Fantasy football: week six

By Ryan Kerr, contributing writer
Posted on October 11, 2007

Fall is finally here, fantasy owners. With the weather cooling down throughout the country, you must start factoring location into your weekly fantasy starts. Warm-weather teams like Arizona, Tampa Bay and Miami have seen their seasons melt with the change of the seasons. The Cardinals and Buccaneers are tied for 1st in their respective conferences with records of 3-2; it will be interesting to see if they can can continue to play well and maintain those leads throughout the season.

How about that Monday Night Football game between the Cowboys and the Bills? Less than a week after I praised Tony Romo for being a Top-5 NFL quaterback, all he does is go out and tie a Cowboys single-game interception record. With 5 interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns, Romo showed us that anything can happen in a given week. Unfortunatly for the Cowboys, who won on a 53 yard field goal by rookie kicker Nicholas Folk, they get New England at home next week for the game of the season. 

I have decided to try something new with the weekly fantasy football article. Each week I am going to answer a question from a reader regarding who to start. For example, Clinton Portis or Chester Taylor. I will give you, the reader, a breakdown of who I think should start. I will keep a weekly tally of how accurate I am to prove my fantasy worth. Send your “Who to Start” emails to kerrrj@jmu.edu by Tuesday night before next week’s game. For this week though, here are my studs to start, duds to sit, and sleeper picks for Week 6.         

STUDS

Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia

The much-maligned QB has his back against the wall. The 1-3 Eagles have placed all of the burden on McNabb to turn their season around, and quickly. Look for D-Mac to tourch a Jets defense that wouldn’t be able to stop the Harrisonburg Blue Streaks. 

Line: 250 yds and 3 TDs.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville

Week 5 gave fantasy owners their 1st MJD sighting of the year. Before his long 52 yard touchdown scamper against the Chiefs, Drew looked more like MGD-light. Drew should have his way against an improving Texans defense.

Line: 110 yds and 1 score.

DUDS

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota

Mr. Peterson will have his first taste of elite NFL defense.  Although the Bears have given up more points then fantasy owners are used to, they still crush against the run.  Look for Minnesota to go nowhere.

Marques Colston, New Orleans

Colston has been the ideal example of an overrated player losing his luster in year 2.  Joe Horn was able to draw teams’ #1 corner a year ago.  With Horn gone, Colston has been downright ineffective.  Seattle is no juggernaut, but until I see some improvement, Colston is staying on the bench.

SLEEPERS

Kurt Warner, Arizona

The two-time MVP is back in the saddle for a decent Cardinals team.  If Warner can keep his fumbles down, look for him to put up decent fantasy numbers.

Wes Welker, New England

With all of the attention on Randy Moss and Donte Stallworth, look for the former Dolphin to have a huge game Sunday night. Welker will be able to contribute on punt returns, kickoffs, and as a recevier.