Week six is upon us and it is the time to buckle down, get some wins and set your team up for a playoff run. Injuries have been killing some people’s fantasy teams, including mine. Here is this week’s list of guys to start and those that may be better off riding the pine this week.
As usual, the top tier guys at each position will not be mentioned as they are a given week in and week out.
Teams with a bye this week: Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars & New Orleans Saints
Quarterbacks
Studs
Ben Roethlisberger vs. Titans – This is Big Ben’s first time making my studs list as he’s had a shaky start. However, this week’s matchup is a great one for Roethlisberger. The Titans have given up 12 touchdown passes so far this season and the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Philip Rivers vs. Broncos – Expect a shoot out in this division rival game between the Chargers and the Broncos. Denver’s defense has struggled with the pass this season and look for Rivers to exploit it.
Matt Ryan vs. Raiders – Oakland’s defense has given up the second-most points to opposing quarterbacks in the first five weeks of the season. Ryan and the Falcons have been playing lights out this season and this should continue against a weak Raider’s defense.
Duds
Andy Dalton vs. Browns – The Bengals will probably rely more on the run game this week since Cleveland has struggled against the ground attack this season. The Browns will also now have their talented corner Joe Haden back from suspension which will impede Dalton’s passing performance.
Tony Romo vs. Ravens – Sorry Romo owners but it’s not going to get any better for you this week. He will continue to struggle against a solid Ravens defense who has allowed only two touchdown passes this season.
Running Backs
Studs
Rashard Mendenhall vs. Titans – This should be a great week for the Steelers running back after making his return last week from injury. Mendenhall faces the Titans, who have allowed an average of over 20 fantasy points to running backs so far.
Trent Richardson vs. Bengals – Earlier this season Richardson ran all over the Bengals and scored 26 fantasy points. He will probably see similar numbers this week, making him a must start in all formats.
Vick Ballard vs. Jets – Yep, you read that correctly. Colts running back Donald Brown is out due to knee surgery and Ballard will get the majority of the carries for Indianapolis this week. The Jets defense is coming off a short week which bodes well for Ballard. There’s a chance he is still available in your league so go grab him if you need a great bye week fill in.
Duds
Chris Johnson vs. Steelers – It’s going to be another rough week running the ball for Chris Johnson. The Steelers are tough against the run and Johnson just hasn’t shown us enough this season to give him the start.
Steven Jackson vs. Miami – Like Chris Johnson, Jackson has been underwhelming so far and is not living up to the expectations of those that drafted him. This week he is facing a Miami defense that has been stingy with yards given up on the ground this season.
Wide Receivers
Studs
Dwayne Bowe vs. Tampa Bay – If Brady Quinn is the starter in this game; he will lean on Bowe early and often to make plays for the Chiefs. The Buccaneers defense has been burned this season at the wideout position allowing the second-most receiving yards.
Demaryius Thomas vs. Chargers – Thomas is coming off a great game against the Patriots and has been carrying the pigskin around this week to fix his recent issues with losing the football. He is emerging as a deep ball threat for Peyton Manning and they could hook up for big points on Monday night.
Larry Fitzgerald vs. Buffalo – Normally Fitzgerald is always a given but he has been inconsistent thus far. This week he has a favorable matchup with the Bills who continually give up fantasy points to wide receivers.
Duds
Brian Hartline vs. Rams – The St. Louis secondary has been tough against receivers this season limiting guys like Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall to zero touchdowns. If these guys have a tough time scoring, Hartline is in for a rough day.
Pierre Garcon vs. Minnesota – Garcon has been somewhat nonexistent since the first week of the season. His role has seemed to diminish and should be kept on the bench until his performance changes.
Tight Ends
Studs
Heath Miller vs. Titans – This is a perfect matchup for Miller. The Titans have given up the most points to the tight end position this season making him a must start for week six.
Kyle Rudolph vs. Redskins – Rudolph has become a favorite red zone target for Christian Ponder this season. This week they will face a Washington defense that has given up the second-most fantasy points to tight ends.
Tony Gonzalez vs. Oakland – Defying his age this season, Tony Gonzalez continues to put up solid fantasy numbers. He should have another great week against the Raiders and is a great tight end option if you have him.
Duds
Brandon Pettigrew vs. Eagles – Pettigrew’s fantasy production has not been stellar this season and this weekend shouldn’t be any different. The Eagles defense has been tough against opposing tight ends making it difficult to justify starting him.
Jason Witten vs. Ravens – Tony Romo is going to struggle to get Witten the ball this week against a stingy Ravens defense. If you have another tight end on your roster you may want to consider swapping them for Witten.
Defenses
Studs
St. Louis Rams vs. Miami – Surprisingly, the Rams have been playing great defense so far. This week’s matchup against a mediocre Dolphin offense is favorable for St. Louis. If you need a decent bye week option or just want some more points from your defense; then the Rams are a great option.
Duds
Green Bay Packers vs. Texans – You may have already benched the Packers or sent them to waiver wire land since they have been so inconsistent so far this season. This week they go to Houston and face a tough Texans team who will put up some solid numbers against them. Keep the Packers on your bench and roll with another defense this week.
Got a fantasy football question? Tweet Jennifer @themondaymommy.
