Empty the Bench

To aid your noble quest for a fantasy football title, ETB examines down a few key fantasy matchups at all the positions that matter (kickers can suck an egg). For each roster spot we’ll bequeth upon you our Five Strong Plays, a few guys to Temper Your Expectations for, one or two Sneaky Plays of the Week, and one Dud of the Week.

These aren’t always the players we think will score the most or score the least points: there are always obvious situations and choices we don’t mention. These also aren’t all sneaky, sneaky plays. These are just the matchups that we feel deserve mention*.

Make sure to check back on these articles the following week to see how each of our picks actually fared. That way you can either bow at the ETB altar (very likely) or chuckle at our incompetence (don’t count on it).

Adorned in golden robes and eating grapes freshly plucked from the vine, it’s ETB’s vaunted fantasy football Week 6 Matchups.

Five Strong Quarterback Plays

Kurt Warner, Arizona vs. CAR: After several impressive weeks of upstaging sharing duties with Matt Leinart, Warner casts aside the clipboard and provides a useful fantasy start for those in need of a bye-week replacement. The Carolina Panthers are allowing over 230 passing yards a game, have given up 5 passing scores and have manages just 2 INTs and a meager 2 sacks. With respect for their rush defense, teams are throwing nearly 40 times a game against the Panthers and with a healthy Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald Warner should be good for 250 and 2 TDs.

Actual: Injured (Sore Labia)

Philip Rivers, San Diego vs. OAK: We believe in the kid, and he showed some flashes last week in accounting for 3 TDs. Early in the season HC Norv Turner was putting too much pressure on Rivers to create plays, but that’s not his strength just yet. Feed LT the ball and the opportunities will come. Passing to safety blanket Antonio Gates, at home and against an Oakland D giving up 226 yards through the air, should end up in a nice fantasy showing. The INTs will be something to watch, though: Oakland has eight already.

Actual: 14-21, 156 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT

Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia @ NYJ: The last time you saw McNabb on a football field, he was flailing around like an over-plump chicken running away from a zealous butcher. The Giants tied an NFL record in sacking him 12 times, but we don’t expect the Jets to be such a nuisance. Coming out of their bye week, the Eagles’ offense has had ample time to gameplan for the middling Jets D that’s allowing about 240 yards/per through the air and over 27 points. With Brian Westbrook back in the fold, McNabb will be much more comfortable in the pocket and his knee should improve each week.

Actual: 22-35, 278 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Derek Anderson, Cleveland vs. MIA: The Dolphins’ MIA stands for Missing in Action. They’re allowing the fifth most points in the NFL, and while they haven’t given up that many yards through the air that’s because teams have run all over them (they’ve allowed 6 passing TDs). With Jamal Lewis likely to miss the game, expect the Browns to throw often. Miami doesn’t have the personnel to match up with Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow.

Actual: 18-25, 245 yards, 3 TD, 5 carries, 13 yards, 1 TD

Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle vs. NO: The Saints are the NFL’s biggest trainwreck in the early going, and a lot of it has to do with this secondary. They’ve allowed 8 passing TDs and only snagged 2 INTs. The pass rush may be even worse, though: they’ve only recorded 1 sack. Deion Branch may be out, but Bobby Engram is reliable in the redzone and Nate Burleson is underrated. Playing at home after being embarrassed by Pittsburgh, we like Hasselbeck to put up good numbers.

Actual: 26-43, 362 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

Temper Your Expectations

Brett Favre, Green Bay vs. WSH: The Washington defense proved last week they can get after the QB and finished as the top performer for Week 5 in fantasy football against a very good Detroit passing game. They’re only giving up 0.33 TDs and 192.7 yards a contest and are averaging more than one INT a game. Expect some sacks and a few picks.

Actual: 19-37, 188 yards, O TD, 2 INT

Chad Pennington, New York Jets vs. PHI: The corner deli guy, ETB, your pizza delivery boy, your Uncle Joe… we’re all of the opinion that this should be Pennington’s last chance as the unequivocal starter for the Jets. Nothing personal, but our eyes just can’t take many more Sundays filled with his fluttering ducks that waffle through the air with the speed of a turtle in sand. It’s time to see what Kellen Clemens can do without having to look over his shoulder. We’re not convinced that Pennington will finish this game.

Actual: 11-21, 128 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT

Sneaky Play of the Week

Cleo Lemon, Miami @ CLE: Oh, do we love to get sneaky here at ETB. Why, just the other day I crept into Brian’s cubicle and replaced his anti-anxiety medication with caffeine pills. And today, I’m saying that some teams, somewhere, could benefit from starting Cleo Lemon. Probably not your team, but it’s just hard to ignore the fact that Cleveland has given up an NFL-worst 15 passing touchdowns already. And they’ve only notched 2 INTs and 4 sacks despite opposing teams throwing 38 times a game! Clemens is athletic and strong, and this is a very tempting “I told you so!” gambit.

Actual: 24-43, 256 yards, 2 TD, 2 INTs, 4 carries, 9 yards, 2 TDs

Dud of the Week

Jason Campbell, Washington @ GB: It’s a common theme here, but we always like to emphasize it: don’t chase yesterday’s stats. You don’t get points for past performances. Sure, you noticed that Campbell put up a great game against the woeful Detroit secondary. It ain’t gonna happen this week. Not with Charles Woodson and Al Harris out wide, not with Aaron Kampman and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila in his face, not against a team with 12 sacks and 5 picks already. Campbell is going to be a solid pro, just not this week.

Actual: 21-37, 217 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 6 yards rushing, 1 TD

Five Strong Running Back Plays

Larry Johnson, Kansas City vs. CIN: We’ve all seen the Bungles defense try, try, try to bring down opposing running backs before they rattle off 7+ yard gains. Unfortunately that just doesn’t happen very often, as Marvin Lewis’ crew of straight-and-narrow gentlemen are graciously allowing 152 yards on the ground per game. If Jamal Lewis can rattle off 217 yards and a TD against Cincinnati, surely this is the week Johnson busts out of his season-long slump and tops the 100-yard mark… right? Cinci is giving up 184 total yards a game to RBs, so it’s panic time if he doesn’t. If Johnson doesn’t get 100 yards and a score, scream bloody murder and slam your head in the refrigerator door.

Actual: 31 carries, 119 yards rushing, 2 catches for 24 yards, 1 TD, 1 Fumble Lost

Ronnie Brown, Miami @ CLE: We’re on board. It’s taken awhile, and finally admitting that Brown is a strong RB1 feels a little like scheduling and showing up for a root-canal appointment. But the time for calling his explosion both on the ground and in the receiving game a fluke has passed–after rushing for just 65 yards total in Weeks 1 and 2, Brown has averaged 190 combined yards (!) and 1.6 TDs in Weeks 3, 4, and 5. He’s rewarded this week with a matchup against the league’s third-worst rushing defense.

Actual: 19 carries, 101 yards rushing, 9 catches for 69 yards

Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants @ ATL: If Vladimir Guerrero didn’t already own the nickname, we’d be tempted to start calling Jacobs “Big Daddy.” Actually, we probably still wouldn’t–it’s a bit homoerotic for two straight men. Still, we’re fans. Tackling him is like trying to catch a greased bowling ball, and he’s clearly the man here after that 20-carry, 100-yard, 1-TD performance last week. The Falcons will see the return of Rod Coleman, but he’s not going to fix a rushing D giving up 121 yards a game in his first week back.

Actual: 13 carries, 86 yards rushing, 1 catch for 2 yards

Laurence Maroney, New England @ DAL: Enough is enough, Bill Belichick. It’s time to stop the masochistic torture of your stud running back and let the bull loose. We get it: your Patriots didn’t need Maroney in the lineup to beat up on the Bengals and Browns. Fine. But we all know that it’s not wins and losses that matter anymore, it’s fantasy production. And when Maroney sits, he doeth not produce. Assuming Maroney’s “groin problems” are behind him and he’s active, the two-week rest will do wonders: 115 combined yards and a score.

Bill Belichick Inactivated Him. Jerk.

Willis McGahee, Baltimore vs. STL: McGahee has quietly produced a solid season thus far, and playing at home against one of the worst defenses in football is a great place to be. Baltimore should be ahead and pounding the ball for a bulk of the second half, and the Rams defense is giving up 131.5 rushing yards and 1.5 TDs on the ground over the last month. Willis is averaging almost 125 total yards and 4 receptions over his last four contests, and we expect those numbers plus a score.

Actual: 25 carries, 61 yards rushing, 4 catches for 9 yards, 1 TD

Temper Your Expectations

Clinton Portis, Washington @ GB: We’re now taking over/unders on when Portis will get injured. We don’t hate the guy, but it just feels inevitable. This week at Lambeau? Maybe. In any event, his knee is acting up and the Pack have only allowed 1 rushing score all season. Take a good, long look at your other options–we don’t feel good about this one.

Actual: 20 carries, 64 yards rushing, 3 catches for 25 yards, 1 Fumble Lost

Thomas Jones, New York Jets vs. PHI: Thomas Jones is crying for more carries, but he’s been very unimpressive with the ones he’s seen. A guy with a 3.3 YPC average on the year isn’t in a position to demand more work. The Eagles are allowing just 74.5 yards on the ground, sixth best in the NFL, and have only given up 2 rushing TDs. This just won’t be the week Jones breaks out.

Actual: 24 carries, 130 yards rushing, 1 catch for 11 yards

Sneaky Play of the Week

Jerious Norwood, Atlanta vs. NYG: We know this for a fact: Jerious Norwood is going to break a 50-yard touchdown run very soon. He’s just too explosive, and he’s too overdue. It’s like replacing your friend’s anti-anxiety medication with caffeine pills and waiting for a violent outburst. It’s a matter of when, not if. On top of that, everybody except Bobby Petrino knows Norwood is a better running back than Warrick Dunn and his 49.8 yards per game on 3.4 YPC. Be patient, Norwood owners. And keep some popcorn handy.

Actual: 6 carries, 87 yards rushing, 4 catches for 51 yards, 1 TD. Why is Dunn still featured, again?

Dud of the Week

Cedric Benson, Chicago vs. MIN: Minnesota’s rushing defense is picking up where they left off last season. They haven’t allowed a rushing touchdown yet and are giving up an NFL-best 62 yards per game on the ground. Teams have learned you don’t run on the Vikings, and the Bears won’t test that wisdom with the lethargic Benson this weekend. We also still think Adrian Peterson and his career 4.6 YPC will start to take more and more carries away from the underwhelming Benson as the year wears on.

Actual: 18 carries, 67 yards rushing

Five Strong Wide Receiver Plays

Braylon Edwards, Cleveland vs. MIA: The Miami Dolphins are only allowing 180 yards receiving and 13.2 receptions a game, but that’s due to teams’ success rushing on them. And they have allowed 6 touchdown receptions. With Jamal Lewis hobbled, we see the Browns using their short passing game in lieu of a running game, and we like Derek Anderson’s chances of finding Edwards deep for at least one big play.

Actual: 5 catches, 67 yards, 3 TDs

Bernard Berrian, Chicago vs. MIN: Berrian hasn’t scored a touchdown yet and he’s starting to get some attention for all of those dropped passes. Still, he’s averaging 5 catches a game for over 60 yards, and we expect at least that much production this week. The Viking rush defense is amazing; the Viqueen pass defense stinks. Opposing wideouts are snagging 15 receptions for nearly 200 yards and 1.67 touchdowns a game against Minnesota.

Actual: 5 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona vs. CAR: We all know Fitzy is elite in terms of talent, but after just 15 catches for 192 yards and 0 TDs through three weeks owners were wondering if the fantasy production would ever show up. Well, 19 receptions for 256 yards and 1 TD over the last two contests qualifies as fantasy production in my book. Anquan Boldin should return this week, but we love the fact that Warner will play the whole game. Carolina is giving up 23.4 receptions per game, so this should be fun to watch.

Actual: 6 catches, 97 yards, 1 Fumble Lost

Kevin Curtis, Philadelphia @ NYJ: Kevin Curtis’ stats are largely based on that one, massive performance against Detroit. Still, he’s putting up nearly 6 receptions, 100 yards and 1 TD a contest. He’s clearly the apple of McNabb’s eye and after a bye week we expect the Eagles to get him very involved against a weak Jets secondary. With the inconsistency of the Philly passing attack this is a gamble, but it’s one we’re taking.

Actual: 5 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD

Wes Welker, New England @ DAL: The Cowboys have forced a lot of opposing offenses into bad positions with big leads, which inflates their defensive numbers like the Mike Martz era Rams defense. The Patriots are not going to get into that position, and the Cowboys just don’t have the players to keep Welker in check underneath. Dallas has given up 6 passing scores and allows 21 catches and 224 yards receiving a game. With the ‘Boys keyed in on Moss, we like Welker for 6 receptions, 80 yards and a score.

Actual: 11 catches, 124 yards, 2 TDs

Temper Your Expectations

Terrell Owens, Dallas vs. NE: Against bad secondaries, even five interceptions in a single game can’t completely kill the Cowboys’ passing attack. Tony Romo still threw for over 300 yards with 2 TDs against the Bills in that wild MNF game in Buffalo, but T.O. wasn’t involved much in this one. In fact, over the past two games he’s only caught a total of 5 passes for 58 yards and 0 TDs. The slump won’t last forever, but the drops are a concern and, well, the Patriots are excellent at bottling up the opposing WR1.

Actual: 6 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD

Andre’ Davis, Houston @ JAC: Most of you are probably penciling in Davis as an every week flex play at this point, but you may want to look elsewhere for better options if possible. The Jags’ secondary is one of the league’s very best, allowing under 180/per, and they’re especially good at home. Davis is always a threat to haul in a 50+ yard reception, but this has the feel of a very unproductive afternoon for the Texans’ offense.

Actual: 3 catches, 30 yards, 1 Fumble Lost

Sneaky Plays of the Week

Bobby Engram, Seattle vs. NO: With DJ Hackett and Deion Branch sidelined, Bobby Engram emerges as the Seahawk’s top redzone threat in the passing game. He’s sure-handed, competent, and makes for a wonderfully sneaky bye-week fill in. Six to seven receptions is very possible.

Actual: 9 catches, 120 yards

Drew Bennett, St. Louis @ BAL: The seas finally parted in Week 5 for one of our favorite whitebread wideouts of the last decade, as Gus “Yes, I’m a Starter” Frerotte hooked up with the 6-5 Bennett for his first TD reception as a Ram. No word yet on whether Isaac Bruce will be back in the lineup, but if he’s out and with bye weeks in full swing, Bennett could be worth a flyer in deep leagues. Despite his poor numbers (8 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD), he is getting redzone looks.

Actual: 0 catches, 0 yards, 0 TDs

Dud of the Week

Chris Chambers, Miami @ CLE: I know we touted this matchup for Lemon above, but Chambers is in for a heavy dose of Leigh Bodden coverage this week. We expect Miami to look elsewhere for much of the game, and this smells like one of those games where Marty Booker puts up bigger numbers than Chambers, as he tends to do at least twice a year.

Actual: 6 catches, 73 yards

Five Strong Tight End Plays

Kellen Winslow, Cleveland vs. MIA: With Derek Anderson at quarterback we had our doubts about Winslow, but there’s some real chemistry there and Tha Soldja has solidified himself as an elite fantasy performer at his position. Last week Texans TE Owen Daniels exploited the ‘Fins for 6 catches and 96 yards, which is a healthy projection for Winslow at home… along with a TD.

Actual: 5 catches, 90 yards

Jason Witten, Dallas vs. NE: We’re starting to think there’s no stopping Mr. Witten; right now he’s on pace for 90+ receptions, about 1,200 yards, and 12 TDs. We highly doubt that’ll happen, but in ETB’s fantasy league he’s one of three tight ends in the top 10 for scoring amongst all WRs & TEs. If/when New England neutralizes the struggling T.O. and contains the emerging Patrick Crayton, Romo will be zeroing in on Witten.

Actual: 3 catches, 47 yards

Benjamin Watson, New England @ DAL: Every week we think he can’t possibly score again, then (just about) every week he goes out and does. Against the Browns, Watson found the endzone twice and recorded a career-high 107 yards receiving. This could be a shoot-out and there’s no reason to think Watson won’t score again.

Actual: 1 catch, 28 yards (injured)

Greg Olsen, Chicago vs. MIN: We love Olsen’s size and speed, and we think he should be a top-8 TE entering next season. Now fully healthy, we’re starting to see what this kid can do and he looks like an extremely good redzone threat that’s more capable of big plays than most TEs out there. Desmond Clark’s presence looms, but Olsen is the superior talent and against a Viqueen’s defense giving up 7.33 receptions and 80.7 yards to opposing TEs (both nearly most in the NFL), there should be plenty to go around.

Actual: 5 catches, 63 yards

Randy McMichael, St. Louis @ BAL: He’s not dead after all. After failing to top 40 yards or score a touchdown through four weeks, McMichael did both in Week 5. We love the guy’s physical tools and feel like he could be one of the better TEs in fantasy football in the right situation. Playing with old friend Gus Frerotte against an average Baltimore secondary that has given up 8 passing TDs this season, we like the matchup. The Ravens have trouble with bigger receiving threats, and McMichael will score a TD here.

Actual: 2 catches, 29 yards

Temper Your Expectations

Chris Cooley, Washington @ GB: Cooley is likely the guy you roll with every week, but LBs Nick Barnett and AJ Hawk and S Nick Collins should stick with Cooley for much of the game after being embarrassed by the Chicago TEs last week. Green Bay’s pass defense hasn’t been as good in real life as they are on paper yet, so don’t bench him unless you have another very strong option, but we don’t see a huge game in the works.

Actual: 9 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD

Sneaky Play of the Week

Alex Smith, Tampa Bay vs. TEN: Smith isn’t a sexy option but a sneaky one after catching 2 passes for 6 yards last week–both redzone TDs. Tennessee will put some pressure on Garcia and contain Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard, so Smith could find himself the recipient of more looks than usual. A short TD catch is very possible.

Actual: 1 catch, 15 yards (Injured)

Dud of the Week

Bubba Franks, Green Bay vs. WSH: In four games Franks has put up 2 TDs and 12 receptions, but that’s a fluke. Donald Lee has emerged as the real playmaker at TE, and Franks’ 18.3 yards per contest is pretty pathetic. What’s worse, the Redskins have been extremely strong versus TEs– they give up just 3.33 receptions and 36.7 yards against them.

Actual: 0 catches, 0 yards, 0 TDs

Five Strong Team Defense Plays

Philadelphia Eagles @ NYJ: Let’s see here: the Iggles are allowing opponents less than 75 yards/per on the ground so far, and the Jets start Thomas Jones as their running back. Check. The Iggles are tied for second overall in the NFL with 16 team sacks, and the Jets start the immobile, turnover-prone Chad Pennington as their QB. Check. The Eagles will be fresh off a bye week, the Jets limp into this contest 1-4. It should be a good day for Philly. **UPDATE** It looks like Dawkins will not be active, so adjust your expectations accordingly.**

Actual: 9 points allowed, 3 sacks, 1 INT

Arizona Cardinals vs. CAR: They don’t get much press, but the Cardinals employ three very underrated, hard-hitting guys on D in S Adrian Wilson, LB Karlos Dansby, and DL Darnell Dockett who have helped get this former laughingstock unit back into respectability. They’re ranked right in the middle of the league in stopping the run and pass, have 14 team sacks, and should be good for a few more, along with a TO or two, against David Carr and the below-average Panthers offense.

Actual: 25 points allowed, 2 sacks

Seattle Seahawks vs. NO: The Saints’ dismal performance on offense thus far has to be considered a trend, not a mirage, until proven otherwise. They aren’t likely to snap out of it in Seattle, where visiting QBs tend to play poorly and out of character. The ‘Hawks are only giving up 14.8 points to opponents, and after two straight road games will be amped up in front of the home crowd and pressuring Drew Brees–he of the 9 INTs–all day.

Actual: 28 points allowed, 1 Fumble Recover

San Diego Chargers vs. OAK: A consensus top-five fantasy defense coming into the season, the Chargers team D finally put together the kind of strong game we’ve all been waiting for. On the road against the Broncos in Week 5, the ‘Bolts only just 3 points and tacked on 1 INT, 1 Fumble Recovery, and 1 Sack. Not a huge day, but not bad. We don’t think Daunte Culpepper will emerge from this one without at least two turnovers, and LaMont Jordan is still banged up.

Actual: 14 points allowed, 6 sacks, 2 INTs, 1 Fumble Lost

Minnesota Vikings @ CHI: With an extra week to rest and game plan, the Vikings defense should be ready to take advantage of a fantasy-friendly Chicago offense. At this point Minnesota may be an every-week play, but owners are licking their chops at the 3.5 sacks, 2.25 INTs and .50 FUMs the Bears are averaging a game. Once they take Benson out of the game, expect Griese to be forced into some tight spots and bad decisions.

Actual: 31 points allowed, 1 sack, 2 INTs, 2 Fumble Recoveries

Temper Your Expectations

Oakland Raiders @ SD: Funny how a 41-point outburst can erase four weeks of offensive frustration. LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers are swelling with confidence after their drubbing of the Broncos, which is bad news for a rushing defense allowing 130 yards on the ground/per. Last year LT averaged 131.5 combined yards and 1.5 TDs against the Raiders; we think he’ll exceed that, and Philip Rivers will add 2 TD passes to boot.

Actual: 28 points allowed, 1 INT

New England Patriots @ DAL: We can’t see anyone benching the third-best defense in fantasy football no matter who their opponent is, but you know the Cowboys are going to put points on the board. The Pats are incredibly good at dissecting their opponents’ weaknesses and exploiting them, but contrary to popular belief they are human and do get burned from time to time. Sacks and turnovers, yes, but the ‘Boys are capable of hanging over 20 points on ‘em, too. They’re the only team in the league averaging more total yards per game (429.6 to 427.8) than their opponent.

Actual: 27 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 INT

Sneaky Play of the Week

New York Giants @ ATL: As long as Joey Harrington is still the quarterback and Warrick Dunn is the featured running back, the Falcons offense will probably not put up big points and is prone to turnovers. Starting LT Wayne Gandy tore his ACL last week and is done for the season; he’ll be replaced by undrafted rookie Renardo Foster at the most crucial position on the offensive line. Starting RT Todd Weiner is also out. Osi Umenyiora is leading the NFL in sacks with 7 and should have a field day, and hey, maybe Michael Strahan too. Baseline projection: 16 points allowed, 4 sacks, 2 INTs.

Actual: 10 points allowed, 4 sacks, 1 INT

Dud of the Week

Dallas Cowboys vs. NE: This one is pretty obvious. I’ve personally been rolling with the Dallas D for the past few weeks, and they helped me win a close head-to-head match Monday night with 3 sacks, 1 INT, and just 12 points allowed against the Bills (points that were mostly Romo’s fault). But there’s just no way you can pit any defense against the prolific Pats offense that averaging a league-best 36.4 points/per. Drop ‘em.

Actual: 48 points allowed, 3 sacks

Study ETB’s Week Six Stock Report

Scan ETB’s Week Six Position Rankings

Read ETB’s Week Six Quick Hits

Week Six Cheat Sheet

*Disclaimer: There are some players who are always must starts, and you should know who they are. To make things easy, we’ve picked a few guys at each position who will never be listed in our Top Matchups because it just wouldn’t be fair– they’re studs, simple as that. They are: QB Peyton Manning, QB Carson Palmer, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, RB Brian Westbrook, RB Frank Gore, WR Chad Johnson, WR Stevonne Smith, WR Randy Moss, TE Antonio Gates, and DEF New England.