Fantasy Football Week 6: Start and Sit

While the top scorer in most fantasy football leagues is still a 40-year-old quarterback — Have you heard of this guy named Tom Brady? — who is on pace to pass for 5,446 yards and 35 touchdowns, it’s been a trio of rookies who have reshaped the fantasy hierarchy.

Deshaun Watson, Kareem Hunt and Leonard Fournette have began their respective careers in a historical fashion.

Watson’s performance last week gave him back-to-back performances with at least 30 points, making him the fourth rookie quarterback this century to accomplish the feat (Robert Griffin III, Marcus Mariota, Cam Newton).

Fournette is on pace for 349 carries — would be fifth largest total by any rookie running back. He’s also on pace for 1,900 total yards and 19 TDs. Last year’s rookie phenom Ezekiel Elliott finished with 1,994 total yards and 16 TDs.

If you hadn’t been following Watson or Fournette, it was likely because you were completely in awe of Hunt, who is on pace for 2,480 total yards and 19 TDs.

There’s no doubt in my mind Brady is capable of maintaining his current pace. Most leagues will likely be decided because these rookies either did or didn’t maintain theirs.

Here’s my best bets for Week 6:

PHILADELPHIA AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: Zach Ertz (Eagles), Alshon Jeffery (Eagles), Cam Newton (Panthers), Christian McCaffrey (Panthers), Kelvin Benjamin (Panthers).

Who to start: The Panthers defense has allowed multiple touchdown passes in three straight games, making it a safe bet Carson Wentz (Eagles) will continue to be a solid option at QB1. LeGarrette Blount (Eagles) receives too many touches not to be considered a top flex option week-to-week (RB2 in standard leagues). Nelson Agholor (Eagles) has produced enough from the slot to be considered a decent PPR flex. Devin Funchess (Panthers) has been the primary beneficiary of Greg Olsen’s injury. Jonathan Stewart (Panthers) has had at least 13 touches in every game this season.

Who to sit: Wendell Smallwood (Eagles) hasn’t practiced so leave him on your bench. Torrey Smith (Eagles) is still too “boom-or-bust” for me, unless you absolutely need a lottery ticket this week. Ed Dickson (Panthers) doesn’t replicate Week 5.

Sleeper: If Smallwood doesn’t play, Corey Clement (Eagles) would be a solid flier at flex, especially in PPR.

MIAMI AT ATLANTA

Obvious starters: Jay Ajayi (Dolphins), Jarvis Landry (Dolphins), Matt Ryan (Falcons), Devonta Freeman (Falcons).

Who to start: Julio Jones (Falcons) is on track to play with his banged-up hip, which means you will start him. Jones has a proven track record of being productive while injured. Tevin Coleman (Falcons) has been the perfect flex option, but with teams now hitting their byes, he has RB2 upside. Taylor Gabriel (Falcons) deserves flex consideration with Mohamed Sanu likely out. Falcons D/ST are a solid streaming option this week with Vic Beasley likely returning from injury.

Who to sit: Jay Cutler (Dolphins) has led Miami to only three touchdown drives. Every other team has at least seven. DeVante Parker (Dolphins) has a sprained ankle and has yet to prove he can play well while injured. Julius Thomas (Dolphins) isn’t a viable fantasy starter at tight end. There’s simply too many mouths to feed in Atlanta’s offense for Austin Hooper (Falcons) to be consistently productive. Doesn’t mean the talent isn’t there though.

Sleeper: Atlanta’s safeties are beatable and Parker is hobbled, at best, making Kenny Stills (Dolphins) a decent lottery ticket this week.

GREEN BAY AT MINNESOTA

Obvious starters: Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Jordy Nelson (Packers), Davante Adams (Packers), Martellus Bennett (Packers), Adam Thielen (Vikings), Kyle Rudolph (Vikings), Vikings D/ST.

Who to start: Randall Cobb (Packers) is a WR3/flex option with WR2 upside, especially in PPR. Rookie running back Aaron Jones (Packers) was impressive enough against Dallas to earn a bigger opportunity. Jerick McKinnon (Vikings) looked like the lead back to me on MNF.

Who to sit: I simply don’t trust Ty Montgomery (Packers) only two weeks after breaking multiple ribs. You could stream Case Keenum (Vikings) if you’re absolutely desperate. Stefon Diggs (Vikings) doesn’t play well hurt, and he’s dealing with a groin injury.

Sleeper: Latavius Murray (Vikings) could still be a touchdown vulture, and worthy of a flex play.

DETROIT AT NEW ORLEANS

Obvious starters: Golden Tate (Lions), Ameer Abdullah (Lions), Drew Brees (Saints), Michael Thomas (Saints), Mark Ingram (Saints), Alvin Kamara (Saints).

Who to start: Matthew Stafford (Lions) has practiced fully and has proven productive when dealing with injury. Marvin Jones (Lions) is a viable flex option with WR2 upside in this potentially high-scoring affair. Theo Riddick (Lions) still deserves his weekly flex consideration in PPR. This is likely Willie Snead’s (Saints) coming out party for 2017, as he should receive high target volume as New Orleans’ primary slot receiver. You could do worse than Coby Fleener (Saints) as a bye-week fill-in.

Who to sit: Eric Ebron (Lions) remains a disappointment at tight end. Snead likely reduces whatever ceiling Ted Ginn (Saints) had. He returns to boom-or-bust option.

Sleeper: Rookie wideout Kenny Golladay (Lions) likely returns from a hamstring injury to give Stafford a much-needed red zone target.

NEW ENGLAND AT N.Y. JETS

Obvious starters: Tom Brady (Patriots), Brandin Cooks (Patriots), Chris Hogan (Patriots), Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Jets).

Who to start: Rob Gronkowski (Patriots) is in your lineup if he plays, obviously. This seems like Mike Gillislee (Patriots) game. The Jets aren’t very good stopping the run. Danny Amendola (Patriots) has become a PPR machine due to his underneath prowess in this offense. Patriots D/ST could be a surprise streaming option despite their obvious weaknesses. If you’re desperate to stream a QB, Josh McCown (Jets) has the match-up you’d want. Indeed, the same can be said for Jermaine Kearse (Jets) and Robby Anderson (Jets) this week.

Who to sit: James White (Patriots), Dion Lewis (Patriots) and Rex Burkhead (Patriots) all have the potential to produce or be completely shutout. Flex one only if you must. Both running backs Matt Forte (Jets) and Bilal Powell (Jets) are likely out.

Sleeper: Rookie running back Elijah McGuire (Jets) is in line for a significant workload this week with a very favorable match-up. He has RB2 upside.

SAN FRANCISCO AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: Pierre Garcon (49ers), Carlos Hyde (49ers), Kirk Cousins (Redskins), Jordan Reed (Redskins), Terrelle Pryor (Redskins).

Who to start: The Redskins D/ST are a solid streaming option. Chris Thompson (Redskins) has calmed down, but remains a decent flex option in PPR with upside in standard leagues. Jamison Crowder (Redskins) is still an option at flex in PPR, but this could be his breakout game of 2017. With running back Rob Kelley likely out, rookie Samaje Perine (Redskins) will get the bulk of the carries according to head coach Jay Gruden.

Who to sit: Brian Hoyer (49ers) has struggled against solid front sevens this season. It appears the Niners are ramping up Matt Breida’s (49ers) involvement in the offense, but he’s not trustworthy in fantasy yet.

Sleeper: Only the Giants are worse than the Redskins at covering tight ends. If rookie tight end George Kittle (49ers) can deal with his chest injury, I see a lot of targets in his future.

CHICAGO AT BALTIMORE

Obvious starters: Jordan Howard (Bears), Javorius Allen (Ravens), Ravens D/ST.

Who to start: Tarik Cohen (Bears) is still receiving enough touches to earn a flex spot in your lineup. Both Kendall Wright (Bears) and tight end Zach Miller (Bears) deserve flex consideration as well, because rookie quarterbacks tend to hyper-focus on their No. 1 wideout and tight end. They could be perfect bye-week fill-ins. Benjamin Watson (Ravens) is a borderline TE1 against a Chicago defense that struggles against the position.

Who to sit: We are a ways from entertaining the idea of starting Mitchell Trubisky (Bears) in your fantasy lineup. Alex Collins (Ravens) is still just a complimentary back to Allen. Wide receivers Jeremy Maclin (Ravens) and Mike Wallace (Ravens) are only flex worthy is the deepest of leagues.

Sleeper: This is actually a match-up Joe Flacco (Ravens) might be able to exploit, giving him decent streaming value if you’re desperate enough.

CLEVELAND AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: Duke Johnson (Browns), Deshaun Watson (Texans), DeAndre Hopkins (Texans), Texans D/ST.

Who to start: Sure Will Fuller (Texans) has scored four touchdowns on nine targets — very unsustainable — so temper expectations and slide him into your flex spot.

Who to sit: All Browns not named Duke Johnson. Cleveland’s defense is actually stout against the run, lowering my expectations for Lamar Miller (Texans) this week.

Sleeper: Tight end Ryan Griffin (Texans) has a solid chance at scoring this week, considering the Browns have given up five touchdowns in five games to his position.

TAMPA BAY AT ARIZONA

Obvious starters: Jameis Winston (Buccaneers), Mike Evans (Buccaneers), Doug Martin (Buccaneers), Carson Palmer (Cardinals), Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals).

Who to start: DeSean Jackson (Buccaneers) likely won’t have Patrick Peterson shadowing him all over the field on Sunday. Cameron Brate (Buccaneers) is a borderline TE1. Andre Ellington (Cardinals) has been a fantastic addition to your PPR team, where he continues to have RB2 upside.

Who to sit: John Brown (Cardinals) continues to be banged up.

Sleeper: I bet Arizona would like to get Adrian Peterson (Cardinals) involved early, especially in the red zone.

L.A. RAMS AT JACKSONVILLE

Obvious starters: Todd Gurley (Rams), Leonard Fournette (Jaguars), Jaguars D/ST.

Who to start: Cooper Kupp (Rams) and Robert Woods (Rams) both have PPR value.

Who to sit: This is not a favorable match-up for Jared Goff (Rams) or Sammy Watkins (Rams). It’s obvious Jacksonville is trying to hide Blake Bortles (Jaguars), which means Marqise Lee (Jaguars) and Allen Hurns (Jaguars) are probably droppable at this point.

Sleeper: The Rams D/ST are a solid streaming option this week and are likely available in your league.

PITTSBURGH AT KANSAS CITY

Obvious starters: Le’Veon Bell (Steelers), Antonio Brown (Steelers), Alex Smith (Chiefs), Kareem Hunt (Chiefs), Travis Kelce (Chiefs), Tyreek Hill (Chiefs), Chiefs D/ST.

Who to start: Martavis Bryant (Steelers) still has flex potential, but it’s hard when his quarterback can’t seem to get the ball to him. He’s been open enough. JuJu Smith-Schuster (Steelers) deserves flex consideration in the deepest PPR leagues.

Who to sit: If Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers) throws five interceptions at home — including two pick-sixes — how bad could it get this week at Kansas City?

Sleeper: Spark plug De’Anthony Thomas (Chiefs) is capable of taking it to the house any time he touches the ball. He’s a lottery ticket if you’re desperate.

L.A. CHARGERS AT OAKLAND

Obvious starters: Philip Rivers (Chargers), Melvin Gordon (Chargers), Keenan Allen (Chargers), Marshawn Lynch (Raiders), Michael Crabtree (Raiders).

Who to start: Tight end Hunter Henry (Chargers) could be a dominant force against Oakland if he receives the opportunity.

Who to sit: We don’t know how the presence of Mike Williams (Chargers) will affect the value of Tyrell Williams (Chargers). I’d like to see how Derek Carr (Raiders) handles his back pain before I advise you to start him. In four career games against the Chargers, Amari Cooper (Raiders) has two standout performances and was essentially shutout out twice. He’s really hard to trust right now.

Sleeper: Change-of-pace back Jalen Richard (Raiders) could take advantage of a weak Los Angeles run defense, providing flex value.

N.Y. GIANTS AT DENVER

Obvious starters: C.J. Anderson (Broncos), Demaryius Thomas (Broncos), Emmanuel Sanders (Broncos), Broncos D/ST.

Who to start: Rookie tight end Evan Engram (Giants) should become the go-to-guy in this depleted passing game, plus tight end appears to be the only weakness of the “No-fly Zone.” Trevor Siemian (Broncos) is efficient enough to provide a low floor and be a “safe” streaming option if need be.

Who to sit: I simply don’t trust any other Giants in this match-up.

Sleeper: New York is the absolute worst against tight ends — it has allowed a touchdown to the position every week — making A.J. Derby (Broncos) a great bye-week fill-in.

INDIANAPOLIS AT TENNESSEE

Obvious starters: T.Y. Hilton (Colts), DeMarco Murray (Titans), Rishard Matthews (Titans), Delanie Walker (Titans).

Who to start: Until Frank Gore’s (Colts) usage levels fall, he deserves, at very least, flex consideration. If Marcus Mariota (Titans) plays, you’re starting him.

Who to sit: Rookie running back Marlon Mack (Colts) could have serious value down the road, but not yet. Eric Decker (Titans) is droppable at this point.

Sleeper: The positive match-up favors Jacoby Brissett (Colts), making him a streaming option in deeper leagues.

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