Week 6 Starters and Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Aaron Rodgers and Ray Rice, or to bench Donovan McNabb and Donald Driver? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for help with your real starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 6 of the 2011 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets vs. Dolphins. Sanchez has taken a lot of heat for the Jets’ slow start, but he has also thrown a pair of touchdowns in four of five games this season. On Monday night, the Dolphins’ sieve-like secondary and non-existent pass rush should let Sanchez pick his targets with ease. 300-plus yards and three TDs are well within reach.

Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys at Patriots. While I don’t expect him to surpass 100 rushing yards, Jones is a big part of the Cowboys’ passing game as well. The combination effect will make him a quality start against a Patriots defense that is vulnerable to dual-threat backs.

Ryan Torain, RB, Redskins vs. Eagles. You can never be sure with Mike Shanahan, but Torain appears to be the feature back du jour in Washington. What we do know is that Philly is giving up 140 yards per game on the ground (third worst in the NFL), and Tim Hightower is still limited by a shoulder injury. Torain should perform admirably Sunday.

Earnest Graham, RB, Buccaneers vs. Saints. Though it’s not official yet, reports out of Tampa suggest LeGarrette Blount has a fairly significant knee injury that could keep him sidelined through the Bucs’ Week 8 bye, and possibly beyond. Graham is the next man up, and he has a track record of performing well when given the opportunity. He’s a great flex starter this week against a suspect Saints run defense.

Victor Cruz, WR, Giants vs. Bills. Not convinced about Cruz yet? He’s caught 17 passes for 369 yards and 3 TDs over the last three weeks. Sure, some have been a bit fluky; but the second-year sensation has overtaken Mario Manningham as the Giants’ No. 2 wideout. He should keep up the good work against Buffalo’s shaky secondary.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Eli Manning, Tony Romo, Cam Newton; RBs Peyton Hillis, Ahmad Bradshaw, Cedric Benson, James Starks, Darren Sproles; WRs Stevie Johnson, A.J. Green, Pierre Garcon, Jordy Nelson, Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Santonio Holmes, Santana Moss.

Roll ‘em back

Matt Schaub, QB, Texans at Ravens. Schaub was limited to 138 yards and a single TD against the stout Pittsburgh pass defense two weeks ago, when Andre Johnson was hurt. He should have another rough go against a Ravens secondary that has surrendered just three passing scores to date. Making matters worse, Schaub is dealing with a sore shoulder.

Jahvid Best, RB, Lions vs. 49ers. It’s tough to sit someone with the hot hand; but in the two games prior to last weekend’s explosion, Best was just okay. Consider giving him a rest if you have other viable options Sunday, as he’ll be facing a defense that has yet to cough up a rushing score all year.

Delone Carter, RB, Colts at Bengals. Though the rookie is expected to get his chance to shine in Joseph Addai’s (hamstring) absence, it won’t be smooth sailing. He’ll have to share carries with Donald Brown, and Cincinnati’s run defense is pretty tough.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Dolphins at Jets. With six teams on bye, you may have little choice but to take your chances with Marshall. But you will probably be disappointed with his performance on Revis Island. And do you really want to rely on a guy whose stated goal is to do something so desperate that he gets ejected in the second quarter?

Mike Williams, WR, Buccaneers vs. Saints. Is he in the midst of a dreaded sophomore slump? Or is his struggling quarterback to blame? Either way, at this point you’d be starting Williams on reputation alone. There’s no evidence to suggest the Josh Freeman-Williams connection will get back in sync this weekend.

More thumbs down: QBs Jay Cutler, Alex Smith, Rex Grossman, Sam Bradford, Josh Freeman, Jason Campbell; RBs Jonathan Stewart, Ryan Grant, Brandon Jacobs, Reggie Bush, Isaac Redman, Tim Hightower, BenJarvus Green-Ellis; WRs Denarius Moore, Mario Manningham, Austin Collie, Jacoby Jones, all 49ers and Jaguars wideouts.

Taking a flier

Greg Little, WR, Browns at Raiders. Coming out of their bye week, the Browns have declared their rookie wideout a starter, which is surprising only in that it took this long. Little is, by far, the most physically gifted receiver on the team. He should be Colt McCoy’s favorite target, especially against a Raiders pass defense that has surrendered a league-high 10 passing scores. Little could come up big if you have bye-week issues.

Don’t be the bonehead who…waits until Tuesday to address your Week 7 lineup. This will be the Mother of All Bye Weeks, with the Patriots, Eagles, Bills, Giants, 49ers and Bengals all taking breathers. Planning ahead now by making a strategic free-agent pickup or two could save you from hitting the waiver wire in a panic later.

Week 6 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Philip Rivers and Chris Johnson, or bench Colt McCoy and Patrick Crayton? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for real help with your starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 6 of the 2010 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers vs. Browns. Cleveland’s pass defense is not as bad as you’d think, but they will be no match for Big Ben and his receivers. Roethlisberger has been champing at the bit to return, so don’t expect him to settle for handing the ball off all afternoon. Pittsburgh’s defense will reward him with plenty of short fields to navigate as well.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants vs. Lions. His ankle injury is behind him; and though Brandon Jacobs will poach the occasional goal-line carry, Bradshaw is sure to romp through Detroit’s porous run defense.

Shonn Greene, RB, Jets at Broncos. Denver surrendered an unfathomable 233 yards and four touchdowns on the ground last week, while Greene finally scored for the first time on Monday night. Both New York tailbacks should have a field day in this highly favorable matchup.

Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos vs. Jets. You know Kyle Orton and Brandon Lloyd are red hot, but Royal is quietly approaching Top 10 fantasy receiver status himself. The Jets’ secondary has been struggling (23rd-ranked pass defense), while its run defense remains stingy. Watch Orton and his wideouts soar again, especially with a high probability that Darrelle Revis misses the game with a nagging hamstring.

Tony Moeaki, TE, Chiefs at Texans. The rookie has been the most consistent and productive receiver in the Chiefs’ lackluster aerial attack. Facing the league’s passing doormat, he should have his best performance to date. You’d like to think Dwayne Bowe also would excel, but his butter fingers make him less than reliable.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Orton, Joe Flacco, Jay Cutler, Eli Manning, Mark Sanchez, Matt Ryan; RBs Matt Forte, LaDainian Tomlinson, Michael Bush, Ryan Torain, Joseph Addai; WRs Johnny Knox, Brandon Lloyd, Pierre Garcon, Malcom Floyd, Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Greg Jennings, Percy Harvin, Steve Smith (NY), Santonio Holmes, Michael Crabtree, Nate Washington, Santana Moss.

Roll ‘em back

Shaun Hill, QB, Lions at Giants. It’s hard to believe, but Hill is the sixth-best fantasy passer in the league, despite a nearly even TD (8) to INT (7) ratio. But his most dangerous weapon, Calvin Johnson, may be limited – or even out – with a shoulder injury, and the Giants’ defense has been absolutely suffocating in recent weeks.

Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns at Steelers. One of the biggest surprises in Fantasyland will be asked to shoulder the offensive load with Colt McCoy expected to make his first NFL start (talk about bad timing). Unfortunately, Hillis will be facing the NFL’s stingiest run defense – coming off a bye, no less – with a painful thigh injury and little air cover to support him.

Justin Forsett, RB, Seahawks at Bears. Now that Marshawn Lynch is in the fold, Forsett’s touches will surely be reduced. How dramatically in this first game is anyone’s guess. But Chicago’s rush defense is the league’s third-toughest, so neither Seattle back can be expected to produce much in this one.

Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jaguars vs. Titans. He’s been boom-or-bust this season, thanks mostly to David Garrard’s inconsistent play. The Titans specialize in harassing opposing quarterbacks (NFL-best 22 sacks, plus 7 INTs), which spells trouble for everyone in the Jaguars’ passing offense.

Kevin Walter, WR, Texans vs. Chiefs. His early-season heroics are a distant memory now, as injuries to Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub’s struggles have combined to ground Houston’s air attack. Kansas City’s secondary held Peyton Manning without a passing score last week, which doesn’t bode well for Schaub or his No. 2 receiver.

More thumbs down: QBs Schaub, Garrard, Kevin Kolb, Matt Hasselbeck, Sam Bradford, Jason Campbell; RBs Knowshon Moreno, Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams, Earnest Graham, Marshawn Lynch, Felix Jones, Marion Barber; WRs Dez Bryant, Calvin Johnson, Danny Amendola, Brandon Tate, Jacoby Jones.

TAKING A FLIER

Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs at Texans. Cassel has had only one solid fantasy day this season (250 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT vs. the 49ers in Week 3), but he has yet to face a secondary as welcoming as Houston’s. Everyone seems to have a career day against the Texans, so don’t be shocked when Cassel sits at or near the top of the passing charts this weekend.

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…benches an active Aaron Rodgers against the Dolphins. His playing status may go down to the wire Sunday due to the concussion he sustained last weekend, but if the Packers start him, you must follow suit. Even without TE Jermichael Finley, he has plenty of dangerous weapons at his disposal; so it’s safer to roll with Rodgers than without him.

Week 6 Starters & Benchwarmers

You don’t need me advising you to start Aaron Rodgers and Larry Fitzgerald, or to bench anyone wearing a Browns jersey. So I’ll leave the obvious recommendations to the network bozos and focus instead on players typically on the bubble of most fantasy lineups. Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 6.

Watch ‘em roll

David Garrard, QB, Jaguars vs. Rams. Assuming Mike Sims-Walker avoids another pre-game blunder, Garrard’s receiving corps will be back at full strength against the sad-sack Rams. Both defenses have been sieve-like, so don’t be surprised to see Garrard bounce back from last week’s drubbing in Seattle. After all, each of his five passing TDs this year has come at home.

Ray Rice, RB, Ravens at Vikings. Minnesota has yet to surrender a score to any tailback this season, so why the favorable recommendation? For starters, Rice has finally eclipsed Willis McGahee as both a rusher and receiver. The shifty second-year back is an integral part of the Ravens’ offense, and all his talents will be exploited against the Vikings on Sunday.

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos at Chargers. San Diego is giving up more than 150 rushing yards per game, while the rookie has recently emerged as the team’s workhorse back. With little competition for touches, Moreno could have a breakout game under the Monday night lights.

Steve Smith, WR, Panthers at Buccaneers. With just 20 receptions for 255 yards, the elite wideout currently resides outside the Top 50 fantasy receivers. He’ll vault into the Top 20 after torching Tampa Bay’s overly generous secondary, which has already surrendered a dozen passing scores to date.

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles at Raiders. A one-week wonder? Not when the rookie’s next opponent is Oakland and his red-hot quarterback is at the controls. The Giants’ receivers toyed with this secondary last week, and Philly’s passing attack is equally lethal.

More thumbs up: QBs Matt Hasselbeck, Donovan McNabb, Ben Roethlisberger; RBs Ryan Grant, Cedric Benson, Steven Jackson, Thomas Jones; WRs DeSean Jackson, Antonio Bryant, Santana Moss, Mike Sims-Walker, Braylon Edwards.

Roll ‘em back

Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens at Vikings. After a blistering start, the second-year passer has cooled off recently. Though Minnesota’s secondary is penetrable, it’s best to bench Flacco until he and his top target, Derrick Mason (neck), get back in the groove.

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers vs. Broncos. Facing one of the NFL’s premier defenses, LT’s miserable season is unlikely to improve soon. As difficult as it may be to sit him, his stubborn ankle injury and the presence of the explosive Darren Sproles combine to make him a bad bet this week.

Julius Jones, RB, Seahawks vs. Cardinals. Arizona has allowed a league-low 71 rushing yards per game. This matchup should be all about the passing games, and Jones was a bit player in last week’s blowout of the Jaguars.

Terrell Owens, WR, Bills at Jets. Already suffering through the worst slump of his career, Owens now squares off against Darrelle Revis, arguably the best cover corner in the NFL. Coming off two consecutive losses, the Jets will show no mercy on the toothless Bills. While you’re at it, bench Lee Evans, too.

Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings vs. Ravens. After beginning his NFL career with a bang, Harvin has been targeted just seven times over the last two games. He’s also been limited by a shoulder injury this week, so don’t count on much from the rookie in a tough matchup.

More thumbs down: QBs Brett Favre, Matt Schaub, Matt Cassel; RBs Willie Parker, Willis McGahee, Kevin Smith, Michael Bush, Brandon Jacobs; WRs Calvin Johnson, Lance Moore, Earl Bennett.

TAKING A FLIER

Donnie Avery, WR, Rams at Jaguars. I know, I know… I’ve preached against the evils of the “Lamest Show on Turf” for weeks. But some of you still own Avery, so you might as well play him now. Jacksonville has given up 11 passing scores to date, and it’s safe to assume the Rams will be throwing often in what could be a surprisingly high-scoring affair between two defenseless teams.

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…benches Drew Brees against the Giants’ No. 1-ranked pass defense. Though the Saints’ gunslinger is coming off a two-game stretch without a touchdown pass, he’s simply too explosive to bench. Besides, New York’s impressive stats have been generated at the expense of four of the worst passing teams in the league, plus a bumbling Tony Romo.