Lineup calls: Orton has a great matchup
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Jake Delhomme and Ronnie Brown have returned from devastating injuries to play at a high level. Kurt Warner's shone brightly in the Arizona desert. Kyle Orton and Gus Frerotte are strong starts for Week 6! I need say no more.
Let's break down the top plays at quarterback, running back and wideout in this week's first installment of Lineup Calls .
Top 10 Quarterbacks (not named Peyton Manning, Tony Romo, Drew Brees, Jay Cutler)
Kyle Orton at Atlanta
Holy sleeper! The Chicago passing game's shown signs of life for the first time since Erik Kramer was flinging balls in the late-'90s. Orton's thrown multiple touchdown passes in back-to-back games and will look to earn the hat trick against an Atlanta defense surrendering 222 yards and 1.8 passing touchdowns per game. The inclusion of Devin Hester in the passing attack is mighty intriguing, and Marty Booker can still make plays on the sidelines.
Kurt Warner vs. Dallas
The Dallas secondary's been depleted by injuries, and the pass rush has been inconsistent to date. That's good news for Warner, whose offensive line's been playing better week-over-week. This squad plays its best ball in the desert, and I suspect we get a nice shootout this weekend. He records his fourth straight multi-touchdown effort this weekend.
Jason Campbell vs. St. Louis
Campbell's growth has been accelerated, and he enters Week 6 in a tremendous spot against the Rams. He was shut out of the end zone last week, but that won't happen again. St. Louis has failed to surmount a consistent pass rush and currently ranks 28th in passing defense at 245.8 yards and two touchdowns per game. Lock Campbell into your lineup this week.
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Brett Favre vs. Cincinnati
Favre's had another week to work past his ankle injury and another week to work on timing with his receivers. That doesn't bode well for the Bengals this week. Cincy ranks fifth in pass defense, at 167.6 yards per game, but that number's skewed because of their inability to stop the run. Favre will make one or two of his inexplicable throws, but like Romo in Week 5, the final numbers will be strong from a fantasy perspective.
Eli Manning at Cleveland
Manning posted his second multi-touchdown game of the season in last week's laugher over Seattle. Look for him to record his third strong fantasy effort this weekend against the Browns, a defense lacking an identity. Embattled receiver Plaxico Burress returns to the mix, and the Giants believe they have another emerging option in Sinorice Moss. This could get ugly if the New York defense plays its game.
David Garrard at Denver
Garrard's discovered another strong receiving option in second-year man Mike Walker, and eventually they'll receive some returns from offseason acquisition Jerry Porter. I expect Garrard and the Jacksonville offense to get back on track this weekend against a Denver defense still trying to find its identity. Are they the defense that was run over for four weeks, or the one that played good fundamental football against the Buccaneers? I believe we see more of the former, as the Jaguars get production from the ground game.
Donovan McNabb at San Francisco
Fantasy owners are tired of playing the waiting game. McNabb posted a huge game in Week 1, but hasn't come close to repeating that top-notch performance in any game played thereafter. Might he get back in the good graces of fantasy owners this weekend? I believe his team meeting is a good sign. Perhaps he can rally his teammates to put forth a full four quarters of good, strong football. The 49ers have been opportunistic (seven interceptions) and apply persistent pressure (13 sacks), but I'm looking for the Philly defense to generate short fields.
Jake Delhomme at Tampa Bay
Delhomme's been one of the most pleasant surprises of the early going, getting back to 2004 form in his reunion with Muhsin Muhammad. This is a tough matchup, make no mistake about it. I'm not optimistic Delhomme posts a huge game in terms of yardage. However, I do expect another multi-touchdown performance.
Aaron Rodgers vs. Seattle
You have to admire his moxie. Rodgers battled through shoulder pain to complete three touchdown passes against the upstart Falcons last week. I'm still worried about the prospects of one more hit forcing him out against a Seattle defense that can't be as bad as it has played, can it? Seattle's allowing 201.7 passing yards and 1.75 passing touchdowns per game with just one interception. He continues his hot start this weekend.
Matt Cassel at San Diego
Growth takes time, and we're starting to see some of the traits that kept Cassel in the backup role for the past several years. He possesses adequate arm strength (witness his 66-yard strike to Randy Moss in Week 5), and this offense is starting to gel. Cassel will still make his share of mistakes, like going back to the well a second time on that deep ball to Moss, but I expect him to find success against the struggling San Diego defense. The Chargers have surrendered 265 passing yards per game and a league-worst 10 passing touchdowns.
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| Gus Frerotte has a delicious matchup against a susceptible Lions secondary. (David Sherman / Getty Images) |
Quarterback Sleeper Candidates
Gus Frerotte vs. Detroit
What do I need to say? Every quarterback who's played the Lions has become an instant fantasy star, and the 37-year-old Frerotte gets his chance at center square on Sunday. The Lions have surrendered eight touchdown passes and have yet to intercept a pass. Additionally, they've generated only four sacks. He's averaged 235 passing yards in the past two games and showed great heart in Monday's win over New Orleans.
Matt Schaub vs. Miami
Schaub returns to the lineup after missing Week 5 because of an illness. We can rest assured that he'll keep his feet firmly planted on the ground after Sage Rosenfels' aerial acrobatics of a week ago. Miami's been able to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but that hasn't translated into turnovers. Opposing quarterbacks are averaging 206 passing yards per game with a total of seven touchdowns against one interception. Schaub makes for a strong starter on the home turf, looking to build on his strong game from Week 4.
Chad Pennington at Houston
He may not throw for 300 yards or three touchdowns on a weekly basis, but Pennington's quietly become a consistent option in Miami as he acclimated to the system and established a rapport with his wide receivers. He faces a Houston defense that's struggled to produce a consistent pass rush while allowing 32.5 points per game. I expect another 200-225 yards and two touchdowns this weekend.
Quarterback Flop Candidates
Philip Rivers vs. New England
The shine's come off of Rivers during the past two weeks, and this San Diego offense has been depleted by injuries. The Patriots are still getting strong play from their aging defense (the Week 3 debacle against Miami excepted, of course), and I expect them to be up to the task this weekend. The Chargers are allowing just 175 passing yards per game, surrendering six touchdowns while generating five interceptions.
J.T. O'Sullivan vs. Philadelphia
O'Sullivan's been a solid weekly performer for fantasy owners, albeit uneven. The offensive line's struggled, and his yardage total's been hit-or-miss while turnovers pile up. I expect to see a rejuvenated Philadelphia team this weekend following a meeting led by quarterback Donovan McNabb. Jim Johnson will mix his blitzes and attack O'Sullivan, leading to turnovers and another handful of sacks.
Derek Anderson vs. New York Giants
Do you believe the Browns will turn things around this week following their bye? If so, then slot Anderson into your lineup. I'm taking a wait-and-see approach, particularly with the relentless pass rush and strong overall play of this unsung Giants team rolling in for a Monday night game. They've allowed just 154 passing yards per game with three total touchdowns while generating 15 sacks. To add injury to insult, it appears Anderson will be without Kellen Winslow. The return of Donte' Stallworth doesn't trump a limited or absent Winslow.
Top 10 Running Backs (not named LaDainian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Marion Barber, Steven Jackson, Clinton Portis, Frank Gore or Brian Westbrook)
Brandon Jacobs at Cleveland
You can't stop him. You can only hope he twists an ankle or needs a breather. The Browns are allowing 126 rushing yards and 1.5 rushing touchdowns per game. The Giants will be content to pound the ball and play defense, taking a page out of the Tennessee and Baltimore playbooks. Jacobs is averaging a robust 5.8 yards per carry and has bowled through for three touchdowns.
Ronnie Brown at Houston
Wildcat! It's the formation sweeping the nation, and Brown runs it perfectly. Will he run? Will he pass? It doesn't matter, he's going to score! He's demonstrated that concerns about his knee can be dismissed, as he's amassed seven total touchdowns (six rushing) in the past three weeks. This is another great spot against the Texans, a defense allowing 139.8 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns per game. Lock and load!
Reggie Bush vs. Oakland
He may never fit into the classic definition of a "running back." However, when you combine his rushing, receiving and return work (assuming you receive credit for it, of course), you have one of the most electrifying players in the game. Bush has averaged 106.6 total yards (rushing and receiving) per game on 20 touches. He's already caught 38 passes!
Matt Forte at Atlanta
Forte carried the ball a season-low 15 times last week, but the rookie tailback continued his goal-line prowess by rushing for a one-yard touchdown while adding a nifty touchdown reception (upheld upon review). His rushing total has dropped game-over-game, but he's still the single point of attack for the Chicago running game. Atlanta ranks 21st in run defense, surrendering 4.6 yards per carry (125.8 yards per game).
Julius Jones vs. Green Bay
The loss of Deion Branch puts Jones and the running game back to the front of the line. Jones had produced back-to-back 100-yard games prior to last week's debacle against the Giants. He still finished last week's embarrassing loss with a respectable total of 74 yards (61 rushing and 13 receiving). The Packers allow 161.5 rushing yards and one touchdown per game.
Maurice Jones-Drew at Denver
There has to be a breakout performance in here somewhere, doesn't there? Jones-Drew and the Jacksonville running game's struggled terribly this season, with MJD and Fred Taylor topping 50 rushing yards only once all year. I expect a better day ahead against the Broncos, a defense that's allowed 134 rushing yards and one touchdown per game.
Thomas Jones vs. Cincinnati
Jones has been stifled to date, and he's a "last chance" fantasy starter for owners this weekend. The matchup against the atrocious run defense of Cincinnati should be enough to get the ship righted, particularly coming out of a bye week. The Bengals have surrendered 171 rushing yards per game, and I expect the running game to get back on track this Sunday. While Jones will surrender carries to Leon Washington in this game, this is a good spot for this fantasy sleeper. If he doesn't wake up against the Bengals, he may never.
Steve Slaton vs. Miami
Slaton gave up some early carries to Ahman Green, but he received the touches that counted en route to a 93-yard, two-touchdown performance. My "man-crush" of 2008 has scored in three straight games, and I expect the Houston offense to perform more consistently with Matt Schaub back under center (no hydroplane efforts this week). The Dolphins surrender just 82 rushing yards per game, but Slaton will make his presence felt in the passing game.
Willis McGahee at Indianapolis
He's split carries with Le'Ron McClain, as he's done all season, and I suppose both players should appear here. McGahee's run well, taking on the full workload before leaving the past two games with injuries. I'm concerned about that again, but the Colts' bottom-ranked run defense is just too attractive a matchup to pass up.
Michael Turner vs. Chicago
Turner obviously faces a horribly difficult test against the Bears at home this weekend. He's been shut down in two road tests by the Buccaneers and Panthers (he averaged 49 rushing yards in those starts), and I'm not expecting a huge yardage effort here. However, he performs well on the fast track at home, and he's still set to amass a high carry total. Hope for the saver touchdown and a broken play that finds paydirt.
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| You have to like Felix Jones to break one against the Cards this Sunday. (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images) |
Running Back Sleeper Candidates
Michael Pittman vs. Jacksonville
Selvin Young's out with a groin injury, putting things up for grabs against Jacksonville. Speedster Andre Hall will pilfer carries, but Pittman's working as though he'll start this week. He's averaged 7.5 yards per carry in limited work during the past two weeks (10 carries), and we've frequently seen him in goal-line situations (four touchdowns). He's a strong spot play this weekend in place of Young. He won't pile up a ton of carries (I believe Ryan Torain will be that guy down the line), but he's a solid flier in the Flex slot this week.
Felix Jones at Arizona
He's a game-breaking threat, as evidenced by his 33-yard scamper early in Sunday's win over Cincinnati. Jones has scored in three of the Cowboys' first four games (remember, he didn't receive a carry in Week 4) while averaging nine yards per carry. Arizona's run defense has been strong, limiting opponents to fewer than 100 yards per game (97.8 yards per game) while allowing four rushing touchdowns. I expect a shootout in the desert, and I believe Jones will make his presence felt.
Correll Buckhalter at San Francisco
Buckhalter will get the starting nod, as Brian Westbrook was ruled out Sunday's game against the 49ers. Buckhalter inexplicably didn't record a carry last week against Washington, and I believe that Andy Reid shifts the play-calling to pound the prone San Francisco defensive front. The 49ers have surrendered nearly 129 yards per game on the ground, and I believe Reid and company get back to basics this week.
Running Back Flop Candidates
DeAngelo Williams at Tampa Bay
Fantasy owners sprained ankles making a jag to their computers on Sunday to put in a claim on Williams following his three-touchdown game against the hapless Chiefs. However, they need to temper their expectations for this waiver wire hero. The Buccaneers are allowing a shade less than 100 rushing yards per game (99.6) and have yet to surrender a rushing touchdown through five games. Williams needs to be in lineups because of his workload (at least 12 touches per game), but this is a tough matchup, particularly with Jonathan Stewart still working around the goal-line.
Earnest Graham vs. Carolina
It's been a difficult road for owners of running backs who have played against the Panthers. The Carolina front's surrendering fewer than 100 yards per game (98.4) and has allowed only one touchdown. Even more troubling is the committee situation occurring in Tampa Bay. Graham's been explosive in spurts (three runs of at least 46 yards), but veteran back Warrick Dunn's stealing a large share of the workload.
Joseph Addai vs. Baltimore
Something's amiss with the Indianapolis offense. The offensive line clearly isn't clicking on all cylinders. Peyton Manning hasn't been his normally efficient self, nor is Addai running with the same confidence of the back we saw in 2007. You're hoping for a short touchdown here off a turnover or to clean up a drive. The Ravens are allowing just 64 yards per game and have yet to surrender a rushing touchdown.
Cedric Benson at New York Jets
There was a rush to claim Benson this weekend after he ran well in limited duty against Dallas while Chris Perry was fumbling away the starting job. I believe there will be spots in which you'll start him. Perhaps you're hit hard by the bye week or have been hammered by injuries. However, you need to limit your expectations this weekend. The Jets have surrendered only 75.5 yards per game (3.1 yards per carry) on the ground. You can hope for the cheap touchdown, but the possibility of Carson Palmer returning to the sidelines this week leaves me concerned.
Top 10 Wide Receivers (exclude Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Brandon Marshall, Randy Moss, Plaxico Burress, Wes Welker, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Andre Johnson, Greg Jennings, Steve Smith and Terrell Owens)
Benard Berrian vs. Detroit
This is a matchup play, pure and simple. We put Berrian on the radar last week prior to the late-week injury that left his status for Monday against New Orleans in doubt. He finished that game with six catches for 110 yards and a score. He's a no-brainer this weekend against the Lions, a defense that's surrendered 249 passing yards per game, eight touchdowns and has yet to record an interception.
Jerricho Cotchery vs. Cincinnati
The Bengals played surprisingly well against the Cowboys, but Tony Romo still finished with three touchdowns. I'm expecting a similar effort from Favre in this home tilt coming out of the bye. He's healthy, and the extra week of work with his receivers can't be discounted. Cotchery's averaging 4.5 receptions and 60.3 yards per game with three touchdowns.
Torry Holt at Washington
The St. Louis offense struggled terribly ahead of the bye week, but Holt caught four or more passes in three consecutive games (one touchdown). I don't expect an immediate statistical surge from the dismissal of Scott Linehan, but I do expect the Rams to feed the ball to Holt with regularity.
Bobby Engram vs. Green Bay
Engram performed well in his return to the field, catching eight passes for 61 yards. I expect him to see a ton of passes this weekend from Matt Hasselbeck, particularly with tag-team partner Deion Branch back on the shelf. The Packers' secondary's been banged up, and though we don't expect a game-breaking play from Engram, we do anticipate a mountain of catches.
Santana Moss vs. St. Louis
Moss was shut out last week. That won't happen again this weekend against the Rams. St. Louis is tied for 31st (and last) in total defense, surrendering 36.8 points per game. Coming out of the bye week, I expect the St. Louis offense to play better, but I don't expect a fast turnaround for this defense. Moss won't be shut down again.
Steve Breaston vs. Dallas
Boldin isn't expected to play in Week 6 as he recovers from last week's surgery. He's capably stepped into the No. 2 slot in his absence, amassing 16 receptions for 199 yards. I expect to see his strong play continue this week against a banged-up Dallas secondary that'll play without Terence Newman. Arizona plays on a different level at home, and I expect them to pile up points.
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| Matt Jones has been the Jaguars' top receiver through the first five weeks. (Sam Greenwood / Getty Images) |
Matt Jones at Denver
His off-field issues have been chronicled at length here and in other forums on FOXSports.com, so I'll keep to Jones' resurgence as a receiver. Although he's been overshadowed by Mike Walker during the past two weeks, Jones remains David Garrard's security blanket and go-to receiver. I'm calling for the Jacksonville offense to play more efficient and consistent football this weekend, leading to red zone opportunities for Jones to shine. He's averaging 4.6 receptions and 53.8 receiving yards per game.
Lance Moore vs. Oakland
Moore couldn't repeat his explosive breakout performance from Week 5, but he still amassed five reception for 31 yards in the crushing loss to Minnesota. The Oakland defense has been solid against the pass (212.8 yards per game and five total touchdowns), although they've yet to face a passer of Brees' stature. With both Jeremy Shockey and possibly Marques Colston (a longshot) back for this game, Moore could slide under the radar.
DeSean Jackson at San Francisco
I'd originally included Reggie Brown as a top-10 play because of two strong efforts following his return to the lineup. Alas, Brown is back on the shelf for Week 6. The Eagles expect some contribution from Kevin Curtis, but Jackson stands to be the top option for Donovan McNabb once again. The 49ers are allowing 215.6 passing yards per game and have surrendered six passing touchdowns.
Calvin Johnson at Minnesota
I'm fearful about the quarterback situation in Detroit, to be sure, but I still like the matchup of Johnson against the Minnesota corners. Minnesota continues to be susceptible to big pass plays, as evidenced by last week's meeting with New Orleans. I concede that none of the quarterbacks who may line up under center resemble Drew Brees in any way, shape or form (well, Stanton did play in the Big 10). However, players make plays. So, start Johnson with confidence, as whomever lines up under center will need to keep throwing.
Wide Receiver Sleeper Candidates
Brandon Stokley vs. Jacksonville
Mike Shanahan advised reporters after Wednesday's workout that he expects Eddie Royal to play through his ankle injury this weekend against Jacksonville. With Selvin Young and Tony Scheffler already ruled out, that may be the case. However, I expect Stokley to be a more potent component of this offense. This banged-up Jacksonville secondary is clearly susceptible to the underneath route, as Ben Roethlisberger demonstrated beautifully in Week 5. Stokley caught six passes for 52 yards and a touchdown in place of Royal last week. I anticipate another strong effort this week, particularly for those owners in PPR leagues.
Greg Camarillo at Houston
Camarillo's receiving yardage total's risen in each of the Dolphins' first four games, and he's registered three or more receptions each week. He scored his first touchdown of the season in Week 5 against San Diego and warrants consideration for a spot start against the Texans.
Chansi Stuckey vs. Cincinnati
Stuckey scored in the Jets' first three games and narrowly missed extending the streak in Week 4 against Arizona. Brett Favre's on record gushing about the talent of the second-year receiver from Clemson, and he's clearly a target in the red zone. You're not receiving a ton of receptions or yards (unless perhaps, Laveranues Coles is sidelined by his hamstring injury), but Stuckey makes the most of his limited opportunities.
Wide Receiver Flop Candidates
Donte' Stallworth vs. New York Giants
Stallworth's yet to see the field this year, having been sidelined by a quadriceps injury. Fantasy owners and Cleveland fans alike have anxiously awaited his return, hoping that offering a complement to Braylon Edwards could jumpstart the offense and sagging fantasy returns from Edwards and quarterback Derek Anderson. That may be the case in the weeks ahead, but I want to see Stallworth get through a full game and see this offense in action. I don't believe a battle with the Giants is the proper spot to gamble on a WR3.
Isaac Bruce vs. Philadelphia
Bruce's resurgence has been a nice story in San Francisco, but I'm not optimistic for another sizable effort this week against Jim Johnson's defense. The Eagles were able to eliminate Santana Moss from the Week 5 game against Washington (two looks, zero catches). The blitzing schemes will give J.T. O'Sullivan fits. Bruce may record a saver touchdown, but I expect a smallish effort this weekend against a refocused Philadelphia defense.
Marvin Harrison vs. Baltimore
Harrison had his best game of the season in Week 1 against the Bears (eight receptions for 76 yards). He hasn't come close to matching that production in any game since, disappointing fantasy owners with a weak four-reception, 32-yard game against the Texans. He may take on a larger role should Anthony Gonzalez be unavailable. I just don't have confidence against the Ravens.
Keep your browser locked onto FOXSports.com for all of the latest player and team news as the countdown to kickoff winds down. You can contact me during the "FOX Fantasy Freaks" on FOX Sports Radio on Sunday morning from 10am ET-12pm ET (7am PT-9am PT).
Good luck!





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