By: Alex Clark ’20

Week 5 brought exciting upheaval ranging from the Steelers collapsing against the Jaguars, Odell Beckham Jr. sustaining a season ending ankle injury, and J.J. Watt’s fractured leg bone sidelining him for the rest of the season. On a lighter note, the Chiefs are undefeated; the Patriots beat the Buccaneers, and Aaron Rodgers delivering a winning catch to defeat the Cowboys in the final seconds of a drama-filled game. In Week 6, the unstoppable Chiefs will take on the Steelers; the Broncos come off their bye week facing a struggling New York Giants team, and the Monday night game will feature the Indianapolis Colts taking on the Tennessee Titans in a divisional showdown.

Bye Week 6: The Bills, Bengals, Cowboys, and Seahawks all have bye weeks. If you have any of these players on your team, remember to sit them.

Starts:

Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Lions

Stafford had a subpar week 5. He threw for 229 yards and 2 touchdowns but lost one fumble. However, he did face a tough Carolina Panthers defense. This week, he will throw against the Saints’ defense, which has struggled since the season’s start. They have let up 79 points combined in their first 4 games (had a bye week in week 5). I could see Stafford throwing for 250 yards and scoring at least 3 touchdowns.

Demarco Murray, Running Back, Titans

Murray will be running against the Colts, whose defense has been lackluster over the last few weeks. Last week Murray had 14 rush attempts for 58 yards and zero touchdowns. This week, I can see him having a huge bounce back week, and I consider him a must start.

Tyreek Hill, Wide Receiver, Chiefs

Last week, Hill caught 4 balls for 68 yards and had only one touchdown from a punt return. This week, the Chiefs will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hill will play at home, and the matchup against the Steelers should favor him. The speedster should burn the Steelers defense for double-digit yards and one touchdown.

Antonio Gates, Tight End, Chargers

Gates had a tough week with only 3 catches for 23 yards. He will face a more favorable matchup against a mediocre Raiders defense. Gates should see more targets especially in the red zone, an area where Gates is most effective. Gates will be the top fantasy tight end.

Denver Broncos, Defense

The Broncos are coming off a bye week. They take on the New York Giants in the Sunday Night Football game. The Giants are coming off a demoralizing loss, where they lost star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and big free agent acquisition Brandon Marshall. The Giants run game has been nonexistent this year, limiting the scoring options heading into week 6. Denver should feast come Sunday night due to the superior defense and the Giants injury troubles.

Sits:

Ben Roethlisberger, Quarterback, Steelers

Last week, Roethlisberger threw for 312 yards, however, with 5 interceptions. This week Ben will face a tough road match against the Chiefs. I would not expect Roethlisberger to excel this week, considering his troubles last week against Jacksonville. Be hesitant to start Big Ben, as he crumbled against the Jaguars, and the Chiefs have a stellar defense.

Leonard Fournette, Running Back, Jaguars

Fournette had an amazing game last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he ran 28 times for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns. This week however, he will face a tough Rams front seven, lead by superstar defensive tackle Aaron Donald. I would reconsider starting Fournette and label him as a game time decision for fantasy owners.

Jordy Nelson, Wide Receiver, Packers

Last week against the Cowboys, Nelson caught 2 passes for 24 yards and a touchdown. This week, the Packers play a key divisional away game against the Vikings. The Vikings have numerous lockdown corners, meaning Nelson will have a hard time getting open for superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers. If you have someone on the bench, I recommend starting them over Nelson since the Packers are on the road and will face the Vikings defense.

Injury Watch: Travis Kelce, Tight End, Chiefs

Last week Kelce suffered a concussion against the Houston Texans. Reports confirm that he has practiced leading up to Sunday’s afternoon matchup against the Steelers. Watch Kelce’s status carefully, as he might see limited time. However, Andy Reed, the Chiefs head coach, could wave the green flag and clear him for his normal snaps. I would stay alert for news about Kelce’s health, and be ready to sub in a different tight end (if you have one) if any further details are confirmed.

Sleeper: Adrian Peterson, Running Back, Cardinals

Peterson was traded on Monday and looks to be Arizona’s feature back. Peterson will play his first game as a Cardinal against the Buccaneers. Arizona will look to Peterson in order to revive their nonexistent running game and give the Cardinals a more diverse offense. Peterson should see a heavy load in his first game, and he is owned in 48% of fantasy leagues. If your team needs a running back, then Peterson should be someone you add to your fantasy lineup.

Hometown Hero: Michael Crabtree, Wide Receiver, Raiders

Last week, Crabtree faced a perfect Ravens defense and still managed to catch 6 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. This week, he will line up against the Los Angeles Chargers, whose best cornerback will be guarding Amari Cooper. Crabtree should see the same amount of productivity with a below average defender guarding him for the game. Crabtree should see the end zone and will crack the 100-yard mark. He is my hometown hero for this week.