Fantasy Football: Start Em’ Sit Em’ Week 6
The NFL season has reached the point of the year feared by fantasy owners, the bye week. This week, the Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans are all on a bye, leaving fantasy managers with difficult decisions regarding who to start and sit.
Fantasy managers should consider starting or sitting these players when making those challenging decisions.
Start ‘Em
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants
Lamar Jackson had a ridiculous start to the fantasy season, averaging 34.09 fantasy points per game through the first three weeks. However, Jackson has cooled down of late, averaging only 13.91 fantasy points per game in the last two weeks.
This week's matchup against the Giants is a perfect opportunity to get back on track for Jackson. The Giants have allowed 131.6 rushing yards per game, which should enable the dual-threat quarterback to run all over the place.
Big-play wide receiver Rashod Bateman will hopefully return this week as well, making Jackson a must-start in all formats.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots vs. Cleveland Browns
Rhamondre Stevenson exploded last week against the Detroit Lions for 19.5 fantasy points. Stevenson had 25 carries for 161 yards and two catches for 14 yards.
This week Stevenson gets a favorable matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Last week the Browns allowed a Chargers running attack led by Austin Ekeler to rush for 238 yards on 34 carries.
With Damien Harris suffering a hamstring injury that will keep him out of this week's game, Stevenson will be the sole running back so start him with confidence this week.
Gabriel Davis, WR, Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Gabriel Davis had his coming out party in last year's divisional round classic between these two sides. Davis had eight catches for 201 yards and four touchdowns.
That performance shot him up fantasy draft boards this offseason, and after dealing with an ankle injury, Davis reminded owners why they were so high on him. This past week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he caught three passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns for a whooping 32.1 fantasy points.
This week Davis gets the same team he torched in last year’s playoffs.
The Chiefs have struggled to stop the big plays this season. Last week they gave up two 45+ yard touchdowns to Davante Adams.
Expect Josh Allen and Davis to link up for huge plays, so start Davis this week.
Sit ‘Em
Russell Wilson, QB, Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Russell Wilson and the Broncos are coming off a horrendous offensive performance on Thursday night. The Broncos only scored nine points, and Wilson only had 9.16 fantasy points.
Don’t expect much improvement in a Monday night divisional game against the Chargers.
Wilson has been dealing with a strained latissimus dorsi which will undoubtedly hamper his ability to throw the ball accurately.
The Broncos will also have to deal with former defensive player of the year Khalil Mack and sneaky good Chargers’ pass rush while missing the leader of their offensive line in left tackle Garrett Bolles, who broke his right leg last week.
Wilson should have little time to throw the ball, so keep him on the bench this week.
Michael Carter, RB, New York Jets vs. Green Bay Packers
Michael Carter had a solid fantasy performance last week, having 33 scrimmage yards and scoring two touchdowns for 17.3 fantasy points.
However, that production is unsustainable, as 14.2 of Carter’s fantasy points came from his two one-yard touchdown runs. At the same time, Breece Hall continues to take more and more touches away from Carter.
The emergence of Hall is concerning, so sit Carter this week against the Packers.
Ben Palillo is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email bgp5079@psu.edu.
