Week 6 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: What to Do with Cincinnati Bengals Stars vs. Colts

The Cincinnati Bengals have been as much of a surprise in the real-life NFL as they have in the world of fantasy football this season.

Starting all of Cincy's most prominent and productive players might seem like a no-brainer this week, especially against the calamitous, Peyton Manning-less Colts, but Indy isn't as big a pushover in the virtual realm as its 0-5 record would suggest.

So which of the Bengals will do fine, and which should ride the pine?

START: Cedric Benson, RB

Cedric Benson won't blow you away with blazing speed or point-positive touchdown runs that go for big yardage, but the guy is a horse and will garner plenty of carries against the Colts on Sunday.

In yards-per-game terms, Indy's run defense is terrible, surrendering 145.2 yards on a weekly basis. However, in yards-per-carry terms, the Colts are actually pretty good, allowing just 4.1 per scamper.

That is actually more than what Benson gets every time he takes the ball. Overall, the Colts are bottom 10 in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, which bodes well for Benson owners, assuming the big bruiser gets another 20 to 25 carries in this Week 6 matchup.

SIT: Andy Dalton, QB

I like what Andy Dalton's done for the Bengals this year, but his value as a fantasy quarterback is still somewhat lacking. That doesn't figure to change for him against the Colts.

For one, Dalton won't likely have to take to the air too often to keep the Bengals in the game, as they shouldn't have too much trouble hanging tough at home with a winless Indy team.

Second, if there's anything the Colts can still do well, it's rushing the passer. Last I checked, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are still around, with the two combining for all eight of Indy's sacks so far.

Finally, Dalton has topped 300 yards but once this season and has yet to toss more than two touchdown in a game.

START: AJ Green, WR

Though Dalton's numbers won't blow anyone away this week, he'll still have to throw the ball to someone. That someone figures to be fellow rookie AJ Green.

The talented pass catcher out of Georgia has emerged as Dalton's favorite target, with 402 yards and three touchdowns through five games this season. Green should have his way with a Colts secondary that's given up the fourth-most fantasy points of any unit to opposing wide receivers.

And while Green may not be on the same level as Dwayne Bowe, Andre Johnson and Mike Wallace just yet, he's not that far off and will demonstrate as much this weekend.