2012 Fantasy Football: 5 Overrated Starters for Week 6

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When you drafted your team in late August or early September, you had every intention of rolling with your studs each and every week—no matter what.

That theory is a tried-and-true method and something I mostly endorse. However, now that we’re nearly a third of the way through the season and gotten a good look at our players, sometimes you have to make some gutsy decisions and sit your studs on some occasions.

I’m not speaking in absolutes here. If you have no capable backups, you have every right to roll with your studs. All that said, the following players could struggle this week, and if you have some viable alternatives on your bench, think long and hard about starting them this week.

Matt Stafford, Detroit Lions

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The Lions seem to be suffering from a playoff hangover this year, as the whole team seems to be out of whack.  The Lions’ high-octane offense has not got in gear yet and some of that blame falls on the shoulders of Stafford.

Sure, injuries have had an effect on Stafford this year and that is part of the reason why he gets mentioned in this space. So far this season, Stafford has only three touchdowns through four games. He has to pick up that pace in order to justify his early-round draft status.

This week Stafford has the unenviable task of trying to pass on the Eagles’ secondary. Playing on the road against the ninth-ranked pass defense is not a remedy for success this week.

Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots

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Between him being part of a very crowded backfield and playing on the road against a very stout run defense, Ridley has all the makings of a disappointment this week.

The Seahawks run defense is no joke and now rank third in the league in rushing yards allowed (66.6 YPG). Expect Tom Brady and the Pats to try to win this game through the air. Besides, Ridley has to share carries with perhaps three other running backs in Brandon Bolden, Danny Woodhead and Shane Vereen.

Ridley is a stud and should be a week-in and week out-starter, but he could prove to be a letdown this week.

Victor Cruz, New York Giants

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If you expect any salsa dances this week, you could be waiting a while.

Cruz is also a no-brainer start each and every week, but the 49ers will likely game-plan on stopping him and letting others beat them. The 49ers, as most of you already know, have a great secondary and allow the second-fewest receiving yards allowed (193.8).

Although Hakeem Nicks is expected back this weekend, he may not be at 100 percent. So expect the 49ers to roll a lot of their coverage toward Cruz on Sunday.

Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots

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This is all tied into the health of Gronkowski. He has been a trooper playing through a nagging hip injury.

Gronkowski has been erratic so far this season, having recorded a 21-yard and a 35-yard performance sandwiched around a 105-yard and a one-touchdown showing in his last three games.

With Aaron Hernandez expected back this week, expect Brady to spread the wealth. I’m not suggesting you should sit Gronkowski, but temper expectations.

DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys

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Murray has not broken through on his promise this year after an encouraging rookie campaign last season.

Murray has rushed for a pedestrian 237 yards (which equates to a paltry 59 yards per game) and scoring only one touchdown on the young season. However, it’s not all Murray’s fault.

For some reason the Cowboys seem to be in love with pass and don’t feed Murray as much as they should. Murray has received only 61 carries on the year. The one time Murray did receive 20 carries in a game was in Week 1 against the Giants and that’s when he had his best day, rushing for 131 yards.

In addition, the Ravens are still one of the most feared defensive units, and with the way the Cowboys offensive line has been performing lately, Murray might have a hard time finding adequate running room.

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