Every week COVID-19 throws us more curveballs but the 2020 Fantasy Football season rolls along. Four teams on a bye as we enter Week 6 further complicating start/sit decisions. No matter, full steam ahead into the Week 6 Start/Sit recommendations.
Quarterback Start/Sit Recommendations
START Ben Roethlisberger vs. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are 4 -1 for the first time in more than two decades. But that doesn’t matter. Is that right? Fact check me. Despite the Browns’ new found success they miss Greedy Williams as a cornerstone member of their pass defense. The Browns give up the 8th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and have surrendered 12 TD passes on the season; tied for 2nd most in the NFL.
Ben Roethlisberger has thrown for at least two touchdowns in each game this season; and currently sports a 10:1 TD/INT ratio over four games. He hasn’t put up gaudy yardage totals but that could change in Week 6. At a minimum, I’m thinking 260 yards passing a trio of TDs good for a Top 12 finish.
START Matthew Stafford @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Fresh off the bye, Matthew Stafford and the Detriot Lions face the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags have allowed the third most touchdown passes on the season (11). Jacksonville also allows the fourth most passing yards per game and are tied for a league low five sacks. I had high hopes for the Lions offense entering the 2020 Fantasy Football Season. It hasn’t quite materialized thus far, but I think Stafford & Co. get on track in a big way against an overmatched Jaguars defense. Start em.
SIT Joe Burrow @ Indianapolis Colts
The Colts defense wasn’t at their best a week ago but they enter Week 6 allowing just 12.5 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. That makes them the stingiest defense in the league against QBs in fantasy football. Thus far, Joe Burrow has looked like the rookie that he is. The reality is, the Bengals supporting cast (oline) simply isn’t good enough to solidfy Burrow’s fantasy floor. Couple that with an awful matchup on paper and I’m going to pass. Sit em.
Running Backs
START James Robinson vs. Detroit Lions
The James Robinson buzz has died down a bit over the past two weeks. However, a Week 6 matchup with the Detroit Lions should vault Robinson back into Top 12 consideration. In fact, top 12 may be a modest outlook. The Lions allow the most fantasy points per game to the running back position in the NFL. Detriot has been gashed to the tune of 5.2 yards per carry too.
Robinson continues to dominate backfield carries (73). Chris Thompson is next in line with just six touts. Furthermore, Robinson remains involved in the passing game with just over four targets per contest. The rookie running back has failed to reach the endzone the last two games but i believe he reaches pay dirt twice in what should be a stat padding contest.
START Ronald Jones vs. Green Bay Packers
I’m not sure Ronald Jones will ever be an accomplished receiver out of the backfield; but you cannot deny his ability as a ball-carrier. Jones is coming off of back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances and has a firm grasp on early down work. All that’s missing are touchdowns. He was robbed of a TD, receiving no less, last week but I think that changes against Green Bay. The Packers struggle to defend the run and allow the 2nd most fantasy points to the running back position. Start Jones with confidence.
SIT Phillip Lindsay @ New England Patriots
Phillip Lindsay had been on the mend for several weeks but he’s healthy now; and just in time with Melvin Gordon ruled out. While Lindsay’s expanded role would generally be something fantasy owners should be all over, this week’s matchup isn’t favorable. Even with Drew Lock back in the lineup to legitimize the Broncos passing game I expect that Patriots to force Lock to beat them and elimiante Denver’s rushing attack.
New England is only allowing 15.3 points per game to the running back position. Furthermore, they’ve allowed only ONE rushing touchdown all season tied for the least in the NFL. Injuries and committees may force your hand but I recommend you Sit em’.
Wide Receivers Start/Sit Recommendations
START Justin Jefferson vs. Atlanta Falcons
Justin Jefferson (3/23/0) disappeared last week against a poor Seahawks pass defense. Such is apt to happen with rookie wide receivers. That being said, I expect Jefferson to bounce back in a big way against the hapless Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have surrendered a league high 15 passing touchdowns and are tied for the 3rd fewest sacks (7) in the NFL. The inability to affect the passer, nor hold up on the back end in a passing league is a recipie for disaster. But for Justin Jefferson owners, you should be licking your chops, salivating. Start em’.
START Chase Claypool vs. Cleveland Browns
Claypool flashed several times ahead of his Week 5 coming out party; scoring four touchdowns and putting non-dynasty football enthusiasts on notice. With Diontae Johnson still out with injury Claypool has become the the receiver to own and START in Pittsburgh. I mentioned how forgiving the Browns defense has been to opposing quarterbacks previously. Well, Cleveland is even MORE generous to opposing wide receivers.
Currently, the Browns are allowing the third most fantasy points per game to WRs. There 12 touchdown passes allowed is tied for the 2nd most in the NFL. Suffice it to say that if Myle Garrett isn’t sacking the quarterback the Browns are hemorrhaging fantasy points thru the air.
SIT Jerry Jeudy @ New England Patriots
I didn’t like Jeudy last week when I thought he was going to avoid the “Gilly-Lock.” I definitely don’t like the talented rookie with Stephon Gilmore expected to play this week even with Drew Lock in the lineup. No thanks.
Tight Ends
START T.J. Hockenson @ Jacksonville Jaguars
See Matthew Stafford.
START Mike Gesicki vs. New York Jets
The Jets have faired pretty well against opposing tight ends to this point. However, I like Ryan Fitzpartick quite a bit this week (not as much as Roethlisberger, Stafford) and I think Gesicki is due for a touchdown grab. I imagine the Jets will have their hands full with DeVante Parker and Preston Williams on the perimeter. Meanwhile, Gesicki will take advantage in the middle of the field and redzone. Start em’.
SIT Logan Thomas @ New York Giants
Despite his consistent involvement in the passing game Logan Thomas simply isn’t Varsity yet. Tight end is such a difficult position to learn, particularly at the NFL level. Thomas is a phenomenal athlete transitioning from QB to tight end, but he can’t be trusted as of yet. Not to mention the New York Giants secondary has played pretty well this season. They are are the third best team in the NFL at defending the tight end position; allowing only 4.4 fantasy points per game. I’m avoding Thomas for the forseeable future no matter who is under center in Washington. Sit em’.
Best of luck this weekend. Remember always start your STUDS and I take ZERO responsibility if these Start/Sit recommendations are wrong. Also, if my calls are right make certain you tell a friend. Start/Sit.
Defy Life 