Fantasy Fix: Week 6 Start 'em/Sit 'em
Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, Ryan Tannehill and Mike Wallace are all on bye weeks. That is a lot of production to fill with not much worth keeping on the waiver wire.
However, there are some plug ‘n’ play options out there.
Let’s take a look at this weeks starts/ sits position-by-position.
Start ‘Em
Quarterback
Alex Smith (KC) vs. Oakland Raiders: Smith is owned in just 62% of leagues and has been one of the top 12 scoring QBs this season. Smith has averaged over 16 fantasy points the last three weeks and gets a Raiders defense that can be thrown on. He may not be Peyton Manning, but at least he’s not Eli. Fantasy projection: 17.50 points.
Running Back
Pierre Thomas, (NO) vs. New England Patriots: The Pats defense has been good this year, but struggle against pass catching running backs. That’s exactly what Thomas does, and he does it well. He put up 21 fantasy points last week and don’t be a doubting Thomas Sunday. Fantasy projection: 10.50 points.
Wide Receiver
Keenan Allen, (SD) vs. Indianapolis Colts: Allen caught six passes for 115 yards and one touchdown with 17.50 fantasy points last week. Allen is owned in just 30% of leagues and quarterback Phillip Rivers is lovingly looking his way often. Isn’t that cute? Fantasy projection: 8.50 points.
Tight End
Heath Miller, (PIT) vs. NY Jets: Miller is less than half owned in all leagues and is finally healthy. The desperate Steelers may not be allowed to play air hockey in the locker room anymore, but Rothlisberger can still throw it. Fantasy projection: 8 points.
Defense/Special teams
Carolina Panthers vs. Minnesota Vikings: The Panthers have averaged over 15 fantasy points the last two weeks and Vikes QB Matt Cassel is a statue that can throw to the wrong colored jersey. Fantasy projection: 9 points.
Sit ‘Em
Quarterback
Carson Palmer, (ARI) vs. San Francisco 49ers: Palmer has averaged just 7.50 fantasy points the last three games and now gets one of the best defenses in the NFL. You would be better off starting Laura Palmer. Tip of the cap if you get the reference. Fantasy projection: 8 points.
Running Back
Maurice Jones-Drew, (JAC) vs. Denver Broncos: The Broncos defense has allowed only one back to get over 45 yards, they won’t allow two. Fantasy projection: 6 points
Wide Receiver
Anquan Boldin, (SF) vs. Arizona Cardinals: Boldin faces off against shutdown corner Patrick Peterson this week who has given up double digit fantasy points to just one receiver this year. Boldin is a WR3 at best Sunday and more like a Bench1. Fantasy projection: 5 points
Tight End
Jared Cook, (STL) vs. Houston Texans: Cook has been a BUST this year. I had such high expectations and has been losing time to Lance Kendricks. Lance who? Exactly. Fantasy projections: 4.50 points.
Defense/Special Teams
New England Patriots vs. New Orleans Saints: The Pats defense struggles against teams that throw a lot to the tight ends and running backs. Guess what the Saints do best? Scroll up, I’m too lazy to write it again. Fantasy projection: 7.50 points.
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