Week 6: start Eli Manning and Matt Ryan this week

It’s already Week 6 of the regular season! It seems like just last week I was putting together my final preseason rankings in preparation for Week 1, but at the end of the day we are already at Week 6.

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Week 6 can be a time of panic, fear, or perhaps even desperation. At this point in your league, you probably have the confident 5-0 owner, who is preaching that he’s already clinched the championship. Then you have the 0-5 owner who has already claimed he’s done with Fantasy Football this year and will never play again.

It happens, we are here to help you guys become successful, and manage these injuries in order to get back on your road to the postseason. Remember, injuries eventually find players, players get busted, and coaches move on from guys. You could very well get back in the playoff hunt, even after an 0-5 start.

Okay, the pep talk is over. Let’s get into the Week 6 Start/Sit!

Oct 5, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Quarterbacks:

To qualify as a successful Start ’em quarterback, I expect all my starters listed in the quarterback section to be a top-12 quarterback play. If I expect someone to not be a top-12 quarterback play, I put them in the Sit ’em column.

Quarterbacks I’d start:

Matt Ryan, ATL (v. CHI)- A lot of panic is coming for Matt Ryan after he struggled on the road last week, but Matt Ryan is a must start when he is playing at home. I’m not sure why, but in his two home games, Matt Ryan has 6 touchdowns and 0 interceptions this season. With that crowd behind him, the Atlanta Falcons team comes alive and just plays completely different. The Bears currently rank 12th in average Fantasy Points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. When he is at home, Matt Ryan is currently averaging 26.5 Fantasy Points a week.

Eli Manning, NYG (@ PHI)- I’m driving the Eli Manning fan bus in Fantasy Football. If he falls off the wagon again, then I’m going down with the wagon. Because I made a statement on my Fantasy Football Insights Facebook page that Eli Manning was a top-10 fantasy quarterback for the rest of the season. Eli Manning has a great matchup this week against Eagles, who currently rank 2nd in average Fantasy Points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. He’s a must start this week.

Matthew Stafford, DET (@ MIN)- Matthew Stafford struggled last week but it really didn’t have a whole lot to do with a limited Calvin Johnson. Sure, having Calvin Johnson helps, but the Bills defensive line just completely destroyed the Lions offensive line up front. Plus, a lot of people may have forgotten that the new Bills defensive coordinator is former Lions head coach Jim Schwartz. Schwartz has a good understanding of the Lions offense and how to prevent Stafford from playing well. Even without Calvin Johnson, Stafford will be a top-12 quarterback play because of the weapons around him.

If you’re desperate:

Mike Glennon, TB (v. BAL)- He’s not a flashy start, and honestly if you start him, you’ll probably be laughed at. However, I went back and have watched the film, and I’d liked both of the last two games that I saw from him. In ESPN Standard leagues, his last two starts Glennon has averaged 16.5 Fantasy Points a game. 16.5 Fantasy Points certainly not winning anyone a championship, but that’s why he’s in the “if you’re desperate” part of the column.

Quarterbacks I’d sit:

Cam Newton (@ CIN)- Cincinnati is not an easy place to play football, especially as a quarterback. The Bengals defense has been destroying all opposing quarterbacks, expect for Tom Brady. Before last Sunday’s road game, the most Fantasy Points they allowed to opposing quarterbacks was 15. This week, they are back at home, coming off a loss and get their best defender Vontaze Burfict back from injury. On top of all of this, Cam Newton clearly has not been the same this year and it’s because he has yet to top even 20 yards rushing in a game. This isn’t the Cam Newton we expected to see, although he was outside my top 12 to start the season.

Ben Roethlisberger (@ CLE)- This is the definition of a low scoring divisional battle game. Ben Roethlisberger has a great record against the Browns in his career, but you don’t get fantasy points for wins. This Browns defense is like week one, except they are better because they have finally clicked as a unit. In week one against Cleveland, Ben Roethlisberger only managed to score 16 fantasy points at home. This week, he travels on the road and the Browns are coming prepared.

Bust alert:

Tom Brady (@ BUF)- A lot of people I’ve spoke to want to sweep the four bad games in a row that Brady played under the rug and say that Tom Brady is back. I don’t. In fact in Tom Brady’s three road games this season, he has yet to have a double digit fantasy point day. I’ve heard the”Brady owns Buffalo” argument and I have to say that it’s a terrible argument. Buffalo is a better defense than they have been in the past, as they are currently allowing the 10th fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.

Sep 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) is stopped by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Bradley Fletcher (24) in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Redskins, 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs:

To qualify as a successful Start ’em running back, I expect all my starters listed in the section to be a top 24 running back play. If I expect someone to not be a top-4 running back play, I put them in the Sit ’em column.

Running Backs I’d Start:

Andre Williams (@ PHI)- I’ve heard conflicting reports on Andre Williams this week. I’ve heard that he is going to be awesome and he may see 20+ touches, and I’ve heard that the Giants don’t trust him in the passing game quite yet. However, I am buying in on the pure talent that I see from watching Andre Williams. I think he has a real chance to average five yards a carry and score a touchdown against this Eagles defense.

Alfred Morris (@ ARI) – Arizona has a great front 7, however they will be without their best piece of that front 7 on Sunday, Calais Campbell. Usually, Alfred Morris would be a sit in this matchup, however, Calais Campbell is a huge loss for the Cardinals run support and Alfred Morris could easily run all over this defense. Morris is a talented running back ,and if you give him the holes, he is certainly going to hit them. The only thing that worries me slightly is that the Redskins may get blown out and be forced to abandon the run. But I’m starting Morris in every league that I own him.

Fred Jackson (v. NE)- Fred Jackson is the running back that never dies. Last year a majority of fantasy writers attempted to write him off and call for the C.J. Spiller era to begin. However, if you look at the numbers, Fred Jackson is on pace to catch 80+ passes, but if you add it up to his average catches with Orton at quarterback, Jackson actually has a chance to catch 100 passes this season. Although the touchdowns haven’t been there as of late. His still has just one this season, but I expect him to score this week.

Lamar Miller/ Knowshon Moreno (v. GB)- If the Dolphins want any chance of winning the football game, they have to run the football effectively. They can do that through Miller and Moreno. I expect both to have solid days, but if I had to pick one of them to play well, I’d take Miller. Moreno is coming off an injury and I’d imagine that the Dolphins would like to ease him back into the offense. Both could be solid plays against the struggling Packers run defense, but Miller should be better.

If you’re desperate:

Storm Johnson (@ TEN)- Storm Johnson is as desperate as desperate comes. He only has 4 career NFL carries, but he does have a great matchup this week. Starting Storm Johnson is all about opportunity, as the matchup is great, and he also will be in the starting role as Toby Gerhart has been ruled out. There is not much tape for review, but I like him if I’m desperate.

Running Backs I’d Sit:

Doug Martin (v. BAL) – Sell, Sell, Sell. Doug Martin was a player that I struggled to trust when I was ranking him at the beginning of the season this year. Now I certainly don’t have any faith in him as he will be in a tough matchup on split reps. Martin only managed 6 fantasy points on 17 touches last week. This week he plays Baltimore, who give up the 4th fewest average fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Until Martin gets better in pass protection and can handle a full set of snaps, he deserves to be on your bench.

Zac Stacy (v. SF) – Stacy has a tough matchup with the 49ers this week and is coming off of a calf injury from last week. The 49ers give up the 3rd fewest average fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, and Stacy also hasn’t looked good even when he has been healthy. A couple of fantasy experts have spoke about how much better Benny Cunningham is playing than Zac Stacy. So I went back and looked at the film and Cunningham certainly looks like the better running back. It’s a tough matchup, he is coming off an injury, and he is in a timeshare. I’ll lean toward leaving him on the bench.

Matt Asiata (v. DET)- You can play Asiata if you are desperate, but I’ll write the same thing about him that I always do. He is pointless unless he scores you a touchdown. In games that Asiata has failed to score a touchdown, he has given fantasy owners, 6 fantasy points and 5 fantasy points. The Lions currently give up the 9th fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs, so I don’t expect Asiata to be a factor.

Bust Alert:

Brandon Oliver (@OAK)- Everyone is falling into the trap, that Oliver is great because he dominated the Jets defense when they had given up. Oliver will be making his first NFL start, and he has a great matchup but he could have been just a fluke of success on Sunday. There will be people who are starting Oliver and I say go for it, but it’s risky.

Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) does a celebration dance after a big play during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Bills beat the Lions 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers:

To qualify as a successful Start ’em wide receiver, I expect all my starters listed in the section, to be a top 24 wide receiver play. If I expect someone to not be a top 24 wide receiver play, I put them in the Sit ’em column.

Wide Receivers I’d start:

Golden Tate (@ MIN) – Golden Tate is the main reason that my concern for Matthew Stafford certainly doesn’t go far. Tate has managed back-to-back 100-yard receiving games, and last week he managed to score a touchdown with it. Tate isn’t the flashiest start, but he has developed an unbelievable chemistry with his quarterback because he doesn’t drop any passes. The targets and the trust is up with Tate.

Vincent Jackson (v. BAL) – I hate to say it because I am playing him in my most important league, but Jackson is on track for a great week. Ever since Mike Glennon has taken over as quarterback for Josh McCown, Vincent Jackson has 11 catches on 22 targets, 176 yards, and one touchdown in his last two games. This week he does get a tougher matchup, but the results should be nearly the same.

Roddy White (v. CHI)- I’m at the point where unless Matt Ryan turns his play around on the road, then Roddy White cannot be trusted on the road. However, this matchup is at home against the Bears. Roddy White is a must start at home because that Atlanta offense is just so dominant it can support both Julio Jones and Roddy White. Chicago hasn’t defended wide receivers well, as the Bears give up the 7th most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers.

Rueben Randle (@ PHI)- Eli Manning is going to be throwing touchdowns against the 4th worst defense in the NFL against the pass, and when he does he is looking for Randle or Larry Donnell. Randle is currently the Giants number one receiver as he has seen double digits targets in three straight weeks. Randle is still a young receiver and he has some issues with his routes sometimes, but he is currently being force fed Red Zone Targets.

If you’re desperate:

Justin Hunter (v. JAC)- Justin Hunter finally exploded onto the scene last week with his big play touchdown. He could easily do it again this week as the Titans match up against the Jaguars, who have been known to blow coverages and miss tackles.

Wide Receivers I’d Sit:

Sammy Watkins (v. NE)- I expect Watkins to receive the Darrelle Revis experience, which means that he is going to have Revis follow him all over the field. In the last four games, Watkins has received 40 targets in his direction. However, even with the majority of targets heading into his direction, Revis has a knack for taking receivers out of games. Last week, Revis was able to hold A.J. Green in check until he left the game with a hamstring injury and then A.J. Green got his touchdown.

Terrance Williams (@ SEA)- I expect Williams to get the Richard Sherman treatment. The Seahawks don’t play man coverage, but I expect the Cowboys to spend a lot of time lining up Williams on Sherman’s side. Williams is a little bit more shifty and can turn Sherman around in coverage like DeSean Jackson was able to do just last week. Richard Sherman excels defending big body receivers because he can get physical with them and not have a threat of getting burned over the top. Williams gives Sherman that threat.

Calvin Johnson (@ MIN)- It looks like Calvin Johnson is all but officially out anyways, but even if he somehow plays, I’m sitting him. Calvin will at best be a decoy for the Lions, and a decoy doesn’t deserve to be in the starting lineup.

Brian Quick (v. SF)- Quick has been a surprising offensive threat this season, but he isn’t going to have a great game every week. This week he will be lining up with Perrish Cox, who is playing at an elite level this year. He’s been more scary than Revis and Sherman. Even though, Austin Davis has been a solid fantasy play as of recent weeks, it’s only been in good match ups. I think the Niners are going to be keyed in on Brian Quick and he could struggle this week. In PPR leagues, he is a fine play, but still not great.

Bust Alert:

Steve Smith (@ TB)- Has the Steve Smith we saw the first four weeks come and gone? After that Carolina game, does he have another wind of motivation to drive him through the rest of the season? Not sure, but it definitely has me worried in a tough matchup against Tampa Bay. I’ll start Steve Smith this week, but I feel terrible about it. One bad game in the last five games, certainly shouldn’t lead someone to your bench, but if he struggles, I told you so.

Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Tight Ends:

To qualify as a successful Start ’em tight end, I expect all my starters listed in the section, to be a top 12 tight end play. If I expect someone to not be a top-12 tight end play, I put them in the Sit ’em column.

Tight End’s I’d start:

Jordan Reed/ Niles Paul (v. ARI)- Jordan Reed is listed as questionable and I fully expect for him to play. However, if he is out, I want Washington’s starting tight end against Arizona because they have struggled defending the tight end for the last two seasons. Arizona gives up the 6th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season, making nearly every tight end that plays them a must start.

Delanie Walker (v. JAC)- The Jaguars are tied for second most touchdowns allowed to opposing tight ends this season and also give up the second most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Delanie Walker should be started in a good matchup, even with Charlie Whitehurst at quarterback. Two weeks ago with Charlie Whitehurst at quarterback, Walker managed 14 fantasy points against the Colts in a good matchup. He should be started in all formats.

If you’re desperate:

Eric Ebron (@ MIN)- I’m not a huge fan of Ebron. In fact, he drops balls at an alarming rate but he is going to be a go-to-guy for Stafford in the Red Zone. Will he catch it? I’m not sure, but he will definitely be given the opportunity.

Tight End’s I’d sit:

Jason Witten (@ SEA)- Witten has been a no-go anywhere this year, but you’d be nuts to imagine that he should be started here. Seattle gives up the 4th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, however, if they want to win, they must leave Witten in to block so they can run the football effectively. Jason Witten has scored zero touchdowns this year and has yet to top six fantasy points. I’ll leave him on the bench until he proves differently.

Jordan Cameron (v. PIT)- Cameron is missing Norv Turner. He misses being a key focal point amongst the Browns offense. I originally thought that he had a chance to be good because of the Kyle Shanahan offense. However, after seeing this offense in effect, all they do is run the football and they don’t pass enough in order to make Cameron a top-10 tight end.

Bust Alert:

Timothy Wright (@ BUF)- I know a few people who aren’t worried about Timothy Wright’s snap count, but I am. The Patriots are going to need some blocking and I’d imagine that we wouldn’t see a ton of Timothy Wright this week. To be fair, we didn’t see much of him last week and he still managed to catch 5 passes in limited work. Wright has upside, but I don’t think the Patriots offense is going to be good enough this week to support two tight ends.