In case anyone didn’t notice last week, Jags QB David Garrard outperformed Saints QB Drew Brees, Bears QB Todd Collins threw four interceptions and STILL beat the Panthers, Brett Favre clearly showed the stresses of his latest rumored scandal surrounding him and Jenn Sterger— as he failed to show up until the third period—and the ever growing injury list just got even bigger with players such as Jermichael Finley, Mark Clayton, and Calvin Johnson being added.
But all hope is not lost.
There are still a ton of quality matchups this week to take advantage of, and if you were a victim of the injury bug yet again, you should definitely take a look at our Waiver Wire Week 6 piece for options.
I also will take a short look at the trade between New England and Seattle that involved WR Deion Branch being sent back to the Patriots, and what sort of fantasy implications could arise from the trade.
Ok, let’s take a look at what’s on the counter for Week 6.
Must Start of the Week: Hakeem Nicks – New York Giants.
It is becoming more and more evident, that Nicks is now the number one go to guy in New York, and Eli Manning’s favorite target, especially downfield.
He is leading the team in targets, TDs, and yardage and shows no signs of slowing down, and while fellow WR Steve Smith is not to far behind in receptions, it has been Nicks that has been the more explosive WR by far.
This week, the Giants face a Detroit Lions team that is coming off of a 44-6 rout of the St. Louis Rams, but in the process they may have lost WR Calvin Johnson with a shoulder injury.
Either way, the Lions simply cannot stop the passing game, and that means Hakeem Nicks is primed for another monster day, and is my Must Start of the Week.
Two Through Ten
| 2. Roddy White – Falcons: The Eagles aren’t all that bad at stopping the pass, but White is really that good and has yet to be shut down this season. Start him with confidence. |
| 3. Reggie Wayne – Colts: Washington can be burned very easily; something Wayne specializes in, making Wayne the perfect start this week. |
| 4. Kenny Britt – Titans: Young has had nothing but praise for Britt every time he’s on the field. Britt will face a horrible Jacksonville D this week in a tasty matchup. |
| 5. Mike Wallace – Steelers: Reports are that not only has Big Ben looked spectacular in drills, but so has the connection with him and Wallace. I see a big day coming. |
| 6. Malcom Floyd – Chargers: With McNeil back in the picture blocking Rivers’ blind side, there should be more Floyd each and every week, especially with the Chargers facing the Rams this week. |
| 7. Anquan Boldin – Ravens: That young and inexperienced secondary in New England is going to have all sorts of trouble facing Boldin this week. Start him with pride. |
| 8. Andre Johnson – Texans: Johnson is healthy, and the Texans need to start throwing the ball again. Look for that to happen against the Chiefs this week. |
| 9. Miles Austin – Cowboys: This guy is money every single week, regardless of who he faces! |
| 10. Hines Ward – Steelers: Ward is the veteran go to guy for Big Ben in the event that nobody else is available. Start Ward against the Browns; a team he usually does well against. |
Deion Branch Trade Highlight: Whose Fantasy Value Actually Rises?
Earlier today it was announced that the Seattle Seahawks traded away WR Deion Branch to the New England Patriots for a 4th round draft pick, and while the initial reaction will be to run out and grab him off of the WW, you may want to slow your roll a bit and understand just whose value stands to increase from this trade.
The Patriots need another compliment veteran to ensure that defenses aren’t going to overload coverage on slot receiver Wes Welker—a role Branch will play—but with Branch coming to town, rookie Brandon Tate is also in line for some additional fantasy value simply because defenses will inevitably forget about him with Branch running all over the field.
The other flip side effect will be in Seattle, where the other Tate (Golden Tate) and fellow receiver Deon Butler are sure to see an increased role which could affect their fantasy value moving forward for the better.
And finally, probably the biggest potential side effect of this whole deal, could be on veteran Brandon Stokley of the Seattle Seahawks who, in his first game, racked up 62 yards on 4 catches and is sure to be undervalued both in fantasy, and on the actual playing field, making him an interesting WW grab or watch at the very least.
For Branch however, three knee surgeries, and an obvious couple of lost steps, will relegate him to nothing more than a decoy on the field, and a spotty fantasy WR at best for the remainder of the season.
Honorable Mentions: A quick look at some additional players who should have a modest week, but significantly tougher matchups than those mentioned in the Top Ten.
Wes Welker vs. Bal Randy Moss vs. Dal
M. Sims-Walker vs. Ten Johnny Knox vs. Sea
Austin Collie vs. Was Santonio Holmes vs. Den
Roy Williams vs. Min Steve Smith vs. Det
Must Sit of the Week: Dwayne Bowe – Kansas City Chiefs
Remember when Dwayne Bowe was all the rage in 2009—previous to his suspension that is.
Well now in 2010, Bowe has become nothing short of a total fantasy flop, and as a player, he is showing himself to be nothing short of average AT BEST.
Dropped balls, missed opportunities, horrible route running, Bowe has become the victim of what is known as Rusty Receiver Syndrome.
Through four games this year, Bowe has 9 catches for 152 yards and a single score, and he is on pace for a dismal 36 catches, 600 yards and 4 TDs.
Even going against Houston’s horrible pass defense this week, I still believe that until Bowe shows that his hands are more reliable, and until he shows more consistency as a player, he is a perfect candidate for Must Sit of the Week.
Two Through Ten:
| 2. Mike Williams – Tampa Bay: The rookie against Jabari Greer spells disaster. Sit Williams. |
| 3. Danny Amendola – Rams: Amendola will inevitably be the new go to guy in St. Louis, but the Rams face the number three pass coverage defense in San Diego this week. Not a good matchup. |
| 4. Greg Jennings - Packers: There are too many issues in Green Bay right now with Rodgers’ concussion, and the Dolphins are just licking their chops. Sit Jennings this week. |
| 5.Mohammed Massaquoi – Browns: Nope. Don’t do it! Sit Massaquoi, possibly for the year. |
| 6. Calvin Johnson - Lions: The Lions will probably play it safe with Johnson’s shoulder injury so they can get both Johnson and Stafford back after next week’s bye. Sit Johnson against the number one ranked defense in the league this week. |
| 7. Mike Williams – Seahawks: Yes, sit this Williams too. Chicago is that good on D. |
| 8. Michael Crabtree – 49ers: Last week’s performance will not be duplicated against Oakland’s resurgent defense. |
| 9. Brandon Lloyd - Broncos: Lloyd has been one of the biggest surprises all year, but if he doesn’t take a trip to Revis Island, he’ll certainly have to face The Cromartie Crony. |
| 10. Santana Moss - Redskins: Indianapolis is a funny team. Just when they look bad, they play good. Such is the case for their D. I don’t like Moss’ chances this week, especially with Armstrong in the mix. |
As always, leave your questions below if you have one, and good luck this week!
