Between bye weeks, injuries and unforeseen performance issues, it sometimes takes some digging to find players that you will be able to add to your lineups for instant offense, or those which you should avoid playing if you have better options.

Below are my Week 6 lineup picks for players that can be booms and busts for fantasy football owners. Hopefully I can help you shape you optimal lineups to win this weekend.

Onto the picks!

• 2025 fantasy football rankings
• Running back (RB) rankings
• Wide receiver (WR) rankings
• Quarterback (QB) rankings
• Tight end (TE) rankings
• Defense (D/ST) rankings
• Kicker (K) rankings
• FLEX rankings
• Dynasty rankings

Week Six Booms

Sam Bradford (QB, PHI) vs. NYG

I have been burned by Bradford multiple times this year, as his Jekyll and Hyde routine continues. Bradford has played much better in the second half of games compared to the first half and nobody seems to know the reason why. Luckily for Bradford and the Eagles, the Giants come to town with a banged up secondary that will be missing Prince Amukamara, who is nursing a pectoral tear. The Giants come into the game as the 24th-ranked fantasy defense against QBs, which can only help the Eagles' aerial attack get on track early.

Eddie Lacy (RB, GB) vs. SD

After weeks of struggling to live up to the numbers we are used to, I think the Gouda Buddha finally busts out against a Chargers defense that is dead last in fantasy points allowed to running backs. Given Green Bay's usual dominance at home, I look for the Packers to strike early and often, with their bruising tailback eating up yards and points to finish off San Diego. I think 120+ yards and at least one touchdown is in Lacy's future this Sunday.

Anquan Boldin (WR, SF) vs. BAL

File this one under the "Hunch" category, but I think Boldin (and maybe Torrey Smith) will have big days against their former team.  The Ravens pass defense has been a sieve this season (31st in fantasy points against for QBs and WRs) and the 49ers' offensive unit actually showed some life against the Giants last week. It has not been pretty for San Fran this week, but I have a feeling they will look better than they have been.

Week Six Busts

Philip Rivers (QB, SD) at GB

Rivers has appeared in this column two weeks in a row and both times were in the "Boom" section. This week he turns into a bust, as he is not playing at home this week or facing a team with a questionable pass defense. The Packers have rolled at home for a while now, winning 12 straight at Lambeau Field. Aaron Rodgers and the offense pile up points, which allows Dom Capers' defensive crew to tee off on opposing quarterbacks looking to mount a comeback on the road. I don't think the Chargers offense will be good enough to keep up with Green Bay, potentially leading to Rivers being forced into some mistakes. I'd stay away this week.

DeMarco Murray (RB, PHI) vs. NYG

Murray finally woke up from a season-long slumber last week to rush for 83 yards and a touchdown against the porous Saints defense. This week Murray and the Eagles welcome in the Giants, who likely won't be as gracious a visitor as New Orleans was. Murray still runs like a player that was used and abused by Dallas, while Ryan Mathews continue to looks better in Philly's offense. Don't be surprised if Murray turns back into a pumpkin during this Monday Night Football matchup.

T.Y. Hilton (WR, IND) vs. NE

As I have said in this column in weeks past, teams coached by Bill Belichick like to take away your biggest strength on offense and try to make you win with your team's weaknesses. Hilton is the best playmaker on the Colts, and I expect New England to give him plenty of attention in the defensive gameplay. Hilton has also struggled with a groin injury during the week to go along with QB Andrew Luck's shoulder problems. I think the Patriots will roll in this Deflategate rematch, but do acknowledge that the Colts may be able to sneak some garbage time.

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]