This Week Around The NFL.

[Greenbacks]

Preview: San Francisco at Buffalo

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 16, 2016
Where: New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

Controversial quarterback Colin Kaepernick makes his first start in nearly a year as the San Francisco 49ers attempt to halt their string of four consecutive losses when they visit the streaking Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Kaepernick, who has become more notable for his protest of the national anthem than his ability on the field, will start for the first time since a setback against the then-St. Louis Rams on Nov. 1 as he replaces Blaine Gabbert under center.
The 28-year-old Kaepernick, who helped guide San Francisco to Super Bowl XLVII, was unable to compete for the starting job during training camp due to offseason surgeries on his knee, shoulder and thumb. The 49ers, who have allowed at least 33 points three times during their slide after opening the season with a shutout victory over Los Angeles, are running into a Buffalo team that is riding a three-game winning streak during which it has yielded fewer than 20 points in each contest. The Bills have scored 30 or more points twice on their run, which began after the firing of offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Buffalo is seeking its first string of four straight victories since opening the 2008 season at 4-0.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Bills -9. O/U: 44

ABOUT THE 49ERS (1-4): The change at quarterback is a necessary one, as Gabbert ranks near the bottom of the league in both yards per attempt (5.9) and quarterback rating (69.6). Kaepernick likely will look often in the direction of Jeremy Kerley, who has hauled in a touchdown pass in each of the last two games. Despite its record, San Francisco has a potent threat on the ground in Carlos Hyde, who entered Week 6 tied with San Diego's Melvin Gordon for the NFL lead with six rushing touchdowns.

ABOUT THE BILLS (3-2): New offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn appears to have rejuvenated Buffalo's ground game, as the team have averaged 178.3 rushing yards during its winning streak after gaining 75.5 per contest in back-to-back losses to open the campaign. LeSean McCoy was a big factor in last week's triumph over the Rams, rushing for 150 yards to raise his season average to 5.3 per carry. Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander leads the league with seven sacks and needs three against the 49ers to match Denver's Elvis Dumervil (2009) for the most through the first six weeks of a season since 2001.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Bills DT Marcell Dareus' season debut may not take place Sunday as the former Pro Bowler is questionable with a hamstring injury.

2. San Francisco ranks 31st in rushing defense after allowing 146.8 yards per game.

3. Buffalo CB Nickell Robey-Coleman was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week after making a pair of interceptions against Los Angeles - including one for a touchdown to snap a third-quarter tie.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Jacksonville at Chicago

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 16, 2016
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Brian Hoyer will make his fourth straight start as the Chicago Bears host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday with both teams searching for their second win of the season. Hoyer, who replaced Jay Cutler after the veteran signal-caller suffered a thumb injury, has been superb in notching three straight 300-yard passing games without an interception but the Bears are still off to their worst start since 2005.
Jacksonville has been idle since holding off Indianapolis in a game at London two weeks ago. The victory was much needed for a team which hoped to earn a playoff berth for the first time since 2007, but opened the season with losses in three games that it felt it could win. Chicago racked up 500 yards of offense at Indianapolis last week and Hoyer continued to flash the hot hand but this time it was the defense that faltered, allowing Andrew Luck to march the Colts for the game-winning touchdown with 3:43 to play. Rookie running back Jordan Howard also has been solid, averaging a league-best 5.8 yards per carry and 10.2 yards per catch since he took over for Jeremy Langford, sidelined until November with an ankle injury.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Bears -2. O/U: 47.

ABOUT THE JAGUARS (1-3): Jacksonville changed its blocking scheme last game and it paid immediate dividends as the Jaguars ran for 136 yards against the Colts, which was nearly as much as it mustered in its first three games. That also took a lot of the onus off quarterback Blake Bortles, who is tied for second in the NFL in touchdown passes since the start of last season but continues to be dogged with turnovers, throwing six picks already this season. Jacksonville, however, didn't turn the ball over at all against Indianapolis and hopes that a mistake-free run against four teams with a combined 9-10 record over the next month will vault the Jaguars back in the playoff race in the weak AFC South Division.

ABOUT THE BEARS (1-4): Hoyer's targets are once again a question as tight end Zach Miller (ribs) and wide receivers Alshon Jeffrey (hamstring) and Eddie Royal (calf) all missed practice time during the week. Hoyer was a turnover machine last season, losing his job at Houston after throwing seven interceptions and losing six fumbles in nine starts. Defensively, linebacker Danny Trevathan, who was one of Chicago's top free-agent signings during the offseason after he won a Super Bowl title with the Denver Broncos, looks to make an impact in his second game back since suffering a thumb injury. Chicago ranks in the middle of the league in most defensive categories but has seven sacks in its last two outings.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Jacksonville TE Julius Thomas, who missed last game with an elbow injury, is expected to start and his backup Marcedes Lewis (hip) is also expected to play.

2. Jaguars WR Allen Robinson has 21 receptions on the season and has scored 15 touchdowns in his last 16 games.

3. Chicago won the last meeting at Soldier Field 41-3 in 2012.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Los Angeles at Detroit

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 16, 2016
Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

The Detroit Lions haven’t been able to maintain much success on offense, but they might not need too much production from that side of the ball to get back to .500. The Lions aim for a second consecutive victory when they host the offensively challenged Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
The Lions snapped a three-game skid with a 24-23 win over previously undefeated Philadelphia last week despite another uneven performance from the offense. The Rams experienced the opposite in Week 5, losing 30-19 to visiting Buffalo in spite of a season-high 345 total yards – in large part because of three turnovers, the last of which was an interception by Case Keenum that was returned for a touchdown. “We made some plays on third down, we had nine explosive plays against a really good defense, and we had 23 first downs,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher told reporters. “You can take the 32nd in the league and write all you want about it, but this offense is improving.” The Rams have won two of the last three meetings, including a 21-14 victory last season in St. Louis in which Todd Gurley rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Lions -3. O/U: 43.5

ABOUT THE RAMS (3-2): Los Angeles ranks last in the league in total offense (284.2 yards per game) and is tied for last in scoring (16.4 points per game). Keenum has thrown four touchdown passes and five interceptions while being sacked 12 times, and the difficulty in getting the passing game going has left Gurley without much room to run. The defense kept the Rams afloat during their three-game winning streak but failed to produce a turnover last week after coming up with nine takeaways in the first four contests.

ABOUT THE LIONS (2-3): Detroit has faced its own offensive woes at times, failing to produce an offensive touchdown in a Week 4 loss to Chicago and managing only 45 yards in the second half against the Eagles. Matthew Stafford had a season-low 180 passing yards last week but did thrown three touchdown passes for the third time this season, with two going to versatile back Theo Riddick. The Lions have given up at least 110 yards on the ground in four straight games but forced two turnovers last week after producing only one takeaway in their first four contests.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Detroit DE Ziggy Ansah, who has missed the last three games with a high ankle sprain, has registered 6 1/2 sacks in his last six home games.

2. Rams CB Trumaine Johnson, who returned an interception for a touchdown in last year’s meeting, will miss several weeks after fracturing his right ankle against the Bills.

3. Lions WR Anquan Boldin, who is questionable with an ankle injury, has caught a touchdown pass in each of his last three games against the Rams.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Pittsburgh at Miami

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 16, 2016
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

While Ben Roethlisberger made a few headlines by asking the team to re-evaluate practice habits, there's nothing wrong with his performance in actual games this season. The 34-year-old Roethlisberger (league-leading 15 touchdowns) looks to continue his torrid pace on Sunday as the Pittsburgh Steelers visit the reeling Miami Dolphins.
Roethlisberger has thrown for 680 yards and nine scores without an interception in his last two games for Pittsburgh, which has answered a lopsided loss to Keystone State rival Philadelphia with convincing home victories over Kansas City and the New York Jets. At the other end of the spectrum is Miami's Ryan Tannehill, who has four turnovers (three interceptions, one lost fumble) in his past two contests and has been sacked 11 times in that stretch. The Dolphins' offense ranks 29th overall (303.8 yards per game) and 31st on the ground (72.4) while their defense is dead last against the run (150.8). Le'Veon Bell will look to exploit the latter statistic as the electric back has amassed 332 yards from scrimmage since returning from his season-opening three-game suspension.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Steelers -7.5. O/U: 47

ABOUT THE STEELERS (4-1): While Antonio Brown (NFL-leading 37 receptions, league high-tying five TDs) is a constant, the Steelers are expected to usher slot receiver Eli Rogers into the lineup with Sammie Coates (hand laceration) in question after posting a career-high 139 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-13 win over the Jets. "I feel like I was on the verge of becoming a factor a team needed to account for," said Rogers, who has nine receptions for 100 yards and one touchdown in three contests. Mammoth tight end Jesse James had a season-high six receptions last week and has found the end zone in three of his last four games.

ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (1-4): Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph hasn't liked what he's seen from Pro Bowl defensive end Mario Williams and cornerback Byron Maxwell this season, saying the former "has got to play harder; he’s got to play better," while stating the latter "has not played overall well." Williams only has seven tackles and one sack this season, without registering one of either last week as Miami was gashed for 235 yards on the ground in a 30-17 loss to Tennessee. Maxwell was benched two games ago, but a knee injury to rookie Xavien Howard will send him back into the lineup with the enormous task of shadowing Brown rumored to be on his plate.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Pittsburgh C Maurkice Pouncey will be on the opposite sideline of his brother (C Mike Pouncey) for the first time in their NFL careers.

2. Miami's Jay Ajayi has rushed for a touchdown in two of the last three games and could see his fair share of carries even if fellow RB Arian Foster returns from a hamstring injury.

3. Steelers DE Cameron Heyward (team-leading three sacks) will see his streak of 85 consecutive games played come to an end on Sunday due to a hamstring injury.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Cincinnati at New England

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 16, 2016
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

There were concerns that Tom Brady would show signs of rust after serving a four-game suspension for his involvement in the Deflategate scandal. Brady provided an emphatic response with a sensational season debut and looks to give the New England Patriots their second straight win over an AFC North opponent when they host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
New England went 3-1 without its three-time Super Bowl MVP, but entered Week 5 coming off its first home shutout in the history of Gillette Stadium. Brady came out throwing early and often in a 33-13 win at winless Cleveland, throwing for 406 yards and three touchdowns to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Brady's quick return to form and his home debut would not seem to bode well for Cincinnati, which was manhandled at Dallas 28-14 last week to drop below the .500 mark. The Bengals are making their first appearance in Foxborough since October 2014, when they were steamrolled 43-17 in a game that was preceded by New England coach Bill Belichick's memorable "On to Cincinnati" media briefing.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Patriots -8.5. O/U: 47

ABOUT THE BENGALS (2-3): Two of Cincinnati's losses came to division rival Pittsburgh and defending Super Bowl champion Denver, but last week's no-show was startling as it fell behind by 28 points in the third quarter at Dallas. Quarterback Andy Dalton tops the AFC with 1,503 yards and No. 1 target A.J. Green has a conference-leading 518 yards, but the absence of injured tight end Tyler Eifert and an inconsistent running game continues to plague the offense. Running back Jeremy Hill was limited to 12 yards on four carries after aggravating a shoulder injury, but is expected to play Sunday. Former Patriots wideout Brandon LaFell is coming off an eight-catch, two-touchdown effort in Dallas.

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (4-1): Brady aired it out 40 times last week and immediately established a rapport with No. 2 tight end Martellus Bennett, who had six receptions for 67 yards and three touchdowns. Tight end Rob Gronkowski, who missed the first two games due to a hamstring injury and had one catch through the first four contests, broke out with five receptions for 109 yards at Cleveland. Offseason acquisition Chris Hogan also made an impact with the return of Brady, hauling in four passes for 114 yards. New England ranks 13th overall in total defense, two spots below Cincinnati, but the Patriots are fourth in the league with an average of 14.8 points allowed, more than seven fewer than the Bengals.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Patriots and Bengals are among four teams to win 50 games and make the playoffs in each season since 2011.

2. Cincinnati has lost its last six visits to Foxborough, with its last win coming in 1986.

3. Brady had his 52-game streak of throwing at least one touchdown pass snapped at Cincinnati in 2013.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Carolina at New Orleans

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 16, 2016
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

The Carolina Panthers desperately need Cam Newton on the field – and in last year’s MVP form – if they’re going to overcome a disastrous start to the season. The reigning NFC champions hope to have their star quarterback under center when they aim to snap a three-game losing streak Sunday against the host New Orleans Saints.
Newton suffered a concussion during the Panthers’ 48-33 loss at Atlanta in Week 4 and missed Monday night’s 17-14 setback against Tampa Bay, which dropped Carolina to 1-4 a year after it won its first 14 games en route to a Super Bowl appearance. “We’re preparing for (Newton),” New Orleans coach Sean Payton told reporters. “We feel he’s going to play. I think that’s the only way to approach it.” The Saints are coming off a bye week following their first win – a 35-34 triumph at San Diego in Week 4 – and need a victory to avoid slipping into the NFC South cellar currently occupied by Carolina. The Panthers have won four of the last five meetings, including both matchups last season.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Panthers -2.5. O/U: 53

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (1-4): Along with Newton, the Panthers hope to get running back Jonathan Stewart (hamstring) back on Sunday, but they could be without receiver Kelvin Benjamin (knee). Carolina has moved the ball effectively – ranking third in the NFL in total offense – but has been undone by a league-worst 14 turnovers. The giveaways have made things difficult for a defense that has held four of five opponents to 315 total yards or fewer but has been put in too many short-field situations.

ABOUT THE SAINTS (1-3): New Orleans ranks last in the league in total defense and 31st in scoring defense, but it held San Diego to 38 rushing yards and forced three turnovers. They’ve had an especially tough time stopping the pass, however, which could be a problem if Newton is able to go. Drew Brees and the offense have been boom-or-bust, putting up 507 and 474 total yards in two games but being held under 300 in the other two.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Newton has passed for 872 yards with 10 touchdowns and one interception in his last three games against New Orleans, including a 331-yard, five-TD performance in the most recent meeting.

2. Brees has thrown 27 touchdown passes in his last seven home games.

3. New Orleans WR Brandin Cooks has six touchdown receptions in his last seven home contests and made six catches for 104 yards and a TD in his last game against Carolina.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Baltimore at N.Y. Giants

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 16, 2016
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

The Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants both are dealing with some problems on offense, but only one made a major move to shake things up this week. The Ravens' offense will be under the direction of a new coordinator as Marty Mornhinweg takes over when Baltimore visits the Giants on Sunday.
Baltimore decided to let offensive coordinator Marc Trestman go following a 16-10 loss at home to Washington last week and promoted Mornhinweg, who was serving as quarterbacks coach and has previous experience as an NFL offensive coordinator with Philadelphia and the New York Jets. "Marty is an exciting guy," Raven quarterback Joe Flacco told reporters. "He brings a lot of confidence to the room. He is very sure in what he's doing and what we're doing. We'll be a little more confident going forward in shoring things up and doing what we do best." The Giants are losers of three in a row and have scored more than 20 points once in their first five games - a 29-27 loss to Washington in Week 3. "I’ve got to play better, make some more throws, better decisions, can’t turn the ball over," Giants quarterback Eli Manning told reporters. “But we’ll improve. We’ll keep working hard and figure it out.”

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Giants -3. O/U: 43.5

ABOUT BALTIMORE (3-2): Mornhinweg is expected to put more emphasis on the running game in an effort to open up more play-action passes. Flacco enters Week 6 leading the NFL in passing attempts with 216 but is 31st among 32 qualifying quarterbacks with an average of 5.94 yards per attempt and has connected with receivers on only 12 passes of 20 or more yards. The defense remains solid but could be without a key contributor in linebacker C.J. Mosley, who leads the team with three interceptions and is second with 29 tackles but is dealing with a hamstring injury suffered last Sunday and has not practiced this week.

ABOUT THE GIANTS (2-3): Manning is having trouble developing a connection with mercurial receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who caught his first touchdown pass last week but has only 27 receptions despite 51 targets. Manning also could use some help from a running game that is missing Shane Vereen (triceps) and Rashad Jennings (thumb), who "has a better chance of playing this week than he had last week," coach Ben McAdoo told reporters after Wednesday's practice. The Giants have issues on the back end of the defense as well, with cornerbacks Eli Apple and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie both questionable due to groin injuries.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Giants Ss Darian Thompson (foot) and Nat Berhe (concussion) both are questionable, joining Apple and Rodgers-Cromartie among members of the team's banged-up secondary.

2. Baltimore's Steve Smith Sr. (ankle) sat out practice on Wednesday while fellow WR Mike Wallace (ribs) was wearing a red jersey and limited to non-contact work.

3. Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul (groin), who has one of the team's NFL-low four sacks on the season, sat out practice on Wednesday and is questionable.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Cleveland at Tennessee

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 16, 2016
Where: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

Things are so bad for the Cleveland Browns that they've used five different quarterbacks and brought in embattled former Baylor coach Art Briles to help an offense clearly in disarray. The Browns, who have lost seven straight and 14 of their last 15 games, are the NFL's only winless team as they visit the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Briles was fired by Baylor amid a sexual assault scandal involving several members of the school's football team and will serve as an offensive adviser for the Browns. He'll tutor Cody Kessler and a bevy of ailing quarterbacks as Cleveland looks for its first road victory in more than a year. The Titans snapped a two-game skid by winning at Miami 30-17 last week as Marcus Mariota threw for three touchdowns and ran for another score. With the victory, Tennessee is just a game back of Houston in the muddied AFC South Division.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Titans -7. O/U: 45.5.

ABOUT THE BROWNS (0-5): Kessler left last week's 33-13 drubbing at the hands Tom Brady and the Patriots with bruised ribs on his left side but is preparing for the start. Josh McCown is also available for the first time since fracturing his collarbone on Sept. 18 against Baltimore and coach Hue Jackson said both may play for Cleveland which has already lost Robert Griffin III and Charlie Whitehurst to injuries. Cleveland, which ranks 30th in the NFL in defense, may also be without top tight end Gary Barnidge (ankle, hip, arm injuries) but it has won three of its last four games at Nashville.

ABOUT THE TITANS (2-3): For some reason Mariota has been a better quarterback on the road than he is at home (11 TDs, 12 interceptions, 76.7 passer rating at home; 15 TDs, 3 interceptions and a 100.6 rating on the road). DeMarco Murray, who leads the NFL with 31 rushing touchdowns and is second with 4,129 yards since 2013, has helped turn Tennessee into an efficient ball-control offense with 461 yards on the ground for the NFL's second-ranked rushing offense. Sunday begins the first of three straight home games for the Titans, who promise not to look past the Browns. "We're not looking at them as a bad opponent, or any of these teams coming up, but it's definitely an opportunity to get some wins," said Tennessee defensive tackle Karl Klug.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Cleveland is also battling major injury problems on its offensive line as Joel Bitonio (foot) is out, joining Joe Thomas and Cameron Erving on the injury report.

2. Tennessee is ranked 24th in the NFL in points per game (18.4) while Cleveland is 29th at 17.4.

3. Cleveland RB Isaiah Crowell ranks third in the AFC with 416 rushing yards and has six rushing TDs in his past nine games but was held to just 22 yards on 13 carries last week.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Philadelphia at Washington

When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 16, 2016
Where: FedEx Field, Landover, Maryland

The Washington Redskins have picked themselves off the mat following an early stumble and won three straight games to put themselves back in the conversation of defending their NFC East crown. While talk often is cheap in the nation's capital, the host Redskins can make a significant statement on Sunday should they defeat the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles for a fourth consecutive time.
Kirk Cousins threw for 365 yards and four touchdowns as Washington clinched the NFC East with a 38-24 victory over Philadelphia on Dec. 26. Jordan Reed reeled in nine receptions for 129 yards and two scores in that contest, but the dominant tight end is in jeopardy to miss Sunday's contest with a suspected concussion. Quarterback Carson Wentz's storybook beginning to his rookie season encountered a sour chapter last Sunday as his late interception proved costly in Philadelphia's 24-23 setback to Detroit. Tight end Zach Ertz was limited to just three catches versus the Lions, but recorded 13- and 15-catch outings in two of his last three meetings with the Redskins.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Eagles -2.5. O/U: 44.5

ABOUT THE EAGLES (3-1): Running back Ryan Mathews looks to atone for his costly fumble in the fourth quarter against Detroit when he faces Washington, versus which he scored in his last encounter and looks to exploit a defense yielding an NFL third-worst 130 yards per game on the ground. Jordan Matthews has been held in check with just six catches over his last three games, but hauled in that many receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown in his last meeting with the Redskins. The 24-year-old didn't face Josh Norman in that contest, but was limited to just three catches for 14 yards by the stud cornerback in a 27-16 loss to the Carolina Panthers last season.

ABOUT THE REDSKINS (3-2): DeSean Jackson has mustered just four catches in his last two games but could get untracked versus his former team, against which he has 13 receptions for 283 yards and a touchdown in three games since leaving the Eagles following the 2013 season. Jackson currently is in a contract year and revealed that his once ice-cold relationship with Philadelphia has thawed, most noticeably after Doug Pederson replaced Chip Kelly as the team's coach. Fellow wideout Pierre Garcon found the end zone last week and has scored in each of his last two encounters with the Eagles. Running back Matt Jones was limited to just 31 yards on 14 carries in Sunday's 16-10 win over Baltimore, and will face a third-ranked defense allowing just 73.3 yards per game on the ground.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Philadelphia DT Fletcher Cox collected a team-high four sacks and a forced fumble in four games this season and notched a pair of sacks in his last meeting with Washington.

2. Redskins LB Preston Murphy has recorded a team-best 4.5 sacks through five games in his third season after mustering only six in his previous two years.

3. Eagles rookie Halapoulivaati Vaitai will get the start as fellow RT Lane Johnson begins serving a 10-game suspension on Sunday.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Kansas City at Oakland

When: 4:05 PM ET, Sunday, October 16, 2016
Where: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California

The Oakland Raiders look to extend their winning streak to four games when they host a bitter rival in the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Oakland has been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL thus far, entering Week 6 tied with Denver atop the AFC West thanks to a perfect 3-0 road record and its ability to pull out close games.
Each of the Raiders' five contests this year has been decided by seven points or fewer, with their four victories coming by a total of 12. Oakland has not had much success of late against division-rival Kansas City, which has won five of the last six meetings. The Chiefs are hoping their bye week has helped them recover from a 43-14 trouncing at the hands of Pittsburgh in Week 4. Kansas City has a winning streak on the line Sunday, as it has captured six consecutive meetings with AFC West rivals.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Chiefs -1. O/U: 47

ABOUT THE CHIEFS (2-2): Alex Smith has been a major factor in Kansas City's recent success against the Raiders, completing 61 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns and only two interceptions en route to posting a 5-1 record. Smith has been even better in Oakland, recording nine TD passes without a pick while registering a 68-percent completion rate. Jamaal Charles, who has scored more touchdowns (38) since 2013 than any player in the league, is expected to have a bigger role Sunday after gaining seven yards on only two carries against Pittsburgh.

ABOUT THE RAIDERS (4-1): Derek Carr continues to prove he is one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL, ranking third in the AFC with a 102.3 rating while throwing 11 touchdown passes and only two interceptions. The 25-year-old Carr, who has been sacked only twice this season, has developed a superb on-field relationship with Michael Crabtree as the wide receiver leads the team with 29 catches and entered Week 6 tied for first in the league with five TD receptions. The passing game figures to be relied upon again as running back Latavius Murray, who missed last week's victory over San Diego with a toe injury, has not practiced this week.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Chiefs RB Spencer Ware ranks fourth in the NFL with 120.8 yards from scrimmage per contest.

2. Oakland rookies Jalen Richard (eight carries, 31 yards versus San Diego) and DeAndre Washington (nine, 23) will handle the rushing duties should Murray be unavailable.

3. Kansas City's Andy Reid owns a 15-2 record following a bye week in his coaching career.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Dallas at Green Bay

When: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, October 16, 2016
Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Ezekiel Elliott has run roughshod over the NFL to begin his rookie season, but the fourth overall pick of the 2016 draft will face his sternest test to date on Sunday as his Dallas Cowboys visit the Green Bay Packers and their top-ranked run defense. "Always excited for a challenge, that's what competitors love," said Elliott, who leads the league with 546 rushing yards after rolling up 134 on the ground with two touchdowns as Dallas won its fourth straight last Sunday.
"I think they're confident that they can run the ball no matter what they see," Green Bay defensive coordinator Dom Capers said. "I think most good running teams feel that way." While Elliott is averaging a robust 5.01 yards per attempt, the stingy Packers are yielding just 2.0 per carry and 42.8 per game - although they have some questions within their own backfield. Eddie Lacy is uncertain if he'll play on Sunday after exiting last week's 23-16 win over the New York Giants with an ailing ankle and backup James Starks is nursing a knee issue and dealing with a death in the family. The only two running backs on the roster, Lacy and Starks combined for 195 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Green Bay's 28-7 rout of Dallas on Dec. 13.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Packers -4. O/U: 47.5

ABOUT THE COWBOYS (4-1): Dak Prescott had a pair of touchdowns (one rushing, one throwing) last week and has an NFL rookie-record 155 passing attempts without an interception, prompting many in the rabid fan base to question whether he should remain at the helm when veteran quarterback Tony Romo returns from his back injury. Slot receiver Cole Beasley quietly leads the team in receptions (27) and yards (332) and reeled in his first touchdown grab in last week's 28-14 victory over Cincinnati. Wideout Dez Bryant (knee) was limited in practice Thursday and hasn't ruled out suiting up for Sunday's contest at Green Bay, telling ESPN: "If I can go, I'm going to go. If I can't, I'm not."

ABOUT THE PACKERS (3-1): Aaron Rodgers hasn't looked as dominant as in prior years, as his 56.1 completion percentage in 2016 is a far cry from the 65.9 percent he averaged from 2008-2014. "I've got to be more accurate, and I will," Rodgers said of Green Bay's 27th-ranked passing offense. "We've got to make the most of the opportunities on 50-50 balls and the balls we should catch and complete." The two-time NFL MVP has treated the fans at Lambeau Field to a historical-best 109.2 passer rating at home and has seven touchdowns without an interception in five career encounters with Dallas. Trusted target Jordy Nelson (NFL high-tying five TDs) has reeled in a scoring strike in each game this season and also found the end zone in the last meeting with the Cowboys.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Green Bay LB Clay Matthews has recorded a sack in four straight games overall and has 3.5 sacks and a 62-yard interception return for a touchdown in four career meetings with Dallas.

2. Cowboys LB Sean Lee has recorded double-digit tackles in four of five games this season.

3. Packers WR Davante Adams has a touchdown in back-to-back contests.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Atlanta at Seattle

When: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, October 16, 2016
Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

Any questions of whether the Atlanta Falcons' fast start was somewhat of a fluke were put to rest last week following a convincing road victory over the reigning Super Bowl champions. Life won't get any easier for the Falcons, who put a four-game winning streak on the line when they head to the Pacific Northwest for a matching against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
Not only did Atlanta hand Denver its first loss last week, it came on the heels of a thrashing of the Carolina Panthers, making the Falcons the third team in history to post back-to-back wins over the two teams who appeared in the previous season's Super Bowl. “That was a very good team win for us,” Atlanta coach Dan Quinn said after the 23-16 victory over the Broncos. "And now we reset and go through our process to get ready to play ball again.” The Seahawks, historically one of the league's toughest teams at home, have an in-depth familiarity with Quinn, who served as their defensive coordinator in 2013-14 before taking the head job with the Falcons. Seattle got its offense on track in winning two in a row entering last week's bye, which should help quarterback Russell Wilson recover from ankle and knee injuries.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Seahawks -6. O/U: 45.5

ABOUT THE FALCONS (4-1): Quarterback Matt Ryan leads the league's No. 1-ranked offense into Seattle, topping the NFL in passing yards (1,740) and passer rating (121.6) while ranking second with 12 touchdowns. Stud wide receiver Julio Jones had a quiet week against Denver after hauling in 12 receptions for 300 yards and a touchdown in the drubbing of Carolina. Atlanta is receiving great production from the backfield tandem of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, with each scoring a TD last week while combining for 119 yards rushing and 167 yards receiving. Defense has long been an issue for the Falcons, but they collected six sacks against the Broncos -- 3.5 by 2015 first-round pick Vic Beasley.

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (3-1): Seattle managed only one touchdown in splitting its first two games of the season but rebounded to put up 64 points in back-to-back victories over San Francisco and the New York Jets. Despite playing with a sprained knee against the Jets, Wilson threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns and says he feels great following the additional rest. While Christine Michael continues to carry the running game in place of an injured Thomas Rawls, the biggest surprise has been the return to health by tight end Jimmy Graham, who is coming off consecutive six-catch, 100-yard games. Seattle allows 13.5 points per game and owns the league's top-ranked defense (264 yards per game).

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Falcons are averaging 35.0 points and 457.4 yards per game, both league highs by a wide margin.

2. Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin has eight touchdown receptions in his last five home games.

3. Jones had 11 catches for 127 yards in his only matchup versus the Seahawks in 2011 at Seattle.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Indianapolis at Houston

When: 8:30 PM ET, Sunday, October 16, 2016
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

The Houston Texans have been dismal on the road but look to remain perfect at home when they host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night in an early-season showdown for first place in the AFC South. Houston has won all three contests at home to hold a one-game edge atop the division, but it has lost six of the last seven matchups against the Colts.
The Texans will attempt to rebound from a 31-13 drubbing at Minnesota in which they were limited to 214 total yards and failed to score a touchdown until the final four minutes. Houston snapped a six-game losing streak in the series with a 16-10 home win on Dec. 20, but that was without quarterback Andrew Luck in Indianapolis' lineup. Luck threw a 35-yard touchdown pass with just over 3 1/2 minutes to play in a 29-23 win over Chicago last week to prevent the Colts from dropping to 1-4. "We needed to get that taste out of our mouth. We needed a win," Luck said. Winning cures all in this league."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Texans -3. O/U: 48.5

ABOUT THE COLTS (2-3): Luck has thrown for 10 touchdowns against only three interceptions while tying for fourth in the league with 1,469 yards passing, but he also has been sacked an NFL-high 20 times behind Indianapolis' shaky offensive line. "You don't want your quarterback hit. Period," Colts coach Chuck Pagano said. "We're trying to do everything possible to make sure that doesn't happen and limit that. He knows that and everybody knows that." T.Y. Hilton has a touchdown pass in each of the last three games, hauling in 25 of his 35 receptions during that span, including 10 for 171 yards last week. Indianapolis ranks 30th overall (410.6 yards) in total defense an allows 29.6 points per game.

ABOUT THE TEXANS (3-2): Houston invested heavily in a pair of free agents in quarterback Brock Osweiler and running back Lamar Miller, but it has yet to reap the dividends. Osweiler, who replaced an injured Peyton Manning with Denver last season, has more interceptions (seven) than touchdown passes (six) while completing only 58 percent of his passes and posting a quarterback rating of 70.6. Miller has provided more bang for the bucks, rushing for at least 80 yards in each of the first four games, but he was held to 20 yards last week and has yet to find the end zone. Despite the lost of star lineman J.J. Watt, the Texans ranked fifth overall in total defense and are No. 1 against the pass (181.0 yards per game).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Luck has won his last five starts against Houston.

2. Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins had 19 catches for 263 yards in two matchups versus the Colts last season.

3. Hilton has 21 receptions and four touchdowns in his last four games at Houston.

 

[Greenbacks]

Hue Jackson: Cody Kessler to start for Browns.

The Cody Kessler train is rumbling toward Rocky Top. Browns coach Hue Jackson announced Thursday that Cleveland's rookie quarterback will suit up and start on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
"Cody Kessler practiced (in) full," Jackson said, per the team's Twitter feed. "I think he's ready to go."
Kessler was knocked out of last week's loss to the Patriots with a rib injury. He looked solid guiding the Browns on a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown march, but took a safety on the following series after absorbing a brutal hit that ushered him to the sideline.
Jackson was unsure if Josh McCown, who suffered a broken collarbone in Week 2, would be ready for Sunday. The veteran passer threw the ball for the first time on Wednesday and Thursday. The Browns also have rookie Kevin Hogan on the active roster.
With the way this season has gone for Cleveland, we could see all three come Sunday.

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 6: Running backs.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Lamar Miller vs. Indianapolis Colts

Miller hasn't scored much so far this season, but he's still fourth in running back touches (116) and should continue to see a lot of work against the Colts. Their defense has surrendered seven total touchdowns and the third-most points to opposing running backs (24.5 PPG), so look for Miller to have his breakout performance.




vs.
C.J. Anderson vs. San Diego Chargers

Anderson's offensive line hasn't done him many favors over the last few weeks, but it's still tough to overlook a tremendous matchup against San Diego on Thursday night. The Chargers have given up 25.4 fantasy points per game to running backs, which ranks second in the league behind New Orleans. Look for Anderson to rebound.




vs.
Jordan Howard vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

My (fantasy) love affair with Howard continued last week, as he rolled the Colts for 163 yards and one touchdown (another touchdown was called back, too). I'd ride him into this week's matchup versus the Jaguars, who have given up 18 fantasy points to Melvin Gordon and 15.5 points to Frank Gore in two of their last three games.




vs.
Christine Michael vs. Atlanta Falcons

The Awakening should continue for Michael, who scored a combined 38.1 fantasy points in his two games before Seattle's bye week and is now set to face the Falcons. Their defense has been vulnerable to running backs, surrendering an average of more than 20 fantasy points per game to the position. Start Michael with confidence.




vs.
Ryan Mathews vs. Washington Redskins

Mathews has been a touchdown-dependant fantasy runner this season, as his yardage totals have been less than impressive in the ground attack. Fortunately for owners, the veteran faces a Redskins defense that has allowed the second-most rushing scores (seven) to running backs this season. Consider Mathews a viable flex option.


Sleepers:
Terrance West at Giants, DeAndre Washington vs. Chiefs

Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Isaiah Crowell vs. Tennessee Titans

Crowell struggled to produce for fantasy fans last week, scoring four fantasy points in what was a blowout loss to the Patriots. Next up is a date with the Titans, who have given up two total touchdowns and the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. Consider Crowell a low-floor No. 2 running back in this matchup.




vs.
T.J. Yeldon vs. Chicago Bears

Yeldon has been difficult to trust, scoring fewer than four fantasy points in two of his last three games. He also averaged 13.7 touches in those contests, and the presence of Chris Ivory in goal-line sets limits his potential. Chicago has held Frank Gore and Theo Riddick to a combined 13.7 fantasy points in their last two games, too.




vs.
Spencer Ware vs. Oakland Raiders

Ware was a hot name in fantasy land to open the season, but his numbers have been less than stellar over his last three games. With Jamaal Charles now at "110 percent," I'd be shocked if Ware sees 10-12 carries this week against the Raiders. Charles appears to be back in the saddle, making Ware a very risky start moving forward.




vs.
Jeremy Hill vs. New England Patriots

Hill has struggled in the last two weeks, scoring a combined 8.3 fantasy points with no touchdowns. He's also dealing with an injured chest and shoulder, which limited him to just 13 snaps in a loss to the Cowboys. Even if Hill is able to suit up in Week 6, the Patriots have surrendered the third-fewest fantasy points (14.2 PPG) to runners.




vs.
Matt Jones vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Jones, a sit 'em in last week's edition, scored 3.6 fantasy points in a win over the Ravens. He's been difficult to trust when the matchup isn't favorable, and that's the case this week when the Redskins host the Eagles. Their defense has been tough on runners, allowing the second-fewest rushing yards (217) in the entire league.


Busts:
Matt Forte vs. Cardinals, Eddie Lacy vs. Cowboys

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 6: Quarterbacks.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Russell Wilson vs. Atlanta Falcons

Wilson has had a slow start to the season, scoring fewer than 15 fantasy points in three of his first four games. Still, he's had a week off to rest his ankle and knee injuries and a matchup against the Falcons is favorable. In fact, no team in the league has surrendered more fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks (23.6 PPG) in 2016.




vs.
Ben Roethlisberger vs. Miami Dolphins

Big Ben was my top fantasy start of Week 5, and he went off for 29.2 points in a win over the Jets. He's now thrown for at least three touchdowns in all but one game, and an upcoming matchup in Miami makes him a virtual must-start. Miami has surrendered an average of almost 19 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.




vs.
Matthew Stafford vs. Los Angeles Rams

Stafford threw for a mere 180 yards last week, but he also tossed three touchdowns in a win over the Eagles. The veteran has been solid at home overall, putting up 17 or more points in seven of his last eight contests at Ford Field. Couple that with a matchup versus a questionable Rams pass defense, and Stafford is a solid option.




vs.
Carson Palmer vs. New York Jets

Palmer missed last week's game due to a concussion, so be sure to keep tabs on his status ahead of his Monday night contest in New York. If the veteran is projected to start, he'll be a quality fantasy option against the Jets. Their pass defense has given up at least 17 fantasy points to all but one opposing quarterback in 2016.




vs.
Dak Prescott vs. Green Bay Packers

Prescott has been solid performer under center for fantasy fans, scoring no fewer than 17.5 fantasy points in each of his last four games (19.5 PPG). Next on the schedule is a date with the Packers, who have allowed an average of just under 18 points a game to quarterbacks. Consider Dak a safe choice with massive upside.


Sleepers:
Marcus Mariota vs. Browns, Alex Smith at Raiders

Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Philip Rivers vs. Denver Broncos

Rivers has been on fire lately, scoring a combined 45.2 fantasy points in his last two games. Regardless, the veteran could be in for a tough week when he faces the Broncos on Thursday Night Football. Denver's defense has allowed an average of just 13.5 fantasy points per contest to quarterbacks, so Rivers might not be so electric.




vs.
Kirk Cousins vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Listed as a sit 'em last week, Cousins mustered one touchdown and a mere 12.3 fantasy points in a win over the Ravens. Next on the schedule is a date with the Eagles, who have allowed three touchdown passes and the second-fewest fantasy points (10.1 PPG) to quarterbacks. I'd keep Cousins on the bench once again.




vs.
Eli Manning vs. Baltimore Ravens

Manning has been a disappointment for fantasy fans, scoring 14 or fewer points in each of his last four games. While that might mean a bounce back is on the horizon, it's difficult to trust him in a poor matchup against the Ravens. Their defense has given up fewer than 15 points to quarterbacks in four of their first five games.




vs.
Andy Dalton vs. New England Patriots

Dalton, listed as a start 'em last week, posted 22.2 fantasy points in a loss to the Cowboys. Here's the question ... do I now trust the Red Rifle in a tough road matchup in New England? The answer is a resounding no. I fear a low floor for Dalton in this AFC battle, and his statistical ceiling isn't enough for me to roll the fantasy dice.




vs.
Joe Flacco vs. New York Giants

The Ravens fired offensive coordinator Marc Trestman and promoted Marty Mornhinweg in an effort to jump start what has been a less-than-stellar offense. That's not enough to start Flacco, however. Not only has he been far less reliable on the road in his career, but the Giants have been tough on opposing quarterbacks this year.


Busts:
Matt Ryan at Seahawks, Derek Carr vs. Chiefs

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 6: Wide receivers.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Larry Fitzgerald vs. New York Jets

Fitzgerald has posted 14-plus fantasy points in three of his first five games, a stretch that includes five touchdowns. His success should continue against the Jets, who have become one of the top fantasy matchups for opposing wideouts (26.8 FPPG) this season. Fantasy fans with John Brown should also get him into their lineups.




vs.
Doug Baldwin vs. Atlanta Falcons

Baldwin has alternated good and bad stat lines in his first four games, and he's due for a successful week when the Seahawks host Atlanta. The Falcons have not fared well against wide receivers, allowing seven touchdowns and an average of 25.1 points to the position. Look for the Seahawks to win this battle of the gridiron birds.




vs.
Kelvin Benjamin vs. New Orleans Saints

Benjamin hasn't been a great fantasy option lately, but an upcoming matchup against the Saints still makes him an attractive option regardless. New Orleans has allowed an average of 213.7 yards and 25.9 fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts, so look for Benjamin to make magic in what should be a high-scoring affair.




vs.
Brandin Cooks vs. Carolina Panthers

Cooks has fallen off the fantasy radar after his Week 1 explosion, posting a combined 11.8 points in his last three games. You have to like his chances to rebound against the Panthers, though, as their defense has allowed the second-most fantasy points to wideouts (37.7 PPG) in the last two weeks. Keep this Cooks in the kitchen.




vs.
Jeremy Maclin vs. Oakland Raiders

Maclin has had a rough three-game stretch, scoring a combined 17.1 fantasy points with no touchdowns. Still, this week's matchup against the Raiders bodes well for his chances to rebound. Oakland has surrendered the most fantasy points to wide receivers (30.9 PPG), and Maclin burned them for three touchdown catches in 2015.


Sleepers:
John Brown at Jets, Sammie Coates at Dolphins

Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Alshon Jeffery vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

On paper, this is a great matchup for Jeffery against a Jaguars defense that's allowed an average of 26.1 fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Here's the problem ... good matchups haven't meant good numbers from Jeffery this season. It's also notable that 43 different wide receivers have been targeted more often in 2016.




vs.
DeSean Jackson vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Jackson does have the whole "revenge" thing in his corner this week against his former team, the Eagles. But can you depend on the inconsistent veteran against a team that's allowed one No. 1 wide receiver (Antonio Brown) to score double-digit points against them? At best, he'll be a boom-or-bust No. 3 receiver or flex starter.




vs.
Terrelle Pryor vs. Tennessee Titans

Pryor was a hot waiver-wire add a few weeks back, but the Browns questionable quarterback situation and a matchup against the Titans makes him tough to start with confidence. Tennessee has surrendered an average of just 18.9 fantasy points per game to wideouts, and only five teams have allowed fewer touchdowns (3) to the position.




vs.
Tyrell Williams vs. Denver Broncos

Williams went off against the Raiders last week, posting 117 yards, one touchdown and 17.7 points. Of course, comparing Oakland's pass defense to Denver's squad is like comparing a Kia to a Maserati. When you also consider that San Diego has used a virtual wideout committee in recent weeks, and trusting Williams is difficult.




vs.
Allen Hurns vs. Chicago Bears

Hurns had his best stat line of the season before Jacksonville's bye week, scoring a touchdown and 10.7 fantasy points in a win over the Colts. The touchdown-dependant wideout is no lock to put up another good line against the Bears, however. Their defense has allowed a mere four touchdown catches to opposing wideouts in 2016.


Busts:
Randall Cobb vs. Cowboys, Jeremy Kerley at Bills

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 6: Tight ends.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Jimmy Graham vs. Atlanta Falcons

Graham has shown flashes of his past greatness over his last two games, scoring a combined 25.3 fantasy points on the strength of two 100-yard performances. He should be well rested after the bye week, and a matchup against the Falcons makes him a must start. Their defense has allowed the third-most points (13.2 PPG) to tight ends.




vs.
Delanie Walker vs. Cleveland Browns

I saw a lot of people on Twitter complain that Walker was left on their benches last week (he was a start 'em in this space), so don't make the same mistake again when he faces the Browns. No team in the NFL has allowed more fantasy points to tight ends after five weeks, so there's no glaring reason to consider benching Walker.




vs.
Martellus Bennett vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Bennett, listed as a start 'em a week ago, scored three touchdowns in a win over the Browns. While that's not going to happen in back-to-back weeks, the return of Tom Brady has made Bennett a better option for fantasy fans. He also faces a Bengals defense that's allowed three touchdowns to tight ends in their last four games.




vs.
Julius Thomas vs. Chicago Bears

Thomas is slated to return to action this week against the Bears after missing time due to an injured elbow, so fantasy owners should get him back into their starting lineups. Over the last four weeks of action, Chicago has surrendered an average of more than seven fantasy points (two touchdown catches) to opposing tight ends.




vs.
Coby Fleener vs. Carolina Panthers

Aside from one huge 16.9-point performance against the Falcons, Fleener has been a disaster in the stat sheets so far this season. Still, he's worth a roll of the dice based on his week's matchup against the Panthers. Their defense has allowed four touchdowns and an average of more than 10 fantasy points per game to tight ends.


Sleepers:
Jesse James at Dolphins, Charles Clay vs. 49ers

Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Dwayne Allen vs. Houston Texans

Allen was solid in last week's win over the Bears, making my suggestion to sit him seem like Bantha fodder (it stunk). But if you're looking for him to produce again, well, I think you're chasing the fantasy points. Allen also has a brutal matchup against a Houston defense that has been tough on opposing tight ends this year.




vs.
Dennis Pitta vs. New York Giants

Fantasy fans in PPR leagues aside, Pitta has not been much of an option in recent weeks. Aside from his 102-yard performance against the Browns, the veteran has averaged a mere 3.9 fantasy points in his other four games. Furthermore, Pitta has a bad upcoming contest against a Giants defense that's made life tough on tight ends.




vs.
Zach Ertz vs. Washington Redskins

Ertz returned to action last week, but his stat line (three catches, 37 yards) was less than impressive for fantasy fans. Next on the schedule is a date with the Redskins, who have surrendered just one touchdown catch to opposing tight ends. Also, No. 1 tight ends have averaged a miniscule 4.2 fantasy points per game against them.




vs.
Antonio Gates vs. Denver Broncos

Gates returned last week and scored a touchdown, but he saw just 18 snaps compared to 47 for rookie Hunter Henry. That gap could close a bit moving forward, but until then it's a good idea to keep Gates on the sidelines. He also has a tough matchup against a Broncos defense that's allowed 4.9 fantasy points per game to tight ends.




vs.
Jason Witten vs. Green Bay Packers

Witten's matchup might be favorable on paper, as the Packers have struggled to stop tight ends this season. With that said, he's been unable to exploit good matchups for the better part of the last year and is tough to start with confidence. In his last four games, Witten has averaged a mere 4.2 fantasy points. Keep him sidelined.


Busts:
Gary Barnidge at Titans, Jacob Tamme at Seahawks

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 6: Defenses.


Start 'Em

vs.
Start of the Week - Arizona Cardinals vs. New York Jets

The Cardinals defense is coming off a monster 15-point performance in last week's win in San Francisco, and an upcoming matchup against the Jets bodes well for their chances of another fat stat line. No team has been more generous to defenses this season, as the opposition has averaged 14.5 fantasy points against the Jets.


vs.
Buffalo Bills vs. San Francisco 49ers

Colin Kaepernick will be the starter for San Francisco, but this matchup is still a positive one for the Bills. Their defense has scored 10 or more fantasy points in four of five games, including a three-game stretch with a combined 54 points, and opposing units have averaged nine points versus the Niners since Week 2.


vs.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins offensive line is a wreck, and Ryan Tannehill is throwing the football to the wrong team too often. As a result, this team is a prime matchup on the defensive side of the football. Enter the Steelers, who are still a free agent in more than 50 percent of NFL.com leagues, and you have a nice streaming option.


vs.
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts

The Texans defense took a massive hit when it lost superstar lineman J.J. Watt, but it's still a streamable option when the matchup is favorable. That's the case this week against Andrew Luck and the Colts, as opposing defenses have scored an average of 11.5 fantasy points against them. Houston shouldn't have a problem.


Sleepers:
Titans defense vs. Browns, Lions defense vs. Rams

Sit 'Em

vs.
Sit of the Week - Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders

The Chiefs defense scored a ridiculous 35 fantasy points in a Week 3 win over the hapless Jets. In their other three games, this unit has combined to score six points. That might be their ceiling this week in Oakland against a Raiders team that has been the least-attractive matchup for opposing defenses so far this season.


vs.
Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys

You might think that starting the Packers defense at home against a rookie quarterback would be a great matchup. Think again. Opposing defenses have combined to average just 2.4 fantasy points when facing Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense this season, so look elsewhere for a potential streaming defense this weekend.


vs.
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints

The Panthers defense has scored fewer than eight fantasy points in each of it's last three games, including two contests with a mere three points. That trend is likely to continue against Drew Brees and the Saints in what could be a high-scoring game in New Orleans. Sit the Panthers defense (and release them where needed).


vs.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. New England Patriots

Outside of a 13-point performance in Week 4, Cincinnati's defense has been less than stellar for fantasy fans. In fact, this unit has scored five or fewer points in each of their other four games. If that weren't enough to put this defense on the bench, here comes a difficult road game against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.


Busts:
Jets defense vs. Cardinals (MNF), Redskins defense vs. Eagles