Week 6 is as big of a week in fantasy as there is. You may be sitting pretty at 6-0 or 5-1, in the hunt just trying to make it through the bye weeks at 4-2 or 3-3 or battling injuries like Ben Roethlisberger, Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. Now with Jamaal Charles down, where do you turn???
Here are a few start em' and sit em' picks for this week.
Quarterbacks
1. Matt Ryan (ATL) – Had a rough time in a game that should have been able to exploit the Washington secondary. I don't expect a repeat performance against the Saints on Thursday Night.
2. Matt Stafford (DET) – Was benched during last week's game due to poor play. With his and the coach's back against the wall, Stafford should be good for 300+ yards through the air and a few scores.
3. Sam Bradford (PHI) – Had a great game last week at home against the Saints, the thing that impressed me the most was his ability to move his team up and down the field. New York is hurting on defense, I like Bradford at home with first place on the line.
Bust
Cam Newton (CAR) – Yes, The Panthers are 4-0 and yes, Cam is a huge part of the reason. Seattle is a different team at home and quite stingy. Cam and the Panthers get their wake up call.
Sleeper
Brian Hoyer (HOU) – Came on in relief against Indy on Thursday night and did very well. I expect him to continue that on Sunday against Jacksonville.
Running Backs
1. Eddie Lacy (GB) – Has battled an ankle injury for two weeks now and couldn't get going against the Rams last week but i expect a heavy dose of him against San Diego's suspect run defense.
2. Arian Foster (HOU) – He came back from injury two weeks ago and then played on Thursday night. That's huge in my eyes and tells me Foster will be back to normal starting this week.
3. Davonte Freeman (ATL) – He has been the biggest surprise of the year, the biggest thing in fantasy football is consistency and he is given it. He is a must start every week until otherwise directed.
Bust
Any Cincinnati running back – Buffalo's defense has been lights out against the run and with Cincy coming off a big win last week I see a possible letdown this week.
Sleeper
Matt Forte (CHI) – He must be the only guy worth starting anymore in Chicago. Detroit has given up eight rushing touchdowns already this season. I'll take the risk this week.
Wide Receivers
1. Julian Edelman (NE) – He has been on fire and get the chance against a banged-up Indy secondary.
2. Emmanuel Sanders (DEN) – People think Manning is fading but he still gets it to this guy. Cleveland's pass defense allowing 7.9 yards per catch.
3. Brandon Marshall (NYJ) – Three straight 100-yard games and against a bad Washington defense, I see another big day for Marshall
Bust
Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) – Pittsburgh coming off a short week back across the country. I just see Arizona attacking on the ground, meaning less chances through the air.
Sleeper
DeAndre Hopkins (HOU) – Hoyer has a connection with him and he is making Houston forget about Andre Johnson.
Tight Ends
1. Rob Gronkowski (NE) – Catches a banged-up Indy defense, it's a great matchup
2. Travis Kelce (KC) – With Charles out, someone has to pick up the pieces.
3. Antonio Gates (SD) – Missed the first four games due to suspension, but came back last week and looked like a new man. Rivers has his favorite target back in Gates.
Bust
Jimmy Graham (SEA) – Carolina's defense is strong. Graham is still not seeing many targets.
Sleeper
Gary Barnidge (CLE) – Barnidge was better known as a blocking tight end, only had three career touchdowns in his seven seasons. Barnidge has scored the last three weeks alone and with Cleveland chucking the ball around he is a worth play.
Kickers
1. Justin Tucker (BAL) - Mr. Money is the name, kicking field goals is his game. He is one of the best kickers in the game.
2. Nick Folk (NYJ) – The Jets should be able to move up and down the field which means plenty of chances for field goals.
3. Josh Brown (NYG) – Tough matchup for the Giants offense. Points will be at a premium on Monday night.
Bust
Blair Walsh (MIN) – Walsh has hit a rough spot so far this year and needs to start being consistent
Sleeper
Graham Gano (CAR) – Has five field goals last two games. Good week for more opportunities.
Defense
1. Denver – Play tough and giving quarterbacks nightmares.
2. Green Bay – 20 sacks in five games this year.
3. Arizona – Get to take on turnover machine Michael Vick, which could be trouble for Pittsburgh.
Bust
New York Giants – They are hurting on defense. Can you even name the 11 starters ?
Sleeper
Miami - New coach and coming off the bye week, I expect Miami's best effort this week.
Michael Scott is a contributing writer for Eagledelphia.
