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Ben Ruppert's Week 6 fantasy football matchups analysis (part 2) for the 2016 NFL season. Starts and sits for fantasy football lineups based on matchups.
What's up RotoBallers! Below you will find part two of our Week 6 NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis for the 2016 NFL football season. Ben Ruppert breaks down the second half of the Week 6 matchups to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part one of this week's matchups analysis by Pierre Camus (@pfunk00).
Each week of the NFL season, we will be breaking down individual matchups and providing you with some fantasy football advice and lineup recommendations based on matchups that we love, matchups that we hate, and some high-risk/high-reward players, as well. It’s essential to analyze the weekly NFL match-ups to find lineup sleepers and gems, while also avoiding those players who may turn out to be busts.
Editor's Note: Be sure to check out FantasyAces DFS contests. New users that sign up on Fantasy Aces and make a $20 deposit will receive RotoBaller's full season NFL Premium Pass for free (including Premium DFS), normally a $59.99 value. Expert DFS research, sample lineups, matchup ratings and lots more!
Week 5 Recap
Greatest Hits: Matt Jones (RB, WAS), Isaiah Crowell (RB, CLE), T.Y. Hilton (WR, IND)
In a two-week span, Matt Jones showed us the highs and lows a fantasy owner will experience while owning him. Some games he will flash his skill and athleticism, the next he could totally bomb out. Isaiah Crowell had his first tough game of the season against a tough Patriots defense, rushing for only 22 yards on 13 carries. The Browns placed offensive lineman Joel Bitonio on the IR this week, which will be another blow to Crowell’s value. T.Y. Hilton dominated last week, catching 10 passes for 171 yards and a TD. That was the second time in the past three games where Hilton has topped the 170-yard mark.
Greatest Misses: Theo Riddick (RB, DET), The Entire Texans v. Vikings Matchup, Todd Gurley (RB, LA)
Theo Riddick had an excellent receiving game, hauling in two scores. Philly held him to 49 yards rushing, but the receiving game was just too much to handle. Welp, I messed up the Texans Vikings matchup bad. Said I loved Lamar Miller, Will Fuller, and Jerick McKinnon. Didn’t like DeAndre Hopkins. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. Lost that one by a long shot. Do NOT bet against this Vikings defense, note to self. Todd Gurley was able to find the end zone once again last week. His YPC was low, but the volume he receives will always keep him relevant.
49ers @ Bills - Sunday 10/16 @ 1:00 PM EST
Matchups We Love
LeSean McCoy (RB, BUF)
Shady has been the Bills most consistent offensive weapon so far through five weeks. Health has played a major role with this; a healthy McCoy will always be a tremendous runner. His floor is about 20 touches per game, which he is capable of turning into big yardage totals. This week he draws the 49ers run defense, which has let up a league leading 133.4 yards per game from the RB position. Fire up your Shady’s and expect RB1 results this week.
Tyrod Taylor (QB, BUF)
While the large yardage totals haven’t quite been there for Taylor, he has made up for it by gaining some rushing yards and limiting his mistakes. Last week he only threw for 124 yards, but that came with a pair of passing TDs, 28 yards rushing, and no INTs. Against the 49ers this week, Taylor will have his chances to succeed once again. They have been good against QBs this season limiting them to 232 passing YPG, and the only real running threat they have faced so far is Cam Newton, who rushed for 37 yards while throwing for four TDs (they faced a hobbled Russell Wilson in Week 3). Look for Taylor to get some things done this week in a good matchup.
Matchups We Hate
Jeremy Kerley (WR, SF)
Former starting QB Colin Kaepernick will make his 2016 debut this week against the Bills. He has not played in a game since Week 9 of the 2015 season. Fortunately for him, starter Blaine Gabbert was unable to be effective, so Kaepernick will get another shot. He has fully recovered from his offseason thumb and knee surgeries, and seems to be a better fit in Chip Kelly’s offensive scheme. Jeremy Kerley was the favorite target of Gabbert. Now that the 49ers have made a QB switch, who knows what we can expect from Kerley this week. Kaepernick has never been a great thrower; his strength has always been his ability to improvise and make plays with his legs. We will see if Kerley quickly becomes Kaep’s safety blanket as well, but I wouldn’t want to rely on him this week.
Notable Players
Charles Clay (TE, BUF)
Clay (rightfully so) was involved in the offense once again last week, catching five passes for the second consecutive week, for 73 yards. Clay is the most talented and athletic receiving threat the Bills have on the field with Sammy Watkins sidelined, and it looks like OC Anthony Lynn has begun to realize that. If he can keep up this solid production he will be a good TE option the rest of the season. No Bills WR is truly reliable at this point, so if Clay continues to use his big body to create mismatches and get open the targets will be there in the passing game.
Carlos Hyde (RB, SF)
I don’t particularly like this matchup for Hyde, but no matter the situation the 49ers have shown they will run the ball. Down 30-to-3 to Seattle in Week 3 heading into the fourth quarter, the 49ers did not elect to go pass heavy, instead they got Hyde is touches which led to two TDs and two-point conversion. Hyde is a solid back on a bad team, but the way they are using him this season will help him find success against any opponent. Keep Hyde in your lineups and look for a TD or two to balance out his somewhat low yardage total.
Rams @ Lions - Sunday 10/16 @ 1:00 PM EST
Matchups We Love
Todd Gurley (RB, LA)
Over the past three weeks, Gurley has averaged 26 touches, 90 yards of offense, and a TD per game. He has been getting more involved in the passing game, which should hopefully help the running game open up a bit. He is still only averaging 2.74 YPC this season, mainly because their passing game is non-threatening. Gurley will have plenty of volume once again this week, so expect more of the same; over 20 rushes, a couple catches, and a TD from the first round pick.
Kenny Britt (WR, LA)
Britt has been the Rams leading receiver this season, and is on pace to set career highs across the board. He has been consistent this season, averaging about 5 catches for 71 yards this season. The TDs have not been there yet; the long ones have gone to Brian Quick and the short ones to Todd Gurley. In PPR leagues he has averaged just over 11 PPG, so if you’re looking for a relatively cheap option this week who can put up some numbers look no further than Britt. The Lions have been one of the bottom 10 teams in the league defending WRs in fantasy, so fire up Britt this week for some consistent play.
Anquon Boldin (WR, DET)
With Golden Tate struggling in Detroit, Anquan Boldin has emerged as a weapon Matthew Stafford can use while running in the slot. Boldin won’t blow you away with his yardage totals, but he has been able to catch 4-to-5 short passes per game, and has two TDs this season. Theo Riddick will be out for the Lions this week, who is a big member of their passing attack. With the only RBs available being rookie Dwayne Washington and newcomer Justin Forsett, there should be some short quick-pass targets available for the taking. I can see Boldin catching an extra two or three passes this game, while likely finding the end zone. He is a good flex play this week in PPR leagues if you’re looking for a filler.
Matchups We Hate
Matthew Stafford (QB, DET)
Stafford has been solid this season, throwing for 1,378 yards through only five games with 10 TDs and 4 INTs. He has thrown for 3 TDs three times in five games. The two games he hasn’t thrown for multiple TDs, he has a 1:3 TD:INT ratio. This is a game he may struggle in, with the absence of top receiving back Theo Riddick. Additionally, the Rams have been good at stopping QB play, limiting them to the 10th least fantasy points against this season. Missing weapons plus a good defense equals a tough day for the QB. Don’t count on Stafford having a big game in this one.
Notable Players
Marvin Jones (WR, DET)
Marvin Jones has been one of the top fantasy WRs this season. The move to Detroit could not have gone better for him and us fantasy owners, who were able to get top talent towards the middle rounds of drafts. He is averaging eight targets per game this season operating as the Lions WR1. He may see even more usage this week with Riddick out of the game. This season, the Rams have well against opposing WR1s, so this matchup may not come so easy for Jones. Regardless, he gets enough volume to have a consistently high-floor each week.
Chiefs @ Raiders - Sunday 10/16 @ 4:05 PM EST
Matchups We Love
Jeremy Maclin (WR, KC)
The matchup this week for Maclin owners is a dream come true. The Raiders have been the worst team in the league at stopping opposing WRs, headlined by last week’s game against the Chargers. San Diego had two receivers top the 100-yard mark in what ended up being a shootout. The Raiders have a good offense and a bad defense, so there’s better than a good chance this one ends up being a high-scoring affair. Even with his slow start, the targets have been there for Maclin (averaging 9.3 per game this season). If this one gets out of hand, Maclin will have a huge Week 6.
Amari Cooper (WR, OAK)
If this game does once again see itself head towards an air show, then Maclin won’t be the only one with a big game. Amari Cooper also had a huge game against San Diego last week, catching six passes for 138 yards and a score. He is the preferred receiving threat for QB Derek Carr, who targets him 9.4 times per game on average. Cooper is on pace to improve on his impressive rookie season. The Chiefs have only been OK at limiting opposing WRs this season, so look for Coop to have a big receiving game if this game gets up into the 30s once again.
Matchups We Hate
Michael Crabtree (WR, OAK)
Crabtree is another WR you could have taken in the middle rounds, and are very happy with now. He gets a ton of red zone targets for the Raiders, with five TDs in five games this season. This week the Raiders take on the Chiefs, who as a whole have been decent at stopping opposing WRs. However, they have been extremely effective at limiting WR2s this season. According to fantasyteamadvice.com, the Chiefs have been the most difficult defense against WR2s this season. Crabtree’s talent will likely keep him playable this week, but this is the most difficult matchup he can draw this season.
Notable Players
Jamaal Charles (RB, KC)
Jamaal Charles will be playing with the training wheels off in this one, taking his lead role back after appearing only minorly in the Chiefs Week 4 game before the bye week. Charles should be all ready to go, and he should be fired up in all lineups immediately. He is an elite talent that can do it all when healthy, showing he can dominate in all facets of the game. Oakland has been in the middle of the pack when it comes to stopping RBs, so if he gets the volume Charles should be able to capitalize.
Jaelen Richard, DeAndre Washington (RB, OAK)
With Latavius Murray out once again this week, the Raiders will turn to the combination of Jaelen Richard and DeAndre Washington to carry the load. Last week it was Richard who outplayed Washington, rushing eight times for 31 yards, while catching six passes for 66 yards. Washington was able to catch five passes as well, so no matter the game flow both backs will factor in. It will be tough to predict who has the better game of the two; this is one of the most difficult backfields in the league to invest in and feel good about.
Falcons @ Seahawks - Sunday 10/16 @ 4:25 PM EST
Matchups We Love
Tevin Coleman (RB, ATL)
The Falcons have a tough matchup this week against the Seahawks, who have had one of the top defenses in the league once again this season. The Falcons had their first real test last week against the Broncos, and were able to escape with a victory. While Devonta Freeman dominated the carries 23-to-6, it was Coleman who broke through in the passing game, catching four balls for 132 yards and a TD. In this matchup, Coleman’s ability to receive and separate in the open field will make a huge difference, setting him apart from Freeman in Week 6.
Russell Wilson (QB, SEA)
Russell Wilson is back to full health, just in time for the best matchup he will have all season. Wilson had been dealing with an ankle sprain which limited the use of his running ability, but after a well time bye week he is feeling back to 100%. The Falcons have been the easiest defense for opposing QBs to face, slowing 300 yards and nearly three TDs per game. If Wilson can get going on the ground once again, he will rejoin the elite fantasy QBs. He is going to have a huge week, play him by any means necessary.
Christine Michael (RB, SEA)
Since taking over as the starting back full time, Michael has shown he is more than capable of handling a full body of work. Over the past two games, he has averaged 19 carries for 82 yards and a TD per game. The Falcons present an easier matchup than the league average for Michael, who is set to continue taking lead back carries until Thomas Rawls is able to return. In Week 4 Michael was also able to contribute through the air, catching five passes for 32 yards and a score. If the Falcons potent offense does manage to break down this Seattle defense, Michael can be counted on in all phases of the game to contribute.
Matchups We Hate
Matt Ryan (QB, ATL)
Last week, the Falcons took on their toughest opponent to date and were able to defeat the Denver Broncos. Ryan threw for 267 yards and one TD, no INTs. A good, yet unspectacular start from fantasy’s top player. This week the test gets even tougher when the Falcons travel to Seattle to face the Seahawks. They have been dynamite against QBs this season, allowing only one TD pass through their first four games, with four INTs. They only allow 201 YPG through the air. With the crowd noise in Seattle mixed with the Legion of Boom, this could be the week Ryan puts up a stinker. I would bench him this week, then ride out his solid performances the rest of the season.
Notable Players
Devonta Freeman (RB, ATL)
Devonta Freeman is the top rusher on the Falcons, and most weeks will be a slam dunk play with how Atlanta has utilized him and Coleman. However, Seattle is as tough as they come at stopping the run. They only allow opposing RBs to rush for just over 66 YPG on 20 carries. They have been more susceptible to receiving backs however, allowing nearly 50 YPG through the air. Freeman and Coleman have received a similar amount of targets/catches, but Coleman has been able to do much more with those chances. I like Coleman a bit more this week for that reason, but volume alone should allow Freeman to have a decent showing,
Jimmy Graham (TE, SEA)
Jimmy Graham has shown signs of his former self over the past few weeks. He has six catches in each of the past two weeks, for 213 yards total and a TD. It seems like the Seahawks have finally figured out how to use Graham’s large frame and catching ability to their advantage. This week should be no different for the top TE; the Falcons have been one of the softest teams in the league at covering the TE position. With Wilson now healthy, the offense should be back to full working order meaning there would be more opportunities than normal for big plays through the air. Fire Graham up with confidence.
Cowboys @ Packers - Sunday 10/16 @ 4:25 PM EST
Matchups We Love
Cole Beasley (WR, DAL)
Dez Bryant will be a game time decision for this one, but regardless of his status you should start Cole Beasley this week. The Packers have a dominant run defense, which means Dak Prescott will need to air the ball out to find success. Beasley has been one of his favorite targets all season, and he was even able to find the end zone for the first time all season last week on an 18-yard TD. Beasley will be the pesky slot receiver no one can really cover well all season; look for that success to continue this week whether or not Dez plays.
Randall Cobb (WR, GB)
We finally saw Randall Cobb have a good game last week for the first time all season. After averaging four catches for 40 yards through the first four weeks, Cobb broke lose catching nine passes for 108 yards last week against the Giants. This week they face Dallas, who are among the top-10 teams in the league at limiting WR production. However, Cobb can create matchup troubles with his shiftiness and quick speed, making him someone Aaron Rodgers can throw to in tough spots. Now that their connection has finally developed into a solid outing this season, I think it will keep going strong this week.
Matchups We Hate
Ezekiel Elliott (RB, DAL)
I don’t think Elliott will have a bad game this week, I just hate this matchup for him. Elliott is on a three game streak right now of 134 yards or more rushing, with a TD per game. He is nearly unstoppable behind the top offensive line in the game. That will be put to the ultimate test this week against the Packers. Green Bay has the top run defense in the league, and it isn’t particularly close. They only allow 43 rushing YPG on 20 rushes, and have not allowed a rushing TD since Week 1. Elliott has faced the Bengals, 49ers, and Bears over the past three weeks, three teams that are only average-to-below average at stopping the run. Elliott will get enough volume to remain effective, but he will have to earn every yard he gets.
Jordy Nelson (WR, GB)
Same situation here with Jordy Nelson; love the player, just hate the matchup this week. Nelson is coming off of a poor outing against the Giants, catching only four passes for 38 yards, with a TD saving his fantasy day. Nelson and Rodgers are one of the best passing duo’s in the league, but this matchup may prove to be very difficult for Nelson. The Cowboys have been stingy against opposing WRs, but specifically against WR1s they have been dominant. They have held O’Dell Beckham, A.J. Green, and Alshon Jeffery this season to an average of four catches for 64 yards with no scores this season. Nelson has scored a TD in every game so far this season, but it will be hard to come by this week.
Notable Players
Eddie Lacy (RB, GB)
Lacy has looked good this season with the touches he has received, with 5.46 YPC through four games. He only receives about 14 touches per game unfortunately, which limits his fantasy effectiveness. Dallas has been tough against the run this season, allowing the fourth fewest points to the position this season. Lacy will need volume in this one with a TD to have a big fantasy day, so limit expectations heading into this difficult matchup.
Colts @ Texans - Sunday 10/16 @ 8:30 PM EST
Matchups We Love
T.Y. Hilton (WR, IND)
T.Y. Hilton has absolutely dominated the Texans over his last six games against them with Andrew Luck at the helm. Over those six games, Hilton has 35 receptions for 661 yards and six TDs. That puts his per game average at about six catches for 110 yards and a TD. Per game. That is an incredible stretch of games for any WR. The Texans also have a few injuries in their secondary, including starting CBs Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson. Hilton should be able to keep things rolling in this one with Luck at QB, who targets Hilton an average 11 times per game this season.
DeAndre Hopkins (WR, HOU)
DeAndre Hopkins is an immensely talented WR, but he has been a bit disappointing from the fantasy side of things. The emergence of WR Will Fuller has impacted his production, but mainly it has been the poor play of QB Brock Osweiler, who has been unable to play well enough consistently to get Hopkins the ball this season. Last week he caught five passes for 56 yards and a score, which was his best day since Week 2. The Colts have been abysmal defensively this season, so this may be a big chance for Hopkins to step it up and have a big game.
Lamar Miller (RB, HOU)
This is it Lamar Miller, if you can’t have a good showing against this defense then I have no idea what to do with you. Miller is coming off his worst week of the season against one of if not the top defense this year in Minnesota, but before that was playing well. He just was not scoring any TDs. The Colts have allowed the third most fantasy points to RBs this season, and were most recently carved up by Jordan Howard for 118 yards on 16 carries. Look for Miller to get back on track after last week’s abysmal showing.
Matchups We Hate
Andrew Luck (QB, IND)
Luck will find plenty of success throwing to Hilton, but he may have a tough go of things otherwise. The Texans have allowed the fourth least points to the QB position this season. Their 13 sacks rank eighth in the league overall. On the flip side, the Colts have allowed a league leading 20 sacks, with 126 yards lost on sacks. Pressure on the QB could make the day a frustrating one for Luck. Keep expectations in check.
Notable Players
Frank Gore (RB, IND)
Frank Gore has been as consistent as they come, no matter the opponent. He will settle in around 16 touches, 60-to-70 yards rushing, with big potential for a TD as the team’s main RB. The ageless wonder will look to keep things going against a Texans defense in the middle of the pack at stopping the run. Gore could be used more this week if the pressure getting to Luck is too much, and will have a shot at some screen plays as well.
