Minding My Manners – Your Week 6 Fantasy Scoutlook
The champ is here! After a one-week hiatus, I’m back to give my picks and answer your questions as the 6th week of this 2009 NFL season quickly approaches. A-lo filled in well for me last week, making some spot-on picks, and his help will be much needed again. We’ve got a battle of the unbeatens in New Orleans this weekend, a great matchup in Minnesota, and a few scrub matches.
Week 6, for many fantasy leagues, is a do-or-die week. It could take just one more loss this week before you find yourself essentially on the outside looking in on the playoffs. Take this advice or direct your specific questions our way, as Alex and I call the shots.
Yes, Please. I’d Love Some…
by Adam Hutcheson
Matt Hasselbeck – QB Seattle Seahawks
Give me the league’s worst pass defense and I’ll start the QB throwing against them just about every time. With a healthy Matt Hasselbeck, it seems like a no-brainer. Nate Burleson has really come into his own this year after a 2008 campaign that left him sidelined nearly the entire year with a knee injury. The deep-ball threat of Burleson and the over-the-middle play of Houshmandzadeh give Hasselbeck the versatility he needs to pick apart the Cardinals secondary. Week 6 Scoutlook: 312 yds passing, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 1 rush for 4 yds.
Kevin Smith – RB Detroit Lions
The Lions are marching into Green Bay this week, most likely with Daunte Culpepper behind the wheel of the offense. With Calvin Johnson (knee) looking less likely as he continues to miss practices, the Lions will be banking on the run game of Kevin Smith, their only RB (Reliable Back). He’s proven he can be 2-dimensional with his receiving skills improving each week. The Green Bay defense has given up 3.5 yards per carry and 112 yards per game to opposing rushers. Trust Smith to be the workhorse of this Lions offense on Sunday. Week 6 Scoutlook: 22 carries for 95 yds, 1 TD, 4 receptions for 31 yds.
Chad Ochocinco – WR Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have congealed in a big way in 2009, with their well-balanced offense and rejuvenated defense. Despite Ochocinco’s Lambeau Leap, he’s been relatively tame, thus far. This week, the Bengals will host the Houston Texans in what should be a offensive slugfest. Look for Palmer to seek out his most dynamic offensive threat frequently, countering with a consistent run game from Cedric Benson. Ochocinco better have an end zone dance prepared for the weekend. Week 6 Scoutlook: 7 receptions for 105 yds, 1 TD.
Antonio Gates – TE San Diego Chargers
Always a must start, the knock on Gates in the past few years has been his durability. He’s moving around on the field like we haven’t seen since his 75 reception season of 2007. The key to snapping Denver’s winning streak will be the Rivers to Gates connection. Vincent Jackson will be manhandled by Champ Bailey, leaving Rivers looking to the middle of the field for Gates. Should there be a game that Rivers relies on Gates, this is the one, and it comes in primetime on Monday night. Week 6 Scoutlook: 8 receptions for 89 yds, 2 TDs.
Washington Redskins – DEF
Since coming over from New England, Matt Cassel has looked discombobulated in what’s been a mess of a season offensively for the Chiefs. Those Chiefs will be traveling to DC for a game in which Jim Zorn’s career is on the line. He’ll rally the troops the best he and his passive personality can. The addition of Albert Haynesworth has clogged the rushing lanes for opposing offenses. Considering the motor of Larry Johnson is long overdue for an oil change, expect a disastrous showing from Kansas City’s running backs, forcing the ball to the air. Enter Matt Cassel. Week 6 Scoutlook: 13 pts allowed, 2 INT, 3 sacks.
No, Thanks. I’ll Pass…
by Alex Lopez
Ok, so last week was kind of hit and miss. But come on, it was my first shot. And who would have thought Kyle Orton was the real deal? Actually at the beginning of the year I did, but don’t ask me to prove it. Even with that oversight, I fared a little better on the duds than the studs so let’s just focus on that this time around.
Brett Favre – QB Minnesota Vikings
After reminding us all of the Favre of old two weeks ago against his former team, Favre fell back down to earth against the Rams next week, fantasy wise at least. He has only thrown two picks this year and is more efficient than ever. The arm strength is still there and he’s as clutch as ever. The problem is the Vikings rarely need him to step up. Not needing a hall of fame quarterback to shoulder the load is great for a real team, but no so much for a fantasy one. He may be called upon a little more this week if AP struggles against the Ravens brutal run defense, but their pass defense isn’t any less scary. Week 6 Scoutlook: 175 yds passing, 1 TD, 1 INT.
Ray Rice/Willis McGahee – RB Baltimore Ravens
With Rice getting all his work between the 20’s and McGahee getting mostly goal-line looks it’s hard to figure out who the best Ravens fantasy option is week-to-week. The fact that they’re facing the Vikings D this week makes it a lot easier, sit them both. It was already a crapshoot with these two, but now the dice are loaded against you. The only way I would consider starting either of these two is if you are desperate for help in a TD only league. McGahee may get lucky and be able to punch one in but he won’t rack up a lot of yards. Week 6 Scoutlook: Rice-14 rushes for 60 yds, 0 TDs. McGahee-6 rushes for 12 yds, 1 TD.
Mario Manningham – WR New York Giants
Manningham’s targets are decreasing while Hakeem Nicks’s are rising. I’m not confident in either receiver until the competition for Eli’s attention plays itself out. But if I had to pick one or the other to perform this week and in the long term, I would go with Nicks. Nicks is physically superior to Manningham and it’s only a matter of time before the rest of his game catches up. Week 6 Scoutlook: 2 receptions for 45 yds, 0 TDs.
Jeremy Shockey – TE New Orleans Saints
There’s a lot of speculation this week on how badly Shockey wants to burn his former team but it’s not like he’s Brett Favre. Favre was in control of his own destiny against the Packers. Shockey has to rely on Drew Brees to give him a chance to do some damage. But Brees has too many other weapons to guarantee Shockey a big day. Week 6 Scoutlook: 4 receptions for 40 yds, 0 TDs
Washington Redskins – DEF
No folks, it’s not a typo. Believe it or not, sometimes sportswriters disagree with one another. Adam’s right, on paper it looks like the Redskins should have no problem shutting down the Chiefs’ pathetic offense. But on paper they should be 4-1. Talent-wise the Skins are leaps and bounds ahead of the Lions and Panthers, especially on D. Yet they found ways to lose. The offense is incapable of staying on the field long enough to give the defense adequate rest and as the season goes on they wear down more and more. Couple that with the fact that Matt Cassel is healthy, improving, and finally developing chemistry with Dwayne Bowe and this game spells disaster for the Skins and potentially the end of the Jim Zorn era. Week 6 Scoutlook: 28 pts allowed, 2 sacks, 0 INT
Adam Hutcheson
Adam Gori
David Brick
Josh Brick
Grant Howard
Alex Lopez
Joe Giglio
I read your column every week, thanks for the insights. I have a question regarding my week 6 lineup, specifically at RB. I have to start 2 RB’s from the following list: R. Grant, S. Slaton, P. Thomas, and R. Mendenhall.
I am fairly certain that Grant will have a solid game but I am very unsure about the other availaable spot. In a perfect world I would start Mendenhall against Cle but with Parker possibly back I am not sure how the workload will get distributed. Slaton has a nice matchup but does not get the redzone touches and Thomas now has to deal with Mike Bell back at 100%. What are your thoughts?
Also, my WR’s are (start 2): Randy Moss, Steve Smith (NYG) and S. Moss. I am going to go with R. Moss and Smith, thoughts?
Thanks again!
Your WRs are set.
At RB, I would go Grant for one. Can’t pass up Detroit. If the Packers go up big (like they should) he’ll get a lot of carries.
For your second guy, you might have to take the safe route and go with Slaton. Parker has practiced for a few days and Mendenhall has missed a few days and is listed as questionable due to illness. And with the Saints, it’s very possibly Bell will take away a good amount of carries from Thomas. So, for now, go Slaton. But check back here Saturday for the injury report and see how Mendenhall is doing.
Ok I made a trade for A.Boldin but now I need help who to strat at WR (non-PPR)need 3
A.Boldin
R.White
B.Marshall
or S.Smith (car)
what the heck also S.Slaton or S.Morris – leaning to Slaton.
Let me just say, you’re stacked at WR. In my “Back from the Dead” article, I said Steve Smith would have a good week, so I’m not going to go back on my word. Not sure how you can bench White after last week. And Marshall has been on fire the past few weeks. I know you just traded for him, but I would sit Boldin. He’s facing a better pass defense than the other three, and he’s got Fitz to compete with.
I’d go Slaton. The Titans have a terrible pass-defense, but their run defense is ranked third (75.4 yards/game).
PS I hope your stat line for Gates is right.
i have Rogers and Rivers who to start and do i hold onto Washinton or Jones {jets} for the long haul thanx
Rogers. 100%. Rogers. He’ll face the Detroit secondary that’s allowed 15 TDs so far and though Rivers is a good option, Rogers is a must start this week. You may want to consider trading Rivers to fill an area of weakness on your team.
As for your NYJ running backs, I like Jones to be a better fantasy producer this year because of his goal line presence, but neither is a sure-thing start.
I’ve gotta side with Alex on the Redskins. The Chiefs aren’t world beaters, but Matt Cassel gives them a puncher’s chance, especially if the Redskins are producing three-and-outs on offense and leaving their defense out there for too long.
Paul
peoplespigskin.wordpress.com
I start 2 Rb, 2 Wr, and 1 flex Rb/Wr…… Right now i’m starting
RB- K. Moreno and R Rice
WR- R Moss and G Jennings
Flex – (wr)S Smith (NYG)
On Bench:
RB- L Tomlinson, M Lynch
WR- Sims-Walker, D. Bowe
Any changes you suggest I should make…
I love having players like this for byes, but when they all available its tough pick.
BTW we are in a PPR league….
I think you’re set. I can see you’re questioning though. They’re all solid starters, it just comes down to who ends up having the bigger week. Moss and Jennings are must-starts. The only one I’d even consider switching is Sims-Walker for Smith. The Saints have a pretty good pass-defense so the Giants may try more running plays. But Smith is still Eli’s favorite target. Only reason I’d consider it is because Smith is playing the Rams (8 passing TDs this season and 237.2 yds/game).
In a non PPR league, who do you suggest is the better WR #3 to start, Bobby Wade or Eddie Royal?
SD gives up more yards/game than Washington (believe it or not). So, I’d have to say Royal.
who to start?
David Garrard vs stl
Drew Brees vs nyg
need 2
R.Grant vs Det
Mendenall vs Cle
Rice vs Min
need 3
Terrell Owens vs nyj
Mike Sims walkers vs stl
Vincent Jackson vs den
Andre Johnson vs cin
thanks for all the advice
i traded bernard barrian for TO whats your input on that
QB: There are few instances when sitting Brees is a good idea. This week there could be some fireworks when the Giants come to town. I think he’s good for 2 TDs. Start Brees.
RB: Go with Grant and Mendenhall. Rice is a great option too, but these too face the softest defenses. Plus, I think today is the day when the fantasy world fully realizes Willie Parker is dead to Steeler Nation.
WR: Bench T.O., which i know isn’t what you want to hear. He’s gotta beat Derelle Revis one-on-one and really hasn’t gotten in sync with that offense and Trent Edwards.
As for your trade, the 2 have pretty much identical fantasy numbers in ’09. And both are playing with new QBs. If one of them were to get that rhythm down, they’d be a good option at WR, but it hasn’t happened yet. I think the trade is a wash, though T.O. is mighty talented.
Matt, you and I both hope that Gates line is spot on. I was being a bit ambitious there, but I think he’ll be the key to success Monday night. He could win a lot of fantasy matches for people late Monday night.
I am torturing myself on who to start and who to sit this week, please help me….
Starting RB: B. Westbrook and K. Moreno
Starting WR: M. Sims-Walker, M. Colston, Roddy White
On the bench: LT, Ahmad Bradshaw, B. Berrain & DeSean Jackson
Any changes you suggest?