Starts:
QB - Carson Palmer, ARI (vs. Ravens)
Every week, I get the "Palmer or Dalton" question. Luckily, Dalton is on a bye week. Also, the Ravens defense has allowed at least two passing TDs in four of the past five games. Mike Vick and Peyton Manning were the two QBs not to accomplish that goal this season. Palmer has thrown at least three touchdown passes in half of his starts this year.
Other notables: Russell Wilson (SEA), Blake Bortles (JAC), and Landry Jones (PIT)
RB - LeSean McCoy, BUF (@ Jaguars)
The Bills needed him and McCoy came through. Sure, Buffalo didn't win. However, McCoy ran for a season-high 90 yards on 17 attempts (5.3 ypc) and even scored a touchdown. In two of his last three games, McCoy has rushed for at least 89 yards. Jacksonville has allowed opposing running backs to score eight TDs in the last four games.
Other notables: Latavius Murray (OAK), Frank Gore (IND), and Anthony Andrews (TEN)
WR - John Brown, ARI (vs. Ravens)
I already mentioned that Palmer will have a solid game against the Ravens, so let's review the receivers for Arizona. Fitzgerald is an automatic start. Brown is getting there, too. He has tallied at least 70 receiving yards in back-to-back games. This season, Baltimore has allowed multiple receivers to have good performances within the same game. Last week, Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin recorded at least 96 yards. In Week 3, A.J. Green and Marvin Jones produced the points. Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree delivered in Week 2. Look for Fitz and Brown to do the same in Week 7.
Other notables: Martavis Bryant (PIT), Ted Ginn Jr. (CAR), and Steve Smith Sr. (BAL)
TE - Antonio Gates, SD (vs. Raiders)
Okay, who told the Raiders about their lack of coverage on opposing TEs?! Oakland shut down Owen Daniels in Week 5. However, I don't think they'll be able to keep Gates in check. The future HOFer has had an immediate impact for the Chargers. Gates notched nine receptions and over 90 yards in his first two games since returning from his suspension. This might be the first time I rank a TE above Rob Gronkowski in my weekly listing.
Other notables: Jason Witten (DAL), Coby Fleener (IND), and Jacob Tamme (ATL)
D/ST - Atlanta Falcons (@ Titans)
The Atlanta defense had a long time to think about their first loss of the season. New Orleans tagged the Dirty Birds for 31 points. Atlanta's opponent gets a little easier in Week 7. Tennessee will likely be without their starting QB, Marcus Mariota, too. That means Zach Mettenberger could be in line for a start. The Falcons defense will feast on the interim QB.
Other notables: Dolphins, Vikings, and Browns
Sits:
QB - Josh McCown, CLE (@ Rams)
Last week, McCown was listed as a "sit" and we said his streak of 300-yard passing games would end. It did. McCown threw for 213 yards and was picked off twice by the Broncos secondary. This week, he travels to St. Louis and gets another tough defense. The Rams are third in the league with 19 sacks this season.
Others include: Derek Carr (OAK), Brian Hoyer (HOU), and Colin Kaepernick (SF)
RB - Carlos Hyde, SF (vs. Seahawks)
The Seattle defense is still stingy in the run-stopping department. This season, they have yet to allow a running back to rush for 100 yards in a single game. Until last week, they didn't even allow a running back to score a rushing TD. Also, in two games against the Seahawks, Hyde has 11 carries for 74 yards (37 yard per game).
Others include: Jonathan Stewart (CAR), Charcandrick West (KC), and T.J. Yeldon (JAC)
WR - Michael Crabtree, OAK (@ Chargers)
While San Diego's run defense has been atrocious in 2015, their secondary has been pretty good. In fact, 79 receiving yards has been the most yards acquired by one WR in a game (Travis Benjamin and Jeff Janis). Last week was a great litmus test for the Chargers. Aaron Rodgers spread the ball to four different wide receivers and only threw one total TD to them. As for this week, I would still start Amari Cooper, but would avoid Crabtree.
Others include: Kendall Wright (TEN), Danny Amendola (NE), and Leonard Hankerson (ATL)
TE - Crockett Gillmore, BAL (@ Cardinals)
The Cardinals are the only defense not to allow a touchdown to the opposing TE this season. Martellus Bennett had the best game against Arizona, thus far: 4 catches, 48 yards. With better options available in fantasy free agency, I would not start either Gillmore or Williams from Baltimore.
Others include: Maxx Williams (BAL), Derek Carrier (WAS), and Zach Ertz (PHI)
D/ST - New York Jets (@ Patriots)
If you need a defense for the rest of the season, the Jets could be a decent option. However, I don't like them this week. On a weekly basis, you should avoid any defense facing the Patriots. This season, New England is scoring 36.6 points per game. Whether it is on the ground or through the air, Bill Belichick will find a way to produce points.
Others include: Cowboys, Ravens, and Eagles
