Week 6 - NFL and Survivor picks with fantasy angles...
Who will win, step up and get beat down in Week 6 of the NFL season...
These game predictions do not reflect the opinion of FFToolbox.com, just those of a solo fantasy writer who is thrilled Delone Carter's starting opportunity is finally upon us, but a little nervous that his starting opportunity is upon us...As a reminder, email any questions, be it about lineup fantasy decisions, trades, strategy or free agents, to podcast@fftoolbox.com or send tweets to @benstandig. Also download the weekly FFToolbox.com podcast - hosted by yours truly with guests from the Rotoworld, CBS Sports, NY Time, Sports Illustrated and the National Football Post. Typically scheduled for Tuesday's (7pm) and Thursday's (8pm), but just download us on ITunes and you won't miss out when we switch to Wednesday's like we did this week.
Home Team in CAPS
GREEN BAY 34 (-13.5) St. Louis 14: If Steven Jackson can have one of those "wow, look at Steven Jackson go" first quarters, the Rams have a chance...to cover. Field day for Aaron Rodgers and company, making Jordy Nelson and James Jones WR3 or potential flex options, though both are essentially all-or-nothing plays...
PITTSBURGH 27 (-12) Jacksonville 10: Congratulations Tavaris Jackson! With the currently over-matched Blaine Gabbert taking snaps, you are no longer the No. 1 quarterback every fantasy wants their defense to face. The FFToolbox matchup analyzer shows that the defenses allow the fewest fantasy points to wide receiver. Mike Wallace remains a must start with Antonio Brown, Mike Thomas and Hines Ward falling much further down the viability list...
Philadelphia 24 (-1.5) WASHINGTON 21: Sometimes the "must win" angle is overblown. Not this week. Eagles lose and it's run the table time. Michael Vick dominated in this matchup last season and while he performs at QB1 level, LeSean McCoy's ability to move the chains steals the show. As for Redskins backfield, 70-30 Ryan Torain is the back to use. 99.9 percent nobody will comfortable starting Torain or Tim Hightower until midway through the third quarter.
DETROIT 26 (-4) San Francisco 20: Back and forth with this pick. There is some betting axiom about going against a team coming of a home win of 21 or more points on the road the following week. That combined with Calvin Johnson continuing to morph into a fully formed version of Randy Moss has me taking the Lions. Hard to start Nate Burleson with his recent struggles, but the Niners are allowing the third-most points to wide receivers.
Carolina 28 (+4) ATLANTA 27: For all the Cam Newton awesomeness, the Panthers have won win. Make it two as the Falcons fall continues. Roddy White averaged 7-71 and scored one touchdown in two games against the Panthers last season. Looking for more than that this week. With no Julio Jones, White reminds his owners why they used a top-15 pick on him, hauling in 10 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. Yes, I'm going that specific.
CINCINNATI 24 (-7) Indianapolis 16: The Bengals defense is legit, making all Indy players suspect options, though it would be hard to not start Pierre Garcon the way Curtis Painter is finding him. The Colts run D is abysmal, making Cedric Benson a top-10 play this week. Jermaine Gresham is the tight end you want from this game. Sorry Dallas Clark...
NY GIANTS 28 (-3.5) Buffalo 24: OK Eli, I'm trusting you to not have one of those Eli four turnovers games like the Bills coaxed out of Michael Vick last week. He doesn't, generating at least 20 fantasy points for the fourth straight week. I know it doesn't seem like he's been that good, but....
BALTIMORE 24 Houston 17 (+7.5): We saw what happened last week when the Texans ground game was not hitting on all front and Matt Schaub had to carry the day. That was against the Raiders. The Ravens are faaaar superior stopping the run. You do the math.
OAKLAND 24 Cleveland 21 (+7): Mark it down; week 6 of the fantasy season is Peyton Hillis' fork in the road game. The Raiders defense has hardly been formidable, but Hillis has only one strong fantasy game this season. Off a bye, if he doesn't get it done here, look out.
NEW ENGLAND 31 Dallas 27 (+7): The good Tony Romo shows up, but it's not enough against Tom Brady and the boys. Every legit receiving option should be started this week, fro, Wes Welker and Miles Austin to Deion Branch. As for the backs, monitor the Law Firm's status after BJGE popped up on this week's injury report as questionable. Stevan Ridley could be a sneaky start for those that can wait for the 4pm inactives to be revealed.
New Orleans 27 (-5.5) TAMPA BAY 17: No Blount. Mike Williams has been brutal. The Saints are scoring. Yeah, I'll go with the Bourbon Street boys. Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles are worthy RB2 starts in 12-team leagues...
CHICAGO 23 (-2.5) Minnesota 20: Percy Harvin, my sleeper fantasy play of the week, scores for the fourth time in five games against the Bears. Last season he averaged 4.5 receptions for 68 yards and a score against the Bears. Use that as a baseline, but look for a bit more even though he has been dealing with a rib injury. Not sure why, but I'll give the points and count on Matt Forte and perhaps a special Devin Hester play to put the Bears over the top.
NY JETS 21 (-7) Miami 13: Go ahead and start your Jets; Shonn Greene has strong RB2 potential as the New Yorkers could be working with a lead for once. If you plan on starting Daniel Thomas, make sure you have Reggie Bush or another RB option in the game since the rookie runner remains questionable...
Last week: Straight (8-5), Spread (7-6); Overall: Straight (46-31), Spread (34-42-1)
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Survivor picks - After winning a Survivor pool with over 100 entries two straight weeks and making into week 12 last season before losing, this season has been Philadelphia Eagles bad. But we're troopers (or gluttons for punishment) so we keep picking and decide to take the easy path. Go Steelers!...
Wk. 1 - Houston...Wk. 2 - Detroit...Wk. 3 Carolina...Wk. 4 Tampa Bay...Wk. 5 -NY Giants