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Have we talked enough yet about Charcandrick West this week? He's been a popular player to discuss with Jamaal Charles being lost for the season with a torn ACL.
All eyes will be on the Vikings and Chiefs to see if West or Knile Davis steps up with Charles out. It's one of many things for Fantasy owners to monitor in Week 6.
We also want to see if struggling stars like Eddie Lacy, C.J. Anderson, Calvin Johnson and Jordan Matthews take advantage of good situations. Anderson and Matthews are mentioned below, and I'm expecting standout performances from Lacy and Johnson.
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Some injured stars are expected to play this week with Marshawn Lynch (hamstring) and Andrew Luck (shoulder), and hopefully they return to form. And we'll be waiting to see if Justin Forsett (ankle), T.J. Yeldon (groin) and Odell Beckham (hamstring) are active, and those guys are vital for Fantasy owners to have a chance in their matchups.
This is a crucial week for many Fantasy owners, especially if your record is 1-4 or 2-3. The season could be over if you don't win this week, so hopefully your lineup is in good shape and ready to deliver. If not, we're here to help.
Starts of the Week: Dion Lewis and LeGarrette Blount, RB, Patriots
LeGarrette Blount
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DET • RB • #29
at IND
Projections
PROJECTION13.3
Dion Lewis
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NYG • RB • #33
Projections
PROJECTION12.1
We're going the combo route with the Start of the Week since this should be a game where both Patriots running backs post solid stat lines. If you handcuffed LeGarrette Blount and Dion Lewis, I would consider starting both at Indianapolis.
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There's a strong narrative at play here for Blount since the Patriots have run all over the Colts in recent meetings. Blount has faced the Colts twice in the playoffs the past two seasons, and he had 24 carries for 166 yards and four touchdowns two years ago and 30 carries for 148 yards and three touchdowns last year.
Jonas Gray also had a monster game against the Colts last year with 37 carries for 201 yards and four touchdowns. As a team, New England averaged 219 rushing yards against Indianapolis in the past three meetings.
This season, the Colts have done well against the run, with only Yeldon going over 100 yards in Week 4. Four running backs have scored double digits in Fantasy points, but the Colts have held up against LeSean McCoy, Chris Ivory and Arian Foster with all three held to fewer than 60 yards on the ground.
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But the Patriots history against the Colts suggests Blount should have success this week, and it helps that he's done well the past two games. He had 18 carries for 78 yards and three touchdowns against Jacksonville in Week 3 and 13 carries for 74 yards at Dallas in Week 5. He should reach double digits in Fantasy points this week, and I'd start him as at least a No. 2 running back.
Lewis should also do well, and he's been a consistent Fantasy option all season. He's reached double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league in every game this year, and he has three touchdowns and three games with at least 90 total yards. The Colts just allowed Foster to catch nine passes for 77 yards, and Lewis has three games in a row with at least five catches.
I have both Patriots running backs ranked in the Top 12, and I'm expecting standout performances for each one this week. New England should once again run all over this Indianapolis defense.
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I'm starting Blount and Lewis over: Frank Gore (vs. NE), T.J. Yeldon (vs. HOU), DeMarco Murray (vs. NYG) and Jeremy Hill (at BUF),
Quarterback
Start 'Em
Carson Palmer
ARI • QB • #3
at PIT
Projections
PROJECTION24.9
Things have worked out so well for Palmer this season that he only threw 14 passes at Detroit in Week 5, but three of them went for touchdowns. He has three games this season with at least three touchdowns and three with at least 300 yards. In two road games at Chicago and at Detroit he's only passed for 346 yards, but he has seven touchdowns and just one interception for an average of 26.5 Fantasy points. The Steelers have allowed three quarterbacks to score at least 25 Fantasy points in Tom Brady, Colin Kaepernick and Philip Rivers and we expect Palmer to follow suit. He's a must-start quarterback in all leagues this week.
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Eli Manning
NYG • QB • #10
at PHI
Projections
PROJECTION22.4
This should be a fun game Monday night as both quarterbacks have the chance for big stat lines. Manning has been great the past four weeks with at least 23 Fantasy points over that span, including Week 5 against the 49ers when he scored a season-high 34 points. The key for Manning will be a healthy receiving corps with Beckham, Rueben Randle (hamstring) and Victor Cruz (calf) banged up. Beckham is expected to play, which is clearly Manning's biggest asset, and the Eagles have already allowed four quarterbacks to scoring multiple touchdowns, including three in a row with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kirk Cousins and Drew Brees. Manning had 21 Fantasy points against the Eagles in their last meeting last year with 429 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. He's also scored at least 19 Fantasy points against the Eagles in four of his past six meetings, and he's worth starting in all formats this week.
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Sam Bradford
ARI • QB • #9
vs NYG
Projections
PROJECTION22.6
Bradford is starting to look like the Fantasy quarterback we expected him to be the past two games with 29 Fantasy points at Washington in Week 4 and 21 points against New Orleans last week. He has five touchdowns over that span, and hopefully we'll see another multi-touchdown game in this matchup. The Giants are allowing an average of 314 passing yards per game, and Tony Romo and Kaepernick both had multiple touchdowns against the Giants. We'd love to see Bradford start connecting with Matthews, but he's using all his weapons with Miles Austin, Riley Cooper, Josh Huff and Brent Celek all scoring touchdowns the past two games. It seems like Bradford is finally getting comfortable in Chip Kelly's offense, and hopefully more big games continue to follow, including this week.
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Andy Dalton
CAR • QB • #14
at BUF
Projections
PROJECTION22
In Week 5, Marcus Mariota failed to do what Luck, Brady, Ryan Tannehill and Eli Manning did against the Bills in every game this season, which was throw for multiple touchdowns. Mariota was held to nine Fantasy points, but each of the other four had at least 19 points. Dalton has been awesome so far this year with at least 22 Fantasy points in four of five games, and his worst outing was 19 points against Kansas City in Week 4. He decimated the Seahawks in Week 5 with 331 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception and 18 rushing yards with a touchdown for 30 Fantasy points. He's also averaging 29 Fantasy points in two road games at Oakland and Baltimore, and he's thrown just two interceptions on the season. He's averaging 345 passing yards in his past three games, and he's using all his weapons with A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert leading the way. There's always the chance this fantastic season comes crashing to a halt, but right now he's playing at an elite level and should remain active in all leagues.
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Philip Rivers
IND • QB • #17
at GB
Projections
PROJECTION21.9
Prior to last week when Nick Foles had just three Fantasy points at Lambeau Field, quarterbacks had gone into Green Bay and posted quality stat lines while chasing points. The previous six road quarterbacks against the Packers had scored at least 20 Fantasy points, including Russell Wilson and Alex Smith this season. Rivers is always dicey on the road with 28 combined Fantasy points in two games at Cincinnati and at Minnesota, but he's coming off a solid performance against Pittsburgh in Week 5 when Antonio Gates made his return following a four-game suspension. The last time Rivers played at Green Bay was 2007, and he passed for 306 yards and three touchdowns. He should be chasing points this week, so 40 pass attempts is definitely a possibility, and that should lead to 300 passing yards and multiple touchdowns in this matchup.
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Sleepers
Blake Bortles (vs. HOU): If his shoulder is OK he'll stay hot this week.
Matthew Stafford (vs. CHI): He should rebound with this home matchup.
Jay Cutler (at DET): Four quarterbacks have at least 20 Fantasy points vs. DET.
Sit 'Em
Josh McCown
HOU • QB • #3
vs DEN
Projections
PROJECTION19.5
McCown has been as hot as any quarterback in the NFL right now with at least 23 Fantasy points in three games in a row, including 39 points at Baltimore in Week 5. He's making playmakers out of Gary Barnidge, Travis Benjamin and Duke Johnson, and he's passed for at least 341 yards and two touchdowns in each game over that span. But he's taken advantage of amazing matchups against the Raiders, Chargers and Ravens, and the Broncos are a much tougher opponent. Denver has yet to allow a quarterback to throw multiple touchdowns in a game, and opposing quarterbacks have three passing touchdowns and seven interceptions on the season with three fumbles. This should be a huge letdown game for McCown this week.
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Marcus Mariota
WAS • QB • #18
vs MIA
Projections
PROJECTION16.7
Mariota had his worst game of the season in Week 5 against Buffalo with nine Fantasy points. He failed to throw a touchdown for the first time this season, and he was held to under 200 passing yards. On the plus side, Mariota had a season-best 47 rushing yards, so maybe we start to see the versatility of his game. But I'll buy into the Dolphins defense coming to play this week off their bye and with a new coach. They should be motivated, and the defense still has plenty of talent on that side of the ball that was underachieving more than just being bad. Miami also has allowed just two quarterbacks to score more than 20 Fantasy points this season, and Mariota is going to be inconsistent like most rookie passers. He's had two games this season with at least 20 Fantasy points and two with 19 points or less, so this could be another week with minimal production.
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Alex Smith
WAS • QB • #11
at MIN
Projections
PROJECTION21.1
The Vikings have been hit or miss against opposing quarterbacks this season as Matthew Stafford and Rivers each scored at least 20 Fantasy points, but Kaepernick and Peyton Manning were both held to 10 points. Smith might have to do more heavy lifting with the offense now that Charles is out for the season, but he's scored 20 Fantasy points just twice this year. He's combined for 32 Fantasy points the past two games against the Bengals and Bears, and he'll miss having Charles as a reliable dump-off target since Charles had 21 catches and one of Smith's five touchdowns. Smith is a risky starting option even in two-quarterback leagues this week.
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Mike Vick
PIT • QB • #2
vs ARI
Projections
PROJECTION18.2
Vick did a nice job in leading the Steelers to a comeback victory against the Chargers in Week 5, and he connected on a great downfield throw to Markus Wheaton for a 72-yard touchdown. But Fantasy owners can't wait until Ben Roethlisberger (knee) is back because this passing game has struggled for the past two games. Vick has combined for 27 Fantasy points against Baltimore and San Diego, and he hasn't been able to connect with Antonio Brown, which has been beyond frustrating. Vick faces a tough Cardinals defense this week that has allowed just one quarterback to score double digits in Fantasy points, which was Foles in Week 4. For the season, Arizona has seven touchdowns allowed and 11 interceptions, and Vick should be in trouble in this matchup.
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Russell Wilson
PIT • QB • #3
vs CAR
Projections
PROJECTION17
The Panthers haven't faced a great quarterback yet with Jacksonville, Houston, New Orleans without Brees and Tampa Bay their first four opponents. As a result, Carolina has allowed just four passing touchdowns with eight interceptions, so this defense has done its part given the matchups. With the way Wilson has played thus far, is he an upgrade over these other quarterbacks? The obvious answer is yes, but he's scored 20 Fantasy points just once this season, which was Week 2 at Green Bay. He had a season-low 14 Fantasy points at Cincinnati in Week 5, and he doesn't have a great track record against Carolina. He's faced the Panthers each of the past three seasons, and he's combined for 41 Fantasy points in those matchups, with 16 points in 2013 the high total. We hope Wilson will start playing at a high level soon, but this defense should be able to contain him, even at home. He's only worth using in two-quarterback leagues right now.
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Cam Newton
CAR • QB • #1
at SEA
Projections
PROJECTION19.1
After a rough start in Week 1 at Jacksonville when he scored just 14 Fantasy points, Newton began to play like his old self with consecutive games of 30-plus Fantasy points against Houston and New Orleans. He had a rushing touchdown in each of those outings, and he ran for at least 33 yards in each of his four games this season. He also has six passing touchdowns in his past three games, and the Panthers are 4-0 coming off their bye week. But now Newton has his toughest matchup to date going into Seattle. The Seahawks were just embarrassed by Dalton in Week 5 when he scored 30 Fantasy points, and three quarterbacks have actually scored at least 20 points against Seattle this season with Dalton, Foles and Aaron Rodgers. But Newton has a terrible history against the Seahawks having played them in each of the past three years. He's combined for 25 Fantasy points in those meetings, with 14 points the high in 2013. It's tough to bench Newton in the majority of leagues, but this should be a week where he struggles on the road.
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Running back
Start 'Em
Chris Ivory
BUF • RB • #33
vs WAS
Projections
PROJECTION15.2
Ivory should be rested and ready to go coming off his bye in Week 5, and hopefully that pesky quad problem is well behind him. He was dominant in Week 4 against Miami in London with 29 carries for 166 yards and a touchdown, which was his second game this season with at least 21 Fantasy points. Every time Ivory gets extended work he usually delivers, and he has at least eight Fantasy points in a standard league in eight of the past 12 games where he's had at least 12 carries. The Redskins run defense has been stout for the majority of the season, but Devonta Freeman ran through them in Week 5 on 27 carries for 153 yards and a touchdown. Ivory is capable of a similar performance this week.
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Lamar Miller
NO • RB • #36
at TEN
Projections
PROJECTION10.2
The Dolphins are saying the right things about Miller coming off their bye week. He is expected to get more carries, and we hope he can deliver. The Titans have only allowed two running backs to reach double digits in Fantasy points this year, but no running back has gotten more than 15 carries in a game. Isaiah Crowell and Frank Gore both had at least 14 carries, and each one scored a touchdown. Miller's high for the season is 13 carries in Week 1, but the Dolphins are expected to get left tackle Branden Albert back, which will help the offensive line. And new coach Dan Campbell wants the Dolphins to be more physical up front and with their ground game. It should lead to Miller having his best game to date, and I like him as a No. 2 running back this week.
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Giovani Bernard
TB • RB • #25
at BUF
Projections
PROJECTION13.7
The Bengals offense has looked better with Bernard on the field, and that should continue this week against the Bills. Bernard has played 212 offensive snaps to 130 for Jeremy Hill for the season, and he's clearly been the better option thus far. We hope that changes based on the investment with Hill, but right now you can trust Bernard as a solid No. 2 running back in all leagues. He has either 70 total yards or a touchdown in every game this season, and he's scored double digits in Fantasy points in three of his past four games. It will be tough for Hill to run against the Bills, so look for Bernard to once again get at least 16 touches, which he's done three times, including two games with at least five catches. The Bills have allowed three running backs to score double digits in Fantasy points this season, including two in a row with Rashad Jennings and Antonio Andrews. Bernard's lack of touchdown chances hurt him as an elite Fantasy option, but his usage rate suggests he should have another quality game this week.
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Chris Johnson
ARI • RB • #23
at PIT
Projections
PROJECTION14.8
It was tough to watch Chris Johnson be the only Arizona running back not to score a touchdown at Detroit last week, with David Johnson getting two scores and Andre Ellington one. But most Johnson owners shouldn't be complaining since he still managed 11 carries for 103 yards. He has scored at least nine Fantasy points in a standard league in three games in a row, and it's clear he's the No. 1 running back for the Cardinals even with Ellington back from his knee injury. The Steelers have yet to allow a running back to score a touchdown, but Lewis, Forsett and Melvin Gordon all had over 90 total yards. With the way Arizona's offense is clicking right now, Johnson should stay hot as the No. 1 running back in this backfield.
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Carlos Hyde
JAC • RB • #24
vs BAL
Projections
PROJECTION15.9
Fantasy owners were getting a little frustrated with Hyde heading into Week 5 at the Giants, but he showed he can still be a reliable starting option in the majority of leagues. Hyde had 21 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown, and this is the second time he's had more than 15 carries and delivered a solid stat line. Game flow has been a problem for Hyde, who isn't impactful when the 49ers are trailing, but San Francisco should be competitive against the Ravens, who are making their third trip out west already this season after playing at Denver and at Oakland. The Ravens have allowed three running backs to score double digits in Fantasy points, including two in a row with Forsett and Isaiah Crowell, and Hyde should follow suit as long as the 49ers lean on him with 20-plus touches.
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Sleepers
C.J. Spiller (vs. ATL): ATL allows the most catches (49) to running backs.
Duke Johnson (vs. DEN): DEN is second in RB catches allowed with 43.
Ameer Abdullah (vs. CHI): This should be his best game of the season.
Charcandrick West (at MIN): You didn't add him to keep him on the bench.
C.J. Anderson (at CLE): This is a good matchup to trust him.
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Sit 'Em
Jonathan Stewart
NYG • RB • #28
at SEA
Projections
PROJECTION14.5
It would be ironic for Stewart to have a great game this week in his toughest matchup to date when he failed to produce with such an easy schedule to open the season. Stewart had matchups with Jacksonville, Houston, New Orleans and Tampa Bay in his first four games and seven Fantasy points was his best outing in Week 1 against the Jaguars. He has yet to score a touchdown, and he hasn't caught a pass since Week 2. Now he faces a Seattle defense that has yet to allow a running back touchdown this season, including matchups with Hill and Matt Forte. Stewart ran well against Seattle twice last year with 16 carries for 79 yards and three catches for 15 yards in Week 8 and 13 carries for 70 yards in the playoffs. I could see him getting seven Fantasy points this week, but that's his ceiling based on his performance so far. He's not worth the risk in a tough matchup on the road.
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Isaiah Crowell
LV • RB • #20
vs DEN
Projections
PROJECTION13.8
Give Crowell credit because he's found a way to produce the past two weeks with at least 12 Fantasy points against the Chargers and Ravens. It's been a little fluky with his production since he had three catches for 62 yards at San Diego in Week 4 with a career-high 53-yard reception, and then he had his first career receiving touchdown in Week 5 at Baltimore with two catches for 38 yards. He has just one rushing touchdown on the season, and he continues to lose playing time to Duke Johnson. This week he could again make a play catching the ball out of the backfield, or he could have minimal production on the ground against a tough run defense. The Broncos are allowing the second-most receptions to running backs this year, but we expect Johnson to have success in that area and not Crowell, even with his past two outings. I'd be hesitant to start him in the majority of leagues.
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Melvin Gordon
RB
at GB
Projections
PROJECTION12.9
Gordon had one of his best games of the season in Week 5 against Pittsburgh with 15 carries for 42 yards and a season-high seven catches for 52 yards, but he failed to score for the fifth game in a row and lost a fumble. The good news is he played more than Danny Woodhead, but this game in Week 6 should feature more Woodhead and less Gordon. The Chargers will likely be chasing points in this matchup, so Woodhead should see more action. And prior to last week when Todd Gurley had 30 carries for 159 yards for the Rams, the Packers had gone 10 games in a row without allowing a 100-yard rusher in Lambeau Field. Gordon can still be considered a flex option this week, but he should take a backseat to Woodhead with their production in this tough matchup on the road.
Alfred Morris
NYG • RB • #41
vs NYJ
Projections
PROJECTION12.5
Matt Jones (toe) could be out for this game, which would give Morris the chance for more work. Hopefully that helps because he's been bad of late with 14 Fantasy points combined in a standard league in his past four games. He has yet to score a touchdown, and his receptions have been non-existent with four catches for 16 yards on the season. Even if Jones is out, Morris would still lose touches to Chris Thompson, and the Jets are getting Sheldon Richardson back from his four-game suspension. The Jets were already tough against the run without Richardson since Ryan Mathews in Week 3 is the lone running back to score double digits in Fantasy points. Morris is not worth trusting in this matchup on the road.
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Jeremy Hill
NE • RB • #33
at BUF
Projections
PROJECTION13.6
It's obvious at this point that Hill needs to find the end zone to help your Fantasy team. In the two games where he's scored double digits in Fantasy points he scored five total touchdowns. But in his past four outings he's failed to top 40 rushing yards, and he's combined for just 17 carries the past two weeks against Kansas City and Seattle. He also has just two catches for 14 yards on the season. Bernard is doing a great job leading this backfield, and even though the Bengals coaching staff said Hill remains the starter, it's clear Bernard is their preferred choice based on his recent level of play. Buffalo has also yet to allow a running back to gain 50 rushing yards and only two touchdowns. We know it's risky to bench Hill because when he scores he scores in bunches. But we've also seen when he doesn't score you could be left with two Fantasy points or less. He should just be used as a low-end No. 2 option at best in the majority of leagues.
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Wide receiver
Start 'Em
Anquan Boldin
BUF • WR • #80
vs BAL
Projections
PROJECTION4.22
Revenge games are always fun to buy into, especially when there's a good matchup on the table. And Boldin has both of those this week. He never wanted to leave Baltimore, where he won a Super Bowl, but the Ravens got rid of him in 2013 in a salary-cap move. And he should be motivated against them this week at home. He's coming off a solid game against the Giants with eight catches for 107 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets, and the Ravens have allowed the second-most Fantasy points to opposing receivers this year, thanks in part to seven touchdowns. Four receivers have reached double digits in Fantasy points, and even fellow former Ravens receiver Torrey Smith is in play this week as a No. 3 Fantasy option. But Boldin should be considered a starter in all leagues this week.
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T.Y. Hilton
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DAL • WR • #13
vs NE
Projections
PROJECTION5.5
Donte Moncrief
HOU • WR • #12
vs NE
Projections
PROJECTION2.97
Let's forget about Andre Johnson this week since he had one good game on the season. Hilton and Moncrief are still the top targets for the Colts, and they should benefit with Luck back in action. Indianapolis will likely be throwing a lot in this matchup based on game flow, and the No. 1 receiver against New England this season has at least 12 Fantasy points in two of four outings with Antonio Brown in Week 1 and Sammy Watkins in Week 2. And the No. 2 receiver against the Patriots has also done well with Robert Woods and Allen Hurns also scoring at least 12 Fantasy points. Hilton has yet to score this season, which has been frustrating for Fantasy owners, but he does have at least eight Fantasy points in three of five games, including two without Luck. And Moncrief got overshadowed by Johnson last week against the Texans, but he still has three games this season with at least nine Fantasy points. We view Hilton as a No. 1 Fantasy option this week, and Moncrief is worth using as a No. 2 receiver. Let's hope Luck's shoulder is fine, and this Colts passing game should start to click.
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Allen Robinson
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DET • WR • #8
vs HOU
Projections
PROJECTION4.35
Allen Hurns
MIA • WR • #8
vs HOU
Projections
PROJECTION4.37
It worked last week going with that duo in this spot, so we'll roll the dice again on these Jaguars receivers. In Week 5 at Tampa Bay, Robinson had seven catches for 72 yards and two touchdowns on nine targets, and Hurns had five catches for 116 yards and a touchdown on six targets. Robinson now has two games this season with multiple touchdowns, and Hurns has scored for three games in a row, including consecutive games with 116 receiving yards. The Texans have allowed multiple touchdowns to receivers in the same game twice already this season, and six receivers have already scored at least eight Fantasy points in a standard league against Houston. I like Robinson better than Hurns, but both should be considered starting options this week in the majority of leagues.
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Brandon Marshall
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NO • WR • #15
vs WAS
Projections
PROJECTION6.6
Eric Decker
NE • WR • #81
vs WAS
Projections
PROJECTION4.63
I never would have imagined both Jets receivers playing well this season with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center, but Marshall and Decker have been impressive in four games. Marshall has double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league in every game this season with three touchdowns and three 100-yard outings. And Decker has a touchdown in the three games he's played this season, and he missed Week 3 against the Eagles with a knee injury. Both have scored at least nine Fantasy points in a standard league in the three games they've played together. This week, Marshall and Decker are facing a Redskins defense that has allowed six touchdowns to opposing receivers and five to reach double digits in Fantasy points. We like Marshall and Decker as Top 20 receivers this week, with Marshall continuing to prove he's a standout No. 1 option in all formats.
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Jordan Matthews
CAR • WR • #81
vs NYG
Projections
PROJECTION5.1
I'm sticking with Matthews this week despite his three bad games in a row. He's combined for just 13 Fantasy points the past three games, and he's scored just one touchdown on the year. The targets have been there with 23 the past three weeks, but drops have been an issue for Matthews, as well as other receiving options making plays for Bradford. The reason I'm encouraged for Matthews this week is there's a chance Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara (pectoral) could be out, which weakens this secondary. Two No. 1 receivers have reached double digits in Fantasy points against the Giants this season with Julio Jones and Boldin, and Matthews had eight catches for 105 yards and a touchdown in his last meeting with the Giants in 2014. We hope he can replicate that performance this week, which would make plenty of Fantasy owners happy based on Matthews' recent lackluster play.
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Sleepers
Dwayne Harris (at PHI): Beckham, Randle are hurt so he could be needed.
Marvin Jones (at BUF): No. 2 receivers do well vs. the Bills.
Marquess Wilson (at DET): He'll be good if Jeffery, Royal remain out.
Willie Snead (vs. ATL): He's emerged as a go-to weapon for Brees.
Mike Wallace (vs. KC): KC allows the most Fantasy points to receivers.
Sit 'Em
Andre Johnson
TEN • WR • #81
vs NE
Projections
PROJECTION4.33
Johnson played great against the Texans in Week 5 with six catches for 77 yards and two touchdowns on seven targets, but it's still hard to trust him as a must-start option in the majority of leagues. He had two other games this season with at least seven targets, and he combined for seven catches for 51 yards in those two outings. Hilton and Moncrief remain roadblocks for Johnson being featured more in this passing attack, and he still doesn't look explosive at his advanced age. I'm OK stashing Johnson with the hope he continues to improve, but that doesn't mean you have to start him as anything more than a No. 3 receiver in deeper leagues.
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Pierre Garcon
SF • WR • #15
at NYJ
Projections
PROJECTION4.74
Garcon has been hit or miss as the No. 1 option since taking over for DeSean Jackson (hamstring) after Week 1. He has two touchdowns in his past four games, but he's also scored in double digits in Fantasy points just once over that span. He hasn't topped 74 receiving yards since Week 1, and he now faces a tough matchup with the Jets secondary. The Jets have allowed three touchdowns to opposing receivers in four games, but I'm not willing to trust Garcon, especially with the chance Jackson could return. I'd still consider Garcon a No. 3 receiver in PPR leagues since he does have at least five catches in four games this year, but the lack of big plays has limited his Fantasy value in standard leagues, especially with a tough matchup on the road.
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Jarvis Landry
NO • WR • #80
at TEN
Projections
PROJECTION6
You're starting Landry in PPR leagues because he's had eight catches in three of four games this season with at least 53 receiving yards in each of those outings. But in standard leagues, it's easy to bench Landry, who has one game this season with double digits in Fantasy points and no offensive touchdowns. The Titans have allowed five touchdowns to opposing receivers but only three have reached double digits in Fantasy points, and no receiver has more than four catches in a game. Ryan Tannehill has also spread the ball around with Rishard Matthews and Kenny Stills scoring touchdowns instead of Landry. I hope the Dolphins get their offense going coming off the bye and with Joe Philbin fired, but I want to see it from Landry first. He should just be considered a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in standard leagues this week.
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Travis Benjamin
SF • WR • #17
vs DEN
Projections
PROJECTION2.54
You have to be impressed with Benjamin this season. I thought his first two games against the Jets and Titans were fluky because even though he scored three touchdowns he had just seven targets. But starting in Week 3, Benjamin got a significant uptick in targets with at least 10 in each of the past three games. He's responded with six catches in each game the past two weeks, and he's become a more reliable option in Cleveland's passing attack. But he's combined for just 23 Fantasy points the past three weeks with one touchdown over that span, and it will be tough to trust him in this matchup with the Broncos. Denver has allowed just one touchdown to an opposing receiver, including matchups with Steve Smith, Jeremy Maclin, Calvin Johnson and Amari Cooper. We doubt Benjamin will have success against this secondary, and he should only be used as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver at best this week.
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Sammy Watkins
BAL • WR • #82
vs CIN
Projections
PROJECTION3.16
Watkins is expected to play this week after missing the past two games with a calf injury, but it doesn't sound like he's 100 percent. That's not encouraging. There's also a lot of uncertainty with quarterback Tyrod Taylor (knee) and if he'll play. Watkins hasn't done much this season with seven catches for 99 yards and a touchdown, and this is a tough matchup against the Bengals even though they've allowed five touchdowns to opposing receivers. If Watkins and Taylor were 100 percent I'd be more encouraged about their outlook, but I'd only start Watkins as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver this week. Hopefully he'll be back to full strength soon because it would be nice to see what Watkins and Taylor look like when both are healthy and playing well.
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Antonio Brown
TB • WR • #81
Projections
PROJECTION5.9
When Roethlisberger first went down prior to Week 4 against Baltimore, I saw an interesting stat that I initially scoffed at. Brown has never caught a touchdown from another quarterback other than Roethlisberger in his career. Now, that kind of makes sense since Roethlisberger has missed only eight games since Brown came into the league in 2010, and he became a regular starter in 2012. But now that stat is haunting me after watching Vick and Brown fail to connect the past two games. His targets have gone down (at least 11 per game with Roethlisberger and just 15 combined the past two weeks), and he's been held under 50 receiving yards against the Ravens and Chargers. If you recall, Brown had an NFL-record streak of at least 50 receiving yards in 35 consecutive games, which ended in Week 4. Roethlisberger should return soon, so don't completely panic about Brown. But you might consider other alternatives this week against the Cardinals, who will likely shadow Brown with Patrick Peterson. So far this year, No. 1 receivers of note against Arizona (Brandin Cooks, Boldin and Calvin Johnson) have combined for 11 catches for 132 yards and no touchdowns. I still have Brown ranked in my Top 20, but I don't consider him a slam-dunk option with Vick against Peterson. If you can afford to bench him it's the right move to make.
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Tight end
Start 'Em
Martellus Bennett
NE • TE • #88
at DET
Projections
PROJECTION5.5
Bennett had a quiet game in Week 5 at Kansas City with four catches for 32 yards despite 11 targets. We're expecting a turnaround here this week against the Lions. Detroit has struggled with tight ends this year with four touchdowns allowed to the position. Ladarius Green in Week 1 is the only tight end to score double digits in Fantasy points against Detroit, but Bennett has two games against the Lions with eight catches for 90 yards in his past four meetings going back to 2013. If Bennett gets 11 targets again this week (he has 24 targets in the past two games) he should have a big game.
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Zach Ertz
WAS • TE • #86
vs NYG
Projections
PROJECTION2.38
Ertz has not had a big game this season, but this could be the week based on the matchup with the Giants. The Giants have been miserable against opposing tight ends with four touchdowns allowed to the position and five scoring at least seven Fantasy points, including guys like Jacob Tamme and Garrett Celek. Ertz had his best game of the season in Week 5 against the Saints with five catches for 60 yards on seven targets, and he's a sneaky starter this week. His biggest issue is Brent Celek stealing touchdowns since he's scored in the past two games, but Ertz is worth the risk of starting given the matchup. And you can also consider Brent Celek in deeper leagues.
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Richard Rodgers
LAC • TE • #82
vs SD
Projections
PROJECTION2.98
If Davante Adams (ankle) is able to play this week then I don't like Rodgers as much, but since Adams has been out we've seen Rodgers get more attention. He had a team-high eight targets in Week 5 against the Rams and finished with six catches for 45 yards. He's also scored in two games since Adams got banged up in Week 2 against the Seahawks. The Chargers have struggled with tight ends this year with three touchdowns allowed and three scoring in double digits in Fantasy points with Eric Ebron, Eifert and Barnidge. Rodgers could be in line for a big game this week, but just keep an eye on Adams' status heading into Sunday.
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Sleepers
Jacob Tamme (at NO): NO has struggled with tight ends all season.
Delanie Walker (vs. MIA): Two tight ends have scored vs. MIA this year.
Darren Fells (vs. PIT): PIT has allowed six touchdowns to tight ends this year.
Sit 'Em
Charles Clay
ARI • TE • #85
vs CIN
Projections
PROJECTION3.68
The Bengals have been a lockdown defense against tight ends going back to Week 7 of last year. That's the last time a tight end reached double digits in Fantasy points against this defense, and they've allowed one touchdown to a tight end over that 15 game span. This year, the Bengals haven't allowed a tight end to score five Fantasy points in a standard league, including matchups with Travis Kelce and Jimmy Graham. Clay got shutdown last week at Tennessee with one catch for 7 yards on three targets, and I definitely wouldn't trust him this week if EJ Manuel starts. You might want to find another tight end this week given the matchup.
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Larry Donnell
BAL • TE • #84
at PHI
Projections
PROJECTION3.39
Donnell made a great catch against the 49ers last week to help the Giants win, and he finished the game with six catches for 35 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. It was his second touchdown of the season, but he's yet to reach double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league. And while he might benefit with all the injuries to the Giants receivers, the matchup is tough against the Eagles. Ben Watson in Week 5 is only the second tight end to score against Philadelphia going back to last year, and Donnell struggled against the Eagles in two games last season with three catches for 32 yards. He'll likely struggle against the Eagles again this week on Monday night.
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Jordan Cameron
MIA • TE • #84
at TEN
Projections
PROJECTION2.58
Like most of the Dolphins this season, Cameron has largely been a disappointment given his lack of production. He started off the year playing well with 13 Fantasy points combined against Washington and Jacksonville, but he's struggled the past two games against the Bills and Jets with five catches for 35 yards. He's yet to score a touchdown, and the Titans have allowed just nine catches for 107 yards against Barnidge, Coby Fleener and Clay the past three games after Austin Seferian-Jenkins beat them up for five catches, 110 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. I hope Cameron starts to produce since I had high expectations for him this season, but I need to see it first before starting him in the majority of leagues.
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Gary Barnidge
CLE • TE • #82
vs DEN
Projections
PROJECTION3.12
Barnidge has been a Fantasy darling the past three games with at least 13 Fantasy points against Oakland, San Diego and Baltimore. He has 26 targets over that span for 20 catches, 319 yards and three touchdowns, and he's worth adding in all leagues based on his rapport with McCown. But this is a tough matchup against the Broncos, and I'd be leery about starting him. Denver has yet to allow a touchdown to an opposing tight end, including matchups with Kelce, Ebron and Kyle Rudolph. No tight end has scored more than six Fantasy points against the Broncos, and this secondary will likely focus on limiting his production. Barnidge will still be relevant as the season moves on, but this is a week to keep him reserved in the majority of leagues.
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Defense/Special teams
Start 'Em
Jets (vs. WAS): The Jets DST has lived up to the billing this season with at least 15 Fantasy points in a standard league in three of four games this year. They have six interceptions, seven sacks and seven fumble recoveries, and they've held three teams to 14 points or less. Washington just allowed the Falcons to score 17 Fantasy points thanks to a Kirk Cousins interception in overtime that Robert Alford returned for a touchdown. Cousins has three games this season with multiple interceptions, and the Jets defense should be dominant with the return of Richardson from his suspension.
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Sleepers
Vikings (vs. KC): KC has allowed 22 sacks on the season.
Falcons (at NO): Brees has been sacked eight times the past two games.
Titans (vs. MIA): Tannehill has five interceptions in his past two games.
Sit 'Em
Giants (at PHI): The Giants DST was a popular pickup last week for their matchup against the 49ers, but they were a huge letdown with just two Fantasy points in a standard league. The Giants are not getting any pass rush with four sacks on the season, and they only have three turnovers. They could be without Amukamara this week, and the Eagles are starting to get rolling offensively. If you went all in on the Giants DST last week then get rid of them for the Vikings, Falcons or Titans.
Kicker
Start 'Em
Josh Brown (at PHI): Two kickers have made at least three field goals against the Eagles this season with Matt Bryant in Week 1 and Dustin Hopkins in Week 4, and they both scored at least 11 Fantasy points. Dan Bailey also made two field goals against Philadelphia in Week 2, and Brown has been a solid Fantasy option so far this year. He has four games with at least eight Fantasy points and three games with at least 12, scoring multiple field goals in four of five outings. He's a safe starting option in what should be a high-scoring affair.
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Sleepers
Caleb Sturgis (vs. NYG): Three kickers have multiple field goals vs. NYG.
Nick Novak (at JAC): JAC allows the most Fantasy points to kicker.
Dan Carpenter (vs. CIN): CIN has allowed 11 field goals on the season.
Sit 'Em
Josh Lambo (at GB): Lambo has been great since taking over as the starting kicker for the Chargers this year. He has four games with multiple field goals and has scored at least 10 Fantasy points the past two weeks against the Browns and Steelers. But the Packers have allowed just three made field goals on six attempts in the past four games after Robbie Gould had three field goals against them in Week 1. Last week, St. Louis kicker Greg Zuerlein missed three field goals at Lambeau Field. We'll see if Lambo can stay hot against the Packers on the road, but the safe bet is to find a different kicking option given the matchup.
Full Disclosure from Week 5
I'll take my performance from Week 5 every week since there were good results everywhere, including the Start of the Week with Justin Forsett. He was the No. 3 running back in standard leagues.
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I also got the No. 1 running back (Doug Martin), receiver (Allen Robinson) and tight end (Antonio Gates), and I hit on four of the top-12 quarterbacks (Eli Manning, Carson Palmer, Philip Rivers and Sam Bradford). DeMarco Murray had his best game of the season as the No. 6 running back, and I also got two other top-10 receivers in Allen Hurns and Brandin Cooks. Garrett Celek was also a Top 10 tight end.
It wasn't all good news, obviously, as I said to sit some standout options like Andy Dalton, Joe Flacco, Colin Kaepernick, Isaiah Crowell, Thomas Rawls, Anquan Boldin and Gary Barnidge. And I missed on starters in Kendall Wright, Ronnie Hillman and Owen Daniels.
But I also hit on sit candidates like Russell Wilson, Joseph Randle, Latavius Murray and Amari Cooper, among others. I can only hope every week moving forward works out as well as Week 5.
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| Player | Sportsline projected Pts. | Actual Fantasy Pts. | Start % | Pos. rank |
| Justin Forsett, RB, Ravens | 10.4 | 22 | 94 | 3 |
| | ||||
| Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers | 8.8 | 33 | 64 | 1 |
| Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers | 7.9 | 21 | 75 | 1 |
| Allen Robinson | 8.4 | 19 | 66 | 1 |
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| Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks | 19.8 | 14 | 70 | 20 |
| Latavius Murray, RB, Raiders | 11.3 | 4 | 77 | 39 |
| Amari Cooper, WR, Raiders | 8.5 | 4 | 71 | 48 |
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| Kendall Wright, WR, Titans | 6.6 | 2 | 39 | 64 |
| Ronnie Hillman, RB, Broncos | 7.5 | 2 | 43 | 48 |
| Owen Daniels, TE, Broncos | 4.9 | 0 | 38 | 32 |
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| Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals | 18 | 30 | 42 | 4 |
| Anquan Boldin, WR, 49ers | 7.1 | 16 | 39 | 9 |
| Gary Barnidge, TE, Browns | 5.7 | 19 | 43 | 3 |