WEEK 6 START ‘EM, SIT ‘EM

Week 5 Top Performers:

 

QB:

• Deshaun Watson – 28/33 attempts – 426 yards – 5 TD’s / 4 carries – 47 yards
• Matt Ryan – 32/46 attempts – 330 yards – 3 TD’s – 1 INT / 3 carries – 7 yards – 1 TD
• Russell Wilson – 17/23 attempts – 268 yards – 4 TD’s / 8 carries – 32 yards
• Teddy Bridgewater – 26/34 attempts – 314 yards – 4 TD’s – 1 INT / 5 carries – 7yards
• Dak Prescott – 27/44 attempts – 463 yards – 2 TD’s – 3 INT’s / 4 carries – 27 yards

RB:

• Aaron Jones – 19 carries – 107 yards – 4 TD’s / 7 receptions – 75 yards
• Christian McCaffrey – 19 carries – 176 yards – 2 TD’s / 6 receptions – 61 yards – 1 TD
• Josh Jacobs – 26 carries – 123 yards – 2 TD’s / 3 receptions – 20 yards
• Matt Breida – 11 carries – 114 yards – 1 TD / 3 receptions – 15 yards – 1 TD
• Dalvin Cook – 21 carries – 132 yards / 6 receptions – 86 yards

WR:

• Will Fuller – 14 receptions – 217 yards – 3 TD’s
• Michael Thomas – 11 receptions – 182 yards – 2 TD’s
• Amari Cooper – 11 receptions – 226 yards – 1 TD
• D.J. Chark – 8 receptions – 164 yards – 2 TD’s
• Adam Thielen – 7 receptions – 130 yards – 2 TD’s

TE:

• George Kittle – 6 receptions – 70 yards – 1 TD / 1 carry – 18 yards
• Gerald Everett – 7 receptions – 136 yards
• Darren Fells – 2 receptions – 20 yards – 2 TD’s
• Zach Ertz – 5 receptions – 57 yards – 1 TD
• Jared Cook – 4 receptions – 41 yards – 1 TD

 

Criteria for the Start/Sit categories

 Auto start players would be guys you don’t have to think twice about, guys that will be starters no matter the matchup. Starters are players that are most likely in your lineups unless you have auto start players that can be played in their spot instead. Sit players are players I’m not playing in lineups based on the matchup and other possible reasons.  I would not play these players in the sit category unless your options are limited. Don’t Sweat It players are players that are irrelevant at the moment, they should be nowhere near your starting lineups.

 

GIANTS @ PATRIOTS

 Auto Start: 

• Saquon Barkley (IF HEALTHY)
• Evan Engram (IF HEALTHY)
• Julian Edelman

Start:

• Sterling Shephard (IF HEALTHY)
• Tom Brady
• Sony Michel
• James White

Sit: 

• Daniel Jones
• Golden Tate
• Darius Slayton
• Josh Gordon

Don’t Sweat It:

• Wayne Gallman (INJURED)
• Jonathon Hilliman
• Elijhaa Penny
• Brandon Bolden
• Matt LaCosse

Conclusion:

So the Giants didn’t look too hot last week with injuries to Evan Engram, Sterling Shephard, and Wayne Gallman but fear no more Saquon Barkley is back….hopefully.  If so it should open up the field a tad more for Daniel Jones and as much as I want to tell you to start Darius Slayton I understand that you can’t.  The same goes for Golden Tate, that being said, the most important word in fantasy football is OPPORTUNITY.  For the Patriots, play the chalk. Julian Edelman, Sony Michel, and James White should all continue to hold a safe floor especially White when he pulls in 7.5 targets per game.

PANTHERS @ BUCCANEERS

Auto Start:

• Christian McCaffery
• Jameis Winston
• Chris Godwin

Start:

• DJ Moore
• Curtis Samuel
• Greg Olsen
• Ronald Jones
• Mike Evans

Sit: 

• Kyle Allen
• Peyton Barber
• O.J. Howard

Don’t Sweat It:

• Jarius Wright
• Dare Ogunbowale
• Cameron Brate

Conclusion:

Can I just say start everyone? Oh, wait I just did, start ‘em all.  Between Christian McCaffery’s big week to DJ Moore snagging 91 yards, there are points to be had.  Keep an eye on McCaffery this week who is currently dealing with a back injury.  If he doesn’t play, all wide receivers get moved up in my weekly rankings especially against a Buccaneers offense who’s averaging 35 plus pass plays per game.  Speaking of the Bucs Chris Godwin continues to shine bright and despite how well he’s playing Jameis Winston has stated the Bucs must involve Mike Evans more if they want to win.  Don’t bench Evans, there’s a solid shot he and Godwin both show up in Week 6.

BENGALS @ RAVENS

Auto Start:

• Tyler Boyd
• Lamar Jackson
• Mark Ingram
• Mark Andrews

Start:

• Joe Mixon
• Marquise Brown

Sit:

• Andy Dalton
• Gio Bernard
• Auden Tate
• Tyler Eifert
• Gus Edwards
• Justice Hill
• Willie Snead

Don’t Sweat It:

• John Ross III (OUT)
• Miles Boykin
• Hayden Hurst

Conclusion:

It’s possible to label the Bengals as the worst defense in the NFL and not Miami which is why Mark Ingram is in a must play situation this week.  I’m going to make this one short because I only like a few guys on both teams and it’s the same players most gamers are playing anyways.  For the Bengals, Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon and that’s about it.  For the Ravens, I’m going to continue banking on Marquise Brown as a solid play especially if a banged up Mark Andrews doesn’t end up playing.  That being said, Andrews is trending towards starting making both playable options in Week 6 against a Cincinnati defense that’s ranked 31st in the NFL against the pass.

SEAHAWKS @ BROWNS

Auto Start:

• Russell Wilson
• Tyler Lockett
• Nick Chubb

Start:

• Chris Carson
• Will Dissly
• Jarvis Landry

Sit:

• DK Metcalf
• Baker Mayfield
• Odell Beckham Jr.

Don’t Sweat It:

• Rashaad Penny
• C.J. Prosise
• David Moore
• Jaron Brown
• Dontrelle Hilliard
• Ricky Seals-Jones

Conclusion:

Every week I get to Cleveland’s portion of this article and every week I tell people I expect a bounce-back week.  Well not anymore I’M DONE but watch this might be the week they figure it out and thus the cycle continues. Nick Chubb has been the only source of consistency in this offense but for everyone else, I’m not willing to push my chips in on these receivers anymore until I’m proven wrong.  For the Seahawks, I’m in on Chris Carson, I’m in on Will Dissly, and I don’t even think twice about Russell Wilson anymore aka the best QB in the league.

SAINTS @ JAGUARS

Auto Start:

• Alvin Kamara
• Michael Thomas
• Leonard Fournette
• D.J. Chark

Start:

• Gardner Minshew II

Sit:

• Teddy Bridgewater
• Latavius Murray
• Tedd Ginn Jr.
• Dede Westbrook
• Chris Conley

Don’t Sweat It:

• Taysom Hill
• Tre’Quan Smith
• Jared Cook
• Ryquell Armstead
• Marquise Lee
• James O’Shaughnessy
• Geoff Swaim

Conclusion:

I’m a big fan of this matchup because every player you expect to start is starting. Everyone except Teddy Bridgewater who I’ve decided not to chase after last week’s points.  Out everyone, I expect Leonard Fournette to run the show instead of Chark. Speaking of the Jags WR1, DJ Chark is looking to be like last year’s Tyler Boydish type of breakout.  No one expected this type of performance and these types of players are what I look forward to every season.  The time to trade for him is now before it’s too late. After Week 6 the Jaguars get to play the Bengals, Jets, Texans, and Colts.  All favorable matchups and that’s a lot of fantasy points to miss out on from what looks to be a top 15 finish from Chark given the schedule.

TEXANS @ CHIEFS

Auto Start:

• Deshaun Watson
• DeAndre Hopkins
• Patrick Mahomes
• Tyreek Hill (IF HEALTHY)
• Travis Kelce

Start:

• Will Fuller V
• Mecole Hardman

Sit:

• Carlos Hyde
• Duke Johnson Jr.
• Keke Coutee
• Damien Williams
• LeSean McCoy
• Sammy Watkins
• Byron Pringle
• Demarcus Robinson

Don’t Sweat It:

• Darren Fells
• Jordan Akins

Conclusion:

MATCHUP OF THE WEEK ALERT, MATCHUP OF THE WEEK ALERT.  The only tough decision you may have to make this week is who to play at wide receiver for the Chiefs.  Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins are both questionable leaving Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle as the primary options outside of Travis Kelce.  If I had to choose one I’m leaning towards Pringle who finds ways to get open.  As for the running backs, I’m avoiding all options.

REDSKINS @ DOLPHINS

Auto Start:

• NONE

Start:

• Terry McLaurin

Sit:

• Case Keenum
• Chris Thompson
• Adrian Peterson
• Paul Richardson Jr.
• ALL DOLPHINS

Don’t Sweat It:

• Colt McCoy & Dwayne Haskins
• Derrius Guice
• Trey Quinn
• Vernon Davis

Conclusion:

This summary will be the shortest of the season. Start Terry McLaurin and no one else on either team.  I cannot stress this enough, DON’T OVERTHINK IT.

EAGLES @ VIKINGS

Auto Start:

• Zach Ertz
• Dalvin Cook
• Adam Thielen

Start:

• Carson Wentz
• Alshon Jeffery

Sit:

• Jordan Howard
• Miles Sanders
• DeSean Jackson
• Kirk Cousins
• Stefon Diggs

Don’t Sweat It:

• Nelson Agholor
• Mack Hollins
• JJ Arcega-Whiteside
• Dallas Goedert
• Alexander Mattison
• Kyle Rudolph & Irv Smith Jr.

Conclusion:

Following last week’s performance from Adam Thielen I think it’s time to re-evaluate his situation because we are finally seeing some consistency in this passing offense. That being said, this is still Dalvin Cook’s offense to lose and if you’re Stefon Diggs you’ve already lost it. It’s Week 6 with only one playable performance for Diggs and if you’re an owner I believe it’s time to move on, the writing is on the wall at this point.  For the Eagles, Jordan Howard gets bailed out every week by scoring a touchdown and I don’t know how many more times I can tell you to bench him.  Alshon Jeffery and Zach Ertz are currently the only pass-catchers to worry about, that is until DeSean Jackson comes back which looks to be in the near future.

FALCONS @ CARDINALS

Auto Start:

• Matt Ryan
• Julio Jones
• Austin Hooper
• Kyler Murray

Start:

• Calvin Ridley
• Larry Fitzgerald
• Christian Kirk (START if healthy)
• Chase Edmonds

Sit:

• Devonta Freeman
• Ito Smith
• Mohamed Sanu
• David Johnson (HURT)

Don’t Sweat It:

• KeeSean Johnson

Conclusion:

This is a top fantasy matchup this week with how poor both defenses have been playing this season.  For those who don’t know, Arizona gives up the most points to Tight ends in the NFL. Combine that with how well Austin Hooper’s putting together points week-to-week and you’re looking at another top 5 finish in Week 6.  For the Cardinals, there are plenty of other tougher decisions outside of Kyler Murray and Larry Fitzgerald. Christian Kirk is currently dealing with an ankle injury but is projected to play this week against the Falcons.  David Johnson also appears to be injured and will be a game-time decision.  I’m not taking any chances on this one so consider Chase Edmonds against a defense nearly as bad as the Cardinals if not worse.

49ERS @ RAMS

Auto Start:

• George Kittle
• Cooper Kupp

Start:

• Matt Breida
• Todd Gurley (START if healthy)
• Robert Woods
• Gerald Everett

Sit:

• Jimmy Garoppolo
• Tevin Coleman
• Dante Pettis 
• Deebo Samuel
• Jared Goff
• Malcolm Brown & Darrell Henderson
• Brandin Cooks (HURT)
• Josh Reynolds

Don’t Sweat It:

• Jeff Wilson Jr.
• Raheem Mostert
• Marquise Goodwin

Conclusion:

The 49ers are somehow undefeated however their record could be a product of an easy schedule.  Well, now they get their first challenge against the Rams who are looking to get a divisional win after taking a divisional loss last week to the Seahawks.  I don’t believe it’s necessary to start Jimmy Garoppolo because I guarantee there are better options with how many favorable matchups there are this week, this is not one of them.  Between Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida, I lean towards Matt Breida but they both could be viable options similar to last week. Matt Breida to me has the athletic ability to break off more big plays and for that reason, he gets the start.  Not much to talk about with the Rams, if you’re thin at Tight end (most people are) Gerald Everett may be a new passing option for Jared Goff.  This may be a tough matchup to chase after last week’s points. 

TITANS @ BRONCOS

Auto Start:

• NONE

Start: 

• Derrick Henry
• Phillip Lindsay
• Emmanuel Sanders
• Courtland Sutton

Sit:

• Marcus Mariota
• A.J. Brown
• Corey Davis
• Adam Humphries
• Delanie Walker
• Joe Flacco
• Royce Freeman

Don’t Sweat It: 

• Dion Lewis
• Tajae Sharpe
• Jonnu Smith
• DaeSean Hamilton
• Noah Fant

Conclusion:

Last week Keenan Allen was shut down by Denver’s defense and for that reason, I’m avoiding all pass-catching options for the Titans.  Derrick Henry is the guy to own in this offense and I don’t see that changing for the rest of this season.  For the Broncos, WE GOT A WIN LAST WEEK!!! Phillip Lindsay is the running back to play in this offense even against the Titans defense who are a top run defense in the league.  I’m starting to warm up to Courtland Sutton now after watching him produce at a consistent level week-to-week. IF ONLY WE HAD A QB I think guys like Sutton and Sanders would be producing at a much higher level.  That being said, we don’t have to bench them because the volume speaks for itself.

COWBOYS @ JETS

Auto Start:

• Dak Prescott
• Ezekiel Elliot
• Amari Cooper
• Le’Veon Bell

Start:

• Michael Gallup
• Robby Anderson

Sit:

• Jason Witten
• Sam Darnold
• Jamison Crowder
• Vyncint Smith
• Chris Herndon (HURT)

Don’t Sweat It:

• Tony Pollard
• Luke Falk
• Ty Montgomery

Conclusion:

Michael Gallup is the only debatable start in this matchup but I still plan to start him with the Jets being awful as they are.  Everyone else is a must-play for the Cowboys. For the Jets, I really like Lev Bell this week with Sam Darnold back. Had Chris Herndon not gotten injured following his 4 game suspension, I would have told people to start Darnold but that being said I will continue to avoid all Jets except for Bell who continues to average 17.8 carries a game. 

STEELERS @ CHARGERS

Auto Start:

• Keenan Allen

Start:

• James Conner
• JuJu Smith-Schuster
• Vance McDonald
• Phillip Rivers
• Melvin Gordon & Austin Ekeler
• Mike Williams

Sit:

• Devlin Hodges
• Diontae Johnson
• Hunter Henry

Don’t Sweat It:

• Jaylen Samuels
• James Washington (HURT)

Conclusion:

I’d be lying if I said I’m not worried about the Steelers and how can you not be? We’re down to a 3rd string QB in Devlin Hodges and I just don’t have it in me to tell people to bench JuJu Smith-Schuster it’s just not going to happen.  I do love Vance McDonald this week who should be Hodges safety valve in the passing game. For the Chargers, Phillip Rivers and Keenan Allen WILL improve after last week’s abysmal performance and I think the Steelers are the perfect team for the bounceback. In addition, it might finally be time for Melvin Gordon to do Melvin Gordon things again which is why I’m starting him in 100% of my leagues.

LIONS @ PACKERS

Auto Start:

• Kerryon Johnson
• Kenny Golladay
• Aaron Rodgers

Start:

• Matt Stafford
• Aaron Jones
• Davante Adams (START if healthy)

Sit:

• Marvin Jones Jr.
• MVS & Geronimo Allison
• Jimmy Graham

Don’t Sweat It:

• Danny Amendola
• T.J. Hockensen (HURT)
• Jamaal Williams
• Jake Kumerow

Conclusion:

The Lions are back in Week 6 and after watching the Packers give up 100 plus yards to multiple Dallas wide receivers last week I’m expecting Kenny Golladay to be a top performer in Week 6 even against Jaire Alexander who has been playing at an elite level.  I love Kerryon Johnson as well especially when the Packers give up an average of 32.6 points per game to running backs.  For the Packers, Aaron Jones had 4 touchdowns Week 5 and I think he has a solid chance of having a top performance again in Week 6 especially if Davante Adams sits for the second straight week. This should be a fun game to watch for what’s been a lackluster season of Monday night matchups through 5 weeks.

 

For more in-depth content, check out the Tuddy Talk podcast on Soundcloud by clicking the link below:

https://soundcloud.com/kxtg-teeing-it-up