.  Even then it’s going to take a little time for them to get acclimated.  175yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT’s

Carson Palmer (CIN) vs. Tennessee – Palmer was bad against Baltimore. Tennessee has arguably a better defense.  The Bengal’s offense is out of synch, they have no running game to speak of, and they won’t be on the field all that often with the Titans ball control offense.  Palmer may pick up some points in garbage time after the game is out of reach, but I’m expecting another long day.  225yrds, 1 TD, 2 INT’s

RB – LaDanian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Brian Westbrook, Steven Jackson, Marshawn ####, Larry Johnson, Clinton Portis, Frank Gore, Marion Barber, Willie Parker (removed: Joseph Addai)

Start

Chris Johnson/Lendale White (TEN) vs. Cincinnati – It’s no surprise what Tennessee is going to do on offense.  I expect Johnson to continue to start and White to come in to later to pound the ball.  This kind of combination worked perfect for White at USC, and I don’t see why it’s not going to continue to work.  The Titans defense will provide many a short field that these backs will feast upon. 75-100yrds, 15-25yrds, 1 TD each

Thomas Jones (NYJ) vs. New England – I think the Jets will be able to control the ball, the clock, and the game, and wear down the Patriots aging defense. After Favre loosens up the secondary, Jones will have the ability to run through some big holes created by that solid Jets O-Line.  100yrds, 25yrds, 2 TD’s

Sit

Joseph Addai (IND) @ Minnesota – I’m not even sure Addai is going to play this week, but I would recommend benching him anyway.  The Colts offense is struggling and Minnesota’s Defense is just as good as Chicago’s, if not better.  If he plays, he may catch a few passes, but even that prospect shouldn’t be enticing enough to pull the trigger on him. Wait until you see him play a whole game and be productive before reinserting him into your lineup.  40-50yrds, 15yrds

Jamal Lewis (CLE) vs. Pittsburgh – The Browns offense is facing similar disfunctionality and the Steeler defense is in mid-season form, creating pressure, sacks, and turnovers.  If you couple that with Lewis’ poor history against Pittsburgh and a lingering injury, Lewis becomes a very unfavorable option. I wasn’t high on Lewis this year because of the schedule and until he proves he’s ready, I’d stay away.  40-50yrds, 10yrds, 1 FUM

WR – Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Reggie Wayne, Braylon Edwards, Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Brandon Marshall, Calvin Johnson, Plaxico Burress, Greg Jennings (removed: Marques Colston)

Start

Hines Ward/Santonio Holmes (PIT) – Based on what happened last week, the Steeler receivers are must starts this week. The Cleveland secondary gave up big plays last week to similarly explosive offense and the Steelers appear to be in top form. This is a prime-time game Sunday Night where the Steelers seem to thrive. 70-80yrds, 1 TD each

Ronald Curry (OAK) – Curry is the only viable receiving threat on this team, even if or when Javon Walker comes back from his injury.  The Oakland running game should be the feature for the season, but they’re going to be behind a lot and need to throw.  Curry will be the guy this week.  80yrds, 1 TD

Sit

Torry Holt (STL) – I know he’s usually Mr. Reliable, but there’s nobody else to throw to on this team and defenses know that. Holt is getting older. Pair that with nagging injury problems and you get a receiver who’s lost a step or two.  The Rams are at home this week, but the Giants defense, especially their pass rush, will have Bulger on his back early and often. Look for short dump offs to try and offset the rush.   4 rec, 50yrds

Wes Welker (NEP) – I don’t think Welker is going to be a factor this year with Brady out.  It’s very difficult to hit those timing patterns that Welker and Brady were so good at.  I’m holding off on Welker until I see Cassell start to put some numbers up.  5 rec, 40yrds

TE – Jason Witten, Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, Kellen Winslow

Start

Randy McMichael (STL) – The offense is designed to get him the ball and that showed last week as he caught 5 passes for over 70yrds.  Expect Bulger to continue to get him the ball as defenses concentrate on shutting down Holt and Jackson.  60yrds, 1 TD

Anthony Fasano (MIA) – In an offense where the QB can’t throw the ball downfield, the TE is a perfect option for quick hitters over the middle and short dump-offs to the outside.  Miami will struggle this year, that’s not surprising anybody.  Pennington is a very efficient QB that won’t force the ball and he’ll take what the defense gives him.  He has the accuracy to hit his receivers in stride, making yards after the catch a benefit to fantasy owners.  60yrds, 1 TD

K – Nick Folk, Mason Crosby, Stephen Gostkowski, Adam Vinatieri, Rob Bironas, Nate Kaeding

Start

Jeff Reed (PIT) – If you haven’t realized already, Pittsburgh is going to put up points this year and Reed has the power and accuracy to convert those drives that will stall against the better defenses they will play on their schedule. Also, if Pittsburgh’s up big late in games, they tend to run the clock out and kick field goals.  3 FG’s, 3 XP’s

Jason Elam (ATL) – I’m endorsing the king of the 50-yarder this week.  Elam continues to prove, that despite his age, he is still among the best at draining those long field goals that fantasy owners covet from their kickers.  He’s now playing indoors, and Atlanta may not be that bad, especially with such a potent rushing attack.  3 FG’s, 2 XP’s

DEF – Vikings, Bears, Chargers, Patriots, Cowboys

Start

Arizona Cardinals – The Cardinals are home this week and will face one of the worst five teams.  Without a threat of the long-ball, the Cardinals defense will be able to creep up to shut down the run, while applying pressure with the front seven.  While there might not be a lot of turnovers this week, expect a good number of sacks and low points and yardage surrendered.

13 PA, <299yrds, 4 Sacks, 1 FUM

Tennessee Titans – The Cincinnati offense is in disarray with no semblance of a running game.  The Titans will be able to focus on applying pressure on the QB and forcing the turn-over prone Palmer into making more mistakes.  17 PA, <299yrds, 2 Sacks, 2 INT, 1 FUM