Week 6 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Highlighting Matchups to Exploit and Avoid

It's uncommon in fantasy football that pretty much ever player from a team is either worth starting or sitting based upon the upcoming matchup, but every week a few games fit that billing. Matchups aren't everything in fantasy football, of course, but they're a pretty big thing.

Below, we'll break down this week's best and worst matchups for fantasy players. Spoiler alert: It's a good week to be a Manning.

Start 'Em: Denver Broncos

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This one is pretty easy. You're starting your the Broncos options in the passing game—Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas—pretty much every week, but against the New York Jets the matchup is really tasty. 

The Jets are 29th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks per week, 27th in points given up to wide receivers each week and 25th in points allowed to opposing tight ends per contest. Perhaps former NFL player Willie McGinest said it best, via NFL Media PR:

Even Ronnie Hillman is worth flex consideration this week, as he steps in for Montee Ball. Sure, the Jets are allowing just 83 rushing yards per week, sixth in the NFL, but San Diego's running backs torched them for 159 rushing yards and a score. Plus, Hillman should have more than a few opportunities in the red zone to poach a touchdown, so if you're in a pinch at your flex give him a start. 

Sit 'Em: St. Louis Rams

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While you'd have to be in a crazy-deep league to even consider starting Austin Davis, Jared Cook and Kenny Britt, more than a few fantasy owners will consider starting Zac Stacy or Brian Quick against the San Francisco 49ers this week.

Here's a word of advice: don't. 

The Niners are third in points allowed to opposing quarterbacks per week, third in points allowed to opposing running backs per week, ninth in points allowed to tight ends per week and in the last two games have given up just 20 fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, an excellent mark. 

This is a good defense, folks. Stay away from the Rams this week.

Start 'Em: New York Giants

The Philadelphia Eagles are 31st in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks per week, 19th in points given up to running backs per game and 32nd in points allowed to wide receivers per week. That makes Eli Manning a solid QB1, Victor Cruz a solid WR1, Andre Williams a nice RB2 and Rueben Randle a sneaky flex consideration.

Heck, in deeper leagues you can consider giving Odell Beckham Jr. a start. The Eagles certainly know they'll have their hands full trying to slow down Manning and company.

"Eli seems very comfortable in the scheme, he's getting the ball out a lot faster than he did before," Eagles coach Chip Kelly told Matt Lombardo of NJ.com.

The one position the Eagles have been stingy against is tight end, allowing just 4.8 fantasy points to the position per week, seventh in the NFL. They haven't exactly faced any elite options this season, however—remember, Vernon Davis didn't play when the Eagles faced San Francisco—and Larry Donnell has been a force in the red zone this season. 

Donnell is a low-end TE1, though don't be shocked if he's ignored as Manning picks apart his favorable matchups on the outside at the expense of his tight end. 

Sit 'Em: Minnesota Vikings

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Maybe you've been relying on Matt Asiata in recent weeks. Perhaps you think Jerick McKinnon could be a sneaky flex this week. Maybe you are in a deeper league and are considering giving Teddy Bridgewater a shot. Perhaps you're desperate and don't mind rolling the dice on Cordarrelle Patterson or Jarius Wright.

Stop. Just stop.

The Detroit Lions are ninth in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs per week and fourth in points sacrificed to wide receivers (for what it's worth, they're also first against in points allowed to quarterbacks). They're tied for sixth in the NFL with 12 sacks, first in total yards allowed per game (282.4) and second in points allowed per week (15.8).

This is not the week to start your Vikings, folks.

All point totals and points-against statistics via ESPN standard scoring leagues. Hit me up on Twitter—I'll answer your fantasy questions and make some corny jokes, too. It's more fun than Russell Wilson imitating a chicken with its head cut off.