Fantasy Football's Week Six Starts and Sits

By Chad Samuels

Week five is on the books and we are barreling into the heart of the fantasy football schedule: week six. Two tough defenses have a bye with Pittsburgh and Tennessee. Also, one cupcake defense is off this week in Kansas City.

Start of the Week

One QB that has overachieved this season is Jason Campbell. Most people will remember his poor outing week one versus the Giants.

Since then Jason has made strides at QB putting up stats that, with the correct match-up, make him not just a viable option, but a very good one. 

Last week he navigated the Eagles' rush defense and got sacked only once. (Give the OL a gift, Jason). He also avoided the dangerous pitfalls of an elite Eagles’ secondary.

He did not throw a TD but he made good decisions with the ball. The Eagles took away Santana Moss; he adjusted and found Chris Cooley. Did I also mention he has not thrown an interception this season in 159 pass attempts?

Now this week he will play against St. Louis. The Rams are giving up an average 250 yards and two TDs a game this season. Granted, the Rams are coming off a bye, there has been a coaching change, and the Rams should come ready to play.

Still, I like what Jim Zorn has done with this offense and the whole Redskin coaching staff has proven adept and adjusting in-game. I can see Campbell reaching those benchmarks. The only thing that prevents him from exceeding is how much offense Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts steal from the passing game.

Start Them at QB

If there is a defensive team worse than the St. Louis Rams it has to be the Detroit Lions. Also, interestingly enough, Cleveland (horrible passing defense last year) traded Leigh Bodden to the Lions and now the Browns are giving up an average of 18.2 ppg.

The point is Detroit made Kyle Orton look like a pro bowler last week and they will do the same with Gus Frerotte this week. His receivers concern me a little, though, so look at him as a bye week replacement only. 

New England got on track last week and Matt Cassel played a solid game. San Diego has given up some chunks of passing yardage plus touchdowns. Look for Matt Cassel to be a solid play for you QB-by-committee owners.

The Jets have given up lots of passing yards. This week they get Cincinnati at home. Carson Palmer should play and despite the dysfunctional locker room, and should rebound. I know some of you have benched Palmer for other options in previous weeks. Get him in your lineup this week.

Start Them at RB

Life without Bob Sanders benefits LeRon McClain this week. Indianapolis is giving up 29 fantasy points a game to running backs. Larry Johnson and Marshawn Lynch owners take note. If you can acquire this guy you will not miss a beat this week.

Denver has also  been giving up 125 yards on the ground and a TD a game. This week the Broncos play the Jaguars and true enough, they employ a RB-by-committee approach. Maurice Jones-Drew has been forgotten, but I like his chances to rebound this week with at least 40 yards and a touchdown. It is not quite the benchmark for this article but he is worth the start.

Houston has improved in past weeks from their dismal start but still over the past three weeks they are giving up 97 yards per game and more than a touchdown per game. Look for Thomas Jones to play well this week.

Start Them at WR

If Jason Campbell is the start of the week, that means someone should be catching the ball. The main beneficiary will be Santana Moss, but he is a must-start already. Look for Antwan Randle El to make a splash this week as well.

There is a WR who is beginning to emerge in Oakland. I like Johnnie Lee Higgins to put up solid numbers versus New Orleans. Too bad Al Davis has proven yet again how not to run a football team and fired Lane Kiffin. The team might have actually developed into something good.

Look for Donald Driver to make some plays as Marcus Trufant will contain Greg Jennings this week. Jennings will get his share of looks, but Rodgers will have to throw the ball around and that means good things for Driver.

Of the wideouts Minnesota has I like Bernard Berrian the best to have a good day. (unless they split Adrian Peterson out wide). I also like Arizona’s Steve Breaston to make enough plays versus Dallas to be start worthy.

Start Them at TE

Anthony Fasano failed in his bid versus San Diego last week, but do not be so down on him to bench him. He gets a Houston defense that is ranked fifth in fantasy points per game. If you have a stud, start the stud. If you don’t, give Fasano a go this week.

Ben Watson gets the Chargers this week. Though he hasn't played well so far this year the Chargers could be the recipe to have him break into fantasy respectability.

Look for Greg Olsen to play well this week versus a Falcons defense that ranks sixth for most fantasy points allowed.

Start Them at Defense

Ironically the Vikings' defense is on the waiver wire for one of my fantasy leagues, versus a bad Detroit team. Look for Minnesota to dominate all phases of the game.

Washington is one of the more underrated defenses out there and the Rams have offensive line issues. Give them a go.

Green Bay draws a Seattle team that just has not played well. Start the Packers this week. Most importantly, which players do we sit that could otherwise kill your team's chances?

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