Here is a no huddle approach, toward addressing your best starts, and most advisable sits for all 30 teams that will be in action this week. That excludes the Falcons and Dolphins, who will each have their byes. Game time is approaching, so we’ll immediately launch into Week 6.
Giants at Bears
New York
Start: Victor Cruz
Even though the Bears are banged up, he is the only Giant that I can recommend this week.
Other Starts: None
Sit: Brandon Jacobs
The Giants are dead last in rushing while averaging an anemic 57 YPG. They won’t be able to establish a ground game in this matchup either, and there is no reason to subject yourself to starting Jacobs.
Other Sits: Eli Manning, Da’Rel Scott, Hakeem Nicks, Rueben Randle, Brandon Myers
Chicago
Start: Martellus Bennett
If Bennett can overcome his knee injury, he should torture his former team.
Other Starts: Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery
Sit: None
The Giants have surrendered over 36 PPG, which makes it difficult to suggest benching any Bears.
Other Sits: None
Packers at Ravens
Green Bay
Start: Jermichael Finley
The Ravens pass defense has been respectable. But their sixth ranked run stoppers have been more effective. Green Bay should rely even more heavily than usual on their passing attack, and all of your Packer receiving weapons should be active.
Other Starts: Aaron Rodgers, Eddie Lacy Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, James Jones
Sit: Johnathan Franklin
He has performed well enough during his limited opportunities. But fumbles and the Packers’ emphasis on an aerial assault should keep him out of all lineups.
Other Sits: None
Baltimore
Start: Torey Smith
He has garnered 51 targets while no other Ravens have even reached 30. He will be extensively involved once again, and deliver respectable output.
Other Starts: Ray Rice
Sit: Bernard Pierce
When Rice is healthy, Pierce does not receive enough touches to warrant using him. Plus, Green Bay’s fifth ranked run stoppers should force Joe Flacco to throw more than the Ravens would prefer.
Other Sits: Joe Flacco, Marlon Brown, Jacoby Jones
Eagles at Buccaneers
Philadelphia
Start: Nick Foles
Foles is a respectable pocket passer, and should accumulate enough yardage if you are in a deeper league, or if you are disillusioned by the play of your QB1.
Other Starts: LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson
Sit: Brent Celek
It is wise to avoid an overreaction to his output last week. Even if he is remains in the offense with Foles under center.
Other Sits: Bryce Brown, Jason Avant, Riley Cooper
Tampa Bay
Start: Doug Martin
He remains the most dependable fantasy option on his team amid a tumultuous year
Other Starts: Vincent Jackson
Sit: Mike Williams
Even with an enticingly matchup against the NFL's 29th ranked pass defense, it's very risky to depend upon Mike Glennon to locate him.
Other Sits: Mike Glennon
Steelers at Jets
Pittsburgh
Start: Antonio Brown
The Steelers will have to attack the Jets through the air. And with 13 targets in each if his last two contests, there is no better start than Brown
Other Starts: Ben Roethlisberger (2 QB Leagues), Heath Miller, Emmanuel Sanders
Sit: LeVeon Bell
The stingy Jet run defense has consistently shut down opposing runners, and the rookie will not stop that trend
Other Sits: Jonathan Dwyer, Isaac Redman
New York
Start: Bilal Powell
The Jets should have success pounding away at Pittsburgh than to attack the Steelers’ fifth ranked pass defense. The only concern is the potential for Chris Ivory and Mike Goodson to pilfer carries.
Other Starts: None
Sit: Jeremy Kerley
Kerley is the most likely candidate to collect the most receiving yardage. But you should look elsewhere for WR options, rather than attempting to forecast the distribution within Gang Green’s passing attack.
Other Sits: Geno Smith, Chris Ivory, Mike Goodson, Stephen Hill, Jeff Cumberland
Panthers at Vikings
Carolina
Start: Greg Olsen
It’s been difficult to rely consistently upon any Panther this season, but no team has struggled to contain TEs more than Minnesota.
Other Starts: Cam Newton, DeAngelo Williams, Steve Smith
Sit: Brandon LaFell
Even if you are desperate for a plug-in WR, it is risky to employ him. Because he disappointed those who use him throughout his career.
Other Sits: Mike Tolbert, Ted Ginn
Minnesota
Start: Adrian Peterson:
Granted, it's hardly a revelation to list him here, but it's difficult to trust any other Vikings in your lineups.
Other Starts: None
Sit: Greg Jennings
It is not wise to expect a big play for the second consecutive contest, and an underwhelming yardage total is far more likely
Other Sits: Corradelle Patterson, Jerome Simpson, Kyle Rudolph
Raiders at Chiefs
Oakland
Start: Denarious Moore
His 34 targets are 12 more than any other Raider. He is clearly his team’s primary receiving option, has been effective as a downfield target, and is often employed on shorter patterns. Keep him active, even against a tough Chief defense.
Other Starts: Terrelle Pryor (2 QB Leagues), Marcel Reece
Sit: Rod Streater
With three targets in each of the past two contests, he has not been utilized sufficiently in recent weeks to warrant being in your lineups. Not to mention the little matter of Kansas City’s stout defensive unit.
Other Sits: Mychal Rivera
Kansas City
Start: Sean McGrath
If you are looking for a TE due to Tony Gonzalez’ bye week, or because you can’t handle using Jared Cook any longer, he should garner enough targets to generate yardage against Oakland’s pass defense.
Other Starts: Alex Smith, Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe, Donnie Avery
Sit: None
All Chiefs who are on the majority of rosters should be in your lineups this week.
Other Sits: None
Rams at Texans
St. Louis
Start: Austin Pettis
Pettis is now second on the team with 36 targets, and has received at least five in each contest. His yards per catch average (YPC) has steadily climbed during that span, and includes the season best 12.3 that he registered in Week 5. He also leads the Rams with four TDS, and is safe to start against Houston.
Other Starts: Zac Stacy
Sit: Sam Bradford
The Rams offensive shortcomings might be remedied if they were to play the Jaguars on a weekly basis. But since that will not be taking place, you should avoid using Bradford this week. Even in 2 QB leagues.
Other Sits: Daryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead, Benny Cunningham, Chris Givens, Jared Cook
Houston
Start: Garrett Graham
Six of the team’s eight TD receptions have been collected by Graham (3) and Owen Daniels (3). With Graham taking Daniels’ place in the lineup, he will have an opportunity to add to his total.
Other Starts: Arian Foster, Ben Tate, Andre Johnson
Sit: DeAndre Hopkins
Not only does he have just two receptions in each of the past two games, but the Texans are likely to employ a run heavy approach against the Rams.
Other Sits: Matt Schaub
Bengals at Bills
Cincinnati
Start: Giovani Bernard
The Bills are allowing 116 YPG on the ground. Which could easily entice the Bengals to remain conservative, and place heavy emphasis on their ground game.
Other Starts: BenJarvus Green Ellis, A. J. Green
Sit: Andy Dalton
Despite a huge win for the Bengals in Week 5, there was little reason to be impressed with Dalton. He has not thrown a TD pass wince Week 3, and averages just 200 YPG. Even in 2 QB leagues he should be avoided.
Other Sits: Mohamed Sanu, Marvin Jones, Tyler Eifert, Jermaine Gresham
Buffalo
Start: Fred Jackson
One constant amid Buffalo’s collection of adjustments due to injuries, is that Jackson should continue to capture the coveted goal line carries.
Other Starts: C. J. Spiller
Sit: Stevie Johnson
His back injury, coupled with having Jeff Tuel at QB, will combine to limit him extensively.
Other Sits: Robert Woods, Scott Chandler
Lions at Browns
Detroit
Start: Reggie Bush
His proven potential as a duel threat should compel you to keep him in your lineups. But continue to monitor Calvin Johnson’s status. Because his ability will impact the entire offense.
Other Starts: Matthew Stafford, Brandon Pettigrew
Sit: Kris Durham
It is best to search elsewhere for your WR3. Because even if Megatron does miss another contest, you are likely to get burned by relying on another Lion receiver to produce.
Other Sits: Joique Bell, Ryan Broyles, Tony Scheffler
Cleveland
Start: Jordan Cameron
He possesses far too much ability for you to bench him, despite the fact that Brandon Weeden became the cooler for Cameron’s numbers in Week 5. The third-year TE was targeted just five times, after receiving 43 in the previous four games combined. Keep him active but prepare for less production.
Other Starts: Willis McGahee, Josh Gordon
Sit: Brandon Weeden
The success that had been generated in Cleveland’s passing attack with Brian Hoyer under center will not be replicated by Weeden. You can expect more reliance upon the ground game, making Weeden a dicey start in deeper leagues.
Other Sits: Chris Ogbonnaya, Bobby Rainey, Greg Little, Davone Bess
Titans at Seahawks
Tennessee
Start: Chris Johnson
But only as a flex or RB3. You can’t count on another 49-yard TD reception as the result of a busted play, and Seattle is too
Other Starts: Kendall Hunter
I would not advise starting any Titan receivers, as Seattle is imposing at home, and should be extremely focused after last week’s loss.
Other Sits: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Nate Washington, Justin Hunter, Delanie Walker
Seattle
Start: Russell Wilson
His 179 rushing yards in the last two contests have been a refreshing development for owners who invested in his duel threat capabilities during their drafts. Even though the Titan defense is vastly improved, he can be deployed as a low end QB1.
Other Starts: Marshawn Lynch
Sit: Golden Tate
No Seahawk receiving weapon delivers enough consistency to entrust in your lineups.
Other Sits: Sidney Rice, Doug Baldwin, Zach Miller
Jaguars at Broncos
Jacksonville
Start: Justin Blackmon
Chad Henne injected life into a dormant passing attack last season, and now returns under center again. He will be targeting Blackmon frequently during a mammoth blowout.
Other Starts: Cecil Shorts
Sit: Maurice Jones-Drew
He is averaging just 2.8 YPC, and has scored only once. As a result, you should make it a weekly practice to only start Shorts and Blackmon from this unit until further notice.
Other Sits: Chad Henne, Clay Harbor
Denver
Start: Julius Thomas
Owners of any Broncos that are involved in the team’s passing attack should be counting the moments until kickoff.
Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, Eric Decker, Knowshon Moreno
Sit: Montee Ball
With one measly touch in Week 5, he should only be on the deepest rosters.
Other Sits: Ronnie Hillman
Saints at Patriots
New Orleans
Start: Darren Sproles
He only was allotted six touches in Chicago. But you can expect a sizable increase this week against New England’s 23rd ranked rush defense.
Other Starts: Drew Brees, Pierre Thomas, Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston
Sit: Kenny Stills
No other Saints are sufficiently involved to be in your lineups.
Other Sits: Robert Meachem
New England
Start: Brandon Bolden
While the RB workload is always subject to change during each successive contest, his pass catching ability should keep him involved in the mix
Other Starts: Tom Brady, Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski
Sit: Kenbrell Thompkins
After averaging just under 10 targets in his first four games, that number plummeted to four in Week 5. With Amendola back in the mix, it is too risky to expect that he will be a preferred option against New Orleans.
Other Sits: LeGarrette Blount, Stevan Ridley, Aaron Dobson
Cardinals at 49ers
Arizona
Start: Larry Fitzgerald
No other Cardinals should be under consideration against the NFL’s fifth ranked defensive unit.
Other Starts: None
Sit: Andre Ellington
The rookie is impressive, and should be rostered. Just don’t start him in this particular week.
Other Sits: Carson Palmer, Rashard Mendenhall, Michael Floyd, Andre Roberts
San Francisco
Start: Colin Kaepernick
Arizona ranks third against the run, which could push Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman to nudge the playbook open further for Kaepernick to make plays.
Other Starts: Frank Gore, Anquan Bolden, Vernon Davis
Sit: Kendall Hunter
Gore owners should have him secured as a handcuff. But don’t use him against the stingy Cardinal run defense.
Other Sits: None
Redskins at Cowboys
Washington
Start: Robert Griffin III
Heading into Washington’s bye week, RG3 was sixth among all QBs with 1,202 yards. He should amass excellent numbers against a 31st ranked Dallas pass defense, that has allowed a league worst 14 TDs.
Other Starts: Alfred Morris, Pierre Garcon
Sit: Santana Moss
Pierre Garcon has nearly doubled than target total of any other Redskin, and it is too dicey to depend on any other Washington wideouts.
Other Sits: Leonard Hankerson, Logan Paulsen
Dallas
Start: Dez Bryant
Not that you would bench him. His name is listed so that his owners can savor the fact that he will be lining up against a Washington pass defense that ranks 28th, and has yielded nine TDs in four contests.
Other Starts: Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, Jason Witten, Terrance WIlliams
Sit: Miles Austin
While he is improving, allow his hamstring to heal further before you risk watching him depart yet another contest.
Other Sits: None
Colts at Chargers
Indianapolis
Start: T. Y. Hilton
Who predicted that Hilton would be the WR to burn Seattle’s exceptional secondary repeatedly? While the Chargers will be well aware of his presence now, their issues at slowing down the opposition should compel you to keep him active.
Other Starts: Andrew Luck, Reggie Wayne, Coby Fleener
Sit: Trent Richardson
His owners have been burned by three straight performances, as 151 yards on 51 carries is not what you signed up for. Until there is any evidence that he can manufacture satisfactory yardage behind the same run blocking and formations that Donald Brown manages to produce yardage with, there is no reason to continue starting him if you have other options.
Other Sits: Donald Brown, Darrius Heyward-Bey
San Diego
Start: Philip Rivers
The three INTs in Oakland were disappointing. But he is still third overall in passing yardage (1,610), and tied for second with 13 TDs. He should be locked into your lineups again this week.
Other Starts: Danny Woodhead, Antonio Gates, Keenan Allen, Vincent Brown
Sit: Eddie Royal
He has averaged all of 34 YPG in the last three contests, as the collective production of Allen and Brown has exploded.
Other Sits: Ronnie Brown
