Week 6

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A widespread panic has sent fantasy owners scrambling this week like never before. This week, a record six teams are off on their bye weeks. Waiver wires are busier than ever this week, and most fantasy teams in your league will be affected. To help combat this, we have tweaked our Start & Sit column to take into account more players, in addition to revising our rankings formula.

Our revised system is based on two separate rankings: Risk and Reward. Each player or defense was given a statistical ranking for each of the two categories.

Risk is determined by anything that could negatively affect the player in question’s performance. This includes things such as matchup, situation, and injuries.

Reward is determined by anything that could positively affect the player in question’s performance. This includes things such as talent, matchup, and situation.

The Ranking for the two categories is as follows:
Risk: Score of 0 being the lowest risk, 10 being the highest risk.
Reward: Score of 0 being lowest reward, 10 being the highest reward.

After much appreciated feedback last week, we then devised a highly complex and top secret formula. One that incorporates these factors in a way that we could rank the best starts of the week from the worst. The higher a player is ranked translates into the better anticipated performance. Good luck this week!

 

Quarterbacks	Opponent	Rating	Risk	Reward
Donovan McNabb – PHI	at NO	17.0	2.4	9.4
Carson Palmer – CIN	at TB	16.0	2.4	8.4
Matt Hasselbeck – SEA	at STL	15.2	3.0	8.2
Rex Grossman – CHI	at ARI	14.8	2.8	7.6
Drew Bledsoe – DAL	vs HOU	14.4	3.6	8.0
Philip Rivers – SD	at SF	14.4	3.0	7.4
Marc Bulger – STL	vs SEA	14.0	4.0	8.0
Jake Plummer – DEN	vs OAK	13.8	3.0	6.8
Mark Brunell – WAS	vs TEN	13.8	2.8	6.6
Eli Manning – NYG	at ATL	13.2	4.2	7.4
Drew Brees – NO	vs PHI	13.0	4.2	7.2
Michael Vick – ATL	vs NYG	12.2	4.6	6.8
Chad Pennington – NYJ	vs MIA	12.0	4.8	6.8
Jon Kitna – DET	vs BUF	11.8	4.6	6.4
David Carr – HOU	at DAL	11.6	5.4	7.0
JP Losman – BUF	at DET	11.2	4.6	5.8
Jake Delhomme – CAR	at BAL	10.2	6.4	6.6
Ben Roethlisberger – PIT	vs KC	9.6	5.4	5.0
Steve McNair – BAL	vs CAR	8.8	6.0	4.8
Damon Huard – KC	at PIT	8.6	6.6	5.2
Bruce Gradkowski – TB	vs CIN	8.6	6.6	5.2
Alex Smith – SF	vs SD	8.4	6.8	5.2
Vince Young – TEN	at WAS	8.0	6.6	4.6
Joey Harrington – MIA	at NYJ	7.8	7.0	4.8
Andrew Walter – OAK	at DEN	6.4	7.4	3.8
Matt Leinart – ARI	vs CHI	5.0	9.0	4.0
Daunte Culpepper – MIA	at NYJ	2.6	9.0	1.6
Charlie Frye – CLE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Brett Favre – GB	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Peyton Manning – IND	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Byron Leftwich – JAC	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Brad Johnson – MIN	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Tom Brady – NE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0

 
Start:
Drew Bledsoe, DAL (14.4 rating): Earlier in the week, people in Big D were calling for Drew’s head. After countless sacks and turnovers last week, he’s back at the helm again. This week, however, poses a much better matchup for the Cowboys. Fully expect a rebound from Air Bledsoe.

Sit:
Jake Delhomme, CAR (10.2 rating): The Panthers have picked up steam since the return of Steve Smith, and the offense has been clicking on all cylinders. The Ravens defense has been amazing so far and should be up to the task of shutting down Carolina. Expect the Ravens to bounce back at home, and it will start and end with their stellar defense.
 

Running Backs	Opponent	Rating	Risk	Reward
LaDainian Tomlinson – SD	at SF	18.0	1.4	9.4
Clinton Portis – WAS	vs TEN	16.6	2.0	8.6
Tatum Bell – DEN	vs OAK	16.0	2.2	8.2
Rudi Johnson – CIN	at TB	15.2	2.8	8.0
Willis McGahee – BUF	at DET	14.8	2.8	7.6
Thomas Jones – CHI	at ARI	14.6	3.4	8.0
Julius Jones – DAL	vs HOU	14.4	3.2	7.6
Willie Parker – PIT	vs KC	14.0	3.2	7.2
Steven Jackson – STL	vs SEA	13.6	4.2	7.8
Larry Johnson – KC	at PIT	13.2	5.2	8.4
Tiki Barber – NYG	at ATL	13.2	4.0	7.2
Deuce McAllister – NO	vs PHI	12.8	4.4	7.2
Brian Westbrook – PHI	at NO	12.8	5.6	8.4
Ronnie Brown – MIA	at NYJ	12.6	4.4	7.0
Warrick Dunn – ATL	vs NYG	12.4	4.0	6.4
Reggie Bush – NO	vs PHI	12.2	4.8	7.0
Kevin Jones – DET	vs BUF	11.2	5.2	6.4
Frank Gore – SF	vs SD	11.2	5.2	6.4
Cadillac Williams – TB	vs CIN	11.2	5.2	6.4
Marion Barber – DAL	vs HOU	10.8	5.0	5.8
Maurice Morris – SEA	at STL	10.8	4.8	5.6
Cedric Benson – CHI	at ARI	10.2	5.4	5.6
Michael Turner – SD	at SF	10.2	4.4	4.6
Travis Henry – TEN	at WAS	10.2	5.4	5.6
Jamal Lewis – BAL	vs CAR	9.8	5.0	4.8
DeShaun Foster – CAR	at BAL	9.8	6.0	5.8
Leon Washington – NYJ	vs MIA	9.8	5.4	5.2
Kevan Barlow – NYJ	vs MIA	9.6	5.6	5.2
LaMont Jordan – OAK	at DEN	9.6	6.2	5.8
Ladell Betts – WAS	vs TEN	9.4	5.0	4.4
Brandon Jacobs – NYG	at ATL	8.4	6.0	4.4
Jerious Norwood – ATL	vs NYG	8.2	6.2	4.4
Correll Buckhalter – PHI	at NO	7.8	6.6	4.4
Lendale White – TEN	at WAS	7.8	6.2	4.0
Ron Dayne – HOU	at DAL	7.6	6.2	3.8
Cedric Houston – NYJ	vs MIA	7.4	6.6	4.0
Chris Brown – TEN	at WAS	7.4	6.4	3.8
Mike Bell – DEN	vs OAK	7.2	6.6	3.8
Edgerrin James – ARI	vs CHI	6.6	8.0	4.6
Mike Anderson – BAL	vs CAR	6.4	6.8	3.2
DeAngelo Williams – CAR	at BAL	6.4	6.8	3.2
Michael Robinson – SF	vs SD	6.0	7.2	3.2
Musa Smith – BAL	vs CAR	5.4	7.0	2.4
Samkon Gado – HOU	at DAL	5.4	7.2	2.6
Najeh Davenport	vs KC	5.2	7.2	2.4
Reuben Droughns – CLE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Jerome Harrison – CLE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Ahman Green – GB	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Vernand Morency – GB	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Noah Herron – GB	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Joseph Addai – IND	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Dominic Rhodes – IND	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Fred Taylor – JAC	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Maurice Jones-Drew – JAC	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Chester Taylor – MIN	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Laurence Maroney – NE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Corey Dillon – NE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Shaun Alexander – SEA	at STL	0.0	10.0	0.0

 
Start:
Willis McGahee, BUF (14.8 rating): Until lining up across from the ridiculously amazing Bear defense, The Big Mac was leading the league in rushing. He’s been getting a ton of carries and yards, and should find the endzone against a poor Detroit defense.

Sit:
Edgerrin James, ARI (6.6 rating): The Bears are holding teams to under 100 yards per game on the ground. This week, they will feast on a poor Cardinal offensive line and rookie quarterback. Edge will have a tough time finding room to run, and his screens will get snuffed out quickly.
 

Wide Receivers	Opponent	Rating	Risk	Reward
Terrell Owens – DAL	vs HOU	16.0	2.4	8.4
Torry Holt – STL	vs SEA	15.8	2.6	8.4
Santana Moss – WAS	vs TEN	15.8	2.2	8.0
Terry Glenn – DAL	vs HOU	15.2	2.4	7.6
Javon Walker – DEN	vs OAK	15.2	2.4	7.6
Chad Johnson – CIN	at TB	14.8	3.4	8.2
Muhsin Muhammad – CHI	at ARI	14.4	3.0	7.4
Steve Smith – CAR	at BAL	14.0	4.8	8.8
Lee Evans – BUF	at DET	13.8	3.4	7.2
Darrell Jackson – SEA	at STL	13.8	3.6	7.4
Bernard Berrian – CHI	at ARI	13.4	3.6	7.0
Rod Smith – DEN	vs OAK	13.4	2.8	6.2
TJ Houshmandzadeh – CIN	at TB	13.2	4.4	7.6
Andre Johnson – HOU	at DAL	13.0	4.4	7.4
Reggie Brown – PHI	at NO	12.6	4.4	7.0
Laveranues Coles – NYJ	vs MIA	12.4	4.6	7.0
Anquan Boldin – ARI	vs CHI	12.2	5.4	7.6
Isaac Bruce – STL	vs SEA	12.2	4.0	6.2
Joey Galloway – TB	vs CIN	12.2	4.6	6.8
Jerricho Cotchery – NYJ	vs MIA	12.0	4.8	6.8
Hines Ward – PIT	vs KC	12.0	4.6	6.6
Marques Colston – NO	vs PHI	11.8	5.0	6.8
Plaxico Burress – NYG	at ATL	11.6	4.8	6.4
Chris Chambers – MIA	at NYJ	11.6	5.4	7.0
Antwaan Randle El – WAS	vs TEN	11.6	4.0	5.6
Roy Williams – DET	vs BUF	10.8	6.2	7.0
Joe Horn – NO	vs PHI	10.8	4.8	5.6
Deion Branch – SEA	at STL	10.8	4.6	5.4
Keyshawn Johnson – CAR	at BAL	10.6	5.8	6.4
Mike Furrey – DET	vs BUF	10.4	5.6	6.0
Amani Toomer – NYG	at ATL	10.2	5.4	5.6
Antonio Bryant – SF	vs SD	10.2	5.8	6.0
Derrick Mason – BAL	vs CAR	10.0	5.6	5.6
Randy Moss – OAK	at DEN	10.0	6.2	6.2
Keenan McCardell – SD	at SF	9.8	4.8	4.6
Eric Parker – SD	at SF	9.8	4.6	4.4
Eric Moulds – HOU	at DAL	9.6	5.6	5.2
Eddie Kennison – KC	at PIT	9.6	5.8	5.4
Nate Burleson – SEA	at STL	9.6	4.8	4.4
Donte’ Stallworth – PHI	at NO	9.4	7.6	7.0
Wes Welker – MIA	at NYJ	9.2	6.0	5.2
Drew Bennett – TEN	at WAS	9.0	5.6	4.6
Josh Reed – BUF	at DET	8.8	5.4	4.2
Mark Clayton – BAL	vs CAR	8.6	5.6	4.2
Michael Clayton – TB	vs CIN	8.6	5.6	4.2
Sammie Parker – KC	at PIT	8.6	6.0	4.6
Bobby Engram – SEA	at STL	8.4	5.6	4.0
Michael Jenkins – ATL	vs NYG	8.2	6.2	4.4
Brandon Lloyd – WAS	vs TEN	8.2	6.0	4.2
Bryant Johnson – ARI	vs CHI	7.6	7.2	4.8
Roscoe Parrish – BUF	at DET	7.0	6.4	3.4
Az-Zahir Hakim – DET	vs BUF	7.0	6.8	3.8
Roddy White – ATL	vs NYG	6.6	7.0	3.6
Santonio Holmes – PIT	vs KC	6.6	7.4	4.0
Arnaz Battle – SF	vs SD	6.4	7.2	3.6
Nate Washington – PIT	vs KC	5.4	7.6	3.0
Ashley Lelie – ATL	vs NYG	5.2	7.8	3.0
David Givens – TEN	at WAS	5.2	7.4	2.6
Chris Henry – CIN	at TB	3.2	7.2	0.4
Braylon Edwards – CLE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Joe Jurevicius – CLE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Dennis Northcutt – CLE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Donald Driver – GB	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Greg Jennings – GB	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Marvin Harrison – IND	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Reggie Wayne – IND	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Brandon Stokely – IND	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Reggie Williams – JAC	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Matt Jones – JAC	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Ernest Wilford – JAC	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Troy Williamson – MIN	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Travis Taylor – MIN	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Troy Brown – NE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Reche Caldwell – NE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Doug Gabriel – NE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0

 
Start:
Javon Walker, DEN (15.2 rating): The Raiders are the cure for an ailing offense. The Bronco’s offense has been emphasizing the run the last two games while featuring Tatum Bell at running back. Look for more passing this week, and for Plummer to rebound while looking for his big play wideout.

Sit:
Michael Jenkins, ATL (8.2): Atlanta has been playing playground football all season long, and their wide receivers have not been the beneficiaries at all. The running game is top priority for the Falcons, and they play their best when Michael Vick is not putting the ball in the air.
 

Tight Ends	Opponent	Rating	Risk	Reward
Antonio Gates – SD	at SF	16.2	2.0	8.2
Todd Heap – BAL	vs CAR	14.0	3.6	7.6
Jason Witten – DAL	vs HOU	13.6	3.0	6.6
Alge Crumpler – ATL	vs NYG	13.4	4.0	7.4
LJ Smith – PHI	at NO	13.4	3.8	7.2
Desmond Clark – CHI	at ARI	13.4	3.4	6.8
Chris Cooley – WAS	vs TEN	12.8	3.2	6.0
Heath Miller – PIT	vs KC	12.2	4.2	6.4
Tony Gonzalez – KC	at PIT	11.4	5.6	7.0
Randy McMichael – MIA	at NYJ	11.4	4.6	6.0
Jeremy Shockey – NYG	at ATL	11.0	5.0	6.0
Chris Baker – NYJ	vs MIA	9.4	5.0	4.4
Eric Johnson – SF	vs SD	8.4	6.6	5.0
Stephen Alexander – DEN	vs OAK	8.4	5.4	3.8
Owen Daniels – HOU	at DAL	7.4	6.4	3.8
Ben Troupe – TEN	at WAS	7.2	6.4	3.6
John Gilmore – CHI	at ARI	7.0	6.0	3.0
Itula Mili – SEA	at STL	6.8	6.2	3.0
Courtney Anderson – OAK	at DEN	6.6	6.6	3.2
Jeremy Stevens – SEA	at STL	6.6	6.6	3.2
Alex Smith – TB	vs CIN	6.6	6.4	3.0
Bo Scaife – TEN	at WAS	6.6	6.8	3.4
Jeb Putzier – HOU	at DAL	6.4	7.0	3.4
Kris Mangum – CAR	at BAL	6.2	7.0	3.2
Mike Sellers – WAS	vs TEN	5.8	7.0	2.8
Anthony Becht – TB	vs CIN	4.6	7.4	2.0
Adam Bergen – ARI	vs CHI	3.4	8.6	2.0
Kellen Winslow – CLE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
David Martin – GB	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Bubba Franks – GB	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Dallas Clark – IND	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Bryan Fletcher – IND	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
George Wrighster – JAC	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Jermaine Wiggins – MIN	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Ben Watson – NE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Daniel Graham – NE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0

 
Start:
Desmond Clark, CHI (13.4 rating): After a few down weeks, it’s time for Clark to bounce back. He’s not been targeted as much by Grossman of late, and will look to break out again this week. The Bears offense is on fire, so expect a nice game here.

Sit:
Ben Troupe, TEN (7.2 rating): New rookie starting quarterback Vince Young is just now getting acclimated with the Titan offense. Look for a heavy dosage of Tennessee’s running backs to jumpstart their offense. Even when the Titans do have the ball, there’s been more balls caught by Bo Scaife than Troupe. Best to look elsewhere this week, if possible.
 

Kickers	Opponent	Rating	Risk	Reward
Jason Elam – DEN	vs OAK	16.6	1.4	8.0
Robbie Gould – CHI	at ARI	16.4	2.0	8.4
Nate Kaeding – SD	at SF	15.2	1.8	7.0
Shayne Graham – CIN	at TB	15.0	2.2	7.2
Jeff Wilkins – STL	vs SEA	14.6	3.2	7.8
Rian Lindell – BUF	at DET	13.8	2.8	6.6
Josh Brown – SEA	at STL	13.8	2.8	6.6
David Akers – PHI	at NO	13.6	3.4	7.0
Mike Vanderjagt – DAL	vs HOU	13.4	3.4	6.8
Jay Feely – NYG	at ATL	13.2	3.6	6.8
Jeff Reed – PIT	vs KC	12.2	3.8	6.0
Matt Stover – BAL	vs CAR	11.8	4.0	5.8
Olindo Mare – MIA	at NYJ	11.8	4.2	6.0
Lawrence Tynes – KC	at PIT	11.6	4.6	6.2
John Kasay – CAR	at BAL	11.6	4.4	6.0
John Carney – NO	vs PHI	11.4	4.8	6.2
Morten Andersen – ATL	vs NYG	11.4	4.2	5.6
Jason Hanson – DET	vs BUF	11.4	4.2	5.6
Mike Nugent – NYJ	vs MIA	10.6	4.6	5.2
Matt Bryant – TB	vs CIN	10.2	4.6	4.8
Neil Rackers – ARI	vs CHI	9.4	6.6	6.0
Kris Brown – HOU	at DAL	8.8	6.0	4.8
Rob Bironas – TEN	at WAS	8.2	6.0	4.2
Joe Nedney – SF	vs SD	7.4	6.6	4.0
Sebastian Janikowski – OAK	at DEN	7.2	7.0	4.2
Phil Dawson – CLE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Dave Rayner – GB	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Adam Vinatieri – IND	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Josh Scobee – JAC	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Ryan Longwell – MIN	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Stephen Gostkowski – NE	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0

 
Start:
Nate Kaeding, SD (15.2 rating): The San Diego Super Chargers shouldn’t have much trouble moving the ball this week against the 49ers. Nate’s leg should get quite a workout.

Sit:
Neil Rackers, ARI (9.4 rating): Last year’s fantasy stud at kicker (did I actually just say that) has struggled this year. Do not expect him to bounce back into top form this week against the Bears.
 

Team Defense	Opponent	Rating	Risk	Reward
Chicago	at ARI	17.8	1.8	9.6
Denver	vs OAK	16.6	2.0	8.6
San Diego	at SF	16.2	2.0	8.2
Dallas	vs HOU	15.4	2.4	7.8
Cincinnati	at TB	14.4	2.6	7.0
Washington	vs TEN	14.0	3.0	7.0
Baltimore	vs CAR	13.6	4.8	8.4
Carolina	at BAL	13.0	4.4	7.4
Kansas City	at PIT	12.0	4.4	6.4
New York Jets	vs MIA	12.0	4.0	6.0
Pittsburgh	vs KC	12.0	4.4	6.4
Atlanta	vs NYG	11.6	4.8	6.4
Philadelphia	at NO	11.6	4.8	6.4
Detroit	vs BUF	11.2	4.8	6.0
New York Giants	at ATL	11.0	4.6	5.6
Buffalo	at DET	10.6	5.2	5.8
Miami	at NYJ	10.6	4.4	5.0
Seattle	at STL	10.6	6.0	6.6
St. Louis	vs SEA	10.2	6.2	6.4
New Orleans	vs PHI	9.0	6.4	5.4
Tampa Bay	vs CIN	8.2	6.6	4.8
Houston	at DAL	7.4	6.8	4.2
Tennessee	at WAS	6.0	7.0	3.0
Oakland	at DEN	5.4	7.2	2.6
San Francisco	vs SD	5.4	7.2	2.6
Arizona	vs CHI	5.2	7.8	3.0
Cleveland	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Green Bay	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Indianapolis	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Jacksonville	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
Minnesota	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0
New England	BYE	0.0	0.0	0.0

 
Start:
Cincinnati (14.4 rating): Despite losing Odell Thurman for the season, the Bengal defense has been solid. They have lost a couple players, but have a favorable matchup against rookie Bruce Gradkowski and the struggling Buccaneers. Look for the aggressive defense to post impressive numbers.

Sit:
Tampa Bay (8.2 rating): Normally a top defense, the Bucs don’t have a great matchup this week at all. The Bengals are a potent offense, and can put up points in a hurry. With Rudi Johnson blasting through on the ground and a phenomenal passing game, the Bucs are not a recommended play this week.

 
Special thanks to Alkaholik, dream_017, Kilroy1872, Metroid, moonhead, knapplc, mattb47, lmcjaho, and black_hawk8888 for submitting rankings this week. Rankings were compiled by SwiperNoSwiping.
 

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