Week 6 Start 'Em and Sit 'Em
Disclaimer ... Before you start reading, understand that we are not in the business of stating the obvious and wasting your time (or ours), so you won't be reading here why you need to start Aaron Rodgers, Adrian Peterson, Calvin Johnson or any other top-tier players. We're here to help you evaluate players you might be on the fence about.
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| Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC | at PIT |
| Steven Jackson, STL | at GB |
| BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE | vs. DAL |
| Rashard Mendenhall, PIT | vs. JAC |
| Jahvid Best, DET | vs. SF |
Shonn Greene has been one of the most frustrating Fantasy running backs the past two years, but maybe now is his time to shine. At least that's what owners who drafted him are hoping.
Greene was a bust in 2010, losing his starting job to LaDainian Tomlinson, and he got off to a slow start this season. But the performance he had last week against New England, following coach Rex Ryan's proclamation to return to a "ground and pound" offense, is something we would take all year.
It was his best performance of the season with 21 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown, and he should be in line for a quality encore against the Dolphins. This has become an important game for the Jets, who are 2-3 and riding a three-game losing streak. They are looking up at New England (4-1) and Buffalo (4-1) in the AFC East, and that should provide plenty of motivation Monday night for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Greene, who was started in 58 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com in Week 5, doesn't have a great history against the Dolphins. He has never scored against Miami in four career meetings, but he also has just one game with double digits in carries. His success against Miami should improve in this matchup.
The Dolphins have allowed two rushing touchdowns on the season to BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Mike Tolbert, and Ben Tate and Ryan Mathews have each gained more than 100 total yards. The key for Greene is getting enough carries.
He's had at least 20 carries five times in his career, and he has at least 90 total yards or a touchdown each time. Look for Ryan to lean on Greene again this week, and he should be successful -- for the Jets and Fantasy owners.
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| Player | Fantasy Points (projected) | Fantasy Points (actual) | Start percentage |
| Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons | 22 | 8 | 75 |
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| Player | Fantasy Points (projected) | Fantasy Points (actual) | Start percentage |
| Cam Newton, QB, Panthers | 22 | 26 | 71 |
| Eli Manning, QB, Giants | 22 | 26 | 60 |
| BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots | 10 | 26 | 64 |
| Frank Gore, RB, 49ers | 13 | 17 | 86 |
| Shonn Greene, RB, Jets | 10 | 14 | 56 |
| Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals | 13 | 12 | 83 |
| Mark Ingram, RB, Saints | 10 | 10 | 53 |
| Greg Olsen, TE, Panthers | 10 | 8 | 65 |
| Jermaine Gresham, TE, Bengals | 10 | 8 | 50 |
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| Player | Fantasy Points (projected) | Fantasy Points (actual) | Start percentage |
| Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Bills | 21 | 11 | 52 |
| Josh Freeman, QB, Bucs | 19 | 3 | 45 |
| Julio Jones, WR, Falcons | 12 | 2 | 86 |
| Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings | 10 | 2 | 71 |
| Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers | 12 | 1 | 83 |
| Eric Decker, WR, Broncos | 10 | 0 | 72 |
| Mike Williams, WR, Bucs | 10 | 0 | 74 |
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| Player | Fantasy Points (projected) | Fantasy Points (actual) | Start percentage |
| Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Titans | 15 | 14 | 24 |
| LeGarrette Blount, RB, Bucs | 6 | 6 | 84 |
| Mario Manningham, WR, Giants | 6 | 5 | 40 |
| Mike Thomas, WR, Jaguars | 7 | 5 | 28 |
| Kellen Winslow, TE, Bucs | 9 | 5 | 42 |
| Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers | 5 | 3 | 13 |
| Steve Johnson, WR, Bills | 9 | 2 | 92 |
| Dallas Clark, TE, Colts | 8 | 0 | 60 |
| Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos | 16 | Minus-1 | 18 |
| Ryan Grant, RB, Packers | 7 | Minus-1 | 22 |
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| Player | Fantasy Points (projected) | Fantasy Points (actual) | Start percentage |
| Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers | 16 | 37 | 41 |
| Matt Schaub, QB, Texans | 16 | 24 | 66 |
| DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers | 7 | 17 | 32 |
| Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks | 6 | 16 | 31 |
| Deion Branch, WR, Patriots | 5 | 13 | 30 |
Quarterback
Start 'Em
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| Joe Flacco, BAL | vs. HOU |
| Colt McCoy, CLE | at OAK |
| Sam Bradford, STL | at GB |
Cam Newton (at ATL): This is likely the last time you will see Newton in this spot since his start percentage is creeping toward obvious (again, read the disclaimer at the top). It's about time based on his play. He now has at least 26 Fantasy points in all but one start, and he has another favorable matchup against the Falcons. Atlanta has allowed at least 20 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks against the Bears, Eagles, Seahawks and Packers, with Jay Cutler, Michael Vick, Tarvaris Jackson and Aaron Rodgers all throwing for multiple touchdowns. (Started in 73 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Eli Manning (vs. BUF): The Bills defense is doing a great job at creating turnovers with a league-best 12 interceptions, so expect some mistakes for Manning this week. But he has been a stellar Fantasy quarterback the past three games with at least 22 Fantasy points in each outing and nine touchdowns over that span. The Bills, despite the interceptions, have still allowed multiple touchdowns against Jason Campbell, Tom Brady, Andy Dalton and Vick. (Started in 61 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Ben Roethlisberger (vs. JAC): All it took for Roethlisberger to have an outstanding game was a significant foot injury and minimal expectations. Last week against Tennessee, when Roethlisberger was seen limping on the field prior to the game, he came out and threw five touchdown passes with one interception. He's still hurt, and even though his offensive line remains a work in progress, that shouldn't matter this week. The Jaguars won't generate much of a pass rush with just eight sacks this season, so Roethlisberger should have plenty of time. In his last two games against the Jaguars, Roethlisberger has 451 passing yards, six touchdowns and one interception. (Started in 37 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Tony Romo (at NE): Romo may have his flaws as an NFL quarterback, but his Fantasy production remains solid. He has at least three games with 21 Fantasy points this year, and he has a great matchup this week against the Patriots, who have allowed multiple touchdown passes against Chad Henne, Philip Rivers, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Mark Sanchez this season. Romo also gets Miles Austin back this week after he missed two games with an injured hamstring, and Romo has done well after a bye. In his past two games following a bye, Romo has passed for 717 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. (Started in 55 percent of leagues in Week 4)
Matt Ryan (vs. CAR): We'll give Ryan another opportunity to prove himself after he struggled as the Start of the Week in his last outing against Green Bay. The Panthers have allowed three quarterbacks to pass for at least 300 yards and multiple touchdowns this year (Kevin Kolb, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees), and Ryan has done well against Carolina at home with 456 passing yards, five touchdowns and one interception in two meetings. It's hard to trust Ryan with his inconsistent play, including Julio Jones (hamstring) being out, but Carolina doesn't have a pass rush that will bother Ryan with just eight sacks on the year. (Started in 76 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Sit 'Em
Jay Cutler (vs. MIN): It's hard to trust Cutler right now behind that offensive line and with that inconsistent receiving corps. Cutler does have two games with at least 21 Fantasy points this year, but in his past two games against Carolina and Detroit he has combined for just 17 points. The Vikings have given up two big games this season against Rivers and Matthew Stafford, but they have held Josh Freeman, Matt Cassel and Kevin Kolb to two touchdowns and three interceptions. The Vikings also are among the league leaders with 16 sacks, so they should be able to pressure Cutler into some mistakes. (Started in 30 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Donovan McNabb (at CHI): McNabb had his one opportunity to help Fantasy owners in Week 5 against Arizona, and he failed with just 12 Fantasy points. He completed fewer than 50 percent of his passes, and he had his second game this year without a touchdown pass. The Bears have struggled in pass defense the past four games against Brees, Rodgers, Newton and Stafford with 11 total touchdowns allowed and three interceptions, but McNabb is nowhere near the level of those four quarterbacks. His time as a potential bye-week replacement is over, and he should not be on a roster in the majority of leagues. (Started in 10 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Alex Smith (at DET): Smith has played well recently with three games of at least 19 Fantasy points in his past four starts. But he should be in for a reality check this week against a Lions defense that has more interceptions (seven) than touchdowns allowed (six). The only quarterback to play well against Detroit is Romo, and the Lions have held Freeman, Cassel, McNabb and Cutler to 16 Fantasy points or less. That's about the ceiling for Smith in this matchup, especially since his starting receivers are Michael Crabtree and Ted Ginn Jr. (Started in 9 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Curtis Painter (at CIN): Painter has played well the past two games against Tampa Bay and Kansas City with 558 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, but he's not someone to start yet even in two-quarterback leagues. He also has a difficult matchup this week against the Bengals, who have yet to allow any quarterback to reach 20 Fantasy points in a game. In their past three outings against Smith, Fitzpatrick and Blaine Gabbert, the Bengals have allowed a combined 28 Fantasy points. This should be Painter's worst start since taking over for the injured Kerry Collins (concussion) in Week 4. (Started in 7 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Rex Grossman (vs. PHI): Grossman's Fantasy production was heading in the wrong direction prior to Washington's bye in Week 4. He went from 22 Fantasy points in Week 1 to just seven in Week 4, and turnovers have been a problem for him with five interceptions and two fumbles in four games. Now, Grossman could have success against an Eagles defense that has allowed big outings to Ryan, Manning and Smith in recent weeks, but Philadelphia clamped down on Fitzpatrick last week and could force Grossman into some mistakes. (Started in 22 percent of leagues in Week 4)
Bust alert: Matt Schaub (at BAL): Schaub was great last week against Oakland with 24 Fantasy points, which was his first game without Andre Johnson (hamstring). Johnson is out again this week against the Ravens, but this is a much tougher matchup. The Ravens have yet to allow multiple touchdowns to an opposing quarterback this year, and only Matt Hasselbeck passed for more than 300 yards against Baltimore in Week 2. Schaub is also dealing with an injured shoulder and thigh, and the Ravens should be ready for Schaub coming off their bye week. (Started in 64 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Running back
Start 'Em
| | |
| Michael Bush, OAK | vs. CLE |
| Earnest Graham, TB | vs. NO |
| Montario Hardesty, CLE | at OAK |
| Jason Snelling, ATL | vs. CAR |
| Mark Ingram, NO | at TB |
Felix Jones (at NE): His shoulder injury shouldn't be a concern anymore since he played the past two games and should feel better coming off a bye in Week 5. He has a good matchup this week against the Patriots, who have allowed double digits in Fantasy points to Reggie Bush, Mathews, Fred Jackson, Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and Greene. Jones has two games with double digits in Fantasy points, and the Cowboys should make this a shootout with all their main weapons expected to play well. (Started in 63 percent of leagues in Week 4)
Ryan Torain (vs. PHI): Torain is worth starting this week coming off a bye because the Redskins are expected to give him every opportunity to succeed. Tim Hightower is still dealing with a shoulder injury, and Torain looked great in Week 4 at St. Louis with 19 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown. It's a great matchup for Torain since the Eagles have allowed Steven Jackson, Cadillac Williams, Michael Turner, Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs, Frank Gore and Jackson to all reach double digits in Fantasy points. (Started in 0 percent of leagues in Week 4)
Daniel Thomas (at NYJ): The Jets will definitely prepare to stop Thomas after being stampeded by BenJarvus Green-Ellis last week, but everyone has run on the Jets this season. Jones, McFadden, Bush, Ray Rice and Green-Ellis have all reached double digits in Fantasy points, and Thomas has done a nice job in his only two games this year. He had 18 carries for 107 yards against Houston in Week 2 and 122 total yards and a touchdown against Cleveland in Week 3. He missed Week 4 at San Diego with a hamstring injury, but he should be 100 percent coming off a bye. Look for him to be the No. 1 option for the Dolphins on offense this week. (Started in 36 percent of leagues in Week 4)
James Starks (vs. STL): The Packers should be able to win this game easily against the Rams, which means Starks has a chance to kill the clock and rack up cheap stats in the fourth quarter. St. Louis has allowed McCoy, Jacobs, Rice and Torain to reach double digits in Fantasy points, and Starks has a chance for his best game of the season in this matchup. Ryan Grant isn't going away, but his fumble last week at Atlanta should help Starks continue to dominate the touches for this backfield. Consider Starks a useful No. 2 Fantasy running back this week. (Started in 41 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Cedric Benson (vs. IND): Benson has been in a funk this year, and his looming suspension could have something to do with it. He has just one touchdown and only one game with double digits in Fantasy points since Week 1, but he should have a tremendous outing this week. The Colts have allowed Ben Tate, Derrick Ward, Peyton Hillis, LeGarrette Blount and Jackie Battle to reach double digits in Fantasy points, and this could be Benson's best game of the season. (Started in 78 percent of leagues in Week 5)
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Sit 'Em
Rashard Mendenhall (vs. JAC): Mendenhall is expected to return this week after not playing in Week 5 against Tennessee with a hamstring problem. Our advice is to give him a week if you can before starting him in all leagues since his workload could be limited. The Steelers will likely give Isaac Redman and possibly Jonathan Dwyer some carries to help Mendenhall, and there's also the chance of a setback prior to Sunday or a problem during the game. Only use Mendenhall in deep formats if you're stuck due to an injury or a bye week. The Jaguars have also allowed just two rushing touchdowns to running backs on the season, and only Greene and Darren Sproles have reached double digits in Fantasy points. (Started in 21 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Stevan Ridley (vs. DAL): The Cowboys have done a solid job in run defense this season, but you're not going to sit Green-Ellis this week. All it takes is a short touchdown run for him to be successful, and he has five rushing touchdowns this year. But Ridley is a different story, especially based on his disappointing performance in Week 5 against the Jets. While Green-Ellis was running all over the Jets, Ridley did next to nothing with seven carries for 13 yards. Until he shows some consistency, he remains too risky to be considered a starting option in the majority of leagues. (Started in 36 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Tim Hightower (vs. PHI): I can see Hightower scoring a touchdown in this game, but I can also see him not playing much at all. The emergence of Torain, along with coach Mike Shanahan's disappointment in Hightower following his shoulder injury, puts Hightower in a tough situation. Since he's only expected to play on passing situations, he might not have many opportunities to score on the ground, and the Redskins will also give some carries to Roy Helu. While it's a good matchup for the Redskins, Torain is the only running back worth starting this week. (Started in 86 percent of leagues in Week 4)
DeAngelo Williams (at ATL): Williams is coming off his best performance of the season against the Saints with nine carries for 115 rushing yards and a touchdown. The problem is he's not getting enough carries, which makes him a risky Fantasy option. He has just one game with more than 10 carries, which was Week 1 at Arizona when he had 12, and he's averaging just nine carries a game. The Falcons have allowed Matt Forte, McCoy and Marshawn Lynch to reach double digits in Fantasy points, but they should be able to contain Williams in this matchup based on his limited touches. (Started in 34 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Delone Carter (at CIN): Carter is expected to start for the injured Joseph Addai (hamstring), but he should only be started in the majority of Fantasy leagues if needed. It's not like he's going to have guaranteed success just because he's starting. The Bengals have allowed four running backs to score this season with Willis McGahee, Kendall Hunter, Jackson and Maurice Jones-Drew, but the Colts have just two rushing touchdowns (one for Addai and one for Carter last week). If Carter doesn't score then his Fantasy production will be minimal. (Started in 4 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Bust alert: Jahvid Best (vs. SF): Best is one of my favorite players this season, and I predicted him to have a breakout campaign. But I would consider sitting Best this week because he will be facing a tough opponent. The 49ers have allowed the fewest Fantasy points to opposing running backs, and along with Denver, they have yet to allow a running back to score on the ground. McCoy is the only running back to score against San Francisco, and that was on a shovel pass. The 49ers have held Lynch, Jones, Benson and Blount to six Fantasy points or less, and Best is in for a letdown following his career game against Chicago on Monday night. Prior to that game, Best struggled against Minnesota (eight Fantasy points) and Dallas (six points), and he should be around six points again. The majority of his production will come as a receiver, but his rushing totals should be minimal. (Started in 86 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Wide receiver
Start 'Em
| | |
| James Jones, GB | vs. STL |
| Greg Little, CLE | at OAK |
| Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK | vs. CLE |
| David Nelson, BUF | at NYG |
| Jabar Gaffney, WAS | vs. PHI |
A.J. Green (vs. IND): Green is one of several prominent players from this impressive rookie class, and he's also approaching obvious-start status. He has double digits in Fantasy points in four of five games, and he should have another successful performance in this matchup. The Colts have allowed seven touchdowns to opposing receivers, and No. 1 options like Johnson, Mike Wallace and Dwayne Bowe have reached double digits in Fantasy points. Look for Green to put his name on that list after this week. (Started in 70 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Dez Bryant (at NE): Bryant is healthy with his quad injury coming off the bye week, and don't worry about the return of Miles Austin coming back from a hamstring injury cutting into his production. The one game the two played together (in Week 1 at the Jets), Bryant had three catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. This game has the potential for a shootout, and the Patriots have allowed the most Fantasy points to opposing receivers. Seven receivers have reached double digits in Fantasy points against the Patriots, and Bryant and Austin should play well as they are reunited this week. (Started in 62 percent of leagues in Week 4)
Victor Cruz (vs. BUF): Cruz has been awesome the past three weeks, going from barely playing to where he is now the No. 11 receiver in standard Fantasy leagues. In his past three games against Philadelphia, Arizona and Seattle, Cruz has 25 targets and is averaging six catches for 123 yards with three touchdowns over that span. He has a great matchup this week against the Bills, who have allowed six receivers to reach double digits in Fantasy points. Cruz is playing great, and you should ride him while he's hot. (Started in 32 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Pierre Garcon (at CIN): After three-consecutive quality outings it's time to consider starting Garcon in all leagues. He had eight Fantasy points in Week 3 against Pittsburgh, 26 points at Tampa Bay in Week 4 and 24 points against Kansas City in Week 5. Some of his production has been fluky with two catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns against the Bucs, but the targets have been there. He has 26 targets the past three games, and it's clear he's Painter's favorite target. Maybe he slows down this week against Cincinnati's pass defense, which has only allowed three touchdowns to opposing receivers, but he's worth the gamble based on his recent play. (Started in 52 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Anquan Boldin (vs. HOU): Boldin is due for a big game after three games with a combined 13 Fantasy points. And one could be coming in this matchup. He had 28 targets in his first three games, and the Texans have struggled with No. 1 receivers. They have allowed double digits in Fantasy points to Reggie Wayne in Week 1, Brandon Marshall in Week 2, Lance Moore in Week 3 (Marques Colston was out with a broken collarbone) and Darrius Heyward-Bey in Week 4. Joe Flacco should have plenty of time to find Boldin with Mario Williams (pectoral) out for the Texans, and Boldin is worth starting in all leagues. (Started in 62 percent of leagues in Week 4)
Sit 'Em
Brandon Marshall (at NYJ): Marshall had two quality games against the Jets last season with 12 catches for 182 yards and two touchdowns, but he never faced a healthy Darrelle Revis. The standout cornerback missed the first matchup last year with a hamstring injury, and he dealt with a hamstring injury following the second meeting as well. We expect Revis to be 100 percent for this matchup on Monday night, and Marshall now has to catch passes from Matt Moore with Chad Henne (shoulder) out. Marshall has just nine catches for 95 yards in his past two games, and he could struggle in this matchup. (Started in 92 percent of leagues in Week 4)
Mike Williams (vs. NO): I like that Williams is frustrated with his production, and he said Wednesday "I've played terrible, but I plan to get it together this week." We hope he can turn things around because right now he's struggling. He hasn't scored since Week 1, and he has a combined 10 Fantasy points in his past four games. The Saints have allowed six touchdowns to opposing receivers and are prone to the big play, but Williams hasn't made many of those this year and remains too risky to start in the majority of leagues. (Started in 74 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Reggie Wayne (at CIN): Even though Painter has eyes for Garcon, Wayne is still getting his share of targets with 15 the past two weeks. But Painter and Wayne are not connecting at a high level. Wayne has just eight catches for 136 yards against Tampa Bay and Kansas City, and he hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 1. The Bengals secondary has played well, and Leon Hall will likely be matched up with Wayne. They also should get plenty of pressure on Painter since they have 13 sacks, and the offensive line in Indianapolis is struggling just as much as Wayne is heading into this matchup. (Started in 77 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Johnny Knox (vs. MIN): If the Bears want to improve their passing game they should get Knox more involved. He has just six targets the past two games against Carolina and Detroit, and he has just one game this season with more than 60 receiving yards with no touchdowns. Knox does have a good history against the Vikings with seven catches for 168 yards and a touchdown in two meetings last year, but he was a higher priority in the passing game then. Now, he can't get on the field ahead of Dane Sanzenbacher and Roy Williams, and that's a tremendous disappointment for Fantasy owners. (Started in 23 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Jacoby Jones (at BAL): Things looked great for Jones last week against Oakland with Johnson out, but he struggled even though he was featured in the passing game. Jones had 11 targets against the Raiders, but he finished with just one catch for 9 yards. It was so bad the Texans traded for declining veteran Derrick Mason from the Jets. This week, the matchup for Jones is much tougher against the Ravens, and he's not even worth holding on your roster. He should not be used as a bye-week replacement in the majority of leagues. (Started in 20 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Bust alert: Santana Moss (vs. PHI): As we pointed out last week with Steve Johnson, the Eagles have done a tremendous job against opposing No. 1 receivers. Roddy White, Hakeem Nicks and Johnson have been held to 10 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown, and Moss should struggle against Nnamdi Asomugha and Co. Moss has at least seven Fantasy points in all four games this year, but he doesn't have a great history against the Eagles with only one touchdown and one game with more than 28 receiving yards in his past four meetings. If the Redskins are going to have any success throwing the ball this week then the production will likely have to come from Jabar Gaffney and Fred Davis. (Started in 83 percent of leagues in Week 4)
Tight end
Start 'Em
| | |
| Fred Davis, WAS | vs. PHI |
| Benjamin Watson, CLE | at OAK |
| Heath Miller, PIT | vs. JAC |
Dustin Keller (vs. MIA): Keller has disappeared the past two games with three catches for 19 yards against Baltimore and New England, but those were difficult matchups. He should rebound this week against the Dolphins, who have allowed the second-most Fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Keller has done well against Miami in his career with 17 catches for 208 yards and three touchdowns in his past three meetings, and he should continue to wreak havoc on the Dolphins in this matchup. (Started in 62 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Aaron Hernandez (vs. DAL): Hernandez returned in Week 5 against the Jets after sitting out two games with a knee injury. He finished with five catches for 56 yards, and his only flaw was a dropped pass in the end zone that resulted in an interception. We hope Tom Brady can forgive him because he was playing at an elite level before the injury, and he has a favorable matchup this week with the Cowboys. Dallas has allowed two touchdowns to opposing tight ends, and Brady will focus on getting Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski the ball in this potential shootout. Start both tight ends with confidence this week. (Started in 20 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Brandon Pettigrew (vs. SF): Pettigrew finally scored his first touchdown of the season last week against Chicago, and we hope it's a sign of things to come. He has played well recently with at least six Fantasy points against Minnesota, Dallas and Chicago, and the 49ers have allowed two opposing tight ends to reach double digits in Fantasy points this year. Detroit will have to throw the ball in this matchup to be successful, and Pettigrew should see plenty of targets, especially since he's averaging nine a game for the past three outings. (Started in 63 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Sit 'Em
Dallas Clark (at CIN): It's hard to count on Clark now because even when he has a good matchup he still struggles. Last week Clark faced the Chiefs, who have been dismal at defending tight ends since Eric Berry (knee) went down. But Clark had just one catch for 7 yards, and he now has just five Fantasy points in his past three games. Clark also has only nine targets the past two games, and he's not connecting with Painter. He's not connecting for Fantasy owners either, which is becoming a significant problem. (Started in 60 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Scott Chandler (at NYG): The Chandler Era appears to be over after his performance the past two games with three catches for 12 yards and no touchdowns. If he's not finding the end zone then he's not good to Fantasy owners, and the Giants have yet to allow a touchdown to an opposing tight end. Chandler only has three targets the past two games, and he's not being used enough to be considered a viable Fantasy option. (Started in 41 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Marcedes Lewis (at PIT): Lewis was expected to be a bust this season, and the loss of David Garrard has hampered him even further. He has yet to score a touchdown and has just six Fantasy points on the season. He also has just 16 targets on the year, and the Steelers should be able to contain Lewis in this matchup. Don't consider Lewis as a bye-week replacement even in the deepest of leagues. I'd rather start Fred Davis (vs. PHI), Heath Miller (vs. JAC), Visanthe Shiancoe (at CHI) and Benjamin Watson (at OAK) this week, and all of them were drafted after Lewis but are playing better heading into this week. (Started in 14 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Bust alert: Owen Daniels (at BAL): Daniels has been fantastic all season, and he has at least eight Fantasy points in each game over the past four weeks. But this could be a difficult matchup for him against Baltimore. The Ravens typically do a solid job defending tight ends and have allowed just three tight ends to score in the past 20 games, including Keller in their last matchup in Week 4 when he had two catches for 12 yards. With Schaub a little banged up and Daniels possibly being asked to block a little more, he could have his first difficult game since Week 1 when he was held to one Fantasy point against the Colts. (Started in 86 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Defense/Special teams
Start 'Em
| | |
| Raiders | vs. CLE |
| Bills | at NYG |
| Vikings | at CHI |
Bengals (vs. IND): As you can tell, I'm not expecting much from the Colts this week on the road, saying to sit Painter, Carter, Wayne and Clark. A big reason why is the Cincinnati defense, which is No. 1 in total defense (279.6 yards per game) and scoring (18.8 points). The Bengals should be able to contain the Colts, especially at home. In two home games, the Bengals have limited San Francisco and Buffalo to a combined 27 points. They have three games with double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league against Cleveland, San Francisco and Jacksonville, and Cincinnati's DST would look more impressive if it could get some more turnovers with just one interception. Still, the Bengals are getting the job done and should be considered a solid bye-week replacement. (Started in 49 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Sit 'Em
49ers (at DET): The 49ers DST has been fantastic this season with four games with double digits in Fantasy points, including a 31-point outing in Week 1 against Seattle and a 25-point performance last week against Tampa Bay. But this week should be a struggle against the Lions with all their weapons. San Francisco has faced two quality offensive teams in Dallas and Philadelphia, and the 49ers DST had their worst outings of the season with seven and 10 Fantasy points, respectively. The Lions aren't a turnover-free team as Stafford has an interception in all but one game this year, and he's been sacked six times. The 49ers also have a tremendous return man in Ginn, who could be explosive. But based on Detroit's offense and ability to score, this could be a tough matchup for the 49ers DST. (Started in 60 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Kicker
Start 'Em
| | |
| Olindo Mare, CAR | at ATL |
| Rian Lindell, BUF | at NYG |
| Dan Bailey, DAL | at NE |
David Akers (at DET): Akers has gotten off to a solid start with his new team with 10 field goals in 12 attempts, including a long of 55 yards, and 16 extra points. He has at least eight Fantasy points in four of five games, and he has two games with at least 12 points. This week he's facing a Lions defense that has allowed multiple field goal attempts in every game this season, and every kicker but Ryan Succop has made at least two field goals against Detroit. Akers might be San Francisco's best weapon this week, and in two career trips to Detroit, he has three field goals and eight extra points. (Started in 63 percent of leagues in Week 5)
Sit 'Em
Josh Brown (at GB): Brown got off to a good start this season with five field goals in his first two games, but the Rams offense isn't generating enough points for him to be successful with just one extra point in each outing this year. The good thing for Brown is St. Louis struggles in the red zone, but the offense isn't giving him many chances the past two games with just one field goal over that span. This week he faces a Packers defense that has allowed just two field goals in the past three games against Robbie Gould, Matt Prater and Matt Bryant, and Brown should be the fourth kicker in a row to have a poor showing against Green Bay. He should not be considered a quality bye-week replacement in this matchup. (Started in 54 percent of leagues in Week 5)
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