Start ‘Em
Quarterbacks
Jake Locker @ Jaguars – The Titans quarterback has been very productive this season, when he is healthy that is. This week he gets the Jacksonville Jaguars who have given up the second most passing touchdowns in the NFL. If you are in need of that bye-week replacement on Sunday or looking for a replacement for Tony Romo who faces Seattle on the road. Locker is the guy. This is all of course assuming he plays, as he is dealing with a hand injury.
Eli Manning @ Eagles – Going up against the Eagles this week, starting Manning is a nor brainer. The Eagles have given up the most passing touchdowns in the NFL, ranks bottom 10 in both passing and rushing yards against while at the same time surrendering the 7th most points per game. That is a formula for success for opposing quarterbacks. Manning ranks ahead of everyone not named Manning and Rodgers this week. Start him and enjoy.
Sit ‘Em
Cam Newton @ Bengals – Not that the Bengals have been a premier defense so far this season but they have allowed the second fewest amount of points in the NFL. That means Newton’s touchdown opportunities are likely to be limited on Sunday especially with their running game, or lack thereof. Newton may struggle and you don’t want to give your team the chance of a let down by putting him in your lineup.
Tony Romo @ Seattle – The Cowboys have been very good this season. Romo has been a main reason, after his Week 1 meltdown against the 49ers he has rebounded by throwing 8 touchdowns vs. 2 interceptions over the last 4 weeks. The Seahawks at home though are a different monster. A monster that was able to hold Peyton Manning to 1 passing touchdown. Don’t start Romo if you don’t have to.
Running backs
Start ‘Em
Frank Gore @ Rams – St.Louis has been very good against the pass this season as evidenced by their top ranked pass defense. That could largely be in part to them being very susceptible against the run in 2014. Adding to that the veteran running back has rushed for over 100 yards on the ground in two straight weeks. Expect him to do it again on under the lights on Monday Night Football.
Andre Williams @ Eagles – In just over a half of football Williams proved he could handle the workhorse role. Last week against the Falcons he rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown while catching 2 passes for 18 yards. With a full game in Week 6 against a questionable Eagles defense owners should expect a far better stat line this week – which would be remarkable. He could reach into the 20’s in fantasy points and that’s not even a stretch.
Sit Em
Stevan Ridley @ Bills – The Bills have the leagues second best rush defense allowing just over 70 yards rushing per contest. Furthermore they have yet to allow a rushing touchdown this season! Unless he is gifted a 1 yard score you shouldn’t expect a good game from Ridley on Sunday. Shane Vereen is the better option this week due to his explosiveness in the passing game.
Chris Johnson / Chris Ivory vs. Broncos – The Jets have been very good on the ground this season averaging over 130 yards per game. This week however they face a Denver defense that his given up the 7th fewest amount of yards on the ground (88.2). You also really never know who is going to get the touches in the Jets backfield. While the J-E-T-S figure out their backfield, you should bench both of these guys and wait until you are guaranteed some production, or at least some playing time.
Wide Receivers
Start ‘Em
Mohamed Sanu vs. Panthers – With Bengals All-Pro WR A.J. Green expected to miss several weeks after aggravating his toe injury. WR Marvin Jones is expected to make his return Sunday but will most likely play limited snaps as he works his way back. This situation in general gives Sanu a good formula for success. Start him and expect double-digit points.
Golden Tate vs. Vikings – As you can see the formula for wide receiver starts this week is the All-Pro wide receiver on the opposite side going down with injury. In this case it’s Calvin Johnson who will likely miss Sunday’s game. This means Golden Tate will be Matthew Stafford's go to option in the passing game. Last week against the Bills Tate was the unquestioned WR1 once Johnson left with another ankle injury, Tate had a very good stat line recording 7 REC – 134 YDS – 1 TD. Expect much of the same this week against mediocre Vikings defense.
Sit 'Em
Sammy Watkins vs. Patriots – With new Bills quarterback Kyle Orton running the offense Watkins looked like he will be a primary target in the passing game moving forward for the Bills. One problem though, this week he will be covered by Pro-Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis for most of the game. On top of that the Patriots have been very good against the pass this season allowing the least amount of fantasy points to opposing WR’s this season.
Michael Crabtree @ Rams - The Rams have the NFL’s best pass defense, yes the Rams. As surprising as it sounds they actual do not allow opposing offenses to throw all over them. Just ask Nick Foles and the Eagles who squeaked out a win in Week 5 thanks in large part to two defensive touchdowns. Not to mention the Rams always play the 49ers tight, being a divisional game you should expect a low scoring affair and not many passes being thrown Crabtree’s way. You’ve been warned.
Tight Ends
Start ‘Em
Eric Ebron @ Vikings – Just like Tate with the injury to Calvin Johnson will only open up some more opportunities for the rookie. He proved last week he can be a threat in the red zone hauling in a would be touchdown on a jump ball – was called back on a holding penalty – but he showcased his athleticism. Against the Vikings this week be ready for Ebron’s coming out party.
Antonio Gates @ Raiders – In Gates’ last 6 visits to the “Black Hole” he has recorded 31 catches. If his averages hold true then owners should expect a big game from the veteran. Boy has Rivers to Gates been fun to look this season. The Vet should be in line for a big game Sunday.
SIT ‘ EM
Zach Ertz vs. Giants – When you think of someone who has disappointed over the last couple of weeks you have to put Ertz in the conversation. The sophomore tight end has hauled in just 9 catches over the last three contests. This after exploding onto the scene this season with touchdowns in his first two games. The Giants are also very good against tight-ends this season allowing the second lowest point totals to them this season.
Julius Thomas @ Jets – Sit Julius Thomas!? But he has 7 touchdowns! Listen, this author is well aware of how great of a season he is having and how bad the Jets secondary has looked but surprisingly they have been very good against tight-ends. The New York Jets are allowing the second least amount of yards to tight ends this season (49.1). Thomas could still have a good game if the Broncos use him correctly but if there was ever going to be a let down game, this is it.