Fantasy Football Start 'Em Or Sit 'Em: Week 6 Edition
Charles LeClaire, USATSI

Bye weeks and the potential for breakout performances headline the fantasy football world in the start ’em or sit ’em complex.

Believe it or not, we’re already six weeks into the fantasy football season. Looking at last week’s picks, trusting Jordan Howard as a RB2 is paying huge dividends, while gambling on San Diego rookie Hunter Henry also paid off.

Week six presents us with many divisional match-ups, while bye weeks are also now becoming common. As usual, there’s the potential for several breakout performances this week, along with some players to stay away from. Let’s take a look at who starts and who sits.

Start ‘Em

Tervor Siemian, QB, Denver Broncos

The impressive young quarterback was out of action in week five against Atlanta with a shoulder injury, but should be ready in time for Thursday night’s clash with San Diego.

A date with a Charger pass defense that currently ranks 27th in the league, allowing just under 300 yards per game, should make for a pleasant return. Given his solid supporting cast and favorable matchup, play the Broncos signal caller if you’re in need of a QB for week six.

Sit ‘Em

Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants

After a strong start to 2016, Manning has posted three consecutive duds. He’s turned the ball over at least once during that span, but more alarmingly, has missed open receivers on several occasions (his overthrow of tight end Will Tye last night was example ‘A’). His offensive line isn’t giving him much help, which only detracts from his fantasy value.

Next week Manning faces a Ravens defense that has allowed less than 200 yards per game passing, good for fifth in the league. Until Manning rights the ship, you may want to look into alternate options.

Start ‘Em

Buffalo Bills D/ST

Owners of the vaunted Minnesota defense who will be on a bye in week six will need a defense to fill the void. Rex Ryan’s boys have been inconsistent during his tenure in Buffalo, but have seemingly turned a corner over the last three weeks. They’ve recorded six picks, recovered three fumbles and scored two touchdowns, while allowing no more than 19 points in any of the three games.

If they’re available, give them a start against a sputtering San Francisco offense.

Sit ‘Em

Melvin Gordon, RB, San Diego Chargers

Gordon has posted double digit fantasy points in every game this season, but his good fortunes may be evaporating in week six. He’s averaged well under four yards per carry this season, but has found success near the goal-line.

Denver actually ranks in the bottom half of the league against the run, but their defense is far too talented to be performing at that rate. While it’s not going to be a popular pick, we have two entities trending in different directions, yet both of their paths aren’t very sustainable. If you have the running back depth, especially in ten team leagues and non-PPR formats, don’t be afraid to put Gordon on the bench.

Start ‘Em

Sammie Coates, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Over his last two games, Coates has totaled 12 catches for 218 yards and two scores. The Auburn product’s big play ability could see him ascend to second on the depth chart. Markus Wheaton‘s inconsistencies and Eli Rogers‘s injury woes have opened the door for Coates to make the most of his opportunity.

Up next is a battle with a middle of the road Miami defense. Someone else has to get targets not named Antonio Brown, right?

Sit ‘Em

Carolina D/ST

Last season, the Panthers defense played a huge part in getting the team to the SuperBowl. This season, they’ve been rather mediocre. They have especially struggled on the road, allowing 69 points in two games.

A trip to the SuperDome to face a Saints team that historically plays much better at home does not spell success for Ron Rivera‘s club.

Start ‘Em

Martellus Bennett, TE, New England Patriots

Rob Gronkowski is back, but that hasn’t slowed Bennett’s production. While his three touchdown performance last Sunday is something that likely won’t be repeated again this season, he won’t need games like that to still be a valuable commodity.

Although Cincinnati’s stout pass defense isn’t the greatest matchup, Tom Brady‘s return nullifies whichever defense is in their way. The Pats had great success using two tight ends when Aaron Hernandez was on the roster, and Bennett figures to receive plenty of opportunity on this high flying offense.

Sit ‘Em

Philip Dorsett, WR, Indianpolis Colts

Donte Moncrief‘s injury in week two presented Dorsett with a huge opportunity. Given his pro bowl caliber QB and attention paid to top wideout T.Y. Hilton, Dorsett has had a chance to make an impact on Sunday’s. Well, he hasn’t done much with it.

Since week two, he hasn’t caught more than three passes in a game, and outside of a 64 yard touchdown against Jacksonville, he really hasn’t done much at all. His next test will come against a Houston secondary leading the league against the pass.