After a four week hiatus, I am back and better than ever. No introduction necessary, let’s just get right into start ’em, sit ’em.
Quarterbacks
Start ’em
Cam Newton– After missing Monday’s game due to a concussion, Newton is trending toward playing this week against the Saints. This season, the Saints have been in the bottom half of the league at defending the pass. They have also allowed an average 0f 17.5 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. Last season, Super Cam torched the Saints for 380 yards and five touchdowns. Feel confident starting Cam if he is active.
Russell Wilson– Wilson threw just two touchdown passes in the first three weeks and had fantasy owners pushing the panic button. After a strong showing in Week 4 and a bye in Week 5, I expect RW to pick up right where he left off against a vulnerable Falcons’ secondary. Atlanta has allowed the second most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.
Sit ’em
Kirk Cousins– Despite having a top offense line in regards to pass protection, Cousins has been wildly inconsistent in the pocket. He has thrown at least one interception in all but one game this season. The Eagles have allowed the second fewest passing yards in the league this season and have held opposing quarterbacks to a mere 9.3 fantasy points per game. There are better options to start at quarterback this week than Mr. You Like That.
Matt Ryan– The current number one fantasy quarterback? What’s he doing in the sit ’em section? Despite picking up a win last week, Ryan was held to just 14 fantasy points against a stout Broncos’ defense. This week, Matty Ice faces an even tougher pass defense in the Seattle Seahawks. The Legion of Boom has allowed just one passing touchdown this season and has stifled opposing QBs, holding them to just 8.8 fantasy points per game. Chances are you took Matt Ryan in the later rounds of your fantasy draft, so don’t be afraid to start the likes of Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, and others over Matt Ryan.
Running Backs
Start ’em
Jonathan Stewart– Initial reports say that Stewart will be cleared to play against the Saints. His timing could not have been better. The Saints have allowed 28 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs and a league high eight rushing touchdowns. Expect Stewart to turn a healthy workload into a productive day against the league’s worst run defense.
Lamar Miller– Miller has received a ton of touches, but has yet to turn them into RB1 production. Averaging a meager 3.7 YPC through five games, Miller has yet to find pay dirt. However, he has a chance to turn that around this week against the Colts. In addition to being weak against the run, the Colts struggle defending running backs in coverage, which should give Miller an increased value in PPR formats. Despite what has happened to this point, Miller should be viewed as a low-end RB1 for this week.
Jamaal Charles– Following a bye in Week 5, Charles should be all set to handle a significant workload in this week’s game against the Raiders. It’s about time! The Raiders have allowed opposing running backs to score 19.2 fantasy points per game, while averaging 4.9 YPC. Get ready for the Jamaal Charles’ show to be back in town.
Sit ’em
Giants’ RBs- If Rashad Jennings returns this week it will only add more confusion to an already crowded backfield. The Ravens boast a stingy run defense that has allowed the second fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Assuming Jennings isn’t active for Sunday’s game, Bobby Rainey could be used as a steamer flex option in deeper PPR leagues.
LeGarrette Blount– After heavy usage through the first couple weeks, Blount’s involvement in the Patriots’ offense has declined. Last week, he was unable to find any running room against one of the league’s worst run defenses. With Tom Brady back under center, Blount’s role will be centered around short yardage situations. Sit LeGarrette Blount, start James White.
Isaiah Crowell– The Titans will most likely stack the box on Sunday, daring whichever poor soul the Browns decide to start at quarterback to beat them through the air. Tennessee has been surprisingly adept at stopping the run this year, holding opposing backs to the third fewest fantasy points in the league. Limit expectations for Crowell this week as he should be viewed as a low-end RB2.
Wide Receivers
Start ’em
Odell Beckham Jr.– After a pedestrian first couple weeks, OBJ found pay dirt on Monday for the first time this season. With his net-beating days behind him, Odell is poised to remind everyone why he’s among the league’s elite. The Giants run game will have little room to work on Sunday, so expect Odell to feast on a Ravens’ secondary that is ranked in the bottom half of the league.
John Brown– The Jets’ secondary has been susceptible to the deep ball all year long. A player who thrives on beating defenses vertically, Brown will be licking his chops Monday night. With Carson Palmer trending toward starting, Brown should be looked at as an RB2 with RB1 upside if he finds the end zone.
Jarvis Landry– In a game where the Dolphins will probably get blown out, Landry will receive a ton of action in garbage time. The Steelers’ pass defense has allowed the third most passing yards and second most receptions in the league. That’s a recipe for success for the former LSU Tiger. Coming off two disappointing performances, Landry should be started with confidence as a WR2.
Sit ’em
Chargers’ WRs– Going up against one of the stingiest pass defenses in the league, none of the Chargers’ receivers are good enough to warrant a start.
Brandon Marshall– The Jets’ offense has struggled this season and Marshall’s stats have reflected that. It took him four weeks to score a touchdown. With running mate Eric Decker placed on IR, Marshall will receive a ton of attention from Arizona’s secondary. Not only that, but he will likely line up across from Patrick Peterson for a majority of snaps on Monday. Obviously if you have Marshall he should be started, but view him has a mid to low-end WR2.
A.J. Green– Green has put fantasy owners on an emotional roller coaster this season, putting up huge numbers some weeks and below average numbers others. In the past, the Patriots have been extremely successful at shutting down opposing number one receivers. Facing off against Malcom Butler this week, Green should be started as a WR2, but avoided in Daily Fantasy lineups.
Tight Ends
Start ’em
Jimmy Graham– Coming off two 100+ yard games, Jimmy Graham is benefitting from his improved rapport with Russell Wilson. The Falcons are one of the worst teams in the league at defending opposing tight ends, yielding 12.6 fantasy points per game to them. They have also allowed a league high 14 passing touchdowns. Start Graham as a sure fire TE1.
Coby Fleener– After only securing three receptions for 19 yards last week, Fleener will look to rebound against a below average Panthers’ secondary. Not just this game, but moving forward I expect Fleener to be a more active contributor to the Saints’ pass happy offense.
Sit ’em
Antonio Gates/Hunter Henry– These two will most likely split snaps against the Broncos this weekend. The only way either of them will have a productive day is if they find the end zone. However, the Broncos have not allowed an opposing tight end to score a touchdown all season.
Dwayne Allen– The Texans have allowed just 1.8 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends and Allen isn’t relevant enough in the Colts’ offense to warrant a start this week. Tight end streamers like Dennis Pitta, Charles Clay, and Jesse James should be considered over him.
