Fantasy Strategies: Start ‘em/Sit ‘em

By Jamal Murphy, OFN Chief Fantasy Analyst

Fantasy Strategies: Start ‘em/Sit ‘em

Fantasy Strategies: Start ‘em/Sit ‘em

Each week, fantasy owners’ biggest conundrums usually boil down to which players on their roster to start and which ones to leave sitting on their bench. One wrong move could cost you a win for the week and, consequently, a playoff spot down the road.

Here are a handful of not-so-obvious players to start or sit for Week 6 of the fantasy football season.

STARTS

WR Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers…Adams came back from an ugly concussion after only a week and had maybe his most productive game of the season in Week 5. He caught seven passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns, including the game winner. He is definitely in Aaron Rodgers good graces. He’s a must-start, especially against Minnesota’s 20th ranked pass defense.

TE Evan Engram, New York Giants…Engram was completely shut down in the Giants’ disastrous loss to the Chargers last week. But, he had at least four catches in each of his other games. Now that New York has lost their three starting wide receivers, Engram is easily Eli Manning’s most talented and trusted receiver and he will certainly have an opportunity to succeed versus a Broncos defense that has given up the sixth most points to tight ends.

RB Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers…Jones likely took control of the Packers’ top running back spot with an impressive 19-carry, 125-yard, one touchdown performance at Dallas last week. Ty Montgomery is still not 100% anyway, so look for the rookie out of UTEP to build on his success.

RB Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints…The Saints are coming off of a bye week, but in case you forgot, Kamara caught ten passes for 71 yards and a touchdown in Week 4 against the Dolphins. That may have had something to do with the Saints unloading Adrian Peterson, giving Kamara more opportunities. Look for the rookie out of Tennessee to become an even bigger part of the Saints’ offense.

RB Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota Vikings…Most people thought that Latavius Murray would be the major benefactor after Dalvin Cook’s season-ending injury, but it was McKinnon who took the lead. He went off for 95 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries and added 6 receptions for 51 yards versus Chicago. He should see more running room against Green Bay’s 22nd ranked run defense.

SITS

WR Martavis Bryant, Pittsburgh Steelers…Bryant has been disappointing this season. Last week, he had five receptions, but only 21 yards. That’s 4.2 yards per reception. He is averaging only three catches per game. It would be wise to stay away from him until he and Ben Roethlisberger figure things out.

RB Tarik Cohen, Chicago Bears…Over the last two games, Cohen has 37 rushing yards, 18 passing yards and no touchdowns. His returns have diminished since his hot start to the season. Owners should fall back on Cohen until he shows signs of a revival.

RB Ty Montgomery, Green Bay Packers…Montgomery is questionable for Sunday’s game, recovering from broken ribs, but even if he does decide to play, fantasy owners should take a pass. Aaron Jones looks the part of the Packers’ starting running back and Montgomery could be reverted back to a pass-catching third down back.

RB Latavius Murray, Minnesota Vikings…Murray was not impressive in his first start after Dalvin Cook’s injury. He could muster only 31 yards on 12 carries, while Jerrick McKinnon took over as the major weapon in the Vikings backfield. Murray is a wait-and-see player and a roster stash.

WR Sammy Watkins, Los Angeles Rams…People got giddy over Watkins after his big Week 3 showing against San Francisco. Since then, he has one reception for 17 yards, including a donut last week. The Jaguars have allowed the 3rd fewest points to wide receivers, so it is advised that you treat Watson to a self-imposed donut on your bench this weekend.

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