Fantasy Football Two Minute Drill, Week 6

Fantasy Football stats, news, and opinions heading into NFL Week 6.

“Points Allowed” provided by MyFantasyLeague.com

Bye: Denver, Tennessee, Kansas City, Arizona, San Diego, Seattle

Flipping between my local NYG-SEA game and NFL Red Zone, I caught some of the MIN-ARI game. I don’t remember the exact play, but I remember the results. The Cardinals had the ball around midfield and QB Kevin Kolb had a receiver open on a post route. There was one defender in the way so Kolb elected to fire a rocket. The pass sailed yards over the receivers’ hands. A pass with some finesse would have hit the receiver in perfect stride for a huge gain (quite possibly a touchdown). It’s those missed opportunities that make Cardinals’ fans and Kolb fantasy owners realize he’s an average quarterback, at best. Here’s a crude diagram of the play. I made it during the false starts and defensive encroachments on Monday Night Football.
If you’re worried about your RB’s, you’re adding Jackie Battle. But seriously, he’s already hurt and the Chiefs are on a bye. Can’t you find better options?
DE Chris Clemons, Week 5: 3 Solos, 2 Sacks, 1 FF. Think ahead. If he’s on your shallow-league waiver wire and you have roster room, add him.

San Francisco at Detroit

One of these statements is true. I dated Carmen Electra in 1998, but I dumped her for Salma Hayek. The USgovernment actually killed Osama Bin Laden’s genetically engineered body double, and the real Bin Laden got plastic surgery and is now ranked fifth overall in the China Table Tennis Super League. QB Alex Smith has eight touchdowns and two turnovers on the season.
RB Frank Gore doesn’t like to be disrespected.
TE Vernon Davis, past three weeks: 14 Receptions, 18 Targets, 198 Receiving Yards, 3 TD’s.
With the season-ending injury to WR Josh Morgan, the SFGate thinks TE Delaine Walker is capable of stepping up. I like him too. If your 16-team league needs a tight end, give him a try.
DE Justin Smith is one of the rare 3-4 ends you can trust.
Rookie LB Aldon Smith has 3.5 sacks in his past two games. Still, he’s only rosterable in dynasty leagues.
One of these statements is true. I was the inspiration for Tekken’s Yoshimitsu. Elvis Presley died during a perverted three-way sex mishap involving Barry Manilow and Bette Midler. In Week 5 vs the Bears, RB Javid Best had his first 80+ yard rushing day of his career.
Damn, that turned quick WR Nate Burleson. So much for my visions of you getting 1000 yards.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: 49ers give up the second most fantasy points to defensive tackles. Great opportunity to take advantage of an agitated Ndamukong Suh owner.
LB DeAndre Levy has been great with LB Justin Durant out of the lineup. But Durant is eventually coming back.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: 49ers give up the fewest fantasy points to cornerbacks. Stock down Chris Houston and Eric Wright.

St. Louis at Green Bay

Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Packers give up the fifth most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Odds are Sam Bradford throws for plus-300 as opposed to minus-200, but how about holding onto the football. He’s lost a fumble in every game this season.
RB Steven Jackson hasn’t rushed for 100+ yards since Week 13, 2010.
Rams’ receivers have two touchdowns on the season.
Keep your eye on CB Justin King. QB Aaron Rodgers spreads the ball all over, so it’ll be interesting to see if King can have another solid tackle game.
WR James Jones is back in the mix. But with all the Packer weapons, he best used in 16-team leagues only.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Rams give up the fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Expect a sub-par week from Jermichael Finley.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Rams give up the fourth most fantasy points to linebackers. Desmond Bishop is your hero. A.J. Hawk is not, but still start him.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Rams give up the third fewest fantasy points to cornerbacks. Stock down Charles Woodson and Sam Shields.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Rams give up the second fewest fantasy points to safeties. Morgan Burnett was not immune to last week’s unfavorable Falcons match-up. Chances are he has another down week again.

Carolina at Atlanta

RB DeAngelo Williams, Week 5: 9 Rushes, 115 Rushing Yards, 1 TD. Remove his 69-yard TD run and his stats are 8 Rushes, 46 Rushing Yards. Hey, we can do that for any player around the league. Every play counts, and his final stat line is solid. I only bring it up ‘cause this is a great week to sell high to an owner in desperate need of a running back.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Falcons give up the third most fantasy points to wide receivers. Stock up Steve Smith. Anyone seen Brandon LaFell?
One of these statements is true. Eskimos use penguin skin cases to extend the coolness of the other side of the pillow. Pluto is super pissed it got kicked out of the planetary system and is currently plotting its revenge with a bunch of large near-Earth asteroids. DE Greg Hardy has more fantasy points than DE Charles Johnson.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Falcons give up the third fewest fantasy points to safeties. Sherrod Martin and Charles Godfrey played great last week as predicted, but don’t go blindly starting them this week.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Falcons give up the second most fantasy points to cornerbacks. Captain Munnerlyn and Darius Butler put up good fantasy numbers in last week’s favorable match-up vs the Saints (Chris Gamble disappointed). With WR Julio Jones out, this week’s game doesn’t appear to be as good as it is on paper for the depth guys, but I’d start the Captain for sure.
QB Matt Ryan has looked average through five weeks. Buy low and hope he reduces the turnovers.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Panthers give up the second most fantasy points to running backs. Expect a healthy dose of RB Michael Turner in Week 6.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Panthers give up the third fewest fantasy points to defensive ends. John Abraham is hurt again. Also avoid Ray Edwards and Kroy Biermann.
CB Brent Grimes doesn’t always have good tackles stats, but the addition of passes defended give him the bump necessary to be trusted.

Indianapolis at Cincinnati

RB Joseph Addai is banged up, so this could be RB Donald Brown’s last chance at fantasy glory.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Bengals give up the fifth fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. QB Curtis Painter and WR Pierre Garcon have found magic together, but the Bengals’ D’ is tough. And over the past month, your purchase of Reggie Wayne as a WR1 has been discounted to a WR2.
So sorry TE Dallas Clark owners.
Despite being completely juked on WR Dwayne Bowe’s TD, DB Antoine Bethea is the only consistent fantasy option on the Colts besides LB Pat Angerer.
One of these statements is true. Riley Martin has evidence that Targzissians are obviously reptilian. Napoleon Bonaparte was 6’5”, 275 lbs, and he could run really, really fast. WR A.J. Green has more fantasy points than WR’s Roddy White and DeSean Jackson.
TE Jermaine Gresham averages seven targets per game, and he’s not had less than five. If your receivers stink or you’re in a deep league, feel confident using him as a flex (which means you’re starting two tight ends).
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Colts give up the fewest fantasy points to safeties. Stock down Reggie Nelson.

Buffalo at NY Giants

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has been below-average the past two weeks, which has had a direct effect on WR Steve Johnson. You still start both.
No way can RB Fred Jackson keep this up, and I own him. Enjoy the ride as long as possible.
LB Nick Barnett’s TD scamper is an optical illusion. There were no offensive skill players or defensive backs in the frame, which explains why it looks like he runs a 4.2-forty.
One of these statements is true. Evolution is a sham. The Monkees are better than the Beatles. Three Bills’ safeties are ranked in the Top 10 for DB’s, George Wilson, Jairus Byrd, and Bryan Scott.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Bills give up the fourth most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Eli Manning keeps rolling this week.
RB Ahmad Bradshaw didn’t have to worry about RB Brandon Jacobs last week, and he still disappointed. Jacobs won’t play again, so give Bradshaw another chance.
WR Victor Cruz has joined WR Dwayne Bowe in the top tier of highlight film touchdowns.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Bills give up the fewest fantasy points to defensive ends. You have to start Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora despite the poor match-up. Justin Tuck is out, so you don’t have to make that tough decision.
LB Jacquian Williams was aided by the Seahawks surprise no-huddle offense in Week 5. The Giants were unable to make defensive substitutions, and he remained on the field often. However, it seems he’s capable of production regardless of opponent. ‘Quian’s past four weeks: 26 Solos, 5 Assists, 1 FR, 1 PD.

Jacksonville at Pittsburgh

Fancy spin, then RB Maurice Jones-Drew knocks out DB Leon Hall with a body blow. By “body blow” I don’t mean a MJD punch to Hall’s body. I mean MJD using his body to K.O. Hall.
WR Jason Hill, Week 5: 5 Receptions, 8 Targets, 118 Receiving Yards, 1 TD. Nice game, but look elsewhere for a bye week player because…
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Steelers give up the second fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. And Mike Thomas’ season-high for receiving yards is 73. He belongs on the bench.
Aren’t tight ends supposed to be young quarterbacks’ favorite targets? Can anyone explain TE Marcedes Lewis’ 8 Receptions, 87 Receiving Yards, zero TD’s for the season?
Consecutive strong games for LB Paul Posluszny.
Never panic if you own QB Ben Roethlisberger. He’ll always find a way to get you points.
RB Rashard Mendenhall is off the injury report, so go back to ignoring RB’s Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Jaguars give up the fourth fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Stock down Mike Wallace and Hines Ward (despite his tremendous hops).
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Jaguars give up the third most fantasy points to tight ends. Stock up Heath Miller, who scored a TD last week.
LB Lawrence Timmons, past three weeks: 6 Solos, 4 Assists, 3 PD’s.

Philadelphia at Washington

Why won’t you listen!? The Eagles’ offensive line stinks and their defensive can’t stop the run. Vegas is giving you free money by constantly making them the favorite.
At least QB Michael Vick is getting fantasy points.
RB LeSean McCoy has scored in every game. I think he can do it for all 16 games.
The Eagles guaranteed a portion of WR Steve Smith’s contract. I was fooled too. Freaking WR Jason Avant (Week 5: 9 Receptions, 10 Targets, 139 Receiving Yards, 1 Fumble Lost) continues to be WR3.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Redskins give up the sixth most fantasy points to linebackers. Start Jamar Chaney.
DB Nate Allen, Week 5: 10 Solos, 3 Assists. He was once a highly touted IDP prospect before he busted his knee last year. Add him immediately.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Redskins give up the third most fantasy points to safeties. Did you read the above sentence?
QB Rex Grossman has gotten progressively worse during his first four games. The outstanding running attack will eventually have an off-game, and Grossman will be exposed.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Eagles give up the most fantasy points to running backs. Ryan Torain is a must-start, and Tim Hightower is a good flex play. Hightower’s pass blocking will get him on the field enough to be a fantasy option.
LB London Fletcher has been lousy this season, and that’s being kind.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Eagles give up the most fantasy points to safeties. Start LaRon Landry despite his slow start to the season. However, keep Oshiomogho Atogwe on the waiver wire. I’ve been burned by him all year and I can’t possibly recommend him with a good conscience.

Houston at Baltimore

Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Ravens give up the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Matt Schaub threw for 415 yards without WR Andre Johnson. That’s impressive, but he’s in trouble this weekend.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Ravens give up the fewest fantasy points to running backs. Never bench your studs – start Arian Foster.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Ravens give up the second fewest fantasy points to tight ends. The Texans’ cluster-F of Owen Daniels, Joel Dreessen, and James Casey all belong on the bench.
Game over for LB Mario Williams.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Ravens give up the third most fantasy points to linebackers. DeMeco Ryans has almost been as bad as Fletcher, and Brian Cushing has been mediocre. The Ravens’ present a good opportunity to get things going.
RB Ray Rice’s fewest yards-from-scrimmage in a single game this season is 96 yards.
If I didn’t remind you right now, did you forget about QB Joe Flacco’s puke-fest in his last game?
Start TE Ed Dickson and forget about the position for the next four weeks. Trust good things will happen.
DT Haloti Ngata is great in real life, but you should avoid him in fantasy despite his impressive start.

Cleveland at Oakland

Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Raiders give up the sixth most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Start Colt McCoy.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Raiders give up the third most fantasy points to running backs. If Peyton Hillis doesn’t bust loose, I’d be shocked and worried. Start Montario Hardesty only if you have bye week problems.
I love WR Mohamed Massaquoi as a WR3 this week, provided his shoulder issue is no big deal. He averages seven targets per game and he’s guaranteed to give you some production.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Raiders give up the second most fantasy points to kick/punt returners. Time for a highlight appearance from Josh Cribbs.
Besides LB D’Qwell Jackson, the Browns IDPers are so boring. What the F’ happened to DB T.J. Ward?
RB Darren McFadden was bottled up last week, but the Raiders win. Just taking a moment to recognize real football doesn’t revolve around fantasy.
RB Michael Bush hasn’t had more than 9 Rushes and 30 Rushing Yards in any game this season. He’s just resting for his RB1 gig for his yet-to-be-determined 2012 team.
One of these statements is true. I coined the phrase “Pardon my French”. I don’t eat cake because it goes right to my thighs. I really enjoy spending time with my family. Week 5: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey 7 Receptions, 99 Receiving Yards, 1 TD and WR Denarius Moore was catchless.
LB Rolando McClain has at least 5 Solos+PD’s in each of his past four games.
What’s gonna be different in Oaklandfor LB Aaron Curry?

Dallas at New England

Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Patriots give up the second most fantasy points to quarterbacks. It’s not primetime, so Tony Romo should light it up.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Patriots give up the most fantasy points to wide receivers. If Dez Bryant plays hard for more than a quarter and a half, he could get five touchdowns. News is encouraging regarding Miles Austin, so get him active.
RB Felix Jones hasn’t been terrible. I guess I keep harping on the guy because I’m trying to will him to fail. That’s not nice by me. Sorry Felix, do well this week.
Why is DB Abram Elam still on your roster?
WR Wes Welker is Revis-proof. True, he wasn’t exclusively onRevisIsland, but the thought was there heading into the game and he still put up 5 Receptions, 124 Receiving Yards.
I should cut WR Chad Ochocino, but I can’t hit the submit button.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Cowboys give up the third fewest fantasy points to running backs. RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis did not appreciate all the RB Stevan Ridley hype. Bench BJGE this week, but he’s your fantasy starter when the match-up isn’t so poor.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Cowboys give up the most fantasy points to linebackers. Stock way up Gary Guyton and Brandon Spikes.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Cowboys give up the fifth most fantasy points to cornerbacks. Devin McCourty is a must-start, and Kyle Arrington is a sneaky good play.

New Orleans at Tampa Bay

TE Jimmy Graham is the new TE Antonio Gates. QB Drew Brees has a ton of receivers to target, but he’ll consistently find Graham.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Buccaneers give up the fourth fewest fantasy points to kick/punt returners. Odds are RB Darren Sproles has to make all his points out of the backfield.
LB Jonathan Vilma has been okay since his return from injury in Week 4. Look for stronger performances down the road.
RB LeGarrette Blount got up-ended last week, and he’s not going to be active. RB Earnest Graham makes a fine bye week replacement. Don’t worry about RB Kregg (b)Lumpkin; his preseason hype was just coach-speak.
TE Kellen Winslow has never had more than five touchdowns in a season. However, since 2006 he’s never had less than three. So let’s say he gets four this year. Considering he hasn’t scored yet this season, he’s due. Remember, he didn’t score his first TD last season until Week 10.
I hope you didn’t blow your load on LB Mason Foster.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Saints give up the fourth most fantasy points to cornerbacks. Stock up Aqib Talib, E.J. Biggers, and Ronde Barber.

Minnesota at Chicago

Don’t be frustrated with QB Donovan McNabb. You knew what you were getting into to.
Be extremely frustrated with WR Percy Harvin. Sure he’s getting some rushing yards which is a nice bonus, but he’s yet to find the end zone and his receiving yards suck.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Bears give up the second most fantasy points to tight ends. Stock up Visanthe Shiancoe.
DE Brian Robison (not Robinson), Week 5: 4 Solos, 2 Sacks, 1 FF. Did you thank DE Jared Allen? Both players should have big Week 6’s as the Bears give up the third most fantasy points to defensive ends.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Bears give up the fourth fewest fantasy points to cornerbacks. Bench the hurting Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin.
One of these statements is true. Stanley Kubrick should have casted Billy Dee Williams instead of Jack Nicholson in The Shining. Stuart Scott’s 2nd half two-minute warning “walk and talk” promo for the upcoming SportsCenter is so cool. Rookie WR Dane Sanzenbacher is the leading fantasy receiver on the Bears after five weeks.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Vikings give up the fifth fewest fantasy points to cornerbacks. Charles Tillman plays hard against the run, so he can still make plays.
Doubtful status gives us heads up about DE Julius Peppers for this Sunday. But it doesn’t let us know about what we should expect for the near future.

Miami at NY Jets

WR Brandon Marshall visitsRevisIsland. Be afraid.
The Jets can be run on, but it’s dangerous starting rookie RB Daniel Thomas.
RB Reggie Bush only has four receptions in his past three games.
LB Karlos Dansby, weekly Solo totals: 5, 4, 2, 4. Buy low based on his career numbers.
DB Yermiah Bell had 14 Solos last week. Why did you ever doubt him?
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Dolphins give up the third most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Stock up Mark Sanchez.
Too bad you don’t get fantasy points for great blocks. RB LaDainian Tomlinson makes it look easy.
Season-to-date, Points Allowed: Dolphins give up the most fantasy points to tight ends. Dustin Keller owners need this game to forget about the past two clunkers.
LB David Harris has a turnover or sack in three straight games after being shutout in six straight games. IDPers don’t like streaky guys, but as long as it’s positive, keep it up.

Vegas, NFL Spreads Week 6, Season Record 12-6-1

Washington (+1.5) vs Philadelphia
Detroit (-4) vs San Francisco
Carolina (+4.5) at Atlanta
Dallas (+7.5) at New England
Indianapolis (+7) at Cincinnati

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