Fantasy Football Week 6 – Sunday Rewind

Coach fight! Read more to see what got these guys fired up and who you should fire from your fantasy team after week 6. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Sunday Rewind is a weekly feature of fantasyCPR where we look back at the NFL games from the past Sunday from a fantasy football perspective. For each game there’s a two-word summary of the game, a “star standout” (someone we expect to do good and did), a major letdown (someone we expected to do good and didn’t), a “person you need to get to know” (someone we didn’t expect to do good but did anyway), and a brief injury update on any fantasy significant injury in the games yesterday. Make sure you keep coming back each day throughout the week for updates, player rankings, and previews of the upcoming week, but first let’s look back and see what we can learn from a wild week 6 in the NFL.

Carolina at Atlanta

Two words: Rush defenseless-the Panthers have no rush defense so take advantage when your RB’s have them on the schedule

Star standout: Michael Turner-took full advantage of the matchup and ripped off 139 yards and 2 TDs

Major letdown: Roddy White-without Julio he seemed poised for a huge game but the success on the ground led to a 2 catch, 21 yard day. He still led the team in targets with 5 and is the go-to guy. If and when the Falcons passing game works it’ll be hot-Roddy that leads the way. The hard part is waiting for it because he single-handedly killed fantasy teams this week.

Person you need to get to know: Greg Olsen-If he’s still available in your league, go get him now. Olsen caught 5 for 42 but was targeted a whopping 10 times by Cam Newton and is becoming the complement to the speedy Steve Smith on the outside.

Significant injuries: None

Indianapolis at Cincinnati

Two words: Bengals defense-Blocked FG and pick 6 seal the win for the surprising 4-2 Bengals.

Star standout: Andy Dalton-264 and a touch will get you the nod in this game since the star power in this one was low anyway.

Major letdown: Cedric Benson-Not only for his 57 yards, but more for the split backfield situation that clearly has emerged in Cincy with Leonard and Scott eating away at his touches.

Person you need to get to know: Jerome Simpson-has become Andy Dalton’s favorite target leading the team with 9 targets and had 6 catches for 101 yards today. Cincy’s D is definitely worth a look too when they come back from their bye next week.

Significant injuries: None

San Francisco at Detroit

Two words: Coaches clash-The coach fight unfortunately overshadows the huge road win for the Niners. They have full control of the NFC West and we legitimately could get a rematch of this game in the playoffs. I’m sure the coaches would love that.

Star standout: Frank Gore-141 yards on just 15 carries and 5 yards on 2 catches plus his TD make his the standout in a surprisingly low fantasy scoring game. Megatron also had a good game but no TD for the first time this year.

Major letdown: Vernon Davis-only had 2 catches for 5 yards in what looked like a good matchup but wasn’t.

Person you need to get to know: Brandon Pettigrew-If he’s available he’s another TE that you need to grab right away.  His 8 for 42 and a touch were impressive but his 14 targets hint that even more may be to come.

Significant injuries: None

St. Louis at Green Bay

Two words: Rodgers rules-this GB offense just keeps rolling along.

Star standout: Aaron Rodgers-310 and 3 TDs. The offense stalled in the second half but he’d already lit it up enough in the first half for it not to matter. He and Brady are the 2 QB’s everybody wants in fantasy until further notice.

Major letdown: Anyone in a Rams uni-No TD’s for the whole team even though the yardage wasn’t all bad. (Bonus Note: Mike Sims-Walker was inactive so if you bought the “sleeper” tag it’s ok to cut him now)

Person you need to get to know: Greg Salas-10 targets today and he pulled in 8 for 77 yards. He might be a decent bye-week fill in over the next few weeks.

Significant injuries: Bradford is a little dinged (sore ankle), but things should be ok for next week, but definitely keep an eye on him if he’s your starter.

Philadelphia at Washington

Two words: Eagles back?-Again the Eagles had a poor second half and 2 turnovers but Bad Rex showed up for Washington and gave this game to the Eagles

Star standout: LeSean McCoy-The recipe for success for the Eagles may be to rely on him more and Vick less. Today he put up 126 yds on the ground and 13 through 2 catches to go with his TD. If Andy Ried is as smart as some people think he is, they’ll keep running the ball in the coming weeks.

Major letdown: Rex Grossman-143 yards 4 INTs: Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…

Person you need to get to know: Ryan Torain-His numbers weren’t great but he does appear to be the go-to guy in the ‘Skins backfield.

Significant injuries: Chris Cooley broke his finger so if you were waiting for him to supplant Fred Davis, stop.

Buffalo at New York Giants

Two words: Great state-the instate matchup was an awesome one as the Bills showed they could hang with the Giants in NYC even though ultimately the G-men were too much.

Star standout: Ahmad Bradshaw-104 yards rushing, 26 yards receiving and 3 TDs. He’s enjoying his time alone in the backfield and we have to wonder what Jacobs’ role will be when he returns

Major letdown: Vincent Cruz-2 catches for 12 yards. Manningham and Nicks are back and healthy. Cruz’s looks and catches will be inconsistent as long as that is the case.

Person you need to get to know: Jake Ballard-another fill in TE as Ballard caught all 5 passes thrown his way for 81 yards.

Significant injuries: None.

Jacksonville at Pittsburgh

Two words: Underwhelming win-sorry Pitt fans; you’re team did win at home but it was way to close and ugly.

Star standout: Rashard Mendenhall-Welcome back Rashard (146 yards and a touch)

Major letdown: Ben Roethlisberger-After 5 TD’s last week Ben owners were salivating over the Jags matchup. He did throw one and get to 200 yards, but most were hoping for way more.

Person you need to get to know: Deji Karim-Not really much of note in this game but he did get 5 carries and rush for 21 yards. He’s a handcuff for MJD and could be more in case of injury to pocket Hercules.

Significant injuries: None.

Cleveland at Oakland

Two words: Good Bye-to both Al Davis, whose run as a motivating factor has his team 2-0 since his death, and Jason Campbell, whose injury means his team will struggle to win 2 the rest of the season.

Star standout: Run DMc-In a game where a fake FG and a kick return were 2 of the TD’s McFadden went for 91 yds and a score. McCoy had 2 TD’s and 215 yards, but other than that not many fantasy points scored here.

Major letdown: Peyton Hillis-His enigma of a season continues as he only got 6 carries for 14 yards. Why was he on the sidelines? Good question…

Person you need to get to know: Montario Hardesty-He’s the beneficiary of the Hillis absense. He got the touches this week (11 carries and 4 targets) which could lead to more production in favorable circumstances

Significant injuries:  Campbell gives way to Kyle Boller. This might actually give a boost to both McFadden and Bush because the run-first Raiders could become the run-only Raiders in the weeks to come.

Houston at Baltimore

Two words: Ravens Defend-their defense again was solid and they also defended their home turf against an Andre Johnson-less Texan offense that couldn’t get it going.

Star standout: Anquan Boldin-8 catches for 132 yards but no TDs. Flacco and Rice had piles of yards but no touchdowns as well as the trio continually set up Billy Cundiff FG’s

Major letdown:  Owen Daniels-2 catches for 13 yards. The other names mentioned throughout this piece might be better options at TE than Daniels at least until Johnson returns from his injury

Person you need to get to know: Jacoby Jones-a name thrown around as a waiver wire option finally (sorta) came through with 4 catches, 76 yards, and the lone TD of the day from Schaub. He’s worth a flier if you need a bye-week fill-in at least until Johnson returns

Significant injuries: None

New Orleans at Tampa Bay

Two words: Freeman Again-Josh Freeman and the Blount-less Bucs upset the Saints as the only home underdog of the week (depending on when you looked at the Eagles line). Freeman wins games; sometimes you wonder how, but he did it again.

Star standout:  Drew Brees (383 yds, TD), Marques Colston (7 for 118 and a TD) and Jimmy Graham (7 for 124) all showed why they’re considered some of the best in the game even in defeat. These guys are no-brainer starts

Major letdown:  Pierre Thomas-His role in the backfield continues to shrink as evidenced by his 7 carries for 11 yards, a fumble, and 1 target.

Person you need to get to know:  Aurelius Benn-3 catches for 83 yards and a TD. He emerged as a #2 weapon across from a rejuvenated Mike Williams. Maybe this was what the Tampa passing game needed to get back on track.

Significant injuries: Sean Payton the coach of the Saints broke his leg and tore his ACL. I don’t think it means much fantasy-wise, but the injury was painful to watch and a reminder of how fast those big guys run up and down the field each week.

Dallas at New England

Two words: Brady Clutch-Tom terrific did it again as the Pats drove for the winning score in the closing minutes of the game over the Romo-coaster who was fine except Dallas kicked FGs twice when they needed TDs.

Star standout:  Aaron Hernandez is back on the fantasy scene with 8 catches for 68 yards on a team-leading 14 targets and the game-winning TD. Both Brady (289, 2 TDS, 2 INTs) and Romo (317, 1 TD, 1 INT) did fine but not outstanding especially by their lofty standards.

Major letdown:  BenJarvus Green-Ellis-If owners expected last week to be the norm they got a rude awakening with just 58 yards, 0 TDS, and a catch for 11 yards. The thing is with the Pats the run game will always be inconsistent since it all depends on the gameplan drawn up by the hoodie (can’t wait for it to get cold enough for it).

Person you need to get to know:  DeMarco Murray-He and Tashard Choice split time after fragile Felix exited, but it was Murray that got the majority of the carries (10 for 32) while also being targeted twice out of the backfield (1 catch for 7 yards). If Felix is out he may be a bye-week flex play.

Significant injuries: Felix Jones left with what is now being called a high ankle sprain. It’s highly doubtful if it really is a high ankle sprain that he’ll be around for week 7. Look elsewhere if he was your RB2.

Minnesota at Chicago

 Two words: Ponder Era-welcome it, Minnesota, because Donovan’s done. Cutler, Forte and the Bears might be a decent team but they’re stuck in a division with the Lions and Packers so the playoffs will be a tough platform for them to reach.

Star standout:  Jay Cutler-his 267 yards and 2 TD’s were solid enough to get the fantasy star but the real hero of the game is in the “person you need to get to know” segment

Major letdown: Adrian Peterson could only get 39 yards and a touchdown against a Bears D that gave up big plays to Jahvid Best but played much better last night.

Person you need to get to know:  Devin Hester continue to tantalize fantasy owners with flashes of ability as a receiver. His speed and quickness might make him a feasible option at receiver if his 7 targets become the norm. 5 catches for 91 yd and a receiving TD to go with his return TD make him somebody worth at least taking a look at. Maybe the Bears found the answer to their receiver issues already on the team.

Significant injuries: Unfortunately we need to continue the Hester discussion in this segment because he left with a chest injury. Coach Lovie Smith said he didn’t think it was serious, but if you do take the flyer on Hester make sure you monitor his practice throughout the week.

Tags: Fantasy Football, fantasy sports, Football, NFL, NFL week 6, Sunday rewind