Wide Receiver Fantasy Rankings: Week Six

Must Starts

Plaxico Burress vs. Cleveland

Plax’s comments, for better or worse, really pinned him as the bad guy this week and he’s taken a lot of heat in both New York and the national media. However, inside the Giants’ locker room, it’s really been a non-issue, and both the team and receiver are ready to move on.

In a game in which the Giants should begin by pounding the ball and establishing the ground game with Jacobs and Co., I see the Browns being forced to bring a safety up to help out, leaving their corners alone on an island. Once this happens, if the Giants can control the line of scrimmage—which they should be able to do—look for Manning and Plax to become reacquainted early and often.

I see No. 17 reeling in eight or nine catches for 100 and a TD.

 

Greg Jennings vs. Seattle

If there’s one thing Seattle’s done well thus far, it’s give up a lot of points. Green Bay comes in reeling a bit after three consecutive losses, but Jennings has produced in spite of those results.

He and Rodgers have really developed a strong rapport and I see them putting up solid numbers through the air in this one. Green Bay’s inability to run this year has hurt the play action, but has helped the overall passing numbers because they’re constantly being put into situations where they need to throw.

In what should be a high scoring affair, look for Jennings to abuse CB Marcus Trufant or Kelly Jennings and put the ball in the end zone with at least 100 yards through the air.

 

DeSean Jackson vs. San Francisco

If you’ve seen the back of No. 22 Nate Clements a lot this year, raise your hand. Me too.

Mike Nolan’s “bend, don’t break” defense isn’t having its desired effect, as guys are getting deep on this secondary. San Francisco currently leads the league in allowing plays of 40 yards or more.

The confident rookie should do very nicely in this game, as he’s coming back to his hometown by the bay, the Eagles are very mad about losing their last two games and are looking to make a statement, and McNabb usually has good games against lesser opponents. All this leads up to some long plays for the rookie and more than likely a deep ball into the end zone.

 

Sleepers

Steve Smith vs. Tampa Bay

The Bucs have one of the league’s best defenses, and in particular, pass defenses, but Smith historically puts on his best performance when facing his hated division rival.

In a season where Carolina has seen its running game revived with Williams and Stewart, the Panthers have had much success through the. That will continue for Smith in this lower scoring affair. Look for him to put up 70 yards and a TD.

 

Chris Chambers vs. New England

Although the Bolts are playing poorly right now, their problem has primarily been on the ground creating holes for Tomlinson. But I think this week, even if it’s just for a week, it all comes together.

The hated rival Patriots come to town in a game with much less significance than the past two playoff losses, and with a much different look now that Brady is out for the year. I think the Chargers will show no mercy in this one if they get a lead and into a groove, and with the Patriots focusing on containing Tomlinson, I think Rivers will have a lot of success through the air.

New England is also without the services of Asante Samuel, who left for Philly, and have been vulnerable to the pass (58-year-old Isaac Bruce scored two TDs on them), so look for a strong day out of Chambers.

 

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