Fantasy Football Breakdown - Week 6

Trying to take some risks this week instead of just going with the people from the "obvious names" department.

Rising Stars

QB: Aaron Rodgers. Call this the "Law of Facing the Detroit Lions". Although Rodgers is the #4 fantasy QB thus far (including a bye week!), I think he could be doing better. How? His offensive line has been terrible. How do you fix that? Get guys healthy through the bye week and then play the Lions. Big week for Rodgers.

RB: Maurice Jones-Drew. The Rams are not good in any aspect and MJD has a big game here. I don't think I need to say much else.

WR: Roddy White. Finally broke out last week and continues it this week. Playing at home definitely helps.

TE: Antonio Gates. Averaging 15 points per game this year, I think he gets more than that on Monday night. Guy always shows up in big games and Rivers will find him.

D: Eagles D. OK, so this is from the obvious name department. So what? They are playing the Raiders. Home run play here.

Sleepers

QB: David Garrard. He played great in week 4 but sucked it up in week 5. Supposedly he had the flu last week and that was the reason for his demise. Playing in SEA couldn't have helped, but I'll buy the flu thing. What else am I buying? Him playing STL at home this week. Big week for him.

RB: Steven Jackson. Going out on a limb here and predicting at least 80 yards and a TD for Jackson this week.

WR: Dwayne Bowe. He's on my fantasy teams and he looked good last week. Here's hoping he produces big this week. 100 yards and a TD.

TE: Jeremy Shockey. I'll bet he finds the end zone against his former team. It is the first time he's playing the Giants after leaving the team.

D: Redskins D. Perhaps another "obvious name" but there isn't much else out there outside of the top 10.

Duds

QB: Eli Manning. The Saints bring pressure and they are playing the G-Men at home. Manning still has a sore heal, and regardless of their performance thus far, his WRs aren't the most talented in the NFL. I think he struggles here and this game is more of a defensive matchup than people think.

RB: Ray Rice / Willis McGahee. One of the most consistent things in the NFL over the past three years? The Vikings run D. These two are averaging a combined 29 fantasy points per game and I don't think they get there this week. If I were owning these guys, I'd take 10 points and hope for a TD to boost me to 16.

WR: Chad Ochocinco. I don't think he shows up this week. He's averaging about 12 points per game - I'll guess he winds up with around 5.

TE: Chris Cooley. With Samuels out, he will continue to help block and it will hurt his pass reception totals. Even facing the Chiefs this week - I think he continues to suck it up and be a team player.

D: Broncos D. I like the Chargers in this matchup.