Randall Cobb and DeMarco Murray Down, Jimmy Graham on a Bye: What to Do?

Anita Marks

Oct 16, 2013

Week 6 of our fantasy football season threw us a few curve balls, so let's try to avoid striking out!

Top-name players went down, with none more disappointing than Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (leg) and Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (knee). Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (foot) was injured in the Patriots game but has this bye week to rest up and be ready to roll in Week 8 against the Bills.

A few unexpected players out-kicked their coverage in Week 6, and we can only hope their newfound success will continue in Week 7.

TOP NEWS

Week 6 studs

Larry Fitzgerald with 20 FF points—there is a fantasy football God after all.
Justin Blackmon with 18 FF points—two weeks in a row can't be a fluke.
Keenan Allen caught nine passes for 107 yards with a TD. I love the chemistry building between Allen and Philip Rivers.
Vincent Jackson put up 30 FF points. Maybe a new QB is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Vernon Davis has 180 yards and two TDs. Thirty-eight FF points from a tight end? Amazing.
Cam Newton had 242 yards and four TDs (one rushing)—talk about a bounce-back week!
Nick Foles got players 35 FF points. Can you say "quarterback controversy"?
Brandon Jacobs and Stevan Ridley each offered 22 FF points to their committed owners.

Coming up in Week 7, the Raiders and Saints are on a bye. And with some top-name players injured, one might be in need of some fantasy advice ahead of lineup deadlines...

Waiver-wire pickup suggestions

QBs

Nick Foles versus the Cowboys. He's getting the start over Vick, and the Dallas defense is giving up over 20 FF points to QBs on the road.
Josh Freeman at the Giants. His first start for the Vikings, but it's against a Giants defense with only five sacks in six games.

RBs

Brandon Jacobs versus the Vikings. He will have to carry the load for the Giants against a Vikings defense giving up the most FF points to running backs on the road.
Joseph Randle at the Eagles. The Eagles are currently giving up 15 FF points to opposing running backs.
Ryan Mathews at the Jaguars. Coming off a 100-yard game against the Colts, he's looking for an even better performance in Jacksonville.

WRs

Justin Blackmon has 19 catches for 326 yards and a TD in two games coming into Week 7 against the Chargers.
T.Y. Hilton versus the Broncos. Denver's defense is giving up a ton of FF points to WRs on the road.
Keenan Allen comes into the tilt against the Jaguars with 222 yards in two weeks.
Kenbrell Thompkins at the Jets. Heroics from last week will hopefully continue in the Big Apple.
Greg Jennings at the Giants. A new QB could bring newfound life. Welcome, Josh Freeman.
Harry Douglas versus the Bucs. With Julio Jones out and Roddy White limited, Douglas' role should increase.

TEs

Brent Celek versus the Cowboys—he always plays well against the Cowboys.
Jeff Cumberland versus the Patriots. He is a rookie QB's security blanket.

Players who are owned but are MUST-STARTS in Week 7

QBs

Jay Cutler at Washington. Washington's defense is giving up 25 FF points to opposing QBs in DC.

Andrew Luck versus Denver. He'll want to outshine Peyton Manning on prime time, baby!

RBs

Eddie Lacy versus the Browns. The Packers will look to run the ball more with the loss of Randall Cobb.
Giovani Bernard @ Lions. Detroit's defense is giving up the second most FF points to opposing RBs in the Motor City

WRs

Josh Gordon at Packers. Green Bay's defense is way too kind to opposing wideouts.
Mike Wallace versus the Bills. Buffalo's defense is allowing opposing wideout to score over 30 FF points while at home.

TEs

Jermichael Finley versus the Browns. He will be playing more wide receiver with the loss of Randall Cobb.
Kyle Rudolph at the Giants. Giants linebackers could be in for a long night.

Reminder: A few quality fantasy football players are returning to the field, off the PUP or short-term IR. If you have room on your bench and the opportunity arises, I highly recommend you plan for your future and consider one of these names: