Fantasy Football and NFL News, Rumors and Injury Updates

Strong Plays, Weak Plays - Week 6 - Updated

October 12, 2006 @ 16:00:00

By Nicholas Minnix
Edited by Ryan Dodson

Another year of football is here. Ho Hum. Wait, we're just kidding! We're very excited about the season and look forward to each week. We're pleased to again bring you the "Strong Plays/Weak Plays" feature. Here, we'll identify strong match-ups of interest you can exploit, as well as determine a few weak match-ups where discretion may be the better part of valor and you might want to consider benching your player in favor of a backup. Our intention is not to tell you the obvious, such as "start LaDainian Tomlinson or Peyton Manning," but to point out some match-ups involving typically lesser regarded players. Of course, we'll sometimes highlight a stud's match-up, particularly if it is an especially noteworthy strong or weak play.

Important, Please Read! Remember, just because a player has a strong match-up, it is not an automatic endorsement - saying they should be started - but it does provide you some valuable information to make decisions with. As an example, some players with the "strong" match-up tag may still be a No. 4 fantasy wideout and shouldn't be started ahead of your normal starters. He just may have greater potential than normal but not enough to warrant automatically benching someone else for him. Conversely, if a player is on the "Weak Play" list, he may not be an automatic bench, either. A stud won't have an easy match-up every week. However, he's a stud because he can overcome the "Weak Play" situation.

QUARTERBACKS - STRONG PLAYS

Michael Vick, Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants

Every year is supposed to be the one that Vick develops as a pocket passer, isn't it? Well, in the past four weeks (three games), Vick has completed 51.5 percent of his passes for 127 yards, 0.33 touchdowns and 0.67 interceptions per game. Vick has decided to get it done his way. In that same period, the left-hander has run for 95 yards and 0.33 touchdowns per game. He does have downfield threats in receivers Michael Jenkins, Ashley Lelie and Roddy White, plus dependable tight end Alge Crumpler.

This week Vick has the chance to score points with his legs and his arm. In the past four weeks (three games) quarterbacks have thrown for 229 yards and 2.33 touchdowns, with one pick, per game against the Giants. Keep in mind that against New York it could be boom or bust. In Week 3 they allowed five touchdown passes against the Seattle Seahawks, but in Week 5 they allowed zero to the Washington Redskins. Vick still makes an upper-tier No. 1 this Sunday.

J.P. Losman, Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions

Losman hasn't give fantasy owners many reasons to own him. In the past four games the third-year signal-caller has passed for 187 yards and one touchdown, with one interception, per game. Losman's favorite target is the speedy receiver Lee Evans. The two have not had much trouble getting it going against the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, the team's last two opponents. They have hooked up to the tune of 16 receptions for 184 yards and a score against two of the better pass defenses in the league.

It gets easier in Week 6. The Lions may have the worst pass defense in the league. In the past four weeks, Detroit has given up 291 yards and 2.8 touchdowns passing per game. The team has only intercepted opposing passers 0.3 times per game during that stretch. Losman looks like a good bet as a low-end No. 1 or a Bye fill-in.

NEW - Drew Bledsoe, Dallas Cowboys vs. Houston Texans

Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells had to once again clarify that Bledsoe would remain his starter, this time for Week 6. Fantasy owners and Dallas fans alike may not agree. In the past four weeks (three games) Bledsoe has thrown for 213 yards and 1.33 scores, with 1.33 interceptions, per game. With receivers like Terrell Owens, Terry Glenn and tight end Jason Witten, how is that possible?

Fantasy owners may not want to give Bledsoe the shaft so quickly. The Texans have let quarterbacks have their way. In the past four weeks (three games) players at the position have averaged 303 yards, 1.67 touchdowns and zero interceptions per game against Houston. Consider Bledsoe a third-tier No. 1 or Bye-week sub this week.

QUARTERBACK - WEAK PLAYS

Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panthers at Baltimore Ravens

Delhomme owners know that they must sometimes deal with a slow start from the fiery Panthers leader. In the past four weeks, for instance, Delhomme has thrown for 198 yards and one score per game. He hasn't thrown a pick though. Things are looking up with the return of favorite receiver Steve Smith.

Unfortunately, word is that Smith's hamstring will still limit him for an unknown length of time. Baltimore may also limit Delhomme in the fantasy points department. In the past four games the Ravens have held quarterbacks to 178 yards and 0.8 touchdowns passing per game. The team has also picked off 1.5 balls per game in that time. View Delhomme as no more than an injury sub this week. If you don't have that problem, you may want to bench him.

Eli Manning, New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons

Manning and the Giants are off to a slow start, but you wouldn't be able to tell from Eli's numbers. In the past four weeks (three games) Peyton's little bro has passed for 301 yards and 2.33 touchdowns, with 1.33 interceptions, per game. His decision making remains questionable, but fantasy owners love those stats.

The Falcons have made passers pay for their bad decisions this year. In the past four weeks (three games) opposing quarterbacks have thrown for just 227 yards and zero touchdowns per game. Atlanta has also intercepted 1.67 passes per game. The forecast doesn't look sunny in the Georgia Dome, making Manning an injury fill-in at best for Week 6.

RUNNING BACKS - STRONG PLAYS

Julius Jones, Dallas Cowboys vs. Houston Texans

After a disappointing sophomore effort, Jones might be conning head coach Bill Parcells into believing that he is in the fact the talented runner Parcells thought he drafted. Since Week 2 (three games) Jones has averaged 105 yards and 0.33 touchdowns rushing per game. He has also caught one pass for 22 yards in that time.

The Texans should continue to aid Jones in gaining Parcells' trust. In the past four weeks (three games) this team has allowed 135 yards and 1.67 scores rushing to backs. They've also given up 6.67 receptions, 73 yards and 0.33 TDs per game to the position in that time. Jones is in for a big week, so view hip as a top-tier No. 1 for Week 6.

Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins at New York Jets

Brown hasn't been the most productive back on the ground yet this season. He's averaged just 3.3 yards per carry on the season. But he does chip in as a pass catcher. In the past four weeks Brown has averaged 62 rushing yards, 4.3 receptions, 30 receiving yards and 0.3 total touchdowns per game. The scoring production is lacking, which is a major disappointment.

Things are looking up for Brown owners in Week 6, especially in the ground game. The Jets have been one of the most porous defenses in the league. In the past four games halfbacks have averaged 157 yards and 1.8 touchdowns rushing per game against New York. The position has also tallied two catches and 17 receiving yards per game against them. If quarterback Joey Harrington can keep the defense honest, Brown should make owners happy as a low-end No. 1 this week.

NEW - Maurice Morris, Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams

With starter and reigning-league-MVP Shaun Alexander (foot) ruled out for Week 6, Morris is in line to get one more start. In Morris' first outing in that role he carried 11 times for 35 yards and caught one pass for two yards. That was against the Chicago Bears in Week 4, however; the Seahawks were down big early, forcing them to go to the air. What could Morris do against a lesser defense?

We may find out in Week 6. The Rams have gotten off to a surprising 4-1 start thanks in large part to improved play on defense. However, backs have still found success, averaging 109 rushing yards, 4.8 receptions, 20 receiving yards and 1.3 touchdowns per game. This might be Mo's last chance to show what he can do before Alexander returns. View him as a low No. 3 or solid injury sub this Sunday.

Other Strong Plays of Note...

Since Week 2 (three games) San Diego Chargers running back Michael Turner has notched 87 total yards and 0.67 touchdowns per game. San Diego said it will experiment more with both him and stud back LaDainian Tomlinson in the backfield. In addition, Turner usually takes over for LT in blowouts. Such a game is possible against the San Francisco 49ers. In the past four games they have allowed 169 total yards, 1.3 total scores and 4.3 receptions per game to the position. Turner is a good choice as a low No. 3 or injury sub this week.

NEW - Tampa Bay Buccaneers fullback Mike Alstott can still be a force as a goal-line option for his team. In the past four weeks (three games) Alstott has gained five yards and 0.33 touchdowns per game on the ground. The club has utilized him 1.33 times per game inside the 5 in that time. Against a team with a soft middle, like the Cincinnati Bengals, anything is possible. Since Week 2 (three games) that team has given up 131 yards and two touchdowns rushing per game. Alstott is not a bad gamble as a low-end injury sub.

RUNNING BACKS - WEAK PLAYS

Travis Henry, Tennessee Titans at Washington Redskins

Henry, active for just the third time in five games, rushed for 123 yards and caught two passes for 10 yards as his team gave the Indianapolis Colts a royal scare. Since Week 2 (two games) Henry has averaged 92 rushing yards, two receptions and 10 receiving yards per game. Uncertainty has surrounded the Titans backfield, although Henry and back LenDale White appear to be the top options right now.

Uncertainty surrounds Henry's fantasy prospects in Week 6, too. Since Week 2 Washington has limited opposing backs to 91 yards rushing, 2.8 receptions, 43 yards receiving and 0.5 scores per game. Check on Tennessee's backfield situation throughout the week, and consider Henry as no more than a low No. 2 or high No. 3 for Sunday.

Leon Washington, New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins

Washington stepped in for an ineffective and banged up back in Kevan Barlow Sunday, Oct. 8, and rushed for 101 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Is there a controversy? Not yet, but stay tuned. Washington's workload has picked up in each of the last four weeks. In that time Washington has averaged 40 yards rushing, one catch and 17 yards receiving per game.

Exercise caution before plugging the rook in this week though, folks. A lot of Washington's production came when the outcome wasn't in doubt. And the Dolphins are no stiffs against the run either. In the past four games Miami has limited backs to 77 rushing yards, 3.3 catches, 18 receiving yards and 0.3 touchdowns per game. Consider keeping Washington on the bench unless you need an injury sub.

NEW - Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers vs. San Diego Chargers

Some wondered if Gore could handle the load after the team traded maligned tailback Kevan Barlow to the New York Jets. Gore shushed them immediately and in the past four games has averaged 95 yards rushing, 3.3 receptions, 21 yards receiving and 0.3 touchdowns per game. The coaching staff has expressed concern about his fumbling problems (four lost in five games), though. For the position, fellow back Michael Robinson got all three utilizations inside the 5 in Week 5.

San Diego should be another concern. Since Week 2 (three games) this team has held opposing backs to 50 rushing yards, 3.33 catches, 23 receiving yards and 0.33 total touchdowns. Don't look for Gore to be more than a low-end No. 3 back against the Chargers.

Other Weak Plays of Note...

Oakland Raiders running back LaMont Jordan's struggles in the early going have been no secret. The fantasy first-rounder has averaged just 78 rushing yards, a disappointing 1.67 receptions, 7.67 receiving yards and 0.33 touchdowns per game in the past four weeks (three games). His output isn't likely to increase against the Denver Broncos. In the past four weeks (three games) they've limited the position to 92 rushing yards, 7.67 receptions and 73 receiving yards per game. They have yet to allow a score to a back. Oh, and since Jordan is barely active in the passing game anymore, don't look for that from him. View him as a No. 3 back this week.

WIDE RECEIVERS - STRONG PLAYS

Darrell Jackson, Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams

Coming off a Bye week, D-Jax has put to rest any notions that he couldn't be effective after knee surgery. In his past three games he has averaged 5.67 receptions, 82 yards and one touchdown per game. Seattle has been utilizing four-receiver sets and passing more while back Shaun Alexander is out. That increases Jackson's chances.

In Week 6 you have to like his chances. The Rams are playing better, but their defense still has weaknesses. The biggest might be the pass defense. In the past four games wideouts have averaged 14 catches, 221 yards and 1.3 scores per game against St. Louis. Consider D-Jax a top-level No. 1 receiver this Sunday.

Lee Evans, Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions

Evans was taken as a No. 2 receiver in many drafts because of his big-play ability. With quarterback J.P. Losman throwing to him, however, that hasn't altogether materialized yet this season. Since Week 2 Evans has tallied 6.5 catches, 78 yards but just 0.3 scores per game. Defenses have clamped down on the team's No. 1 target.

Detroit has made many receivers look like stars, whether they have had help or not. In the past four games the Lions have given up 11 receptions, 162 yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game. Evans should have little trouble, so view him as a low No. 1 or high No. 2 in Week 6.

Other Strong Plays of Note...

Someone has needed to step up with Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Donte' Stallworth (hamstring) out of action for large portions of the past two weeks. Wide receiver Reggie Brown has been that player so far. In the past four weeks Brown has averaged 3.3 catches, 68 yards and 0.5 scores per game. His output is likely to continue against the New Orleans Saints. Since Week 2 that squad has yielded 11 receptions, 150 yards and 1.3 touchdowns per game to the position. Brown should serve you well as a high No. 2 this week.

WIDE RECEIVERS - WEAK PLAYS

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati Bengals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Fantasy leaguers who drafted Housh missed him for the first two weeks, but in his return he's been great. Coming off the Bye (and in two games) he has averaged 6.5 receptions, 95 yards and one touchdown per game. As the Cincinnati passing game looks to get back in sync, Houshmandzadeh should get better.

He should, but don't expect it to happen every week. For instance, in Week 6 he faces Tampa Bay. In the past four weeks (three games) the Buccaneers have held opposing wideouts to 9.67 catches, 126 yards and 0.33 scores per game. This Sunday is the time to temper your expectations from Housh; view him as simply a low No. 1 or high No. 2.

Joey Galloway, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Galloway owners have been wondering what's up with his numbers this season. They were encouraged Sunday, Oct. 8, when he caught four balls for 104 yards and a score. Perhaps he's back on track. Since Week 2 (three games) he has averaged 4.67 receptions, 93 yards and 0.67 touchdowns per game.

Don't get suckered in just yet. He does have a rookie (signal-caller Bruce Gradkowski) throwing to him. It's possible that Gradkowski snuck up on the team's Week 5 opponent, the New Orleans Saints. Coming off a Bye, the Bengals might not make the same mistake. In the last three games they've limited wideouts to 8.33 catches, 118 yards and 0.33 scores per game. Don't consider Galloway as more than a very low No. 1 or high No. 2 for Week 6.

NEW - Chad Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Johnson hasn't been himself yet in the 2006 season. Maybe taking away his end zone acts have crushed the poor guy's spirit. He has yet to catch a pass for more than 18 yards. In the past four weeks (three games) Johnson has notched just 4.33 receptions, 51 yards and 0.33 touchdowns per game. A shoulder injury has also hampered him.

Tampa Bay may be able to keep his mouth shut. In the past four weeks (three games) the Buccaneers have held opposing wideouts to 9.67 catches, 126 yards and 0.33 scores per game. It's hard to expect Johnson to get it going in Week 6. It's hard to believe, but consider Johnson a low No. 3 or a good Bye-week sub.

Other Weak Plays of Note...

New York Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles (calf) has played through the pain of his calf injury, but in Week 5, it did limit him some. In the past four weeks he has averaged 6.3 catches, 70 yards and 0.3 touchdowns per game. The Miami Dolphins won't help his cause. Since Week 2 that team has yielded only 11 receptions, 128 yards and 0.8 scores per game. Follow Coles' progress this week and expect no more than low No. 2 production from him this Sunday.

TIGHT ENDS - STRONG PLAYS

Alge Crumpler, Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants

Fantasy owners may be wondering why Crumpler's name isn't near the top of the points producers at the position this year. In the past four weeks (three games) the big man has just 2.67 receptions, 34 yards and zero touchdowns per game. Don't sweat, folks, he's still quarterback Michael Vick's favorite target. He has seven per game (12 percent), including 1.67 per game in the red zone (13 percent), in that time.

This week Vick should be able to unleash Crumpler. The Giants have been generous to the tight end position, giving up five receptions, 64 yards and 0.33 touchdowns per game. They might not have the personnel to stick with the more agile tight ends in the league. This week you should view him as no worse than a second-tier No. 1.

Randy McMichael, Miami Dolphins at New York Jets

McMichael seems to be asleep early in the season. Fantasy owners have noticed. In the past four games he has averaged 3.8 receptions and 47 yards per game. But with quarterback Joey Harrington taking the reins, McMichael caught seven balls for 84 yards in Week 5. Harrington's quicker release means McMichael might not have to block so much, freeing him to run pass routes.

The Jets might not want to see McMichael set free in their defensive backfield. In the past four games New York has given up 3.8 catches, 45 yards and 0.5 touchdowns per game to the position. That has included games against the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars, teams with no fantasy tight end to speak of. View McMichael as on the rise and a second-tier No. 1 in Week 6.

Other Strong Plays of Note...

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten's slow start (3.33 receptions, 38 yards and no touchdowns in three games over the past four weeks) has owners boggled. Facing a team with a poor pass rush should allow him to see more chances though. That's why the Houston Texans better watch out for him. Besides, in that same time period they have allowed five catches, 49 yards and 0.33 scores per game to the position. Witten can still be a nice low-end No. 1 tight end for you this week.

TIGHT ENDS - WEAK PLAYS

Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins vs. Tennessee Titans

Perhaps Cooley won't be such a hot fantasy contributor this season after all. Many had high hopes for him against the New York Giants. In Week 5 he could only muster four catches for 41 yards though. In the past four weeks Cooley has averaged 3.3 catches and 39 yards per game. He has yet to score this year. Quarterback Mark Brunell seems a liability to Cooley owners.

Tennessee might make Cooley a liability to your fantasy squad in Week 6. Despite the team's struggles, in the past four games tight ends have averaged a mere two receptions, 27 yards and no scores per game against the Titans. Cooley might be no better than an injury or Bye-week replacement for you this Sunday.

Jeremy Shockey, New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons

Shockey was one of the top fantasy tight ends coming into the season, but his production hasn't been there. In the past four weeks (three games) he has averaged just 2.33 receptions, 29 yards and no touchdowns per game. Shockey (ankle, foot) must deal with an ankle injury for the foreseeable future, and Sunday he injured his foot as well.

The Falcons certainly won't take pity on him. In the past four weeks (three games) this team has limited tight ends to 1.67 catches and 15 yards per game. Atlanta has yet to allow a touchdown to the position. View Shockey as a very low No. 1 or a Bye week sub for Week 6.

PLACE KICKERS - STRONG PLAYS

Robbie Gould, Chicago Bears at Arizona Cardinals

Gould kicks for the top offense in the leagues. No, not the Indianapolis Colts; it's the Chicago Bears! Kicking for this club has given Gould the chance to kick 3.3 field goals and 3.3 extra points per game in the past four games. He hasn't missed a kick of either variety yet this season.

That sort of success is likely to continue in Week 6. Arizona hasn't exactly been one of the better defensive units early on. In the past four games kickers have benefited, attempting 3.3 field goals and two extra points per game. View Gould as a top-tier No. 1 place kicker for this Sunday.

Nate Kaeding, San Diego Chargers at San Francisco 49ers

With teams attempting to shut down running back LaDainian Tomlinson and force quarterback Philip Rivers to beat them, it appeared as if this offense might stall. It hasn't, and Kaeding's production has been superb. Since Week 2 (three games) Kaeding has attempted 3.33 field goals and 2.33 extra points per game. Kaeding has been true on nine of his 10 field goal attempts in that time.

San Francisco's defense hasn't been able to stop anybody, really. That means the Chargers offense should score. In the past four games San Francisco has allowed kickers to attempt 2.3 field goals and 3.3 extra points per game. That also means Kaeding should score. View him as a first-tier No. 1 kicker this week.

Other Strong Plays of Note...

Baltimore Ravens place kicker Matt Stover got off to a strong start this year, but he has cooled off in the past two games. In the last four games Stover has two field goal attempts and one extra point attempt per game, though. The Carolina Panthers have been improving on defense, but kickers are still getting theirs. In that same time period, players at the position have attempted 2.8 field goals and 1.3 extra points per game. Stover is still a solid third-tier No. 1 kicker for you in Week 6.

PLACE KICKERS - WEAK PLAYS

Neil Rackers, Arizona Cardinals vs. Chicago Bears

This year Rackers isn't having the type of season that vaulted him to fantasy prominence last year. In 2005 he nailed a ridiculous 40 of his 42 field goal attempts. This year he's just 6-for-9. In the past four weeks he has attempted 1.8 field goals and 1.5 extra point attempts per game. He's been good on only four of his seven attempts in that time. With a rookie at quarterback, will this offense score at last year's pace?

The Cardinals aren't likely to score at last year's pace against Chicago. No one can score on them period. That includes kickers, who since Week 2 have averaged 1.5 field goal attempts and 0.8 extra point attempts per game. Consider benching Rackers for Week 6.

DEFENSIVE TEAMS - STRONG PLAYS

Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Chiefs are quickly becoming a dependable defense. Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart shocked them a bit by throwing two touchdown passes in the first quarter Sunday, Oct. After that, though, KC held them the team to six points the rest of the way. They also recorded four sacks and a pick. In the past four weeks (three games) the Chiefs have allowed just 9.67 offensive points per game while registering three sacks and two turnovers per game.

The Steelers aren't sporting that efficient offense from their Super Bowl season. Since Week 2 (three games) Pittsburgh has scored just 11 points per game on offense. They have also given up 3.33 sacks, 2.33 interceptions and 0.67 fumble recoveries per game. Consider the Chiefs a top-tier No. 1 defense in Week 6.

Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions

After a couple of weeks, it looked like the Bills were going to recapture the magic of their great season on defense in 2004. In the past four weeks, though, they have allowed 20 offensive points per game. They've notched 2.5 sacks but only one turnover per game in that time. They're probably looking forward to playing a more error-prone opponent.

Well what do you know? It says here that in Week 6 Buffalo visits Detroit. Since Week 2 that squad has scored 21 points per game on offense. It has also given up four sacks, 1.5 interceptions, 1.3 fumble recoveries and 0.5 defensive touchdowns per game to the defense. With that sort of potential, the Bills are worth the risk as a second-tier No. 1 defense this Sunday.

Other Strong Plays of Note...

The Miami Dolphins used to have a dominant defense. Some of the team's playmakers are still around, but they're getting old. Are they going to jell? In the past four weeks they have given up 16 offensive points per game. They have also recorded 2.5 sacks and 1.5 turnovers per game. They might be a team to keep an eye on, especially with their schedule. In Week 6 they face the New York Jets, who in their past four games have scored 15 points per game on offense. They have also yielded 3.5 sacks and two turnovers per game. View the Dolphins as a mid-tier No. 1 defense this week.

DEFENSIVE TEAMS - WEAK PLAYS

Cincinnati Bengals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bengals defense succeeds by creating turnovers and despite a lackluster pass rush. Its run defense also leaves a lot to be desired. Coming off the Bye, Cincinnati has allowed 25 points per game to opposing offenses. They have also managed just one sack and two interceptions per game in that time. The team recently learned it wouldn't be getting talented linebacker Odell Thurman back this season.

Tampa Bay has rookie quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, but they have done well to protect their passers this season. In the past four weeks (three games) the team has scored 16 offensive points per game. In that time they have also turned the ball over 1.67 times per game. In the past two games, they have scored 23 offensive points per game while yielding 1.5 sacks and one turnover per game. The Buccaneers might be getting it together. Don't think of the Bengals unit as more than a low No. 1 or Bye-week sub this Sunday.

New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons

The Giants are no longer sleeping, having shut the door on the Washington Redskins this past weekend. Despite switching to a bump-and-run coverage scheme, they still have some work to. Since Week 2 (three games) New York has averaged 1.33 sacks and 1.33 turnovers per game. They have yielded 23 offensive points per game in that time.

Other than a Monday night embarrassment in Week 4, Atlanta has operated like a well-oiled machine thanks to their top-notch running game. Coming off the Bye, the Falcons have scored 14 points per game on offense. They have yielded 3.33 sacks and only 0.67 turnovers per game in that time. It's too soon to expect this much from the Giants defense, so leave them on your bench in Week 6.

NEW - Washington Redskins vs. Tennessee Titans

The Redskins thought their team would be in better shape after five weeks. With a dependable defense, they could go places. Well, since Week 2 that defense has allowed 23 offensive points per game. They've also registered just 1.5 sacks and one turnover per game. That's not what they're looking for defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' unit.

Fantasy owners might be quick to use Washington's defense against the Titans, led by rookie quarterback Vince Young. After all, the team has averaged a mere 11 offensive points per game in its last four contests. They have surrendered one sack per game and turned the ball over 2.3 times per game in that time. But Young and the team showed rapid progress in a 14-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. They gave up no sacks and just one turnover while scoring those 13 points. This could be a trap game, so you should consider benching the Redskins defense in Week 6.