SBNation Minnesota's week 6 fantasy football projections and rankings

As a Viking fan, I have a rule with fantasy football, never play anyone in my lineup that is playing the Vikings that week. I just do not do it. I figure, it is the one way I can guarantee that I will not have to root against Minnesota for the good of my fantasy team (which is often frowned upon).

I however tend to overlook an aspect that creates some issues. I have Christian Ponder, Minnesota’s defense, and Chad Greenway all on my team. I started Ponder last week in a good matchup against the Titans and performed well.

I did however still have a conflict of interest. I found myself rooting against Percy Harvin when he ran in a touchdown in the first quarter. It was selfish I know. The team should always come over my fantasy squad. When this doesn’t happen is when people say that fantasy football ruins the "love of the game". I cannot help it though. My fantasy team is my pride. It’s what I actually do. The Vikings winning is great, but I have nothing to do with that. So it is hard to not root for my team even if it somewhat conflicts with the Vikings. My friends struggle with the same issues. This weekend my friend, who is an "average" Packer fan, was undoubtedly cheering on his quarterback, Andrew Luck, as he ripped apart my friend’s favorite team’s defense. It is comical to watch our lifelong allegiances thrown out the window as we cheer on our virtual teams we put together. At least in my case I figure, eh, if Ponder is throwing touchdowns it benefits Minnesota and my squad, so there is no harm in cheering for that!

My point is, I have no problem with people cheering for their fantasy team over their favorite team, or vice versa. I do a little bit of both myself. As long as you and those you are with can have fun while watching the glorious game of football, cheers.

Here are my LIKES and DISLIKES for week 6:

QUARTERBACKS

LIKE ‘EM

Michael Vick

Vick’s decision making has improved over the past two games (3 Tds, 0 INTs), though he still has that pesky fumbling issue. He is frustrated with his performance this year and is looking to turn things around. I think this week he gets it done against a Lions’ defense that still has a lot of question marks.

Projection: 17 points

Andy Dalton

Dalton (and for that matter the everyone on Bengals’ offense not named A.J. Green) laid an egg last weekend against Miami. But give the Dolphins credit, that defense is good. This weekend he makes the short trip to Cleveland to take on a Browns’ defense that has given up the fifth most fantasy points to quarterbacks this year and is the same defense he put 23 fantasy points on in week two. I expect a repeat performance.

Projection: 21

Matt Schaub

In Houston’s only game against a playoff team from last year (in Denver, week 2), Schaub had 25 fantasy points. The Texans’ quarterback has great skills and great weapons and is only hampered but his all-pro running back. When Houston has to throw it, Schaub delivers. Look for the Texans to have to throw some against the Packers’ secondary and expect some big numbers in the passing game.

Projection: 20

Kevin Kolb

This is not a Kolb endorsement. I am not even sold on him being the best quarterback in Arizona (look for Skelton when he returns to full health), but Buffalo’s defense is BAD! They have given up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season, including 28 to a struggling Alex Smith last week. Kolb has to be able to do something in this matchup, right?

Projection: 18 points

Ben Roethlisberger

How much do I like Big Ben? He is in my top 5 this week, ahead of Tom Brady. Ben has averaged almost 19 fantasy points a game this season for owners and is playing one a Titans’ secondary that is horrific against the pass. Look for Ben to put up large numbers at home Thursday.

Projection: 25 points

Sleeper: Brandon Weeden has been surprisingly consistent since his week one debacle. Factor in his 322 yards and 2 TDs week two against Cincinnati and he could be a sneaky play this week at home against the Bengals’ secondary.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Tom Brady

Touchdown Tom has been deadly this year for the Pats and his fantasy owners, but the matchup this week is horrible. Seattle has stymied any and all passing games that it has played. Browner is having a pro-bowl season in the secondary and has helped make the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Tony Romo and, most recently, Cam Newton look pedestrian. I look for Brady and crew to follow suit.

Projection: 12 points

Joe Flacco

I liked him last week and he disappointed against Kansas City. Partially because of that, and partially because of the Dallas defense, I dislike him here.

Projection: 9 points

RUNNING BACKS

LIKE ‘EM

Willis McGahee

The Broncos’ running back has been impressive this year, averaging 4.5 yards per carry as the feature carrier. McGahee took the blame for Denver’s loss last Sunday to the Patriots and he will be motivated Monday night against the Chargers. Remember earlier this year McGahee scored twice on a Monday night against the Falcons. I look for another impressive primetime performance.

Projection: 18 points

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Green-Ellis was shut down by the Dolphins last Sunday. His average has been less than stellar but he should get plenty of work against Cleveland and I expect him to reach the end zone.

Projection: 14 points

Rashard Mendenhall

Mendenhall owners had to be pleased with his debut last weekend, scoring a touchdown and gaining 80 yards on the ground. Owners have to be just as pleased with Mendenhall’s matchup this week, as he takes on a Titans’ defense that has surrendered the fifth most fantasy points to running backs this season.

Projection: 16 points

Sleeper: LaRod Stephens-Howling is expected to get the bulk of the work at tailback for the Cardinals following Ryan Williams trip to the DL. Stephens-Howling should be active in the passing game and he has a good matchup against Buffalo’s horrid defense.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Chris Johnson

Probably doesn’t even deserve to be on this list anymore, but here he is. I just don’t see any reason to trust him in your lineup, unless your team is ravaged by injuries and byes. Do not expect much until we see signs of promise on consecutive weeks.

Projection: 3 points

Alfred Morris

Morris has been one of the most consistent backs in the league thus far this season, but this week’s matchup is brutal. Minnesota has allowed just over three yards a carry this season and is not allowing runners to sniff the goal line.

Projection: 6 points

Stevan Ridley

Ridley fumbled as the Pats were attempting to run out the clock last Sunday against Denver. On New England’s next position, Bolden got the carries. That is something to look out for. Also, Seattle’s defense may frustrate the Patriots offense on the ground early and I am not confident New England is willing to stick with the running game if it’s ineffective.

Projection: 7 points

WIDE RECEIVERS

LIKE ‘EM

Mike Wallace

The Titans’ defense allowed 30 points to the Vikings last Sunday. That was the least amount of points they have allowed all season.

Projection: 16 points

Randall Cobb

With Cedric Benson out, Cobb could see more action coming out of the backfield to give Houston’s defense something different. Anytime Green Bay uses Cobb to exploit matchups, it only boosts his fantasy value.

Projection: 14 points

Larry Fitzgerald

The Bills gave up 45 to the 49ers last week.. You know Fitz is licking his chops right now.

Projection: 22 points

Pierre Garcon

I think this is the week Garcon finally gets healthy. Minnesota’s run defense is stout, but there are holes in that young secondary. If Griffin plays as expected, Garcon could have a big day.

Projection: 14 points

Sleeper: Brandon Gibson is Sam Bradford’s clear number one target in St. Louis following Danny Amendola’s injury. Miami is the best in the league against the run so look for the Rams to have to throw often and to feature Gibson.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Brandon Lloyd

Seattle’s secondary is the best in the league and Lloyd has struggled to find a role in the potent Pats’ offense.

Projection: 5 points

Brian Hartline

Has settled in nicely as the featured wideout in Miami. The only problem with his situation is that draws him the task of going up against Cortland Finnegan this week. Good luck, Brian.

Projection: 5 points

TIGHT ENDS

LIKE ‘EM

Kyle Rudolph

The Redskins have relinquished the second-most points to tight ends this season. Kyle Rudolph has scored in three of the past four weeks. That sounds like a recipe for success.

Projection: 13 points

Sleeper: Coby Fleener had five catches in the Colts’ comeback win over the Packers last Sunday. This may be a sign that he has found a role in Indy’s offense. The hope is, as Luck progresses, so will his tight end.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Jermaine Gresham

Cleveland is where tight ends have went to fail this year. The Browns’ linebacking core creates issues for the big men in the passing game. Look for Gresham to be a non factor this week.

Projection: 4 points

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

LIKE ‘EM

St. Louis

Remember what the Rams’ pass rush did to Kevin Kolb last week? Good luck Tannehill.

Projection: 15 points

Pittsburgh

The Steelers’ defense has been a disappointment thus far for fantasy owners. They should get a reprieve this week, playing the inept Titans’ offense.

Projection: 18 points

Sleeper: Tampa Bay has had some good weeks this thus far and has a great matchup this week as they take on the Chiefs. Whether Kansas City starts Cassell or Quinn, the Bucs’ D should be in line for a few turnovers.

DISLIKE ‘EM

Houston

Houston boasts one of the best defenses in the league, but this week they take on Aaron Rodgers, which is never a good thing. The Texans will need to sack Rodgers 5+ times to be a solid fantasy play. I think Green Bay will scheme to protect its quarterback.

Projection: 8 points

Remember you can always tweet any additional questions or concerns regarding your fantasy football team to Frederick at@SpaceJace27.

Week 6 Positional Rankings

Quarterbacks

1	Matt Ryan
2	Aaron Rodgers
3	Peyton Manning
4	Eli Manning
5	Ben Roethlisberger
6	Tom Brady
7	Phillip Rivers
8	Robert Griffin III
9	Andy Dalton
10	Matt Schaub
11	Matthew Stafford
12	Michael Vick
13	Tony Romo
14	Joe Flacco
15	Christian Ponder
16	Kevin Kolb
17	Alex Smith
18	Andrew Luck
19	Ryan Fitzpatrick
20	Carson Palmer
21	Josh Freeman
22	Brandon Weeden
23	Russell Wilson
24	Sam Bradford
25	Ryan Tannehill

Running Backs

1	Arian Foster
2	Ray Rice
3	LeSean McCoy
4	Adrian Peterson
5	Jamaal Charles
6	Trent Richardson
7	Darren McFadden
8	Ryan Mathews
9	Rashard Mendenhall
10	Marshawn Lynch
11	DeMarco Murray
12	Reggie Bush
13	Frank Gore
14	Stevan Ridley
15	Michael Turner
16	Willis McGahee
17	BenJarvus Green-Ellis
18	Donald Brown
19	Mikel LeShoure
20	Ahmad Bradshaw
21	Alfred Morris
22	Steven Jackson
23	CJ Spiller
24	Doug Martin
25	Alex Green
26	Shonn Greene
27	Chris Johnson
28	Fred Jackson
29	LaRod Stephens-Howling
30	Brandon Bolden
31	Jackie Battle
32	Isaac Redman
33	Shaun Droughn
34	LeGarrette Blount
35	Bilal Powell
36	Jacquizz Rodgers
37	Daryl Richardson
38	Danny Woodhead
39	Kendall Hunter
40	David Wilson

Wide Receivers

1	AJ Green
2	Calvin Johnson
3	Larry Fitzgerald
4	Roddy White
5	Julio Jones
6	Percy Harvin
7	Andre Johnson
8	Demaryius Thomas
9	Dwayne Bowe
10	Mike Wallace
11	Victor Cruz
12	Wes Welker
13	Reggie Wayne
14	Torrey Smith
15	Vincent Jackson
16	Miles Austin
17	Steve Johnson
18	DeSean Jackson
19	Jordy Nelson
20	Eric Decker
21	Antonio Brown
22	James Jones
23	Brandon Lloyd
24	Pierre Garcon
25	Dez Bryant
26	Randall Cobb
27	Robert Meachem
28	Brian Hartline
29	Denarius Moore
30	Jeremy Kerley
31	Andre Roberts
32	Sidney Rice
33	Malcom Floyd
34	Mike Williams
35	Nate Washington
36	Brandon Gibson
37	Michael Crabtree
38	Anquan Boldin
39	Jeremy Maclin
40	Kenny Britt

Tight Ends