America's government might have hiccuped the past few weeks, but America's fantasy football team has been running like a well-oiled machine. Five straight wins and the playoffs are within your reach in the NFL Fantasy LIVE Experts League.
Of course, there are always decisions to be made. Being a good general manager means never resting on your laurels. Of course, who would have imagined that this week's issue could be at quarterback?
Once you drafted Aaron Rodgers, it seemed like a no-brainer that the only week he wouldn't start would be his bye week. Then again, no one predicted that he'd suffer big losses in the wide receiver department. Randall Cobb is out for at least eight weeks and James Jones is uncertain for this week. That's bad news with Joe Haden and the Cleveland Browns defense coming to town.
On the other hand, Ryan Tannehill is sitting on the bench. True, he wasn't great as a bye week replacement in your narrow Week 4 win. But that was against the reborn Saints defense. This week, Tannehill faces the Buffalo Bills, who have been rather forgiving against quarterbacks.
See, maybe it's not such a no-brainer.
America also faces a tougher decision at one of its running back spots. It's hard to bet against Marshawn Lynch -- even against a rejuvenated Cardinals defense. But what about the other slot?
On one hand, BenJarvus Green-Ellis has a pretty nice matchup against the Lions. Detroit has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs. The Law Firm might be splitting carries with Gio Bernard, but against this defense, there could be enough production to go around.
On the other hand, there's Stevan Ridley. The matchup against the Jets isn't the best on paper. But if last week is any indication, Bill Belichick seems to have regained confidence in the running back. Then again, you wouldn't be the first fantasy owner fooled by #Belitricks, which is always a possibility with LeGarrette Blount lurking on the sideline.
Since we're here, there's one more subject we should tackle ... who replaces Julio Jones?
Last week, America's Team used Kenbrell Thompkins as a bye week replacement. It looked like he would be a bust before scoring the game-winning touchdown in the waning seconds of New England's win over New Orleans. Not that it mattered in the long run since you crushed Elliot Harrison's unhealthy Healthy8.
Sadly, it's time to say goodbye to Julio. It's a roster spot that could be better used by another player.
With just three running backs on the roster, it would have been nice to beef up that position. But it's not an exaggeration to say the market for fantasy running backs is pretty barren. So your best options right now center around a group of wideouts.
The Chargers have started re-integrating wide receivers into the pass attack. However, it's been mostly focused on Keenan Allen. But Eddie Royal was big earlier in the season. Can you bank on him being big again?
Brian Hartline hasn't been as vocal about getting the ball as his teammate Mike Wallace, but has been more productive. And he might be a nice option if you decide to start Tannehill at QB.
The other three wideout options are secondary targets that have had some big weeks throughout the season. The only fear is that their teams start to feature the main men in their respective aerial attacks. How many more times can Alshon Jeffery outshine Brandon Marshall this season?
We'd be remiss not to mention the one rusher who made this list. Reggie Bush has been great this season, but can he stay healthy for the duration of the season? And even if he can, will the Lions give Bell some extra work to keep their main back healthy.
For the moment, that's all secondary to the task for the week -- take down Matt "Money" Smith's Suhey's Soup Sifters. Can you run your winning streak to six and take another big step toward the fantasy postseason in the process?
Be sure to get your votes in to help Team America set its lineup for Week 7. You can make your voice heard by clicking on the images to the right or by going over to Fantasy Genius. And if you still have questions that you need answered for your own fantasy team this week, head over to Genius and put it out to the fantasy audience at large.
Good luck and happy Week 7. Go America!
