Week Six Fantasy Update: Start 'em Sit 'em

In the world of fantasy football, October means the heart of the season is well underway. Injuries vastly effect how fantasy owners' seasons unfold and since we're a month in to the season I can assure you that the injuries will continue to hit players hard.

Here's a few players you should start and, of course, those select few you should keep on your bench on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Start:

Mark Sanchez QB, NYJ (vs. DEN)

Sanchez has shown major improvement and maturity. With Braylon Edwards shining and the return of Santonio Holmes last week, New York's passing game will continue to thrive with Shonn Greene and Ladainian Tomlinson coming out of the backfield.

Drew Brees QB, NO (vs. TB)

Brees hasn't been quite up to par as compared to last year yet he still has the fourth-most passing yards in the league and has a convincing matchup with the Buccaneers today. It's not likely you would ever bench Brees, unless it's his bye week, but I thought I'd add him to the list just in case.

Ben Roethlisberger QB, PIT (vs. CLE)

Yes, I understand it's his first game since December of last season. But, he's been working out during his suspension, throwing 600-700 passes a week and seems to be in great football shape. Not to mention he's matched up with the hapless Cleveland defense. He may not even have to throw 30 passes today.

Brandon Jackson RB, GB (vs. MIA)

Aaron Rodgers looks to be making the start today, but if I was Mike McCarthy I would make sure I'm cautious with him. I don't expect him to throw the ball quite as often as usual, and giving Jackson (who is coming off a 115 yards performance vs. Washington last week) more carries.

Ryan Torain RB, WAS (vs. IND)

With the Colts giving up the third-most rushing yards in the league, I would expect the Skins to take advantage of that and run the ball more. Since taking over for Clinton Portis, Torain has yet to break 100-yards on the ground, but if he was to break 100, it would certainly be this week against Indy's weak run defense.

Hakeem Nicks WR, NYG (vs. DET)

Nicks has proved to be Eli Manning's go-to guy this season (has caught six of New York's eight receiving touchdowns). With Detroit's defense allowing the seventh-most passing yards in the league at this point, I expect Eli to throw the ball early and often, meaning Nicks will get plenty of balls thrown his way today.

Roddy White WR, ATL (vs. PHI)

White has played fantastic all season with three 100-yard games and three touchdown receptions so far. Philadelphia has allowed eight touchdowns through the air this season and Matt Ryan is poised for a big game in Philly. White is a must-start.

Steelers D/ST (vs. CLE)

This one seems a bit obvious to me. Pittsburgh is currently allowing the least amount of points a game and hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 30+ games. With the combination of rookie Colt McCoy making his first career start, you've got an easy 20 points.

Sit:

Brett Favre QB, MIN (vs. DAL)

Favre is expected to make the start, but that doesn't mean you should start him. Favre's elbow is bound to bother him at least a little, plus DeMarcus Ware and Dallas' defense will hit him with every chance they get. I would expect him to be sacked a couple times and maybe even throw a couple of INTs.

Darren McFadden RB, OAK (vs. SF)

McFadden, like Favre, is likely to play (Favre will start, McFadden will likely just see playing time). But, with Michael Bush in the lineup, McFadden isn't likely to see too much of the field this afternoon as he tries to rest his hamstring. McFadden has played very well all season, but I wouldn't risk too much this week and just keep him on your bench.

Calvin Johnson WR, DET (vs. NYG)

Johnson is active for this afternoon's game, but he obviously isn't 100% and lining Shaun Hill up against New York's defense, Johnson may not even get many chances to show he deserves to be in your team's lineup.

Percy Harvin WR, MIN (vs. DAL)

Harvin had a spectacular 97-yard, two touchdown game last week against the Jets, but don't expect the same result this week with Dallas in town. Like I said above, Favre will be thrown around like a rag doll and Randy Moss may get most of the targets anyways.

Week six is just half an hour away. Enjoy the early slate of games and check back for recap and analysis later on.

Photo Credits

Drew Brees: AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Brandon Jackson: AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Roddy White: AP Photo/David Richard

Darren McFadden: AP Photo/Ben Margot