Fantasy Football Sunday Morning Start 'Em or Sit 'Em Decisions: Week 6

Eric StashinOct 16, 2011

Just hours before the start of Week 6, I know many people have questions running through their heads. Who should I start? Who should I sit? Let’s take a look at how some of the recent news changes things:

Jahvid Best – Detroit Lions – Running Back

I know everyone wants to like him this week. It makes sense after he ripped off 163 yards in Week 5 against the Bears. However, keep a few things in mind:

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He has had 12 carries or fewer each of the past three weeks. That means, unless he breaks a long run or finds the end zone (he’s scored three total touchdowns this season), he has limited upside.
The San Francisco 49ers have gone 27 consecutive games without allowing a 100-yard rusher (according to Adam Rank of nfl.com). On the year, they are allowing 76.4 rushing yards/game and have yet to allow a running back to score a touchdown.

For the desperate, he may be usable, but he’s a low-end option at best. Look towards your other options this week.

Daniel Thomas – Miami Dolphins – Running Back

At this point, Thomas has been listed as questionable against the Jets for Monday night’s game. It puts owners in a tough situation, considering there are no alternatives should you roll the dice and he ultimately misses the game.

According to Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald (click here for the post), “I expect Thomas to travel, but I know the Dolphins put a lot of practice reps on Lex Hilliard this week. Thomas last week said he would play against New York. So we’ll see.”

It all depends on your other options at this point against a Jets defense that has been porous against the run (134.8 rushing yards/game and 8 TD), though the Jets could be hungry to prove last week’s performance by BenJarvus Green-Ellis (136 yards and 2 TD) was an aberration.

If you have a viable alternative, the risk outweighs the reward (considering the team has been preparing for life without him).

Felix Jones – Dallas Cowboys – Running Back

Brandon George of the Dallas News (click here for the article) recently posted a quote from Jones saying, “It’s still not 100 percent. I’m just trying to play through it and contribute and help out with my team.” The injury he is talking about is to his shoulder, an ailment that he has been dealing with since Week 2.

The hope was that the bye week would help him fully heal, but that clearly is not the case. While it is a concern, Jones has remained fairly productive and should remain the team’s lead back.

He’s a viable RB2 this week given the other injuries around the league, though the potential for a shootout could limit his value. It all depends on your other options, but I’d consider him more of a last resort.

Mike Williams – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Wide Receiver

He’s been terrible this season with 19 receptions for 183 yards and 1 TD through five games. His biggest game is a mere 66 yards and his lone TD came in the first game of the season. What exactly has gone wrong? It’s impossible to say, other than it’s a classic sophomore slump.

However, the Buccaneers will need him this week in what figures to be a shootout with the New Orleans Saints (a team that has allowed 10 receiving touchdowns already). A year ago, he totaled just 8 receptions for 85 yard and 1 TD in two games against the Saints, so it’s not like the history is there.

However, he has upside, and the Buccaneers figure to be a little bit more pass-oriented without LeGarrette Blount. In three-receiver formats he is viable (though not as a FLEX depending on your other options), though that’s about it.

Rashard Mendenhall – Pittsburgh Steelers – Running Back

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (click here for the article), “Rashard Mendenhall will start after dressing but not playing against the Titans because of a hamstring injury. And Isaac Redman will be the No. 2 back again after starting against the Titans.” Mendenhall is the back to use (obviously) and is a recommended option as a RB2 in all formats.

Owen Daniels – Houston Texans – Tight End

He has a difficult matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, at least on paper. However, with safety Tom Zbikowski out this week, things may not be quite as bad as they appear.

Without Andre Johnson, he once again figures to get a significant number of looks. In Week 5, he was targeted 11 times, picking up 7 receptions for 89 yards and 0 TD. A similar line would not be impossible, making him a good play in all formats.

Jay Cutler – Chicago Bears – Quarterback

As I’ve said before, it could be a very long day for Cutler. Forget about the fact that his wide receiving corps is unspectacular and undependable. Cutler enters the day having been sacked 18 times, tied for the league lead.

Do you know who is second in the league in sacks by a defense? That’s right, Cutler’s opponent in Week 6, the Minnesota Vikings. It could be a long day for the Chicago QB. I would consider him more of a QB2 for today’s games.

Make sure to check out the rest of Rotoprofessor’s Week 6 information: