All in Sports Fantasy Advice
Week 6 - Football Breakdown and Rankings

I have this friend; let’s call him Gregory (names changed to protect the innocent). Now, Greg is a great guy, fun to hang out with, and is never a downer. The problem with Greg is that he never has any money.

Every time a group of people are going to a movie, having a get together, eating out, etc., he always says he wishes he could, but does not have the money to do so. As a result, several of those involved in the plans have one time or another (or even multiple times) given him money so he could be included. That generosity always comes with Greg claiming, “I’ll pay you back, I really appreciate it.” Here’s the catch…he rarely pays anyone back.

So what do we do? Most stopped giving him money. It’s like having a second girlfriend or wife for many. There are a few who still help him out from time to time because they feel bad that he’s excluded or believe he will eventually pay them back. The fact is though, given Greg’s history, the money will never be seen. The ones who still give him money need to realize one of two things: either they will keep giving money with no return, or they will need to stop giving cash to Greg and cut their losses. This is a lesson if life, and also in Fantasy sports.

You may have a friend or even a player on your Fantasy team just like Greg. We have reached that point in the season where you need to decide to keep spending your roster space on certain players, or cut your losses, bench the player or even get rid of him completely. Everyone had high hopes for Beanie Wells (his average draft position was in the top 30). Now, he is not even start-worthy given the shape of the Arizona offense. Laurence Maroney was supposed to be the go-to back in New England; that didn’t happen. Then he was supposed to do well in Knowshon Moreno’s place for the Broncos; no dice again. Devin Aromashodu was a pre-season sleeper in Chicago, but he is not even worth a bench spot anymore. Even the “ageless” Brett Favre has not lived up to his hype.

No one likes cutting or benching players who they believed in or pinned hopes on. Why not? No one likes to be wrong. I’m here to tell you it’s okay. It is time to buck up and move on with better options. It feels much better to have breakout players like Peyton Hillis and Brandon Lloyd outscore first-round picks than to watch your underperforming players drag your team down.

So evaluate your team. Do you have any “Greg-type” players on your roster? If so, it is time to take action. Keep in mind a player’s history can go both ways. Do not cut Matt Schuab because he has started out slow, but certainly don’t plus Jonathan Stewart into your lineup every week because he has great potential. Greg has potential to pay us back; that doesn’t mean it will ever happen.

Settling Up Week 5

Top Pair (players who guaranteed a good week)

Tony Romo, Matt Forte, Malcom Floyd, Marcedes Lewis

Tony Romo apparently took the bye week to shake off his mediocre play. He came out firing on all cylinders against the Titans topping 400 yards with three TD passes. Enter Matt “Lazarus” Forte – that’s my name for the guy now that he was pronounced dead Fantasy-wise then came back to life to surprise everyone. Forte had two touchdown runs of 18 and 68-yards in the first quarter last week, and with that, his big day was already set. Hakeem Nicks had a huge day himself (12 catches, 130 yards and 2 TDs) but was edged out by Malcom Floyd. He erupted in a career day for 213 yards and a touchdown on eight catches. It was supposed to be Maurice Jones-Drew big day against the worst rush defense in the league (the Buffalo Bills). Instead, it was Marcedes Lewis’ as he scored twice showing he is the Jaguars’ redzone threat in the passing game.

River Rat (player(s) who surprised everyone)

Shaun Hill, Matt Forte, Brandon Lloyd

The Rams defense had actually been playing well early in the season, but then Shaun Hill came in and tore them apart. It’s not surprising that he had a solid day. The surprise is he threw three touchdowns and did not turn the ball over once (for the first time this year). Forget bye-week fill-in, Hill can be a solid starter for any team until Matthew Stafford returns. I already covered what Forte did this past week and calling him “Lazarus” explains why he finds himself here too. Is Brandon Lloyd officially a top 10 wide receiver? Probably not. But, until he reverts to the Lloyd we used to know, you have to ride this hot streak. Another 100+ yard performance with two touchdowns added to that. Ride that Bronco (see what I did there?).

Gut Shot (player(s) who let everyone down)

Peyton Manning, Arian Foster, Austin Collie

When you read those three names I know you are thinking I may have typed them in the wrong section. Nope. The top scoring player at QB, RB and WR all let teams down the same week. Peyton Manning not only didn’t throw for multiple touchdowns for the first time this year; he didn’t throw a single one! Big bro is not supposed to have days like that. The hot name for Fantasy running backs is Arian Foster, but he was ice cold against the Giants. He only gained 25 yards on 11 carries with coach Gary Kubiak saying he kept him out late because the gameplan changed. I don’t think the gameplan included only 25 yards for the league’s leading rusher before that point. Back to Manning, one of the resulting causes of his lackluster day was a poor performance from Austin Collie. He did manage five receptions for 48 yards, but he did not score for the first time in 2010, and with Pierre Garcon back, we may have seen his best come and go.

All In or Muck Em? (Hot or Not)

All In (Hot)

Philip Rivers, Kyle Orton, LeSean McCoy, Chris Johnson, Miles Austin, Brandon Lloyd, Hakeem Nicks, Antonio Gates, Zach Miller

Another game another huge yardage, multiple score game for Philip Rivers. He leads the league in passing yards and touchdowns. He is on pace for 5,628 yards and 35 touchdowns, and while the yards are probably not going to happen, the touchdowns are a very real possibility. Guess who is right on Rivers’ heels? I’ll save you the trouble (although you probably figured it out from above), Kyle Orton. The Broncos are a pass-first offense now, and Orton could maintain a top-10 QB status all year. There was a question whether or not LeSean McCoy would even play with a cracked rib. Well he did, and he put up 138 all-purpose yards while scoring his fifth touchdown. He’s one Philadelphia player that isn’t affected by who is at quarterback. Chris Johnson is back. Then again, as I pointed out last week, his odd-numbered weeks have been huge. It’s Week 6, so let’s see if can put together back-to-back weeks of RB1 numbers…it’s Jacksonville so he better. Miles Austin made us forget about his one off day in Week 3. In his other three games he is averaging almost 10 receptions and over 150-yards. I said it earlier and will say it again. I hate to say so, but it’s time to trust Brandon Lloyd. He has four games over 100-yards receiving and three scores on the year. Now he faces the Jets possibly without Revis. Either way, it will be a true test of his 2010 validity. What is the similarity between Hakeem Nicks, Antonio Gates and Zach Miller? They are all the No.1 options for their teams and are difficult to stop. Gates was a given going into 2010, but Nicks and Miller have turned out to be great options for those who believed.

Muck Em (Not)

Matt Schaub, Carson Palmer, Joseph Addai, Thomas Jones, Kevin Walter, Greg Jennings, Tony Gonzalez, Visanthe Shiancoe

Between the injuries to his wide receivers and the emergence of Arian Foster, Matt Schaub hasn’t had the opportunity to continue his success from 2009. Things may stay slow for him this week against an underrated Chiefs defense, but with a bye-week after this, it may be the perfect time to get everything in sync. He could make for a good buy-low player. Word is Carson Palmer’s skills have been steadily declining, and it shows on the field. He has turned the ball over at least once in every game so far, and is a shell of his former self. Joseph Addai is the lead back in Indianapolis, but due to injuries and Manning’s passing, he has only one big game – and that was because of two TDs. He’s still banged up this week, and the Colts may just want to sit him with their bye-week next week and let him heal. Thomas Jones started off looking as good as last year in New York. He was even getting the majority share of touches. It looks like coach Todd Haley has finally come to his senses as Jamaal Charles is getting more work than Jones now. Charles is simply more explosive and talented at this point so look for Jones to continue to see less work. With Jacoby Jones out, you would assume Kevin Walter could step up and take advantage. However, it appears that unless he has both Jones and Andre Johnson on the field with him, he will struggle to do well Greg Jennings is a perfect example of what I talked about to start this week’s piece. What do you know? His name is Greg too. It’s time to actually start benching him for other options at this point. Given his talent, you don’t start Chansi Stuckey over him, but Percy Harvin, Pierre Garcon and even teammate Donald Driver, it’s their time to step in for Greg. This week may be one of the last chances for Tony Gonzalez given his attractive matchup against the Eagles. He’s bordering on being replaced by the likes of Chris Cooley and Marcedes Lewis. Visanthe Shiancoe’s value has always been reliant on touchdowns, and without them he is losing his TE1 status. Things can go two ways with Randy Moss in town, either he is open more or he sees less redzone targets. Hopefully for him, it’s the former.

What’s the Deal for Week 6?

Ace in the Hole (players who will increase your odds of winning)

Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Ahmad Bradhsaw, Maurice Jones-Drew, Anquan Boldin, Brandon Marshall, Dustin Keller

Brees and Eli both have nice matchups on hand. Eli should have another strong week (more so if he can stop throwing picks), and Brees will get back to his 2009 ways. Like his teammate, Ahmad Bradshaw should take advantage of a nice game at home against Detroit. MJD had a cupcake matchup last week and was decent, yet unspectacular. I am calling for a touchdown this week. It was the worst game of the season for Boldin last week. He will look to make up for that in some big numbers against the Patriots. Green Bay has been decimated by injuries so the Dolphins and Marshall will take full advantage. Mark Sanchez has looked to Keller more often that his receivers most weeks, and against Denver, Keller should be able to bounce back nicely.

The Flop (players who will let you down)

Kevin Kolb, Shaun Hill, Felix Jones, Thomas Jones, Jabar Gaffney, Kevin Walter, John Carlson

Kolb is simply too west-coast to put up big games and especially against a strong Atlanta pass defense. It come up all roses for Hill so far, but the Giants defense is on a roll and will have Hill turning the ball over again. Felix Jones has received more of the backfield share, but Minnesota’s defense will make for a long day. I already touched on Thomas Jones losing time to Charles, and the Texans run defense is not a good one to face when trying to do a lot with a little. Gaffney has been the receiver left out of late in Denver…as I say that, watch that change this week (just for that I should probably move him to an Ace in the Hole…nah). Walter’s struggles were touched upon, and the Giants secondary is not going to help matters. There is just about no one on the Seahawks offense you can trust right now, and that includes John Carlson.

Playing the Odds (Pickups and Drops)

The Turn (players who will help you soon, grab if you can)

S = Starter (RB2/WR2 or higher)

F = RB3/WR3, Flex worthy

B = Bye-week fill-in

H = Handcuff/Injury replacement

QB: David Garrard (B), Shaun Hill (S – not this week)

RB: Donald Brown (S), Deji Karim (H), Marshawn Lynch (S), Ryan Torain (S)

WR: Kenny Britt (F), Danny Amendola (F), Steve Johnson (F), Roy Williams (S), Nate Burleson (F), Pierre Garcon (S), Mike Thomas (B)

TE: Heath Miller (B with S upside), Marcedes Lewis (S), Tony Moeaki (B)

Bluffed (players who thought would help, but won’t so fold them)

QB: Derek Anderson, Chad Henne, David Garrard, Alex Smith, Jake Delhomme, Carson Palmer

RB: Lawrence Maroney, Jerome Harrison, Chris Ivory, Correll Buckhalter, Clinton Portis, Justin Forsett, Darren Sproles, Steve Slaton, Fred Taylor, Marion Barber

WR: Mike Williams (SEA), Jerricho Cotchery, Mohamed Massaquoi, Mario Manningham, Devin Aromashodu, Laurent Robinson, Bernard Berrian, Devin Hester, Robert Meachem, Devery Henderson, Darrius Heyward-Bay

Quarterback
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Philip Rivers - SD ( @ STL )
2 - Peyton Manning - IND ( @ WAS )
3 - Drew Brees - NO ( @ TB )
4 - Tony Romo - DAL ( @ MIN )
5 - Kyle Orton - DEN ( NYJ )
6 - Tom Brady - NE ( BAL )
7 - Eli Manning - NYG ( DET )
8 - Ben Roethlisberger - PIT ( CLE )
9 - Joe Flacco - BAL ( @ NE )
10 - Jay Cutler - CHI ( SEA )
11 - Brett Favre - MIN ( DAL )
12 - Matt Schaub - HOU ( KC )
13 - Matt Ryan - ATL ( @ PHI )
14 - Donovan McNabb - WAS ( IND )
15 - Aaron Rodgers - GB ( MIA )
16 - Mark Sanchez - NYJ ( @ DEN )
17 - Vince Young - TEN ( @ JAC )
18 - Shaun Hill - DET ( @ NYG )
19 - Kevin Kolb - PHI ( ATL )
20 - David Garrard - JAC ( TEN )
21 - Matt Cassel - KC ( @ HOU )
22 - Chad Henne - MIA ( @ GB )
23 - Josh Freeman - TB ( NO )
24 - Sam Bradford - STL ( SD )
25 - Alex Smith - SF ( OAK )

Running Back
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Chris Johnson - TEN ( @ JAC )
2 - Adrian Peterson - MIN ( DAL )
3 - Frank Gore - SF ( OAK )
4 - Ray Rice - BAL ( @ NE )
5 - Michael Turner - ATL ( @ PHI )
6 - Rashard Mendenhall - PIT ( CLE )
7 - Maurice Jones-Drew - JAC ( TEN )
8 - Ahmad Bradshaw - NYG ( DET )
9 - Arian Foster - HOU ( KC )
10 - Steven Jackson - STL ( SD )
11 - LeSean McCoy - PHI ( ATL )
12 - LaDainian Tomlinson - NYJ ( @ DEN )
13 - Michael Bush - OAK ( @ SF )
14 - Jamaal Charles - KC ( @ HOU )
15 - Matt Forte - CHI ( SEA )
16 - Ryan Mathews - SD ( @ STL )
17 - Jahvid Best - DET ( @ NYG )
18 - Pierre Thomas - NO ( @ TB )
19 - Marshawn Lynch - SEA ( @ CHI )
20 - Peyton Hillis - CLE ( @ PIT )
21 - Ryan Torain - WAS ( IND )
22 - Ronnie Brown - MIA ( @ GB )
23 - Felix Jones - DAL ( @ MIN )
24 - Joseph Addai - IND ( @ WAS )
25 - Shonn Greene - NYJ ( @ DEN )
26 - BenJarvus Green-Ellis - NE ( BAL )
27 - Thomas Jones - KC ( @ HOU )
28 - Knowshon Moreno - DEN ( NYJ )
29 - Brandon Jackson - GB ( MIA )
30 - Mike Tolbert - SD ( @ STL )
31 - Ricky Williams - MIA ( @ GB )
32 - Marion Barber - DAL ( @ MIN )
33 - Brandon Jacobs - NYG ( DET )
34 - Cadillac Williams - TB ( NO )
35 - Willis McGahee - BAL ( @ NE )
36 - Justin Forsett - SEA ( @ CHI )
37 - Jason Snelling - ATL ( @ PHI )
38 - Darren McFadden - OAK ( @ SF )
39 - Ladell Betts - NO ( @ TB )
40 - John Kuhn - GB ( MIA )
41 - Chester Taylor - CHI ( SEA )
42 - Donald Brown - IND ( @ WAS )
43 - Chris Ivory - NO ( @ TB )
44 - Deji Karim - JAC ( TEN )
45 - Laurence Maroney - DEN ( NYJ )
46 - Jerome Harrison - CLE ( @ PIT )
47 - Mike Hart - IND ( @ WAS )
48 - Danny Woodhead - NE ( BAL )
49 - Derrick Ward - HOU ( KC )
50 - Darren Sproles - SD ( @ STL )

Wide Receiver
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Miles Austin - DAL ( @ MIN )
2 - Reggie Wayne - IND ( @ WAS )
3 - Hakeem Nicks - NYG ( DET )
4 - Andre Johnson - HOU ( KC )
5 - Roddy White - ATL ( @ PHI )
6 - Anquan Boldin - BAL ( @ NE )
7 - Randy Moss - MIN ( DAL )
8 - Brandon Marshall - MIA ( @ GB )
9 - Brandon Lloyd - DEN ( NYJ )
10 - Malcom Floyd - SD ( @ STL )
11 - Marques Colston - NO ( @ TB )
12 - DeSean Jackson - PHI ( ATL )
13 - Steve Smith - NYG ( DET )
14 - Calvin Johnson - DET ( @ NYG )
15 - Wes Welker - NE ( BAL )
16 - Santana Moss - WAS ( IND )
17 - Hines Ward - PIT ( CLE )
18 - Percy Harvin - MIN ( DAL )
19 - Greg Jennings - GB ( MIA )
20 - Jeremy Maclin - PHI ( ATL )
21 - Austin Collie - IND ( @ WAS )
22 - Donald Driver - GB ( MIA )
23 - Mike Wallace - PIT ( CLE )
24 - Pierre Garcon - IND ( @ WAS )
25 - Mike Williams - TB ( NO )
26 - Braylon Edwards - NYJ ( @ DEN )
27 - Michael Crabtree - SF ( OAK )
28 - Kenny Britt - TEN ( @ JAC )
29 - Dwayne Bowe - KC ( @ HOU )
30 - Jabar Gaffney - DEN ( NYJ )
31 - Santonio Holmes - NYJ ( @ DEN )
32 - Mike Sims-Walker - JAC ( TEN )
33 - Johnny Knox - CHI ( SEA )
34 - Dez Bryant - DAL ( @ MIN )
35 - Nate Washington - TEN ( @ JAC )
36 - Kevin Walter - HOU ( KC )
37 - Eddie Royal - DEN ( NYJ )
38 - Danny Amendola - STL ( SD )
39 - Brandon Tate - NE ( BAL )
40 - Lance Moore - NO ( @ TB )
41 - Roy Williams - DAL ( @ MIN )
42 - Louis Murphy - OAK ( @ SF )
43 - Derrick Mason - BAL ( @ NE )
44 - Robert Meachem - NO ( @ TB )
45 - Davone Bess - MIA ( @ GB )
46 - Nate Burleson - DET ( @NYG )
47 - Mike Thomas - JAC ( TEN )
48 - Devin Hester - CHI ( SEA )
49 - James Jones - GB ( MIA )
50 - Mario Manningham - NYG ( DET )

Tight End
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Antonio Gates - SD ( @ STL )
2 - Dallas Clark - IND ( @ WAS )
3 - Vernon Davis - SF ( OAK )
4 - Zach Miller - OAK ( @ SF )
5 - Dustin Keller - NYJ ( @ DEN )
6 - Tony Gonzalez - ATL ( @ PHI )
7 - Chris Cooley - WAS ( IND )
8 - Jason Witten - DAL ( @ MIN )
9 - Brent Celek - PHI ( ATL )
10 - Visanthe Shiancoe - MIN ( DAL )
11 - Marcedes Lewis - JAC ( TEN )
12 - Aaron Hernandez - NE ( BAL )
13 - Kellen Winslow - TB ( NO )
14 - Heath Miller - PIT ( CLE )
15 - Tony Moeaki - KC ( @ HOU )
16 - Greg Olsen - CHI ( SEA )
17 - Brandon Pettigrew - DET ( @ NYG )
18 - John Carlson - SEA ( @ CHI )
19 - Jeremy Shockey - NO ( @ TB )
20 - Owen Daniels - HOU ( KC )
21 - Tony Scheffler - DET ( @ NYG )
22 - Todd Heap - BAL ( @ NE )
23 - Kevin Boss - NYG ( DET )
24 - Andrew Quarless - GB ( MIA )
25 - Benjamin Watson - CLE ( @ PIT )

Kicker
Rank - Player - Team ( Opp )
1 - Nate Kaeding - SD ( @ STL )
2 - Rob Bironas - TEN ( @ JAC )
3 - Mason Crosby - GB ( MIA )
4 - Robbie Gould - CHI ( SEA )
5 - Josh Scobee - JAC ( TEN )
6 - Sebastian Janikowski - OAK ( @ SF )
7 - Neil Rackers - HOU ( KC )
8 - Matt Prater - DEN ( NYJ )
9 - Ryan Longwell - MIN ( DAL )
10 - Matt Bryant - ATL ( @ PHI )
11 - David Akers - PHI ( ATL )
12 - Jeff Reed - PIT ( CLE )
13 - Nick Folk - NYJ ( @ DEN )
14 - Stephen Gostkowski - NE ( BAL )
15 - Graham Gano - WAS ( IND )
16 - Garrett Hartley - NO ( @ TB )
17 - Adam Vinatieri - IND ( @ WAS )
18 - Lawrence Tynes - NYG ( DET )
19 - Ryan Succop - KC ( @ HOU )
20 - Jason Hanson - DET ( @ NYG )

Defense
Rank - Team ( Opp )
1 - Steelers ( CLE )
2 - Giants ( DET )
3 - Jets ( @ DEN )
4 - Bears ( SEA )
5 - Packers ( MIA )
6 - Chargers ( @ STL )
7 - Saints ( @ TB )
8 - Eagles ( ATL )
9 - Titans ( @ JAC )
10 - Vikings ( DAL )
11 - Ravens ( @ NE )
12 - Cowboys ( @ MIN )
13 - 49ers ( OAK )
14 - Patriots ( BAL )
15 - Falcons ( @ PHI )
16 - Dolphins ( @ GB )
17 - Chiefs ( @ HOU )
18 - Colts ( @ WAS )
19 - Seahawks ( @ CHI )
20 - Broncos ( NYJ )