In the days leading up to any given Sunday, fantasy football owners have to make crucial player decisions. Who you start at quarterback, running back or wide receiver can make or break your weekend. In this weekly column, I offer advice on who to start and who to sit. For NFL Week 6, I attempt to shed some light on some obvious and not-so-obvious plays that will help you maximize your roster and give you a chance to win every week. After all, the best part of winning in fantasy football is looking smart and talking trash on your league message board!
START ‘EM
Donovan McNabb, Eagles. I have a strong feeling that the Niners are going to win this game, but McNabb is going to put up huge numbers this week. Brian Westbrook is a game-time decision. One hard hit could knock Westbrook and his sore ribs out of the game. To win, McNabb will have to throw 40-plus times. Look for McNabb to throw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns.
Kyle Orton, Bears. Orton’s bandwagon is filling up fast. His fantasy numbers have increased each of the past two games. The key to Chicago’s success is strong offensive line play. The running game with Matt Forte has opened up throwing options for Orton. Plus, Orton has a great matchup this week against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons won last week, but their secondary has been getting torched by quarterbacks all year.
Marion Barber, Cowboys. Barber is on one of my fantasy teams. He usually is a must starter, but the Cowboys have limited his touches the last two games. Against Arizona, look for Barber to bounce back in a big way. This game will be a high scoring shoot out. Expect the Cowboys to build a lead and then rely on Barber and Felix Jones to control the clock in the second half.
Le’Ron McClain, Ravens. Since his game against the Steelers two weeks ago, McClain has been on my radar. He is huge and difficult to bring down. He also catches the football very well out of the backfield. Start McClain for two reasons – Willis McGahee is banged up and the Ravens play an undersized, struggling Colts’ defense.
Michael Jenkins, Atlanta Falcons. Wide receiver is the most volatile position in Fantasy. Picking the right starters each week is usually a gamble. Starting Jenkins is a risk, but he could be a big part of the Falcons’ offense this week. The Bears should be focused on shutting down Roddy White. Also, White might not be at full strength. I see Jenkins catching a long touchdown pass from Matt Ryan.
SIT ‘EM
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts. You probably have to start Manning because of how high you drafted him; but if you have another option at QB this week, consider another starter. The Ravens have shut down every quarterback this year. Their defense is definitely back with a vengeance. Unless the Colts run the football with Joseph Addai, they are in for a long and physical game.
Aaron Rodgers, Packers. I know, I know. Rodgers is the third best player in fantasy points. You have to start him. Maybe not. Rodgers is hurt, and his matchup this week against Seattle decreases his value. Seattle must play well this week. At home in Quest Field, the Seahawks shut down Rodgers and the Packers.
Steve Slaton, Texans. Slaton has emerged from obscurity to become a solid No. 2 fantasy running back, but this week he comes back to reality. The Dolphins’ defense is underrated. They shut down San Diego last week. And, I am not sure the Texans can bounce back after that devastating loss to the Colts. Slaton is a future starter but it depends on his match up.
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars. This pick might not be fair, because Jones-Drew is battling an ankle injury. The problem is that he trying to play injured and is not that effective. If you have Fred Jones of the Jags, start him instead.
Randy Moss, Patriots. Matt Cassell’s first prime-time game = a terrible performance. Moss will get some targets and catches, but he will not be able to get deep this week. The Chargers secondary led by Antonio Cromartie rises to the challenge this week and keeps Moss out of the end zone.
Fantasy questions? Need lineup advice? The Bills, Titans, Chiefs and Steelers have byes this week. E-mail your questions or comments to me at jck.bender@gmail.com. I will answer the best questions in another column on Saturday morning. Good luck this week.
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