(Neil Miller/Sportsday Wire)
Quarterback
Start
Eli Manning: Manning has thrown for multiple scores in four straight games including three touchdowns in each of his last two. He exploded against the Niners last week, throwing for 441 yards. This week he faces an Eagles defense that has allowed multiple scores three times this season. The Eagles have also allowed nearly 30-fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.
Andy Dalton: Last week Marcus Mariota was the first quarterback this season to not throw for multiple scores against the Bills. Tom Brady and Eli Manning each threw for three scores against them, while Andrew Luck and Ryan Tannehill threw for two apiece. Add in that Dalton has thrown for multiple scores all but once and you can see why he is a strong start this week.
Sit
Cam Newton: Newton has the very difficult task of facing the Seahawks in Seattle. The Seahawks might have only played two games at home so far, but they have not allowed a passing touchdown in either. The Seahawks have also limited opposing quarterbacks to just 65 yards on 20 attempts.
Josh McCown: The Broncos defense has excelled at holding opposing quarterbacks in check, allowing just over 13 fantasy points per game. That mark is the lowest in the league. Denver also leads the NFL in sacks, with 22, so expect McCown to be pressured the entire game.
Running Back
Start
Duke Johnson: As great as the Broncos defense has been they have allowed 43 receptions to opposing running backs, the second most in the league. They have also allowed two receiving touchdowns to opposing backs, as well as four rushing touchdowns. Johnson has had six or more receptions in three straight games. He is a RB2/Flex option in PPR formats.
Dion Lewis: Lewis has eclipsed double-digit points every week in a PPR format. Lewis has had five or more receptions and a touchdown in three straight games. He is becoming a must-start option, yet owners still question him being a Pats back, especially with LeGarrette Blount in the picture. He faces off against a Colts defense that the Patriots ran all over last season. Lewis is listed as questionable, but should be able to play.
Sit
Jonathan Stewart: Despite seeing the workload that Fantasy owners hoped for, Stewart has yet to rush for over 62 yards in a game and has failed to score at all. This week he matches up against the Seahawks, who allow the least amount of Fantasy points to opposing backs and have yet to allow a rushing touchdown to a running back. Stay away.
Giants RBs: The Eagles have yet to allow a touchdown to an opposing running backs. They also allow the fourth fewest Fantasy points to running backs. Add in that the Giants will have three backs mixed into a game where they will be passing a lot and it becomes too tough to trust any particular back.
Wide Receiver
Start
Anquan Boldin: Boldin leads the Niners in targets (37), receptions (23) and touchdowns (2). This week he matches up against his former team, the Ravens, who have allowed the second most Fantasy points to opposing wideouts, as well as seven touchdowns to them. He should have a field day as the primary weapon in the passing game.
Alshon Jeffery: Jeffery has been practicing on a limited basis for weeks now and it looks like Week 6 could finally be when he returns. The Bears face the Lions, who have allowed just less than 25 Fantasy points per week to opposing wideouts, including five touchdowns to them. Jeffery has proven to be a favorite target of Jay Cutler, particularly in the red zone, and will be a strong WR2 if he suits up this week.
Sit
Travis Benjamin: I stated earlier that the Broncos are the best team at limiting quarterbacks. Well, that doesn’t bode well for opposing wide receivers either. The Broncos are allowing the fewest Fantasy points to opposing wideouts and have only allowed one touchdown to them. Benjamin has been a waiver wire darling, but this is not the week to throw him out there.
James Jones: This is a very bold call given how great Jones has been, but let me explain. The Chargers have allowed the third fewest Fantasy points to opposing receivers. While they have allowed eight passing touchdowns this year, the bulk has gone to running backs and tight ends, as only three have gone to receivers. Of those three, only one came from within the red zone, with the others being 45 and 72 yards, respectively. Add in that the Chargers are allowing 132 rushing yards per game and there could be limited opportunities for Jones. I don’t like his chances of finding the end zone this week.
Tight End
Start
Greg Olsen: Usually a must start, but given the matchup, Fantasy owners are left wondering what to do with the stud tight end. Well, Fantasy players should roll him out there as the Seahawks have allowed the fifth-most Fantasy points to opposing tight ends. They have allowed 25 receptions and four scores to tight ends. Newton also will target Olsen a lot in the red zone.
Sit
Charles Clay: Even though Tyrod Taylor has not yet officially been ruled out there is still a chance E.J. Manuel starts for the Bills on Sunday. The Bills should be expected to run the ball a ton and that could mean more blocking duties for Clay. It doesn’t help that he is facing a Bengals defense that has allowed less than five Fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends.
Gary Barnidge: Barnidge has been great so far, but I am not willing to trust him against the Broncos. The Broncos have held tight ends to just 5.68 Fantasy points per week, allowing just 19 receptions and no touchdowns to them. McCown will be pressured all game and I don’t trust his ability to handle that pressure and get the ball off cleanly to Barnidge. He will be in owners’ lineups a lot going forward, just not this week.
If you have any other questions make sure to follow me on Twitter, @MichaelFFlorio.
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