/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1066203/20120930_jrc_sx8_243.0.jpg)
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
1 |
Tony Gonzalez |
2 |
Rob Gronkowski |
3 |
Vernon Davis |
4 |
Owen Daniels |
5 |
Kyle Rudolph |
6 |
Brent Celek |
7 |
Antonio Gates |
8 |
Scott Chandler |
9 |
Jason Witten |
10 |
Jermichael Finley |
11 |
Fred Davis |
12 |
Jared Cook |
13 |
Heath Miller |
14 |
Brandon Pettigrew |
15 |
Aaron Hernandez |
16 |
Jacob Tamme |
17 |
Dennis Pitta |
18 |
Jermaine Gresham |
19 |
Coby Fleener |
20 |
Joel Dreessen |
Defense/Special Teams
1 |
Baltimore |
2 |
San Francisco |
3 |
St. Louis |
4 |
Arizona |
5 |
Minnesota |
6 |
Seattle |
7 |
Miami |
8 |
Pittsburgh |
9 |
Houston |
10 |
Dallas |
11 |
New England |
12 |
Atlanta |
13 |
Tampa Bay |
14 |
Cincinnati |
15 |
New York (A) |
16 |
Philadelphia |
17 |
Indianapolis |
18 |
Kansas City |
19 |
Washington |
20 |
Buffalo |
*You might notice some projections do not match up with the rankings (Dalton is three spots behind Brady, yet I have Dalton projected for nine more points). Projections indicate how I believe the players will perform, while rankings indicate who I would start at the position (Brady may not outscore Dalton this week, but I would still start Brady over Dalton based solely off upside).