Start 'Em & Sit 'Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups of the week and how those matchups will affect your fantasy team. Sleeper alert highlights a player who's under the radar but could produce strong numbers based on the opponent. Owners beware highlights a player who's a regular starter in most fantasy leagues but could fail to meet expectations. For your final lineup decisions, check our weekly lineup rankings.
Start of the Week
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Green Bay Packers |
 Aaron Rodgers, QB |
Rodgers is coming off his best fantasy performance of the season (before the Packers' bye week), and his success should continue in Week 6 against Detroit. Only the Titans are allowing more fantasy points per game to quarterbacks than the Lions, who rank 27th in pass defense and have allowed 15 touchdown passes. As long as the Packers protect Rodgers, he should put up solid fantasy numbers. |
Quarterbacks -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Seattle Seahawks |
 Matt Hasselbeck |
Hasselbeck returned from injury and put up huge numbers last week against the Jaguars, posting 241 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-0- win over the Jaguars. He has another attractive matchup next on the slate, facing a Cardinals defense that's allowing an average of 24 fantasy points per game to the opposition's quarterback. Consider Hasselbeck a solid starter in most fantasy leagues this week. |
| More quarterbacks with favorable matchups |
| 1. Matt Schaub at Bengals: Bengals rank 23rd in pass defense, allowing close to 20 fantasy PPR to QBs in 2009. 2. Donovan McNabb at Raiders: Raiders rank 31st in total defense; Eagles QBs averaging 27.6 PPG since Week 3. 3. Matt Ryan vs. Bears: Bears rank 20th in pass defense, allowing an average of 18 fantasy PPG to QBs this season. 4. Ben Roethlisberger vs. Browns: Browns rank 29th in total defense; Big Ben averaging 24.3 PPR since Week 3. 5. Kurt Warner at Seahawks: Thrown for 995 yards (331.6 YPG) and eight TDs in last three games vs. Seahawks. Sleeper alert: David Garrard vs. Rams: Viable bye-week replacement; Rams allowing an average of 21.2 PPG to QBs. |
Quarterbacks -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Kansas City Chiefs |
 Matt Cassel |
Cassel has been a fairly productive option for fantasy owners in recent weeks, posting a combined 43 points in his last two games on NFL.com. But the former USC quarterback now has a tough matchup in Washington, where he'll face a Redskins defense that ranks third against the pass and has allowed a mere five touchdown passes in five games. Unless you're desperate, keep Cassel reserved. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Cleveland Browns |
 Derek Anderson |
Anderson, a viable waiver-wire pickup last week, completed an unbelievable two passes against the Bills in Week 5 and somehow the Browns still won! His final stat line left fantasy owners with minus-2 points on NFL.com. While this week's opponent, the Steelers, haven't been consistent against the pass, you'd have to be in pretty dire straits to consider using Anderson this week (or ever again). |
| More quarterbacks with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Jay Cutler at Falcons: Hard to bench; Falcons have allowed just three TD passes this season (T-2 fewest in NFL). 2. Trent Edwards at Jets: Scored a combined 20 fantasy points (6.6 PPG) with one TD pass in his last three starts. 3. Mark Sanchez vs. Bills: Jets will focus on the run; Bills defense allowing an average of just 185.6 passing YPG. 4. Josh Johnson vs. Panthers: Still not a viable fantasy starter in Week 6 despite scoring 19 fantasy points last week. 5. JaMarcus Russell vs. Eagles: Russell might be the worst fantasy quarterback in league after first five weeks. Owners beware: Eli Manning at Saints: Not 100 percent; Saints defense has allowed just three TD passes in 2009. |
Running backs -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Cincinnati Bengals |
 Cedric Benson |
In the last three weeks, Benson has put up great numbers against two stout run defenses (Steelers, Ravens) and floundered against a poor one (Browns). However, it's still almost impossible to bench the rejuvenated veteran back this week against the Texans and their 26th-ranked run defense. Consider him a solid No. 1 fantasy option and hope he exposes Houston's weakness in what is a great matchup. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Denver Broncos |
 Knowshon Moreno |
Moreno has started to show flashes of the skills that made him a first-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, scoring a touchdown in two of his last three contests. With Correll Buckhalter a question mark for Week 6, Moreno should see the lion's share of the carries against a Chargers defense that has surrendered more fantasy points per game to running backs (31.0) than any other unit in the league. |
| More running backs with favorable matchups |
| 1. Rashard Mendenhall vs. Browns: Check status of Willie Parker; Browns rank 32nd (170.4 YPG) in run defense. 2. Ryan Grant vs. Lions: Lions allowing an average of over 22 PPG to RBs after the first five weeks of the season. 3. Brian Westbrook at Raiders: Losing some work to RB LeSean McCoy, but Raiders rank 31st in run defense. 4. Thomas Jones vs. Bills: Bills rank 29th in total run defense, allowing an average of almost 155 rushing YPG. 5. Clinton Portis vs. Chiefs: Chiefs rank 25th in run defense, allowing an average of over 22 fantasy PPG to RBs. Sleeper alert: Cadillac Williams vs. Panthers: Panthers allowing an average of 24 fantasy PPG to RBs in 2009. |
Running backs -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 New Orleans Saints |
 Reggie Bush |
Unless you're in a PPR league or get points for return yards, Bush warrants little consideration as a fantasy starter this week. He's been invisible in standard formats, averaging a mere 6.2 fantasy points on NFL.com this season. Bush is also losing work to Pierre Thomas, and the return of Mike Bell could mean even fewer carries. The USC back also faces a Giants defense that has been tough against the run. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Baltimore Ravens |
 Willis McGahee |
In just a few short weeks, McGahee has seen his stock in fantasy circles crash and fall. The Ravens appear to have moved away from a backfield committee (at least for now), as Ray Rice looks more and more like a featured back. With decreased touches and a matchup against the Williams Wall and a stout Vikings run defense, fantasy leaguers just can't trust McGahee as a viable starter in Week 6. |
| More running backs with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Brandon Jacobs at Saints: Saints rank seventh in run defense; Jacobs losing work to RB Ahmad Bradshaw. 2. Marshawn Lynch at Jets: Lynch could struggle vs. Jets defense that will be fired up after Monday's embarrassment. 3. Julius Jones vs. Cardinals: Cardinals rank first in run defense; Jones has just six fantasy points since Week 4. 4. Larry Johnson at Redskins: Redskins have allowed two rushing TDs; Johnson averaging just 4.4 fantasy PPG. 5. Jamal Lewis at Steelers: Steelers rank second in run defense, allowing an average of a mere 71.2 rushing YPG. Owners beware: LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Broncos (Mon.): Broncos rank sixth in run defense (81.0 rushing YPG). |
Wide receivers -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 New England Patriots |
 Wes Welker |
Welker has had a slow start to this season due to injuries, but he looked good last week with eight catches, 86 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Broncos. Unless he has a setback, the Texas Tech product should be seen as a great option for fantasy owners in Week 6 against Tennessee. The Titans have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to wideouts, so Welker should thrive. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Washington Redskins |
 Santana Moss |
Moss was listed as a sit 'em last week against the Panthers, and he promptly posted just four fantasy points in a 20-17 loss. He should be back in your active lineup in Week 6, however, as the veteran out of Miami (Fla.) faces a Chiefs defense that ranks 29th in receiving defense and has allowed 10 touchdown catches on the season. Consider Moss a viable No. 2 or 3 fantasy wideout in most formats. |
| More wide receivers with favorable matchups |
| 1. Greg Jennings vs. Lions: Lions rank 27th in receiving defense; allowed a league-high 15 TD catches this season. 2. Steve Smith at Buccaneers: Smith has struggled in recent weeks, but Bucs have allowed 12 TD catches in 2009. 3. Chad Ochocinco vs. Texans: Texans rank 23rd in total defense, allowing an average of 24.0 PPG this season. 4. T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. Cardinals: Solid No. 2 fantasy wideout; Cardinals rank last (32nd) in receiving defense. 5. Hines Ward vs. Browns: Browns rank 29th in total defense; Ward has 28 catches in last five games vs. Browns. Sleeper alert: Donnie Avery at Jaguars: Jaguars allowing more fantasy PPG to WRs than any other NFL defense. |
Wide receivers -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Buffalo Bills |
 Terrell Owens |
With five weeks in the books, a total of 41 wide receivers (including Mike Wallace, Kelley Washington and Johnny Knox) have more fantasy points than Owens. It's come to the point where T.O. just can't be trusted, especially when he's facing an angry Jets team that has a top-notch defender in CB Darrelle Revis. Unless you have no wideout depth on your roster, Owens should be reserved across the board. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 New York Giants |
 Mario Manningham |
Manningham started the season on absolute fire, scoring a combined 32 fantasy points in the first two weeks. But since the emergence of Steve Smith and return of rookie Hakeem Nicks, Manningham's targets and level of production have decreased. The Michigan product also has a tough matchup this week in New Orleans against a Saints defense that's allowed just three touchdown catches on the season. |
| More wide receivers with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Marques Colston vs. Giants: Struggling of late; Giants rank first in the league in receiving defense (124.6 YPG). 2. DeSean Jackson vs. Raiders: Hard to bench; Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha could limit his numbers this week. 3. Devin Hester at Falcons: Falcons have allowed an average of just 14.0 fantasy PPG to wide receivers this season. 4. Derrick Mason at Vikings: Vikings have allowed an average of just over 15 fantasy PPG to wideouts in 2009. 5. Antonio Bryant vs. Panthers: Panthers rank second in receiving defense, allowing an average of 180.5 YPG. Owners beware: Vincent Jackson: Hard to bench; Broncos CB Champ Bailey could limit numbers. |
Tight ends -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Chicago Bears |
 Greg Olsen |
In a week where three solid tight ends (Jason Witten, Dallas Clark, Vernon Davis) are on byes, fantasy owners will have to lean on players who've been less than consistent. Enter Olsen, who has been a disappointment this season but could wind up seeing more targets as the season progresses. The Falcons have allowed an average of close to nine fantasy points per game to tight ends. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
 Kellen Winslow |
Winslow put up monster numbers last week in Philadelphia (nine catches, 102 yards, two TDs) and has become the top option in the pass attack for Josh Johnson. This week's opponent, the Panthers, are allowing an average of more than eight fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. In an offense with few reliable fantasy options, Winslow can be counted on to produce decent numbers for owners. |
| More tight ends with favorable matchups |
| 1. Chris Cooley vs. Chiefs: Shouldn't be used as a blocker vs. Chiefs, who have the fourth-fewest sacks in the NFL. 2. Owen Daniels at Bengals: PPR machine; Bengals rank 22nd in total receiving defense (247.0 YPG) this season. 3. Brent Celek at Raiders: Raider rank 31st in total defense, allowing an average of 26.0 PPG and 382.0 YPG. 4. Jeremy Shockey vs. Giants: Matchup aside, Shockey is motivated to have a monster stat line vs. his former team. 5. Todd Heap at Vikings: Vikings allowing an average of 14 fantasy PPG to TEs, that's the most of any NFL defense. Sleeper alert: Jermichael Finley vs. Lions: Bye-week replacement; Lions allowing average of 11 fantasy PPG to TEs. |
Tight ends -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Oakland Raiders |
 Zach Miller |
Miller has the potential to be one of the better tight ends in fantasy football, but the failures of JaMarcus Russell have made him too inconsistent to start in most weeks. While he's a potential bye-week replacement in some leagues, Miller can't be expected to produce a larger stat line against the Eagles. They're ranked third in total defense and are certain to target Miller throughout the contest. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 New York Jets |
 Dustin Keller |
With so many good tight ends on a bye this week, it's hard to bench Keller in most leagues. And if Jerricho Cotchery is inactive with an injured hamstring, Keller becomes a more attractive option. However, Keller is coming off a game where he was targeted just once and didn't record a single fantasy point. It also doesn't help that Braylon Edwards now seems to be able to catch the football since joining the Jets. |
| More tight ends with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Visanthe Shiancoe vs. Ravens: Ravens have allowed just 11 receptions, one TD catch to tight ends this season. 2. Kevin Boss at Saints: Dealing with a sore ankle; could be limited against the Saints' much-improved pass defense. 3. Bo Scaife at Patriots: Patriots have allowed just 20 receptions, 217 yards to tight ends in five games this season. 4. Randy McMichael at Jaguars: Jaguars have allowed just 200 yards and an average of 5.2 fantasy PPG to TEs. 5. Brandon Pettigrew at Packers: Seeing more targets in the offense, but still a risk as a viable fantasy starter. Owners beware: John Carlson vs. Cardinals: Could be forced to block to support a patchwork offensive line. |
Kickers -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Philadelphia Eagles |
 David Akers |
Akers hasn't had a great start to the season, but he could put up major numbers this weekend against the hapless Oakland Raiders. The Silver and Black have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to kickers (9.2) this season and the Eagles are certain to score a ton of points in what could be a one-sided affair. If you need a one-week option at kicker, Akers is well worth a look in fantasy leagues. |
| More kickers with favorable matchups |
| 1. Stephen Gostkowski vs. Titans: Titans allowing an average of nine fantasy PPG to kickers after first five weeks. 2. Jason Elam vs. Bears: Viable one-week replacement; Bears allowing an average of eight fantasy PPG to kickers. 3. Josh Scobee vs. Rams: Averaging 7.2 fantasy PPG; Rams allowing an average of eight fantasy PPG to kickers. 4. Matt Prater at Chargers (Mon.): Fourth in fantasy points among Ks; should see chances to score vs. Chargers. 5. John Kasay at Buccaneers: Buccaneers allowing an average of 9.4 fantasy PPG to kickers after five weeks. Sleeper alert: Shaun Suisham vs. Chiefs: Chiefs allowing an average of 9.4 fantasy PPG to kickers this season. |
Kickers -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Arizona Cardinals |
 Neil Rackers |
Rackers is still a fantasy starter in 61 percent of NFL.com leagues, but he ranks just 24th in points among kickers after five weeks. That makes him no more than waiver-wire fodder in most formats. Rackers also has a tough matchup this week in Seattle, where he'll face a Seahawks defense that is surrendering an average of just 5.4 fantasy points per game to kickers. It's a better idea to bench or release him. |
| More kickers with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Rian Lindell at Jets: Jets defense is allowing an average of just 5.8 fantasy PPG to kickers in the first five weeks. 2. Olindo Mare vs. Cardinals: Cardinals allowing an average of just 6.3 fantasy PPG (4/7 FGA) to kickers this season. 3. Steven Hauschka at Vikings: Vikings have allowed an average of just 6.2 fantasy points to kickers after five weeks. 4. Sebastian Janikowski vs. Eagles: Eagles have allowed just three field-goal conversions in their first four games. 5. Josh Brown at Jaguars: Rams offense not scoring points (6.8 PPG); Jaguars tough on kickers (6.2 fantasy PPG). Owners beware: Nate Kaeding vs. Broncos (Mon.): Broncos allowing an average of just 4.8 fantasy PPG to kickers. |
Defenses -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player |
| Eagles defense |
Talk about the ultimate no-brainer for fantasy owners. The Eagles defense ranks in the top six in points among all units on NFL.com, and that standing should improve even more against the Raiders. Their offense is averaging just 9.8 points per game nd has allowed 15 sacks. What's more, the team as a whole has a minus-4 giveaway/takeaway. If you have the Eagles defense active, expect some monster fantasy numbers. |
| More defenses with favorable matchups |
| 1. Steelers defense vs. Browns: Browns rank 31st in total offense (248.4 YPG), averaging 11.0 PPG this season. 2. Jets defense vs. Bills: Bills rank 25th in total offense (290.2 YPG), averaging just 15.4 PPR in first five weeks. 3. Packers defense vs. Lions: Packers fresh off a bye; Lions could be without Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson. 4. Patriots defense vs. Titans: Winless Titans averaging an unimpressive 14.3 PPG in their last three contests. 5. Panthers defense at Buccaneers: Buccaneers offense averaging just 13.6 PPG, 284.2 YPG under OC Greg Olsen. Sleeper alert: Jaguars defense vs. Rams: Any defense that faces the hapless Rams warrants a starting spot. |
Defenses -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player |
 Titans defense |
Talk about a complete reversal of fantasy value. The Titans were considered a solid No. 1 fantasy defense last season with DT Albert Haynesworth in the middle of their line. Now without the big man, former DC Jim Schwartz and injured CB Cortland Finnegan, the Titans rank 23rd in total defense after five weeks. A date with Tom Brady, Randy Moss and the Patriots' offensive machine won't soon cure what ails them, either. |
| More defenses with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Bears defense at Falcons: Falcons averaging a solid 23.5 PPG, 326.0 YPG at the Georgia Dome this season. 2. Chargers defense vs. Broncos (Mon.): Defenses facing the Broncos averaging 5.2 fantasy PPG (standard). 3. Saints defense vs. Giants: Giants averaging a solid 28.0 PPG, 417.7 YPG on the road through first five weeks. 4. Seahawks defense vs. Cardinals: Could be a shootout; defenses averaging eight fantasy points vs. Cardinals. 5. Bengals defense vs. Texans: Texans averaging an impressive 27.5 PPG, 418.0 YPG in two road games in 2009. Owners beware: Ravens defense at Vikings: Defenses averaging a poor 7.2 fantasy PPG vs. Vikings (standard). |
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question for Michael on anything fantasy football related? Leave it in our comments section or send it to AskFabiano@nfl.com!
