Week Six Automatic/Don't Do It

By Ted Cahill

I might owe some people an apology.

No, this isn’t about the time I threw my friends under the bus or when I tell random people where they can stick it or the very important meetings I skipped last night to watch The Office and 30 Rock. No, this is about not believing.

In the first five weeks of the NFL season, I’ve used this space to tell the fantasy football world who to start and who to leave on the bench. But in between I’ve thrown in some rather snide comments about the Denver Broncos and Chad Henne. I’ve been upset with the Broncos since they fired Mike Shannahan and well, Henne went to Michigan.

But last weekend, they both made me take notice. The Broncos beat New England to remain undefeated and Henne led the Dolphins to a dramatic win against the Jets.

But enough with my mea culpa, on to Week Six.

Start

Pierre Thomas, Saints vs. Giants
You shouldn’t be afraid of the G-Men. New York is allowing 4.8 yards per rush and has been excellent in pass coverage. They haven’t faced a top-notch passer yet, but Thomas should have success and the Saints need him to.

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers vs. Cleveland
I feel like I don’t have to tell you how awful the Browns’ run defense is. But I’ll throw a few numbers out anyway: 5.1 yards per carry allowed, two practices missed this week by Shaun Rogers.

Donnie Avery, Rams at Jacksonville
The Jaguars have had serious problems against the pass. St. Louis is normally a no-fly zone for me, but after Avery snagged a touchdown and 87 yards last week, I’m feeling better about his chances.

Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks vs. Arizona
At home against a defense allowing more than 300 yards through the air, Hasselbeck is a great play. To top it off, he’s thrown seven touchdowns in 10 quarters this year. That rib injury seems to be in the past.

Sit

Carson Palmer, Bengals vs. Houston
Palmer is nursing a sore thumb and the Texans give up more than five yards per rush. Cincinnati is unlikely to call on Palmer to win this game for them; there are better options at quarterback this week.

Marques Colston, Saints vs. Giants
I respect the Giants pass defense, but not anywhere near enough to sit Drew Brees. But Colston is unlikely to get free downfield, and if he does, Brees probably won’t have time to find him.

Bills Offense at Jets
After last week’s atrocity at home against the Browns this should be a no-brainer. I wanted to take the time to point out just how awful the Bills were, but I really don’t have room to do that here.

Willis McGahee, Ravens at Minnesota
The timeshare of McGahee and Ray Rice seems to be reaching a natural end with Rice winning. Besides the Vikings can handle the run very well.

Matchup to Watch: Kyle Orton vs. Josh McDaniels
The Broncos have made me a believer and I’m starting to come around on Orton as well. I might even advise him as a starter, but until they start throwing the ball more I’ll be a little uncomfortable. Hopefully that changes this week against their division rival.

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