2011 Fantasy Football Week 6: Start’ Em Sit ‘Em

2011 Fantasy Football Week 6: Start’ Em Sit ‘Em

Start Em

Matt Ryan  QB – Maybe it’s the expectations that are getting to Ryan, but through five games the number three pick of the 2008 draft has been shaky. The Falcons are 2-3 and Ryan’s seven touchdowns and six interceptions have disappointed owners who thought this was the breakout season. Ryan will never be a Drew Brees or Philip Rivers type of passer, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be you’re fantasy QB on a bye week against a dreadful Carolina defense. Ryan is dedicated to his craft so don’t be thrown off by the previous games as he should bounce back even with Julio Jones out of the lineup. Look for Ryan and Roddy White to reconnect like it was 2010, as a high scoring affair takes place in the Georgia Dome.

Earnest Graham RB – Sometimes it’s not about skill but the opportunity a running back is given. On Sunday, Graham will be the feature back for Tampa Bay as LeGarrette Blount will likely sit out as they host the Saints. Graham has been involved in the passing and running game this season and is extremely familiar with the Buccaneers playbook. A veteran who manned the backfield once upon a time for Tampa Bay, Graham is a powerful running back whose best when near the goal line. With 20 touches coming his way, start Graham as a flex against a Saints defense that surrenders a lot of points.

More of Fake Teams Week 6 Start' em and Sit' em after the jump:

Naaman Roosevelt WR – Even for the fantasy geek’s out there, I am not sure if you have heard of Roosevelt? The Bills have been decimated by injuries at the WR position with Donald Jones out four to six weeks, and Roscoe Parish for the year, Roosevelt becomes the ‘’deep threat’’. It’s all about opportunity and when Jones got hurt last week against the Eagles, Roosevelt caught five balls for 41 yards. Steve Johnson will be getting double teamed and David Nelson has disappeared outside of the red zone of late, making Roosevelt the number three option. Ryan Fitzpatrick follows the Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers method of hitting the open receiver, so expect Roosevelt to get some looks against the banged up Giants secondary. With so many teams on a bye, Roosevelt is a sleeper in deep leagues as Buffalo heads to 5-1 on the season.

Fred Davis TE – While the Eagles have an excellent secondary, their linebackers are slow and can’t tackle, making Davis a favorite of mine for this week. Chris Cooley is banged up and not an automatic go for Sunday, so Davis who is slowly becoming Rex Grossmans favorite target should have an impact over the middle and near the end zone. In his young career Davis is improving in all aspects of his game, especially route running, so Davis expect a heavy dose of Davis in this high scoring affair.

Houston Texans D/ST – Many fantasy owners are intimidated of the Ravens offense and coming off a bye, I understand that way of thinking. But to me, it comes down to the fact that Joe Flacco doesn’t have the weapons to expose this Wade Phillips defense. Last weekend, the Raiders through the ball deep against Houston and I don’t see Anquan Boldin who has yet to develop a connection with Flacco exposing the Houston secondary. Yes, Ray Rice will be a factor in the running game as well as the passing game, but the only way the Ravens do damage on offense is if they dominate field position with their defense. Start the Texans defense on Sunday and forget about last week’s disappointment vs. an Oakland team that was on a mission.

Sit Em

Alex Smith QB – Maybe I’m in denial, but I’m not buying into Smith the same way I can’t be sold on the 49ers as a legitimate playoff contender. In five games Smith has thrown over 200 yards in two of them, in a season where QB’s are throwing for 250 yards in their sleep. The Lions defense will be Smiths biggest challenge to date so I would avoid using him even in on a bye week. Maybe I am going off the past, but this small sample size through five games isn’t enough to sway me into Smiths camp.

Ahmad Bradshaw RB – Bradshaw will see the bulk of carries on Sunday, but the Giants have struggled to run the ball through five games. New York as a team is averaging 83.8 rushing yards per game which puts them at 28h in the league. With Brandon Jacobs out, Bradshaw will see his load increase but the Bills run defense is vastly improved, so don’t expect these yards to come easy. My low opinion of Bradshaw has more to do with New York offensive line not opening lanes as opposed to Bradshaws talent level. Expect Eli to air it out, as the Giants attack Buffalos corner backs, which have been abused over and over this season.

Brandon Marshall WR – It pains me to say it, but Marshall is headed to Revis Island, so this puts him outside of my top 20. Besides Wes Welkers one big reception last weekend he was irrelevant, so we can expect a quiet game from Marshall. The QB change to Matt Moore doesn’t bother me, and its possible going forward Marshall and Moore develop a connection beneficial to all fantasy owners of Marshall. But when you go against Darrelle Revis, you don’t see the ball thrown your way, making you a reserve even through a bye week.

Benjamin Watson TE – I can’t deny that Watson has been impressive through four games, his touchdown and reception total have exceeded my expectations. The fact of the matter is, Watson isn’t the playmaker he’s been early on making him a sell high. The Browns want to win on the ground with Peyton Hills, and I expect a heavy dose of the running game this weekend since the passing game has been so anemic. My advice is to avoid all Browns pass catchers as none are reliable until proven otherwise.

San Francisco 49ers D/ST – I said it earlier, I’m not sold on the 49ers so I am not backing off it now. There defense is solid, but I look at them as more of a match up play. With Matthew Stafford, Jahvid Best and Calvin Johnson on deck, I think they will be over matched. The Lions are an offensive juggernaut and are comparing to the Patriots, Packers and Saints of the league. This has more to do with the offense on the field then the defense, so bench Patrick Willis and crew as they head to the Motor City.

For all other rankings and start/sit links head on over to our friends at Fantasy Rundown and Fantasy Football Librarian.