A weekend for the record books

The biggest news from Week 6 was Ben Roethlisberger’s knee injury, which will require surgery and sideline him for an undetermined period of time. Landry Jones will take over under center, which should be alarming if you were counting on first-overall-pick production from Antonio Brown the rest of the season.

Actually, the biggest news of the weekend was Shady McCoy’s stellar performance against his former coach, Chip Kelly.

Now that I think of it, wasn’t the biggest news that Dak Prescott broke Tom Brady’s record for most passes to begin a career without an interception? Or that the young Jedi went to Lambeau and beat the cheddar out of the Packers?

No wait, it had to be Zeke Elliott racking up 157 rushing yards against what was allegedly the NFL’s stingiest run defense.

Drew Brees’ 465-yard, four-touchdown bombing of the Panthers broke a tie with Peyton Manning for most 400-yard regular-season performances in a career. So that has to take the prize.

But what could be more surprising than watching Jay Ajayi knife through the Steelers defense for a career-best 204 yards and two scores, nearly topping Ricky Williams’ single-game rushing record for Miami? Wasn’t Arian Foster supposed to reclaim his starting gig, now that he’s (temporarily) healthy again?

Speaking of former Dolphins tailbacks, Lamar Miller finally earned his free-agent paycheck as a Texan. That surely made headlines in Houston.

Other than that, it was a pretty quiet weekend. Right, Odell?

FREE AGENT PICKS AND PANS

To win a fantasy championship, it helps to start with a great draft. But filling in your roster throughout the season with the right free agents is also important. Here's a look at players worth considering, and others who would look better in someone else's lineup.

Catch ‘em while you can

Marcus Mariota, QB, Titans. Mariota’s season has been a tale of two-game stretches. Weeks 1 and 2 were average, the next two were awful and the last two have been lights out. He has tallied seven TDs in the recent stretch, albeit against sorry defenses, and his upcoming schedule promises similar matchups. He’s available in more than half of all leagues for those scrambling to replace Big Ben or to cover their bye weeks.

Jay Ajayi, RB, Dolphins. Despite some serious reservations, I feel compelled to recommend consideration of Ajayi, whose career game very well could have solidified his role as the Dolphins’ workhorse. Dropped in more than half of all leagues, he’s worth another look, but will only be startable in favorable matchups.

Cameron Meredith, WR, Bears. To the dismay of Alshon Jeffery’s owners, Brian Hoyer has made Meredith his go-to receiver. Don’t believe me? He’s targeted Meredith 27 times over the last two weeks, and the second-year wideout has caught 20 of them for 243 yards and a TD. This surprising duo has earned your attention, especially with Eddie Royal struggling with injuries.

Hunter Henry, TE, Chargers. I chuckled when I saw Henry in my opponent’s lineup in Week 4. Then the rookie went out and caught 4 passes for 61 yards and his first NFL TD. Hey, flukes happen. But it’s no fluke when he does it in three consecutive games, especially when Antonio Gates is no longer sidelined. Henry is doing what many predicted Ladarius Green would do when the Chargers drafted him four years ago: ushering in the end of Gates’ Hall of Fame career.

Don’t be fooled

Kenny Britt, WR, Rams. Two weeks ago, you may recall, Brian Quick was all the rage after his 69-yard, 2-TD outing against the Cardinals. On Sunday, Britt pulled off the same trick, with 136 yards to his credit. Even Case Keenum had a monster outing against the Lions. The problem is, these scoring outbursts are, and will continue to be, infrequent and unpredictable.

Golden Tate, WR, Lions. He finally had the rebound game we’ve been waiting for (165 yards, one TD). But sadly, it’s too little too late. Tate has been mostly marginalized in Detroit’s offense, and one big outing isn’t likely to change that. Unless your league awards points for awesome scoring celebrations, don’t take the bait.

Torrey Smith, WR, 49ers. As expected, Jeremy Kerley reverted to being a bystander when Blaine Gabbert was benched. Now we are to believe that Smith is the go-to wideout in San Francisco. Sorry, but I’m not buying what this so-called passing “attack” is selling.

Sunday morning observations -- Week 6

Good morning, Fools, from hustling and bustling New York City, where I spent the last four hours on the set of Fox & Friends with a couple of tailgating clients. Flew in yesterday in time for a 9 p.m. dinner, then got up at 4 a.m. (3 a.m. my time) to get to the studio, and now I'm in the terminal at LaGuardia preparing to head home.

It's such a glamorous life I lead! Honestly can't figure out why the wife and daughter are still upset that I didn't bring them...

I've got the DVR set to record the RedZone, so other than what I can watch in-flight (thanks to Virgin's seat-back, live TVs), I'll be catching up on all the action about 3 hours behind the rest of you.

But enough about me... Let's take a swing around the NFL to find out what we need to know to dominate today's matchups.

Cam Newton is back and will be under center in a great matchup with the Saints. That said, as a very happy Greg Olsen owner, I wouldn't mind if Derek Anderson hung around a little longer...

Carson Palmer is also good to go, and he should excel against the sorry Jets secondary.

Arian Foster is expected to make his return, which should be interesting. For now, the Miami backfield is one to avoid. In fact, the only startable Dolphin, IMHO, is Jarvis Landry. And then, more so in PPR leagues than standards.

Already ruled out for today: Josh McCown (shoulder), Latavius Murray (toe), Theo Riddick (ankle), Thomas Rawls (leg), James Starks (knee), Markus Wheaton (shoulder), Jordan Reed (concussion), Tyler Eifert (back), Eric Ebron (ankle, knee), Jordan Cameron (concussion). Others likely to miss: Jay Cutler, Dwayne Washington, Dez Bryant, Will Fuller, Steve Smith.

With Reed out, Kirk Cousins' value plummets, especially in a tough matchup with Philly.

With Riddick out, newly acquired Justin Forsett will have another chance to prove he still has something left in his tank. He's expected to split the workload with Zach Zenner.

We thought all Sammie Coates was dealing with was a lacerated finger. Now, it appears it's broken. It's not expected to keep him off the field (he's a game-time decision), but Coates is not the most sure-handed receiver to begin with. As much as I like his matchup, there are red flags here.

Tyler Lockett is back without limits and is a sneaky start for his rested Seahawks against a possibly road-weary Falcons team. According to the current weather, it doesn't appear that the storms in the Northwest are expected to affect the game. The forecast calls for drizzle at gametime.

That's it for now. Will do my best to tweet out the inactives and late-breaking news. You're on your own for the late-afternoon games. Good luck, Fools!

Week 6 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Tom Brady and LeVeon Bell, or to bench Ryan Fitzpatrick and Benny Cunningham? 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 2016 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Carson Palmer, QB, Cardinals vs. Jets. Palmer is out of the concussion protocol and heading back under center on Monday night. Though he’s been somewhat disappointing thus far this season, he’ll have a chance to rack up the points – fantasy and otherwise – against a putrid Jets pass defense that doesn’t travel well and is coughing up yards and TDs at a shocking clip.

Frank Gore, RB, Colts at Texans. One thing we know: If you want to move the ball against the Houston defense, it has to be on the ground. Gore is the undisputed workhorse of the Colts’ running game, and he will be very busy – and productive – in this contest. Especially in the red zone.

Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs at Raiders. You’ve been champing at the bit to play him, and now’s the time. Though he will most certainly yield some carries to Spencer Ware, Charles shook off the rust two weeks ago and has had the bye week to get stronger for one of his favorite matchups. Ware has lost a fumble in each of his last three games, so you know the team wants Charles to seize the lead role again ASAP.

Sammy Coates, WR, Steelers at Dolphins. Coates came of age last week, and while he may not score twice again on Sunday, he should continue to shine against the generous Miami secondary. Coates has missed practice time with a lacerated finger, but that shouldn’t keep him off the field. As a bonus, Markus Wheaton might be sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Doug Baldwin, WR, Seahawks vs. Falcons. Russell Wilson has had two weeks to rest, recover and prepare for this matchup against a secondary that has allowed a league-worst 14 passing TDs to date. Baldwin remains Wilson’s favorite target, and they should keep the scoring tally whirring on their opponent’s meter.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Ben Roethlisberger, Russell Wilson, Matt Stafford, Cam Newton, Derek Carr, Alex Smith, Marcus Mariota; RBs LeSean McCoy, Matt Forte, Ryan Mathews, LeGarrette Blount, Carlos Hyde, Tevin Coleman, Jordan Howard, Terrance West, Christine Michael, Mark Ingram, James White; WRs John Brown, Kelvin Benjamin, Will Fuller, Jeremy Maclin, Brandin Cooks, Mike Wallace, Marvin Jones, Tavon Austin, Julian Edelman, Michael Crabtree, Cole Beasley, Jarvis Landry, Jordan Matthews.

Roll ‘em back

Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons at Seahawks. Ryan put up monster stats against poor defenses over the first four games, but he was held mostly in check by the Broncos. Now he’ll have to head further west to face a well-rested Seattle defense that has given up just one passing score to date. It’s tough (and often foolish) to sit your studs; but if you have a safer option, consider it.

Eddie Lacy, RB, Packers vs. Cowboys. He appears to be shaking off his ankle injury and is on track to play Sunday. But don’t be surprised if James Starks gets a larger share of the carries. Regardless which back carries the load, Dallas’ run defense is improving quickly and should be up to the challenge.

Matt Jones, RB, Redskins vs. Eagles. Jones is getting the lion’s share of the workload in Washington, but he has struggled to produce in three of the first five games. Philly has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher, and they’ve given up just two rushing scores to date. It could be a long day for Jones and, frankly, the entire Washington offense; especially if Jordan Reed (concussion) doesn’t play.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears vs. Jaguars. Those of us who drafted Jeffery this season know all too well how mediocre he has been, especially over the last three games. Despite the stellar play of Brian Hoyer, Jeffery remains a bit player in the passing attack. He has yet to find the end zone, and that’s not likely to change on Sunday with a rested, and improving, Jacksonville secondary focusing their attention on him.

Jeremy Kerley, WR, 49ers at Bills. Those counting on Kerley (ankle) to repeat his Week 5 heroics need to tap the brakes a bit. Colin Kaepernick will be throwing him the ball for the first time in real game action, now that Blaine Gabbert has been benched. Meanwhile, the Bills are playing inspired defense. Kerley has been a terrible fantasy receiver for most of his career, as you’ll be reminded on Sunday.

More thumbs down: QBs Andrew Luck, Kirk Cousins, Eli Manning, Colin Kaepernick, Ryan Tannehill; RBs Rashad Jennings, Isaiah Crowell, Jeremy Hill, Theo Riddick, Spencer Ware, Cameron Artis-Payne, Chris Ivory, Arian Foster, Jay Ajayi, Latavius Murray; WRs Randall Cobb, Michael Floyd, Robert Woods, Allen Hurns, DeVante Parker, Terrelle Pryor, Phillip Dorsett, DeSean Jackson, Victor Cruz, Sterling Shepard, Quincy Enunwa.

TAKING A FLIER

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers at Saints. J-Stew appears to be recovered from his latest hamstring injury, but he’ll have to wrest the workhorse role back from Cameron Artis-Payne after his strong showing against the Bucs. That shouldn’t take long, as the Panthers desperately need to get back on track. The Saints’ run defense is horrendous, giving up a league-worst eight rushing scores and huge chunks of yards. Stewart should get enough work to produce solid dividends, and his ceiling is high.

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…sits Zeke Elliott against the NFL’s “best” run defense. Though the Packers have been impressive, they’ve built their resume playing four of the worst rushing teams in the business. Elliott has been money, and that won’t change on the not-yet-frozen tundra.

Week 5 Heroes & Zeros

This was a great week to play…

QBs

Tom Brady, Patriots – Still shaking off the rust, with just 406 yards and 3 TDs, without a turnover. The schlub.

Marcus Mariota, Titans – Passed for 163 yards and 3 TDs and ran for 60 yards and a 4^th TD.

Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers – Passed for 380 yards and 4 TDs, but lost a fumble.

Philip Rivers, Chargers – Threw 2 INTs, but made up for them with 359 passing yards and 4 TDs.

RBs

David Johnson, Cardinals – Slashed and dashed for 157 yards and 2 TDs, plus 28 yards on 3 receptions.

Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys – Raced for 134 yards and 2 TDs, and added 37 more on 3 receptions.

Theo Riddick, Lions – Racked up 49 rushing yards to go with 6 catches for 33 yards and 2 TDs.

Jordan Howard, Bears – Rushed for 118 yards and caught 3 passes for 45 yards and a TD.

Tevin Coleman, Falcons – Ran for 31 yards and took 4 passes for 132 yards and a score.

Cameron Artis-Payne, Panthers – Scored twice while rushing for 85 yards.

WRs

Sammy Coates, Steelers – Caught 6 passes for 139 yards and 2 TDs.

Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals – Who needs Carson Palmer? Fitz grabbed 6 balls for 81 yards and 2 TDs.

T.Y. Hilton, Colts – Hauled in 10 passes for 171 yards and a TD.

Brandon LaFell, Bengals – Scored twice on 8 catches for 68 yards.

TEs

Martellus Bennett, Patriots – So, he has instant rapport with Brady? His 6 receptions for 67 yards and 3 TDs suggests he does.

Greg Olsen, Panthers – His 9 receptions for 181 yards produced the EXACT 27 points I needed for the comeback win on Monday night (PPR league).

D/STs

Vikings – Collected an INT, 4 sacks and a punt return TD while holding the Texans to 13 points.

Bills – Amassed 2 INTs, a fumble recovery, 4 sacks and a TD on one of the INTs.

Ks

Adam Vinatieri, Colts – Nailed all 5 of his FGs (from 26, 41, 46, 53 and 54 yards) and 2 XPs.

This was a great week to play against…

QBs

Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins – Imploded again with 191 passing yards, no TDs and 2 INTs.

RBs

Matt Jones, Redskins – Rushed for 31 yards and took 2 passes 25 yards, but lost a fumble.

Orleans Darkwa, Giants – Ran for a measly 11 yards.

Jeremy Hill, Bengals – Bottled up with just 12 yards rushing.

Isaiah Crowell, Browns – Ran for 22 yards and caught an 18-yarder.

Jerick McKinnon, Vikings – Ran for 36 yards and caught a 10-yard pass.

Matt Forte, Jets – Rushed for 53 yards but added just 7 yards on 2 catches.

C.J. Anderson, Broncos – Limited to 62 combined yards.

WRs

Michael Floyd, Cardinals – He needs Carson Palmer, that’s who. Floyd was blanked on Thursday night.

John Brown, Cardinals – He does, too, after a single 11-yard catch.

Torrey Smith, 49ers – He just needs to get out of San Francisco, after posting another goose egg.

Victor Cruz, Giants – He, too, was held catchless.

Sterling Shepard, Giants – Only 14 yards on 2 passes.

Will Fuller, Texans – Followed last week’s coming-out party with a 4-yarder.

Tajae Sharp, Titans – Managed just 17 yards on 2 balls.

Phillip Dorsett, Colts – Caught 2 passes for 26 yards.

Jarvis Landry, Dolphins – Just 28 yards on 3 catches.

Julio Jones, Falcons – Held to 29 yards on 2 receptions.

Steve Smith, Ravens – Only 29 yards on 3 receptions before leaving with an ankle injury.

DeSean Jackson, Redskins – Limited to 35 yards on 3 balls.

Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers – Just 36 yards on 3 catches.

A.J. Green, Bengals – Kept in check with 50 yards on 4 receptions.

Let's Make Fantasy Football Great Again

I’m Ladd Biro, and I approve of this message…

By now, you have probably heard the tape from 2013 when I told my followers to draft C.J. Spiller as their No. 1 pick.

I said it, I was wrong and I apologize if anyone was hurt by that advice.

I’ve written some foolish things over the years, but there’s a big difference between the words and actions of a fantasy guru and the performance of the actual players on the field. Spiller was a total disaster that year, and he’s the one who really should apologize to you.

It’s also true that I called Tom Brady a “pretty boy.” That was locker room banter and I’ve apologized for it. (By the way, his wife is smokin’ hot.)

First of all, nobody respects Tom Brady more than I do, I’ll tell you that. Many people are saying that I am Brady’s biggest supporter. In fact, I even drafted him in the 7^th round this year and started him on Sunday. He was tremendous.

A lot of people are giving me credit for that, by the way.

At least I haven’t deleted thousands of emails with my start/sit recommendations that were absolute disasters.

There is no truth to the rumors that I am trying to bleach away my advice to start Victor Cruz against the Packers. In fact, there’s no evidence whatsoever that I even mentioned Cruz’s name in Friday’s column. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a liar.

There is no hidden meaning behind my consistent recommendations to bench Mohamed Sanu.

It is absolutely false that I was against Mike Wallace before I was for him and now I’m against him again.

I have said repeatedly that I will release my start/sit recommendations from the last five years as soon as every other fantasy guru does the same.

I believe in free and fair trade, but I am on record as having argued against many of the disastrous trade proposals that have been tweeted to me.

I believe that every fantasy player has the right to score more points, and we’re going to start by kicking the Rams and Browns out of the NFL. Their offenses are disasters and they should be ashamed.

I think you could put half of ESPN fantasy guru Matthew Berry’s supporters into what I call the basket of deplorables. Some of those folks are irredeemable. Every week, Berry brags about players he hates. Is that really who you want as your fantasy adviser? Someone who hates Tevin Coleman?

With your help, we’re going to build a big, beautiful wall around Bristol, Conn., and make Berry pay for it.

Oh, by the way, as a lifelong Dolphins fan, I hate Ryan Tannehill.

FREE AGENT PICKS AND PANS

To win a fantasy championship, it helps to start with a great draft. But filling in your roster throughout the season with the right free agents is also important. Here's a look at players worth considering, and others who would look better in someone else's lineup.

Catch ‘em while you can

Brian Hoyer, QB, Bears. Hoyer is the kind of player I almost always tell you not to be fooled about. After all, there’s a reason he’s been let go by the Patriots, and the Cardinals, and the Browns and the Texans. And yet, over his last three starts, he has passed for more than 300 yards (nearly topping 400 on Sunday) with zero interceptions and a pair of TDs each game. There’s no way Jay Cutler gets his job back if Hoyer continues like this.

James Starks, RB, Packers. You know the drill. When Eddie Lacy is injured, Starks steps in and typically performs solidly in his place. Lacy left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury, raising the possibility that he will be sidelined for an undetermined period of time. You know what to do now.

James White, RB, Patriots. His 89-combined-yard performance against the Browns wasn’t particularly exciting, but make no mistake: Brady will continue to look White’s way when he needs to dump off the ball. White will be a reliable PPR contributor in the weeks ahead thanks to his receiving skills and shiftiness in the open field.

Sammy Coates, WR, Steelers. Coates emphatically staked his claim to the No. 2 WR role in Pittsburgh with Sunday’s performance against the Jets. Martavis Bryant thrived in that position in previous years, and Coates now has a chance to benefit from Big Ben’s attention. Markus Wheaton has certainly squandered his opportunities.

Jeremy Kerley, WR, 49ers. Somebody has to catch passes in San Francisco, and that player is inarguably Kerley. At least as long as Blaine Gabbert is quarterbacking the team. (That said, the clock is ticking). With 14 receptions for 190 yards and 2 TDs over the last two games, Kerley is clearly the go-to wideout among the 49ers’ mediocre lot.

Don’t be fooled

Chris Hogan, WR, Patriots. The preseason darling is back on the fantasy radar now that Tom Brady is under center. Assuming his head injury is as minor as first reported, he’ll have an opportunity to keep contributing to the New England passing attack. But Hogan will be no better than a boom-or-bust option as long as he remains below Julian Edelman, two tight ends and even James White in the receiving pecking order.

Brandon LaFell, WR, Bengals. Aside from a brief stretch in 2014 when Brady put him on the fantasy map, LaFell’s career has been mostly underwhelming and inconsistent. Kinda like his first five games as a Bengal, in which he was essentially invisible other than one stellar quarter of garbage time in Dallas.

Sunday morning observations -- Week 5

Wow, time really flies in Fantasyland, ya know? It's Week 5, and since there's absolutely nothing else newsworthy going on the world that I could possibly make a snarky comment about, let's dive right into the latest news we can use to dominate our matchups...

In Denver, the Paxton Lynch Era begins. At least until he implodes or Trevor Siemian is 100%. And he couldn't have asked for a much friendlier opponent to face today in the Falcons. He's too green to start in my book, but I wouldn't hesitate to roll with Demaryius or Emmanuel with the rookie under center in this matchup.

Derek Anderson will start for the concussed Cam Newton on Monday night. Again, Anderson is only for the truly desperate, but I don't have any trouble riding Greg Olsen, and I would start Kelvin Benjamin if I owned him. With Jonathan Stewart out again, the Panthers' backfield will continue to spare us to death with Cameron Artis-Payne and Fozzy Whittaker running the ball.

With both Doug Martin and Charles Sims doubtful, the Bucs are preparing to go with Jacquizz Rodgers as their lead RB on MNF. Of course, the Panthers' defense has been off its game lately, so Rodgers could fill a one-week hole in your flex spot if you are injury- or bye-challenged. But Martin is expected to return after the team's Week 6 bye, so Rodgers a risky -- and short-term -- fix only.

Of course, the big news of the day is Pretty Boy Brady returning to the controls for the Patriots. And none to soon, as I stashed him on one of my teams that Carson Palmer has been leading so far. We'll see if he can resuscitate the values of Gronk (hamstring) and Edelman (foot) out of the gates. My bet is that he will.

Dez Bryant will be a game-time decision again, but you know he won't play, right? Also out or fully expected to be out: Jay Cutler (thumb), Jeremy Langford (ankle), Arian Foster (hamstring), Eric Decker (shoulder), Eric Ebron (ankle, knee), Larry Donnell (concussion) and Jordan Cameron (concussion).

Rashad Jennings (thumb) is expected to miss tonight's game, giving Orleans Darkwa another audition for the Giants' starting gig.

In Oakland, Latavius Murray (toe) is out, meaning the backfield should be shared between DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard. Both speedy backups can take it to the house, and Washington is the one to bet on if you have to choose; but there's not a long track record for us to bank on.

Others with a Q behind their names who are expected to be suited up and ready to roll: Shady McCoy (hand), Matt Forte (knee, ribs), Marvin Jones (foot), Alshon Jeffery (knee), Quincy Enunwa (knee), Zach Miller (ribs) and Dan Bailey (back). Antonio Gates is also expected to return after sitting out the last couple of games, but could be on a snap count since his hammy is not yet 100%.

We should also see the NFL debut of promising rookie RB Kenneth Dixon for Baltimore today. Ravens watchers are virtually unanimous in their assessment of Dixon as the most talented of the motley crew of tailbacks in the team's stable, so don't be surprised if Terrance West's starting job is fleeting.

Tyler Eifert won't play against the Bengals, but signs point to his long-awaited return in Week 6. If the guy/gal who drafted him has given up on Eifert, this may be your last chance to scoop up one of last year's elite TEs before he's in high demand.

Another preemptive move to consider: James White has fallen off the radar thanks to his lack of use by the Patriots' backup QBs. With Brady back, I think White returns to fantasy relevance today and is very likely to be among my waiver wire recommendations tomorrow. He's owned in only 37% of ESPN fantasy leagues.

In other pressing news...Will Dak Prescott or Carson Wentz throw their first interceptions today? My Magic 8 Ball says "Most Likely" for both...


That's it for now. Inactives and other late-breaking news still to come via Twitter (@ladd_biro). May your fantasy points runneth over today!

Week 5 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Aaron Rodgers and Antonio Brown, or to bench Cody Kessler and Kamar Aiken? 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 5 of the 2016 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Carson Wentz, QB, Eagles at Lions. The mistake-avoiding rookie has had two weeks to prepare for one of the league’s weakest secondaries. Look for Wentz to keep up the momentum he built prior to the early bye, and to continue feeding the ball to his go-to wideout, Jordan Matthews.

Terrance West, RB, Ravens vs. Redskins. If you scooped up West off this week’s waiver wire, then this is the time to start him. After his solid outing against the Raiders, he’ll be given another chance to soar as a starter against the Redskins’ sorry run defense. But trouble looms with the impending debut of rookie Kenneth Dixon. West’s lead role may be short-lived, so enjoy it while you can.

Jerick McKinnon, RB, Vikings vs. Texans. This should be a low-scoring affair, with both teams struggling to move the ball through the air against stout secondaries. But Houston is vulnerable on the ground, and McKinnon is getting the lion’s share of the Vikings’ rushes. Matt Asiata is an irritant at the goal-line, but McKinnon should find his way into the end zone nevertheless.

Julian Edelman, WR, Patriots at Browns. Not a moment too soon, Tom Brady has returned to save the Patriots’ struggling passing game. Edelman is coming off his worst game in about two years (one 16-yard catch) and he has yet to score in 2016. That will change Sunday, especially with Brady’s BFF, Rob Gronkowski, still not 100 percent.

Victor Cruz, WR, Giants at Packers. Cruz and the entire New York passing game are coming off a rough Monday nighter against the Vikings, but they’ll stay busy trying to keep up with the Packers’ high-octane attack. Cruz has quickly reestablished his rapport with Manning, who targeted him nine times last week. Look for the veteran to break out for big yardage and a score against Green Bay’s generous pass defense.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Ben Roethlisberger, Tom Brady, David Carr, Eli Manning, Andrew Luck, Matt Ryan, Kirk Cousins; RBs Melvin Gordon, DeMarco Murray, Jordan Howard, Frank Gore, LeGarrette Blount, Eddie Lacy, LeSean McCoy; WRs Travis Benjamin, Brandon Marshall, Steve Smith, Emmanuel Sanders, Kelvin Benjamin, Alshon Jeffery, Mike Evans, Cole Beasley, Jordan Matthews, Marvin Jones, Jarvis Landry, T.Y. Hilton, DeSean Jackson, Michael Crabtree.

Roll ‘em back

Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions vs. Eagles. He’s coming off his worst game of the season (against a depleted Bears defense) and now he’ll face one of the league’s stingiest pass defenses refreshed from a week of rest. Don’t be surprised if Stafford disappoints in consecutive weeks.

Matt Forte, RB, Jets at Steelers. Forte is not the workhorse many thought he would be, he’s dealing with rib and ankle injuries and his talents as a receiver are being ignored. Bilal Powell is coming on strong, pushing Forte further out of the picture. They’ll both face a stout Pittsburgh run defense that, aside from its implosion against the Eagles, has been very belligerent to opposing backs.

Terrelle Pryor, WR, Browns vs. Patriots. Bill Belichick is a master of taking away the opposition’s most dangerous weapon. And that, by far, is Pryor. Look for the Patriots defense to be keyed on the versatile player, daring Cody Kessler and the Cleveland backs to beat them.

Stefon Diggs, WR, Vikings vs. Texans. After getting off to a rousing start, Diggs hasn’t crossed the 50-receiving-yard plateau in the last two games. He and his surprisingly effective quarterback will be tested Sunday by the league’s statistically best pass defense.

Will Fuller, WR, Texans at Vikings. It’s hard to bench a player coming off a breakout performance. But his gaudy statistics came at the expense of the Titans, who don’t hold a candle to Minnesota’s ferocious defenders. Fuller comes with a mountain of risk in this matchup.

More thumbs down: QBs Ryan Tannehill, Jameis Winston, Tyrod Taylor, Sam Bradford, Brock Osweiler, Marcus Mariota; RBs Tevin Coleman, Jay Ajayi, Ryan Mathews, Latavius Murray, Charles Sims, Matt Jones, Orleans Darkwa, Derrick Henry, Theo Riddick; WRs Markus Wheaton, Golden Tate, Anquan Boldin, DeVante Parker, Mohamed Sanu, Vincent Jackson, Brandon LaFell, Tajae Sharp.

TAKING A FLIER

James White, RB, Patriots at Browns. His receiving prowess has mostly been squandered by New England’s backup QBs. That should change on Sunday as the Patriots’ aerial attack gets its top gun back. White won’t help much on the ground, but he’s likely to be the second-most targeted receiver of the day.

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…sits Larry Fitzgerald against the 49ers on Thursday night, just because Carson Palmer is out. Oh wait. That was me. Never mind.