Week 6: Sit 'Em
This weekly column will feature players that are normally solid bets for fantasy production, but not worth starting in a particular week.
Week 5 Recap:
Mike Sims-Walker had 4 receptions for 46 yards and a score. Not a bust. Bad call.
Jahvid Best ran for 67 yards and if you had him in PPR format, he gained 37 yards on 4 receptions. A proper sit in my book.
Felix Jones stole the show and Marion Barber had only 19 yards. A complete bust for Barber owners.
Kyle Orton threw for 314 yards with two touchdowns vs. Baltimore. A pleasant surprise. Maybe Orton is here to play ball for real this season.
Cedric Benson ran for 144 yards on 23 carries and had a pair of receptions. A solid outing, but can it persist?
T.O. went for 102 yards and a score on 7 receptions. Of course T.O. had back-to-back performances. Will he go for three?
Darren McFadden did not play and Michael Bush performed well. Watch out for Bush stealing carries.
Week 6 Sit:
This week I have one quarterback, two running backs, two wide outs, a tight end and a defensive unit you should consider sitting. As always, consider this friendly and qualified advice, but be aware of the dramatic swings we see on a week to week basis in terms of performance. Week five's bust could be Week six's savior. This has possibly been my worst fantasy season ever to-date and I consider that my leagues are competitive and my teams strong. The variances we have seen in player and team performances this season are wild. We are approaching Week 6 and not one team remains undefeated. Now that is parity at its finest. Now, In the words of my uncle -- oops, not Iron Chef -- go play some fantasy football.
Carnell Williams plays New Orleans this week and his workload has not been impressive. Look for Tampa Bay to play this one from behind.
Greg Jennings will likely be without Aaron Rodgers and that is not encouraging.
Ryan Mathews has competition in Tolbert and is still coming back from his ankle injury.
Robert Meachem finally scored last week, but is inconsistent and risky in my book.
Owen Daniels was a player that I expected to be a stud this season. To-date his performances have been lackluster.
The Dallas Defense faces Adrian Peterson and Minnesota on the road.
Sam Bradford was looking like a great bye week quarterback and maybe more. The season-ending injury to Mark Clayton throws a twist into this equation. Look for Bradford to struggle without his number one target.
QB Sam Bradford, ---
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With Mark Clayton out for the season with a patella injury and pure offensive struggles against Detroit last week, I would hesitate to jump on the Sam Bradford bandwagon. Bradford has potential and will be a fantasy stud in seasons to come, but his value just dropped significantly. Danny Amendola will step up into Mark Clayton's role, however, I think there will be a break-in period for Bradford and Amendola; this will take a few games. San Diego has had it's struggles this season, but will put up a solid effort this week. Look for Bradford to be average at best (if not a complete bust this week).
RB Ryan Mathews, ---
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Despite being back in the line-up and appearing unhindered by his ankle, Mathews lost a goal line carry to Tolbert for a score and gained less than 60 yards rushing. Tolbert was also used more in the passing game than Mathews. Do not get me wrong, Mathews has potential and will be a stud in the league, but this is his rookie year and already he has an injury and competition does not bode well for this campaign. Look for Mathews to increase his role throughout the season. My advice is to watch carefully and start Mathews selectively.
RB Carnell Williams, ---
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Cadillac has had a rough season so far. He has yet to surpass 75 rushing yards and Week 3 was his first outing with more than 2 receptions. You would expect Tampa Bay and Williams to find their gear soon, but I have a feeling Williams will have to be one of those guys you plug and play when you are without a solid choice. Williams is probably good for 30-40 yards with a few receptions at best this week against New Orleans. I think Tampa Bay will fall behind early and abandon the run in an attempt to keep their semi-decent season progressing.
WR Greg Jennings, ---
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Matt Flynn who? Yes, Flynn is the guy Green Bay will turn to if Aaron Rodgers cannot go this weekend. Rodgers' concussion is a huge factor in whether you should start Jennings this week. Jennings is a stud and if he is not good for yardage and a score, at least he has shown he can get a few touches and a score. This weekend your decision to start or sit Jennings should hinge upon an announcement on the status of Rodgers. If Rodgers goes, start Jennings; if not, sit him and find another option.
WR Robert Meachem, ---
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Meachem finally had a score and increased yardage in Week 5. I do not consider this a solid reason to start Meachem over other wide outs. If we go to Meachem's stats we will see the inconsistency. Meachem has streaks and then goes flat. The depth and breadth of the receiving core in New Orleans is my other concern. With Brees having so many options between wide outs, backs and tight ends, I would be careful with whom you start. Meachem has value, but wait for him to show consistent play before considering him a viable starter.
