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UPDATED: Sunday morning, with Green Bay vs. Baltimore and Cincinnati vs. Buffalo.
Rotoballer's Lou Cappetta brings you comprehensive Sunday fantasy football advice so you can set your lineup with confidence. Click here for Part 1 of this week's matchup analysis.
Suicide Pick of the Week
Record: 3-2
After hurting us in week four, the Browns added another win to our season total when they defeated the Buffalo Bills last Thursday night. We now sit at 3-2, but are sure to add a fourth win this week, as our pick has to be considered the lock of all locks to win. That's right, this week we will be going with the obvious, and pick the Denver Broncos to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now let's continue on with our match-ups.
Week 6 NFL Matchups: Fantasy Football Analysis & Sit/Start Advice
St. Louis Rams @ Houston Texans, Sunday 10/13, 1PM
Match-up We Love: Arian Foster, RB
If you own Arian Foster, he's obviously going to be in your lineup, and i'll be the first to admit that I was worried about nagging injuries and timeshare concerns going into this year, but I love him this week for two reasons. First, I hate to pile on the guy with everything that happened to him this past week, but Matt Schaub is a disaster. The Texans are going to try to make him throw as little possible until he straightens things out, meaning Foster, and Ben Tate for that matter, should see plenty of touches. The second thing working for Foster this week is the fact that the Rams defense has given up the second most fantasy points to opposing rushers. Increased touches + bad run defense = big day for Foster.
Analysis: Start Foster with confidence, as this could end up being his best game of the year.
Match-up We Hate: Rams DEF
I am as disappointed in the Rams defense as any fantasy player this year. I thought the young pass rush and coaching of Jeff Fisher would take this defensive unit to an elite level, but it just hasn't happened. On the year, the Rams defense has 11 sacks, six of those have come against the swiss-cheese Arizona O-line and the Jaguars. The Rams aren't terrible, but their a match-up play at best, and despite Matt Schaub turning into a turnover machine, the Houston offense is not the match-up for them. I think Schaub snaps out of his funk this week, but even if he doesn't, Adrian Foster and Ben Tate are going to run all over them.
Analysis: Sit the Rams D and look for a better match-up elsewhere.
Key Injuries: Zac Stacy RB, STL (questionable), Cortland Finnegan DB, STL (doubtful), Ed Reed S, HOU (probable)
Start 'Em: Sam Bradford, Tavon Austin, Zac Stacy, Austin Pettis, Arian Foster, Ben Tate, Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins, Texans DEF
Tennessee Titans @ Seattle Seahawks, Sunday 10/13, 4PM
Match-up We Love: Seahawks DEF
After giving up almost twice as many points in the past two weeks than they did in the first three, and suffering their first loss to boot, the Seahawks return home this week to face the Tennessee Titans. It should be just what the doctor order for the best defense in the NFL, as the Titans offense doesn't exactly put fear in anyone, and it's at home where Seattle's D really thrives. This should be an old-fashioned defensive struggle where the top two scoring options in fantasy end up being the defenses. Honestly, I'd use either one, but with the Seahawks being at home, and facing the Titans offense, I like Seattle more.
Analysis: Seattle's D is a must start this week.
Match-up We Hate: Chris Johnson, RB
I believe this is the third time Chris Johnson has appeared as a match-up we hate, so it's no secret that I avoided him in all drafts, especially since he was going in most second rounds. Johnson had a very good week last week, but most of that came on a 49 yard flip pass for a TD. Take away that one play, and Johnson had 13 touches for a total of 31 yards from scrimmage. This last game is also the most Johnson has been used in the passing game this year, and he is nowhere to be seen in goal line situations. Chris Johnson may be on his way to the weakest 1,000 yard season of any fantasy running back this year. It's hard to bench a guy you drafted in the second round, but there's no way I'm using him in Seattle.
Analysis: CJ2K is nothing more than a low-end flex option this week. Start Johnson at your own risk if you must, but there may be a better match-up elsewhere.
UPDATE: Shonn Greene was ruled out for this week while writing this, so I like Johnson slightly more. I would still try to stay away from him against Seattle, but could see him being used as a flex play.
Key Injuries: Snonn Greene RB, TEN (out), Marshawn Lynch RB, SEA (questionable), Zach Miller TE, SEA (questionable), Sidney Rice WR, SEA (probable)
Start 'Em: Marshawn Lynch, Russell Wilson, Sidney Rice, Golden Tate, Seahawks DEF, Chris Johnson, Nate Washington, Titans DEF
Oakland Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday 10/13, 1PM
Match-up We Love: Chiefs DEF
This may be stating the obvious, but the Chiefs defense is the truth, and it's a major reason why the team is still undefeated. The KC has been the best defense in fantasy by far after the first five weeks, as they've scored almost 30 more fantasy points than the next best fantasy defense, Seattle. This match-up against Oakland is a particularly good one. Sure the Raiders, and QB Terrelle Pryor for that matter, are much better than anyone expected, but they are prone to turnovers, and are down to their third-string running back. This should be another win for Kansas-City, and another big day for their defense.
Analysis: The Chiefs defense has become a must-start every week. Sit back and watch the points roll in this week against Oakland.
Match-up We Hate: Marcel Reece, RB
Marcel Reece was a very good handcuff for people who drafted Darren McFadden last year, and although he was replaced on the depth chart by Rashad Jennings this year, he's definitely worth owning now that McFadden will be out again this week, and Jennings is nursing a sore hamstring. Running back is a scarce position that gets even more scarce once the bye weeks start, and grabbing a guy like Reece who can run and catch out of the backfield off of waivers can go a long way towards winning your league. With all that said, there is absolutely no way I use him this week against the Chiefs unless I'm desperate. Honestly, I'd probably avoid all Raiders this week, even Terrelle Pryor.
Analysis: Grab Reece if he's still available in your league, but do not start him this week.
Key Injuries: Darren McFadden RB, OAK (questionable), Rashad Jennings RB, OAK (questionable), Marcel Reece RB, OAK (probable), Brandon Flowers CB, KC (questionable), Justin Houston LB, KC (probable), Jamaal Charles RB, KC (probable)
Start 'Em: Alex Smith, Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs DEF, Terrelle Pryor, Denarius Moore
New Orleans Saints @ New England Patriots, Sunday 10/13, 1PM
Match-up We Love: Jimmy Graham, TE
The New England defense has picked up the slack of a surprisingly lack-luster Pats' offensive unit, but I have a feeling they are going to have their hands full this weekend against the Saints, and a big reason for that will be Jimmy Graham. Graham has not only been the best tight end this year, he's been the second best player in all of fantasy. Only Peyton Manning has scored more fantasy points after the first five weeks than Graham, and he's quickly on his way to an historic 2013. He's a must start every single week in what could end up being an MVP campaign.
Analysis: Start Jimmy Graham with confidence.
Match-up We Hate: Patriots DEF
I love the New England defense, especially when they're at home, but I think they may be too risky to use against the Saints this week. I'm not as high on the Saints as most people, but I do think they're a lock every week to score into the 30's, regardless of who is defending them. On top of that, Drew Brees has played very well against New England dating back to his Chargers' days, and has Jimmy Graham to throw to all day.
Analysis: I wouldn't drop the New England defense, but I think starting them this week is too much of a risk.
Key Injuries: Mark Ingram RB, NO (questionable), Lance Moore WR, NO (questionable), Rob Gronkowski TE, NE (questionable), Stevan Ridley RB, NE (questionable), Brandon Boldin RB, NE (questionable), Danny Amendola WR, NE (questionable)
Start 'Em: Tom Brady, Danny Amendola, LeGerrette Blount, Brandon Boldin, Kenbrell Thompkins, Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston, Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles, Saints DEF
Green Bay Packers @ Baltimore Ravens, Sunday 10/13, 1PM
Match-up We Love: Torrey Smith, WR
Torrey Smith is undoubtedly the Ravens number one wideout this year, and he's on his way to a career best season. Sure, his QB has been a little inconsistent, but Smith should see plenty of balls thrown his way this week against a Packers defense that has given up the sixth most fantasy points to opposing receivers after the first five weeks of 2013.
Analysis: Start Torrey Smith with confidence.
Match-up We Hate: Ravens DEF
Even without Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, the Baltimore defense unit is solid. That said, picturing them going against Aaron Rodgers, who is arguably the best quarterback in football, makes me think back to week one, when Peyton Manning torched them. There is no scientific stuff going on here, just a gut feeling that the Ravens will struggle once again against a top notch QB with a ton of weapons to throw to.
Analysis: The Ravens DEF is no longer a must start each week, and this is probably a match-up to sit them.
Key Injuries: Casey Hayward CB, GB (out), Jacoby Jones WR, BAL (questionable), Bernard Pearce RB, BAL (questionable), Brandon Stokley WR, BAL (questionable)
Start 'EM: Aaron Rodgers, Eddie LAcy, James Jones, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley, Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Torrey Smith, Bernard Pearce
Cincinnati Bengals @ Buffalo Bills, Sunday 10/13, 1PM
Match-up We Love: Bengals DEF
Consider me a believer in the Bengals defense. The Bengals have allowed only 12.5 points per game the past two weeks, and within the last three weeks the Bengals have given fits to Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. That doesn't bode well for the Bills, who will be starting practice squad call-up Thad Lewis this week, as EJ Manuel is out due to injury. If that's not enough of a reason to use the Cincy D, how about the fact that they're the tenth ranked defensive unit in fantasy.
Analysis: Top ten defense + practice squad QB = Must start.
Match-up We Hate: Jermaine Gresham, TE
Chances are, if you're still starting Jermaine Gresham in your TE slot, you're not paying much attention to your team. He steadily losing touches to rookie Tyler Eifert, and it's caused him to fall out of the top 25 in TE rankings. That means there is almost certainly guys on waivers who are steadily outperforming him, yet somehow he's still owned in 46% percent of Yahoo! leagues, more than double that of Tyler Eifert. If you do own Gresham, the Bills defense has been very good, and very tough on opposing tight ends, so this may be your chance to see who else is out there.
Analysis: Sit Gresham this week, and start looking for a replacement as Tyler Eifert sees more and more of his touches.
Key Injuries: Ej Manuel QB, BUF (out), Steve Johnson WR, BUF (questionable), CJ Spiller RB, BUF (questionable), Jairus Byrd S, BUF (probable), Leon Hall CB, CIN (questionable)
Start 'EM: Andy Dalton, AJ Green, Tyler Eifert, Giovanni Bernard, BeJarvis Green-Ellis, Bengals DEF, Cj Spiller, Fred Jackson, Steve Johnson, Bills DEF
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Click here for Part 1 of this week's matchup analysis
Need Rankings? Check out our Week 6 Rankings to see how we value all players for Week 6.
Be sure to check back later today as we post the final three matchups for Week 6. And as always, for advice on demand, check out the RotoBaller.com chat room. Good luck in Week Six!
