2011 Fantasy Football Week 6 Game Previews & Predictions: An Easy Bye-Week
Cam Newton (credits below)
Welcome to the most painless bye week of the season.
Six teams are off, but other than San Diego, most of the teams taking the week off are not full of viable fantasy football starters.
Denver, Tennessee, Kansas City, Arizona, and Seattle are the other teams on a bye this week and the most noteworthy fantasy news there is that the much-awaited move of Tim Tebow into the Broncos' starting lineup must wait a week.
Chris Johnson, Beanie Wells, Larry Fitzgerald, and Dwayne Bowe are about the only major absences other than San Diego's Philip Rivers, Ryan Matthews, and Vincent Jackson.
So as long as you don't have any of the above, you're fine, and if you can catch your opponent in head-to-head leagues without one of the few notable guys on a bye week, you may have a big advantage.
So most of the big boys are on the field this week, and here is a look at what to expect:
St. Louis at Green Bay: Your blowout of the week should give Aaron Rodgers another shot at a 30-point week. I'm not trusting any of their running backs yet, but Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley will have big weeks again. In deeper leagues, take a look at Donald Driver if he is available because he's healthy and it could be his turn to shine among the Packers deep group of receivers. Steven Jackson is the only Ram to count on.
Carolina at Atlanta: I held out long enough before proclaiming Cam Newton and Steve Smith as must-starts because I thought their early-season success would fade, but no longer. Play them every week and expect a lot out of both against the Falcons. DeAngelo Williams is finally picking up the pace and should near 100 yards again. Matt Ryan’s slow start is troubling, but he’s always been good at home and should be good enough to play in deeper leagues this week. Michael Turner is a solid starter this week and obviously Roddy White as well. Harry Douglas is a good pick-up and play him in deeper leagues with Julio Jones almost certainly out .
Indianapolis at Cincinnati: Ride out Pierre Garcon as long as he is hot and I'm still playing Reggie Wayne as well because eventually Curtis Painter will look to him. I think Delone Carter will be the most valuable Colts running back if Joseph Addai is out and Carter is playable in deeper leagues plus a good pick-up in shallow leagues to stash in case Addai is out for a while. Cedric Benson owners are still getting lots of mileage out of him as he waits for his suspension and A.J. Green has been one of the best late-round selections in fantasy drafts. Jerome Simpson is a good play in deeper leagues.
Buffalo at New York Giants: Ryan Fitzpatrick is fading but I think he bounces back here in a shootout with the Giants. Stevie Johnson should bounce back as well and you are playing Fred Jackson every week, but this could be one of his best match-ups. Eli Manning has become a reliable fantasy quarterback, but his receivers behind Hakeem Nicks are tough to predict. I'd take Victor Cruz over Mario Manningham, but both are only starters in deeper leagues. Ahmad Bradshaw should have a better game this week.
Jacksonville at Pittsburgh: As usual, Maurice Jones-Drew is the only Jaguar you are starting. Pittsburgh's defense struggled early this year so if somebody in your league ditched them, pick them up and play them this week. Ben Roethlisberger won't repeat last week's performance, but he should be good and Mike Wallace is always in your lineup if you have got him. Be wary of any Pittsburgh running backs but if Rashard Mendenhall is playing, he should be a good play here. If he is out, I no longer trust Isaac Redman as a good pick-up and Jonathan Dwyer is a potential player only in 16- or 18-team leagues.
Philadelphia at Washington: I think the Eagles begin to put up a fight here, so Michael Vick, Desean Jackson, LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin should all be okay. I picked up the Philly defense this week too and think it should be a safe bet to score in double digits. Bench all your Redskins, including Ryan Torain, who needs to be the feature back once again before I would count on him.
Houston at Baltimore: Not a good match-up for Matt Schaub and I'd bench him if I have somebody equal with a more favorable opponent this week. Arian Foster is backing up his superstar season from last year and Ben Tate can be dumped if you need room on your roster. Kevin Walter was better than Jacoby Jones as Houston's top receiver with Andre Johnson out, but I would go with Jones this week. Owen Daniels and Joel Dreessen are both playable tight ends this week. Joe Flacco and Anquan Boldin will go off this week and I am taking a flyer on Torrey Smith to become more involved in the passing game after the bye week. Ray Rice should get 150 total yards and a couple scores.
Cleveland at Oakland: I'm officially worried about Peyton Hillis because of his slow start, his injury risk, and his contract dispute. That said, I could see him having a strong week against the Raiders to silence his critics, but I'd sell-high if I could because I think Monterio Hardesty is going to get more carries as the season goes along, although I'm not ready to pick him up yet. Greg Little will have his best week of the season and is a good pick-up if you have room at receiver because he will get more and more opportunities as the season goes along. I like the Raiders defense here and Darren McFadden should have a monster game. I like Darrius Heyward-Bey as a pick-up who could become a legitimate fantasy starter before the end of the season, but I'd be hesitant to use him because he is sharing catches with Louis Murphy, Demetrius Moore, and Jacoby Ford.
Dallas at New England: You are obviously playing Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, and Aaron Hernandez in New England's passing game, and I'd take a shot on Deion Branch if I had him as well. BenJarvis Green-Ellis teased fantasy owners again, but I'd keep him on my bench if I have any comparable running backs because I still don't trust him to consistently produce. I think Dallas falls behind early and Tony Romo piles up fantasy points while throwing to Miles Austin and Dez Bryant in a comeback attempt.
New Orleans at Tampa Bay: The Bucs are a fantasy wreck as Josh Freeman is no longer a reliable starter and LaGarrette Blount is injured and unlikely to play. Earnest Graham and Kregg Lumpkin are way to questionable to pick up and Mike Williams is in the midst of a sophomore slump, so I am benching all my Buccaneers. I like the Saints defense although they will give up some points because I think they will get some turnovers and possibly a score. Drew Brees should have a big game and Marquis Colston looks to be healthy and a safe fantasy starter. This could also be a week for Lance Moore and Darren Sproles to shine, but I'm not playing Mark Ingram or Pierre Thomas.
Minnesota at Chicago: I like the Vikings defense to get a score here, but I think they will give up some points as well to score around 12 points. Adrian Peterson is the only sure start on the Vikings offense, but once again I am going to predict a breakout game here for Percy Harvin. Just like the Viks, Chicago's only sure start on offense is at running back with Matt Forte.
Miami at New York Jets: This will be low-scoring and the Jets have the best fantasy defense this week, one that could reach 20 points. Shonn Greene should have his best game of the year and Dustin Keller will bounce back while Santonio Holmes should also have a big night. Brandon Marshall is a huge risk who could be a bust and I wouldn't go near Daniel Thomas or Reggie Bush this week.
Six teams are off, but other than San Diego, most of the teams taking the week off are not full of viable fantasy football starters.
Denver, Tennessee, Kansas City, Arizona, and Seattle are the other teams on a bye this week and the most noteworthy fantasy news there is that the much-awaited move of Tim Tebow into the Broncos' starting lineup must wait a week.
Chris Johnson, Beanie Wells, Larry Fitzgerald, and Dwayne Bowe are about the only major absences other than San Diego's Philip Rivers, Ryan Matthews, and Vincent Jackson.
So as long as you don't have any of the above, you're fine, and if you can catch your opponent in head-to-head leagues without one of the few notable guys on a bye week, you may have a big advantage.
So most of the big boys are on the field this week, and here is a look at what to expect:
San Francisco at Detroit: The sneaky pick-up of the week is San Francisco receiver Michael Crabtree, who is getting healthy and should be the Niners top receiver with Josh Morgan out due to injury. Crabtree will have a strong second half, but if you need him this week, I think he could put up big fantasy numbers as the 49ers will likely be playing from behind and throwing a lot. Alex Smith will be throwing the ball, but with Morgan and Braylon Edwards out due to injury, I think he will struggle to put up good fantasy numbers. Frank Gore is the best bet for San Francisco. Look for another big week out of Detroit's defense and Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Jahvid Best are all among the best at their position this week.
St. Louis at Green Bay: Your blowout of the week should give Aaron Rodgers another shot at a 30-point week. I'm not trusting any of their running backs yet, but Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley will have big weeks again. In deeper leagues, take a look at Donald Driver if he is available because he's healthy and it could be his turn to shine among the Packers deep group of receivers. Steven Jackson is the only Ram to count on.
Carolina at Atlanta: I held out long enough before proclaiming Cam Newton and Steve Smith as must-starts because I thought their early-season success would fade, but no longer. Play them every week and expect a lot out of both against the Falcons. DeAngelo Williams is finally picking up the pace and should near 100 yards again. Matt Ryan’s slow start is troubling, but he’s always been good at home and should be good enough to play in deeper leagues this week. Michael Turner is a solid starter this week and obviously Roddy White as well. Harry Douglas is a good pick-up and play him in deeper leagues with Julio Jones almost certainly out .
Indianapolis at Cincinnati: Ride out Pierre Garcon as long as he is hot and I'm still playing Reggie Wayne as well because eventually Curtis Painter will look to him. I think Delone Carter will be the most valuable Colts running back if Joseph Addai is out and Carter is playable in deeper leagues plus a good pick-up in shallow leagues to stash in case Addai is out for a while. Cedric Benson owners are still getting lots of mileage out of him as he waits for his suspension and A.J. Green has been one of the best late-round selections in fantasy drafts. Jerome Simpson is a good play in deeper leagues.
Buffalo at New York Giants: Ryan Fitzpatrick is fading but I think he bounces back here in a shootout with the Giants. Stevie Johnson should bounce back as well and you are playing Fred Jackson every week, but this could be one of his best match-ups. Eli Manning has become a reliable fantasy quarterback, but his receivers behind Hakeem Nicks are tough to predict. I'd take Victor Cruz over Mario Manningham, but both are only starters in deeper leagues. Ahmad Bradshaw should have a better game this week.
Jacksonville at Pittsburgh: As usual, Maurice Jones-Drew is the only Jaguar you are starting. Pittsburgh's defense struggled early this year so if somebody in your league ditched them, pick them up and play them this week. Ben Roethlisberger won't repeat last week's performance, but he should be good and Mike Wallace is always in your lineup if you have got him. Be wary of any Pittsburgh running backs but if Rashard Mendenhall is playing, he should be a good play here. If he is out, I no longer trust Isaac Redman as a good pick-up and Jonathan Dwyer is a potential player only in 16- or 18-team leagues.
Philadelphia at Washington: I think the Eagles begin to put up a fight here, so Michael Vick, Desean Jackson, LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin should all be okay. I picked up the Philly defense this week too and think it should be a safe bet to score in double digits. Bench all your Redskins, including Ryan Torain, who needs to be the feature back once again before I would count on him.
Houston at Baltimore: Not a good match-up for Matt Schaub and I'd bench him if I have somebody equal with a more favorable opponent this week. Arian Foster is backing up his superstar season from last year and Ben Tate can be dumped if you need room on your roster. Kevin Walter was better than Jacoby Jones as Houston's top receiver with Andre Johnson out, but I would go with Jones this week. Owen Daniels and Joel Dreessen are both playable tight ends this week. Joe Flacco and Anquan Boldin will go off this week and I am taking a flyer on Torrey Smith to become more involved in the passing game after the bye week. Ray Rice should get 150 total yards and a couple scores.
Cleveland at Oakland: I'm officially worried about Peyton Hillis because of his slow start, his injury risk, and his contract dispute. That said, I could see him having a strong week against the Raiders to silence his critics, but I'd sell-high if I could because I think Monterio Hardesty is going to get more carries as the season goes along, although I'm not ready to pick him up yet. Greg Little will have his best week of the season and is a good pick-up if you have room at receiver because he will get more and more opportunities as the season goes along. I like the Raiders defense here and Darren McFadden should have a monster game. I like Darrius Heyward-Bey as a pick-up who could become a legitimate fantasy starter before the end of the season, but I'd be hesitant to use him because he is sharing catches with Louis Murphy, Demetrius Moore, and Jacoby Ford.
Dallas at New England: You are obviously playing Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, and Aaron Hernandez in New England's passing game, and I'd take a shot on Deion Branch if I had him as well. BenJarvis Green-Ellis teased fantasy owners again, but I'd keep him on my bench if I have any comparable running backs because I still don't trust him to consistently produce. I think Dallas falls behind early and Tony Romo piles up fantasy points while throwing to Miles Austin and Dez Bryant in a comeback attempt.
New Orleans at Tampa Bay: The Bucs are a fantasy wreck as Josh Freeman is no longer a reliable starter and LaGarrette Blount is injured and unlikely to play. Earnest Graham and Kregg Lumpkin are way to questionable to pick up and Mike Williams is in the midst of a sophomore slump, so I am benching all my Buccaneers. I like the Saints defense although they will give up some points because I think they will get some turnovers and possibly a score. Drew Brees should have a big game and Marquis Colston looks to be healthy and a safe fantasy starter. This could also be a week for Lance Moore and Darren Sproles to shine, but I'm not playing Mark Ingram or Pierre Thomas.
Minnesota at Chicago: I like the Vikings defense to get a score here, but I think they will give up some points as well to score around 12 points. Adrian Peterson is the only sure start on the Vikings offense, but once again I am going to predict a breakout game here for Percy Harvin. Just like the Viks, Chicago's only sure start on offense is at running back with Matt Forte.
Miami at New York Jets: This will be low-scoring and the Jets have the best fantasy defense this week, one that could reach 20 points. Shonn Greene should have his best game of the year and Dustin Keller will bounce back while Santonio Holmes should also have a big night. Brandon Marshall is a huge risk who could be a bust and I wouldn't go near Daniel Thomas or Reggie Bush this week.
Written by Steve Mims exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com. Follow Steve on Twitter @nwsportscards
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(October 1, 2011 – Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images North America)
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, 2011 Fantasy Football, Week 5 Game Previews, Week 5 Game Predicitions, Week 5 Fantasy Football, Steve Mims
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