As we near the midpoint of the fantasy football regular season, we’re seeing things come into focus. Whether you’re a seasonal GM or a weekly player, you probably are starting to get a feel for how you want to play things. It’s been a strange year, but that’s the NFL. While Eddie Lacy and Jamaal Charles owners are feeling some much-needed relief, those who rely on Calvin Johnson, LeSean McCoy and Adrian Peterson are on the ledge — staring into the fantasy abyss. I have good news for those who drafted McCoy. He’ll get things going — probably this week. Those with Johnson probably are out of luck on Sunday but have long-term hope. If you drafted Peterson, you have my sympathy as well as my commiseration. He’s a sunk investment — a potential season-wrecker.
As always, I’ve attempted to avoid the obvious stuff. If you are looking for information on players not listed below, follow this link to my full lineup rankings at Rotobahn. If your guy’s not listed there, get on Twitter and give me what for.
For those in need of Sunday lineup advice, feel free to stop by our chat, which kicks off at 11 a.m. and runs through noon every week. And don’t forget to check out the Fantasy Football Hour every Sunday morning.
QUARTERBACKS
Start
Eli Manning, Giants at Eagles
He’s now rolling, and with a full complement of weapons we like his chances in this game, which looks like a bit of a shootout going in. Manning’s a projected QB1 in all formats this week.
Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers at Browns
He’s got all the weapons he needs and the Browns have some injuries at cornerback. Big Ben is a good play in Week 6 regardless of your league’s size. He should get you QB1 stats.
Cam Newton, Panthers at Bengals
While Newton is not an elite start this week, as he often is, he is playable. There’s no reason to look to the waiver wire. He may begin to run more with a battered backfield behind him and a need to win games due to the team’s 3-2 start in a very competitive division. He’s my 12th-rated passer this week.
Brian Hoyer, Browns vs. Steelers
If you are hurting in a big format, Hoyer is an option. He’s not even in my top 20 this week, but he’s playable and that’s why I listed him — to illustrate the depth of the Week 6 quarterbacks. If you are in need, just consult the Rotobahn QB rankings for the best available option.
Sit
Kyle Orton, Bills vs. Patriots
I feel like the Patriots could take his best weapon away, and that’s a potential problem. Orton’s not loaded with upside as it is, so you hopefully have other options. Beware of Revis Island.
RUNNING BACKS
Start
Andre Williams, Giants at Eagles
He’s looked good in limited opportunities so far, but there will be no limitation to what he’ll do this week because starter Rashad Jennings will not play due to a knee sprain. That leaves Williams as the lead dog and he has serious fantasy potential with that kind of projected volume. The former BC star is a very solid play in any league this week, especially in standard scoring.
Branden Oliver, Chargers at Raiders
Here’s a very strong play. The Raiders are a bit of a mess, as expected, and Oliver is no fluke. The kid has quick feet and good vision and runs with a nice forward lean. He’s a good bet to produce like an RB1 this week and he should settle in the role vacated by Danny Woodhead once starter Ryan Mathews returns. This week is a really good opportunity for Oliver because Donald Brown may sit out with a concussion — paving the way for Oliver to get heavy volume. He’s an excellent Week 6 running back in any format.
Bishop Sankey, Titans vs. Jaguars
If Shonn Greene continues to be limited with his hamstring, that could pave the way for Sankey to get the kind of opportunity the Titans keep saying he’ll receive. He’s a flex right now with a healthy Greene, but he could move up into RB2 territory if Greene stays on his current trajectory for Week 6. Sankey owners need to stay on their toes here.
Storm Johnson, Jaguars at Titans
Here’s a tip for those of you in really large formats. Johnson is a player to add for sure, but he could be a playable option in deeper leagues this week for those folks in a bye or injury jam. HC Gus Bradley has indicated that Johnson will receive a good deal of playing time. He’s a nice RB3 or flex play in big standard leagues. It’s also worth noting that Johnson already has good chemistry with starting quarterback Blake Bortles. The two were teammates at the University of Central Florida.
Sit
Matt Asiata, Vikings vs. Lions
I’m not telling you to bench him in all formats, but a big day is not likely because the Lions match up very well against power runners, and Asiata is not the kind of back who creates much for himself outside of what’s blocked. He’ll get 15 touches or thereabouts, but unless he scores, that should add up to about six total points — maybe a few more in PPR scoring.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Start
Golden Tate, Lions at Vikings
Golden’s showing off his skills lately, and with Calvin Johnson potentially out this week, Tate’s a WR2 with WR1 upside. Keep him active in all formats. He’s going to see a ton of targets, and he can handle Minnesota’s cornerbacks.
Mohamed Sanu, Bengals vs. Panthers
A.J. Green, sadly, has re-aggravated his turf toe injury and is very unlikely to play this weekend. Even if they do trot Green out there, he’s likely to be a decoy. Sanu is the only legit receiving threat the Bengals have, so he’s going to see the ball. He’s a worthy WR3 play in most formats and certainly in 12-team leagues.
Odell Beckham Jr., Giants at Eagles
Getting sick of me talking about this kid? I don’t blame you, but I have my reasons. This is one of Rotobahn’s most highly rated rookies and that’s not just for this year. In all our years of scouting, Beckham is one of the better, most complete receivers we’ve come across. He’s going to be a star if he stays healthy. He’s a legit WR3 option right now.
Cordarrelle Patterson, Vikings vs. Lions
You didn’t think I was going to give up on my guy, did you? No way. Circumstance has really given Patterson’s owners a beating. He was supposed to be drafting behind the most dominant running back in recent memory. Well, we all know the Peterson story, so no need to get into that. In the wake of Peterson’s departure, the Vikings have gone through three quarterbacks and have looked mostly out of sorts. Defenses have loaded up the perimeter to stop Patterson, and why not? With no Peterson, they can afford to take players out of the box. Now the good news. Teddy Bridgewater is back under center and the running game is coming around with rookie Jerick McKinnon providing a dynamic element that will put some needed stress on defenses. While Patterson’s ceiling certainly is less than it was a month ago, he’s still well worth a look as a WR3, especially in 12-team leagues. The best is yet to come. This is a player who can post a week’s worth of stats in a few seconds. Patterson is nursing a hip injury, but it doesn’t appear to be anything serious. Check his status on Sunday just to be sure.
Sit
Terrance Williams, Cowboys at Seahawks
We like Williams’ game and he’s a solid play on most weeks, but I’m not liking the way he matches up with Seattle’s corners. He could make the big play conceivable, but he also has major bust potential. Consider other options this week.
TIGHT ENDS
Start
Larry Donnell, Giants at Eagles
He was a no-show last week as the Giants finally got their outside game heated up, but that works well for Donnell going forward as defenses cannot take him away without opening up the big play. The Giants now have three dynamic talents on the outside and in the slot. Donnell should continue to produce TE1 numbers in 12-team leagues. I like him this week.
Owen Daniels, Ravens at Bucs
He’s completely at home in Gary Kubiak‘s offense and he’s great in the red zone. You can start Daniels in just about any matchup, and that certainly includes this week’s game in Tampa. He’s a low-end TE1 option in any league.
Zach Ertz, Eagles vs. Giants
He’s been disappointing, but things are going to pick up in Philadelphia. The offensive line has been bad, mostly due to injury, and that’s led to some shaky play by their young quarterback, Nick Foles. Adding Ertz in a deal might not be the worst idea right now. He’s a solid buy-low option. He’s also a good play this week in 12-team leagues.
Tim Wright, Patriots at Bills
This is for folks looking for options in deep leagues. There’s no way to guarantee how Wright will be used against the Bills, but after what we saw in Week 5, I am thinking that the Patriots will find ways to get him even more involved. Big targets are something Tom Brady can use right now and Wright’s looking more and more comfortable in the Patriots system. He can help you in 12- and 14-team leagues if you are hurting due to injury or the bye week.
Sit
Heath Miller, Steelers at Browns
He struggled against Cleveland earlier this year, and it’s not like he’s lighting it up week to week right now. Miller is a viable play, but I’m not feeling him as far as TE1 performance is concerned.
