This Week Around The NFL.

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 6: Kickers.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Adam Vinatieri vs. Houston Texans

Vinatieri, last week's kicker start of the week, went off for 21 fantasy points against the Bears. He's now scored more points than Todd Gurley, Odell Beckham Jr. and DeAndre Hopkins (among other fantasy stars). Next up is a date with the Texans, who have allowed an average of almost 10 fantasy points a game to kickers this season.




vs.
Justin Tucker vs. New York Giants

Tucker has seen his numbers decline in recent weeks, as he's scored a combined 11 fantasy points in his last two games. Still, it's tough to bench him when the matchup is favorable ... and that's the case against the Giants. Their defense has allowed an average of more than 10 fantasy points a game to kickers in the last four weeks.




vs.
Nick Novak vs. Indianapolis Colts

Novak hasn't been the most consistent kicker in fantasy football, but he has scored 11 or more points in three of his first five games. Owned in just six percent of NFL.com leagues, the veteran is a viable option against the Colts. Indianapolis has allowed an average of just under 11 fantasy points per game to kickers this season.




vs.
Graham Gano vs. New Orleans Saints

Gano has cooled down after a red-hot start, scoring a combined 13 fantasy points in his last three games after scoring 24 points in his first two contests. I expect him to rebound in New Orleans, however, as the Saints defense has allowed an average of almost 10 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers in the last four weeks.


Sleepers:
Chris Boswell at Dolphins, Jason Myers at Bears

Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Josh Brown vs. Baltimore Ravens

Brown has scored nine or more fantasy points in three of his first four games, so he's a tough kicker to bench in most leagues. Keep in mind, though, that this week's matchup against the Ravens makes him a risk. In their first five games of the year, no kicker has scored more than four fantasy points against Baltimore's defense.




vs.
Matt Bryant vs. Seattle Seahawks

Bryant has been one of the league's hottest fantasy kickers, but can he keep his streak of high-end production alive in Seattle? The Seahawks have given up an average of just 5.5 fantasy points to kickers, and just one of the opposition's booters has scored more than five points (Greg Zuerlein). Temper your Bryant expectations.




vs.
Mike Nugent vs. New England Patriots

Nugent scored double-digit fantasy points in his first two games, but the veteran has failed to score more than six in two of his last three including a two-point stinker against the Cowboys. Next up on the schedule is a date with the Patriots, who have surrendered an average of just four fantasy points per game to kickers.




vs.
Matt Prater vs. Los Angeles Rams

Prater, listed as a sit 'em last week, scored a mere six fantasy points in a win over the Eagles. The former fantasy star should be on your bench again this week, as Prater faces a Los Angeles defense that's surrendered an average of just 4.4 fantasy points per game to kickers. There are much better options out there on the waiver wire.


Busts:
Dustin Hopkins vs. Eagles, Mason Crosby vs. Cowboys

 

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[Greenbacks]

LeSean McCoy ready to erupt for fantasy owners.

Air Analysis:

Carson Palmer vs. Jets Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer is slated to return against the Jets after sitting out last week with a concussion. Palmer had been struggling to start the season, so hopefully the time off will help him refocus and start fresh.
He walks into an ideal situation for a veteran quarterback: a home tilt against the Jets' 31st-ranked pass defense that allows 302.4 passing yards per game. I wrote last week in this space about how the Jets have been susceptible to giving up deep completions, and the Steelers attacked that weakness early in Week 5 when Ben Roethlisberger hit Sammie Coates for a 72-yard touchdown on Pittsburgh's third snap of the game.
Palmer and the Cardinals have a deep threat too, maybe you've heard of him before: John Brown. New York is second in the league in pass plays of 40-plus yards allowed this year, with at least one in each game so far and eight total. Palmer could go deep early to challenge this weakness the way the Steelers did. In addition to the huge plays, the Jets have given up more than 20 points in every game this season.
It'd be no surprise if the Cardinals veered from the run-heavy approach they employed last week against San Francisco and attacked the Jets through the air on Monday night.

Joe Flacco vs. Giants
Joe Flacco is primed to air it out against the Giants following the firing of offensive coordinator Marc Trestman in the wake of a Week 5 meltdown.
Flacco, who has 215 pass attempts this season, most in the NFL, is averaging just 5.9 pass yards per attempts which ties him for the fewest in the league with ... Blaine Gabbert. In case you can't do the math yourself, that is a terrible statistic. Now that the handcuffs are off though, Flacco should be looking to take advantage of the biggest weakness in the Gaints' defense: the secondary. New York ranks 20th in pass defense in addition to their dead-last ranking in sacks, 30th in third down defense and last place ranking in turnovers. That sounds like an ideal situation for a Ravens offense, currently fifth in passing despite recent struggles, to produce through the air. The Giants have also allowed 15 plays of 20-plus yards in their last three games, and have surrendered 25.3 points per game in that span.
With Mike Wallace and Breshad Perriman locked in as downfield threats, Flacco should look to let off some steam with the deep ball, making him an ideal Air candidate for the week. He'll have no trouble beating his 14.9 fppg average on Sunday.

Ground Analysis:

LeSean McCoy vs. 49ers
LeSean McCoy was the FedEx Ground winner in Week 3, and got another nod in Week 5 thanks to his 150 yards on the ground on 18 carries.
This week, he'll look to make a huge statement as the Bills attempt to improve to 4-2 in a home game against the 49ers.
McCoy has proven that he's virtually matchup proof thus far, putting up solid numbers against some of the league's better rush defenses:
That's some impressive production to say the least. McCoy has played better this season than he did last year, too. His rushing yards per game is up to 89.4 from 74.6 last season, as well as his average yards per carry which has increased from 4.4 last season to 5.3.
Pretty much every factor ahead of this matchup points to a huge game for McCoy. Through five games, McCoy ranks 10th in rush attempts (85), is fourth in rushing yards (447) and is fantasy's sixth-highest scoring running back in standard leagues with a 15.6 fppg average. His strong start has the Buffalo rushing offense ranked third in the NFL, averaging 137.2 rushing yards per game as a team. San Francisco's rush defense is allowing 146.8 rushing yards per game, good enough to rank 31st in the league. The 49ers have been nothing short of abysmal against running backs, allowing 501 rushing yards and five touchdowns to the position over the last four weeks.
Everything is set up perfectly for McCoy to gash the 49ers, so fantasy owners should be doing all that they can to make room for him in their lineups.

Lamar Miller vs. Colts
From a fantasy football perspective, it's now or never for Lamar Miller. Despite ranking fourth in rush attempts (101) and ninth in rushing yards (371), the Houston running back has just 45.3 fantasy points through five games which ranks him 22nd at the position. His 9.1 fppg average is fewer than even the unreliable and mediocre Matt Jones.
Fortunately, Miller this week faces a Colts defense that has allowed 30-plus points in three of five games thus far. Indianapolis also allows 109 rushing yards per game and has surrendered the fourth-most rushing touchdowns, five. If he sees his normal volume (throw last week out) of about 23 attempts per game, Miller should be able to produce RB1-type numbers.
The Colts have been destroyed by running backs. In Week 1, the Lions' committee racked up 229 total yards against them. Week 2 saw C.J. Anderson post over 90 rush yards and a score against them. Melvin Gordon put up 78 yards and a rushing touchdown against Indy in Week 3. T.J. Yeldon posted 100 yards in London against the Colts. And last week, Jordan Howard racked up over 163 total yards and a receiving touchdown in Indianapolis. All of that equates to 24.48 fppg allowed to opposing runners.
If Miller and the Texans cannot get their stagnant offense going on Sunday night, it may be time to throw in the towel for Miller's fantasy value. But the outlook for this week is bright, so make sure Miller is slotted into your fantasy lineup with this favorable matchup on tap.

 

[Greenbacks]

15 must-read fantasy football stats for Week 6.

1) Lamar Miller is averaging 20.2 carries per game and 3.7 yards per rush, along with 2.8 receptions per game with 5.9 yards per reception.
The Texans offense overall averages 16.4 points per game (tied-31st), 4.66 yards per play (31st), while scoring six touchdowns on 62 drives for a 9.7 percent touchdown rate (32nd). However, since head coach Bill O'Brien took over play-calling duties in Week 4, their points per game and yards per play are both trending up (and remember they faced the Vikings and that lockdown defense last week).

Fantasy Impact: The Colts' defense allows 109.6 rushing yards per game (18th), 410.6 total yards per game (30th) and 29.6 points per game (tied-30th). I know that Lamar Miller's volume was down last game (only eight rushes and one reception) but that was the Vikings and this is the Colts. My projections rank Lamar Miller and DeAndre Hopkins in the top 10 at their respective positions (Lamar Miller in the top seven), and Will Fuller also has a projection that exceeds expectations (top-30 WR for me). Since my math has the Texans edging out the Colts in a game with a normal amount of total points, I wouldn't play all my Texans in say, Perfect Challenge formats.

2) T.Y. Hilton has been targeted 10-plus times in every game this season
Last week, both Hilton and Jarvis Landry were on this streak, and this week Hilton stands alone. If you look at his home and away splits so far, the two away games (Jacksonville and Denver) stand out as far less than his averages. So far this season in home games he averages 141.3 receiving yards with two scores versus 41.5 receiving yards with one score in away games. He's playing on the road this week against the Texans defense so ...

Fantasy Impact: T.Y. Hilton is a top-12 wide receiver this week. In the past two games, the Texans' defense (without J.J. Watt) has allowed an average of 25.5 points per game (up from 17.7 in first three games), 335.5 total yards per game (up from 277) and 225.5 passing yards per game (up from 151.3). They've also reduced their sack average from 3.3 to 1.5 per game.

3) Andy Dalton's passer rating was 153.3 on pass attempts of 20-plus air yards to A.J. Green in Weeks 1-4.
He was 5-of-7 for 201 yards and a touchdown in those four games (which included the Broncos). Last week against the Cowboys, Dalton had only a 39.6 passer rating on two deep attempts to Green… neither of which were caught. Our NFL Next Gen Stats track this metric, and the Patriots defense allows only a 56.6 passer rating against deep passes, which is below the NFL average of 79.8.

Fantasy Impact: There is a good chance the Bengals will be playing from behind, possibly even very behind. Green's 52 targets lead the team and rank sixth in the NFL. Those deep catches are likely something we will see this week. I say catches (and not targets) because based on a longer history than just last game he's almost coverage-proof. With Tyler Eifert's out, there's a good chance Green's targets are above his 10.4 per game average. Also, I know Brandon LaFell saw 11 targets and caught eight of them for 68 yards and two touchdowns against the Cowboys last week, but if you're looking for a Perfect Challenge value I would stick to the potential upside from Green here. Green has the highest ceiling for any wide receiver this week and is in the top-seven in my median projections for his position.

4) Last week Gronk lined up in the slot for 21 plays (19 percent) where he caught three passes on five targets for 30 yards
He lined up tight on 78 plays (70 percent) where he caught two passes on the three targets that came his way for 56 yards. The Bengals' defense has allowed 13.9 yards per reception (fifth-most in the NFL) to pass-catchers out of the slot. They're also tied with the Detroit Lions in giving up the most touchdowns out of the tight end alignment (three).

Fantasy Impact: Remember above when I told you that the Pats will likely be playing with a lead? That limits the upside for Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett just a bit. Gronk is my TE2 and Bennett is my TE8. Julian Edelman is closer to a top-20 wide receiver this week.

5) Christine Michael is averaging three receptions per game and caught five passes in Seattle's Week 4 game against the Jets.
The Falcons' defense has allowed 45 receptions on 51 targets to running backs (second-most in the NFL) for a total of 357 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns (both third-most in the NFL). The Falcons also allow 98.6 rushing yards per game (15th).

Fantasy Impact: Michael is a top option in both standard scoring and PPR formats. Russell Wilson is my No. 5 quarterback for the week.

 

[Greenbacks]

6) Last year, Alex Smith had a 70.2 percent completion rate on passes intended for Jeremy Maclin, this year it's tracking at 54.1 percent.
Maclin earned 1,088 yards and eight touchdowns last season on passes from Smith, while this year those numbers are only 244 yards and one. The Chiefs are passing on a league-high 68.6 percent of plays but only averaging 248.3 passing yards per game (15th) and 5.9 yards per pass play (28th). The Raiders' defense allows 452.6 yards per game (32nd), with 330.6 coming through the air (also 32nd). The Raiders have already given up over 1,650 yards through the air to opposing offenses.

Fantasy Impact: Jeremy Maclin is my No. 12 wide receiver with top-five upside, and Travis Kelce is my No. 3 tight end with the highest ceiling at his position for the week. Maclin has seen the most targets (averages 9.25 per game) and Kelce leads the team in receptions (22). I asked Marshall Faulk how the Chiefs might attack the Raiders defense, he described how they are very susceptible to tight ends. In other words, Marshall thinks we'll see Kelce have the bigger day. Also, Jamaal Charles should be impactful in this game, and I have him slated for the majority of the work on the ground (with pass-catching upside).

7) The Jets defense allows an average of 302.4 passing yards per game (31st).
It follows that the quarterbacks they've faced so far this season have all ended up with a passer rating of over 100 against them. They've allowed the second-most plays of over 40 yards in the air (eight) so far this season, giving up at least one in each game. They have, however, kept rushing yards in check, allowing the second-fewest in the NFL per game (68.4).

Fantasy Impact: Carson Palmer is my No. 7 quarterback option this week in all formats of fantasy play. Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson both should benefit from this game script, where the Cardinals should have one of the highest point totals on the week. Both are in the top-five at their positions, though I will say Johnson's projection isn't as insanely good as it has been in past weeks given the Jets' ability to stop the run. That being said, considering Johnson's pass-catching upside and a favorable script, I still think he ends up near the top of the running back heap. I also have John Brown slated to over perform our expectations of him, those deep passes and his recent uptick in targets (don't look at the Stanton game) all suggest that we could see tons of upside from him.

8) Arizona's defense has 12 takeaways this season, tied for first in the league.
In each of their last three games, they've held opposing offenses to fewer than 300 total yards. They also have 18 sacks on the year, third-most in the league.

Fantasy Impact: Ryan Fitzpatrick's completion percentage currently sits at 57.8 percent (33rd in the league) while his 10 interceptions and 64.7 passer rating both rank last. When targeting Brandon Marshall, Fitzpatrick is 24-of-54 with two touchdowns and four interceptions … and a passer rating of 48.6. With Eric Decker going on IR, both Marshall and Quincy Enunwa will continue to see an uptick in targets. Opportunity is always a good thing even against the Cardinals. Bottom line, play Marshall if you have him, just temper expectations.

9) Greg Olsen's 516 receiving yards rank fourth in the NFL but first among tight ends.
Detroit's Marvin Jones paces the league with 519 receiving yards, then A.J. Green with 518 and Julio Jones with 517. Three yards separate Olsen from the most receiving yards in the league. He has at least five receptions and 60 yards in each game this season. The Saints allow the second-most yards per game (422.8) and rank 28th in receiving yards allowed per game (301.3).

Fantasy Impact: In what should be a high-scoring game for both teams, Olsen has one of my top-three median projections with the top tight-end ceiling. Cam Newton is my top quarterback this week, as well. All of this assumes that Cam is cleared from the concussion protocol, of course. Also, Jonathan Stewart's return helps the Panthers offense overall and Stewart is fully playable this week.

10) The Panthers defense is allowing an average of 7.7 more points per game than they did in 2015.
Looking at total yards per game, the Panthers are allowing 341.2 this year compared to 322.9 last year. The metric that really drives this home for me is that the Panthers are allowing opposing quarterbacks a 93.5 passer rating (20th) compared to 73.5 (first) last year. I could add in a bunch of information about the Saint's offense like how they are fourth in the league in points per game, second in passing yards per game and tied for second in touchdowns … but basically what you can see and feel when you watch this team is that the offense keeps them in games despite their defense giving up lots of yards and points.

Fantasy Impact: It's possible that this Panthers at Saints game could have even more points that its projected total, which happens to be the highest of the week. Drew Brees is my No. 6 quarterback this week with the highest ceiling. Navigating the pass-catchers breaks down like this for me: Willie Snead out of the slot has almost the same median projection as Brandin Cooks - the Carolina secondary hasn't been the same this year (see passer rating above). Snead has a bit more upside in my model because his slot production prior to his toe injury was pacing the league, which maps to the vulnerable safeties. Coby Fleener also pops up as a value option with the eighth-most receiving yards projected at the tight end position in my model.

 

[Greenbacks]

11) Le'Veon Bell averages 105 rushing yrads per game this season (second in the NFL), while the Dolphins allow a league-worst 150.8 rushing yards per game.
Bell has more than 150 scrimmage yard in both games he's played so far this season and has over 100 in 11 of his past 14 games. Fun trivia question from our awesome research team…. Who has averaged more scrimmage yards per game than Bell's 121.6? In the past 30 years, that answer would be no one. On the defensive side of the ball, the Dolphins have the worst rushing margin in the NFL. Opponents have outgained the Dolphins by 392 yards on the ground.

Fantasy Impact: Le'Veon Bell is my No. 1 running back with a monster ceiling. No matter the format of fantasy, he's the best pick of the week in any position in terms of potential. Ben Roethlisberger is my QB2 for the week while Antonio Brown is my WR1, but doesn't have the highest ceiling due to a potential lopsided score favoring the road team (and thus more running plays toward the end of the game). Keep an eye on Sammie Coates' injured hand and the return of Eli Rogers and manage your expectations for Coates on Sunday morning.

12) Jarvis Landry has 34 receptions so far this season (tied for fourth-most in the NFL)
Pittsburgh's defense allows an average of 379 total yards per game (25th) with all but 77 coming in the air (302 passing yards per game allowed, 30th).

Fantasy Impact: Landry's 48 targets are 23 more than the next closest receiver (DeVante Parker) and he's had 10 or more targets in all but one game so far this season. Landry cracks my top 10 wide receivers this week primarily due to his volume and the game script likely calling for the Dolphins to be playing from behind. The risk here lies primarily in Ryan Tannehill's ability to get him the ball. Tannehill has been sacked 17 times (second-most in the league) while the Steelers defense has seven sacks and allows an average of 13.5 points per game in their last two contest. The Dolphins' offense has 11 giveaways (tied for fifth-most), nine of which are attributed to Tannehill. In other words, if you need a defense this week, perhaps consider the Steelers.

13) LeSean McCoy averages 5.3 yards per carry and has already rushed for 447 yards this season (fourth in the NFL).
McCoy has 100-plus scrimmage yards in three straight games and 10 of his past 13 games. Think of five as the magic number for yards per carry. Backs who average five or more yards per carry (and see a requisite number of touches) are almost always ones to consider for fantasy. In the past three games his yards per carry average has surged to 6.1. The 49ers defense has allowed 146.8 rushing yards per game (second-most). In Weeks 2-5 they surrendered over 100 rushing yards to No. 1 running backs and five touchdowns.

Fantasy Impact: As far as story-telling goes, I love a great revenge narrative ... but when it comes to math I don't have an input for that - but this week it doesn't matter because they are one in the same. McCoy is a top-10 back and could be a big help in the short passing game as well.

14) Jordan Howard is averaging 5.8 yards per carry and 6.6 scrimmage yards per touch.
Howard is averaging 147.5 scrimmage yards per game this season. Jacksonville's defense has improved, only allowing 304.5 yards per game (seventh-fewest), but 105.8 of those yards are coming on the ground.

Fantasy Impact: Jordan Howard is my RB12 on the week. Brian Hoyer has led the league with 1,016 passing yards over the last three weeks and has two touchdowns in each game as well. His 71.4 completion percentage is also currently best in the NFL. Despite all that, I don't think this is the defense to play Hoyer against.

15) Jordan Matthews has lined up in the slot on 120 plays (50 percent), where he has caught 12 of his 18 targets for 172 yards (14.3 yards per catch), and scored two touchdowns.
Washington's Josh Norman has only lined up in the slot on 34 plays so far this season.

Fantasy Impact: This one is short and sweet. Jordan Matthews has cracked my top 14 wide receivers this week.

 

[Greenbacks]

Week 6 Cheat Sheet: Can Cowboys run past Packers?


Key game-time decisions

All players questionable unless noted

Carolina Panthers: QB Cam Newton (concussion), WR Kelvin Benjamin (knee), RB Jonathan Stewart (hamstring), DE Charles Johnson (quadricep)
Newton has been cleared to play. Stewart should also return after missing the past three games.

Dallas Cowboys: WR Dez Bryant (knee), TE Jason Witten (chest), K Dan Bailey (back), CB Morris Claiborne (ankle), RB Lance Dunbar (knee), T Tyron Smith (back), WR Terrance Williams (shoulder),

That's some serious firepower listed as questionable for the Cowboys. Dez will test out the knee after being limited all week. With the bye coming up next week, the Cowboys could be cautious with their star receiver. Witten, Bailey and Claiborne were all full-go Friday and should play, barring any setbacks.

New England Patriots: TE Rob Gronkowski (hamstring, illness), TE Martellus Bennett (ankle), RB LeGarrette Blount (hip), RB Brandon Bolden (knee), T Marcus Cannon (calf), LB Jamie Collins (hip), WR Julian Edelman (foot), QB Jimmy Garoppolo (right shoulder), LB Shea McClellin (concussion), WR Malcolm Mitchell (hamstring), G Joe Thuney (shoulder), DT Vincent Valentine (back)

Almost 23 percent of the Pats' 53-man roster is listed as questionable. Gronk missed Friday's practice with an illness. The rest of the notables were limited to close out the week.

Seattle Seahawks: S Kam Chancellor (groin), DE Frank Clark (hamstring), RB C.J. Prosise (wrist)

Chancellor tweaked his groin in Thursday's practice. He'll test it out prior to Sunday's tilt with the Falcons. Clark did not practice all week.
Baltimore Ravens: WR Mike Wallace (chest)

Wallace was full-go Thursday and Friday. The Ravens will need their deep threat with WR Steve Smith (ankle), WR Devin Hester (thigh), LB C.J. Mosley (thigh), T Ronnie Stanley (foot) and G Marshal Yanda (shoulder) all listed as doubtful.

New York Giants: DE Jason Pierre-Paul (groin), CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (groin), CB Eli Apple (groin), WR Dwayne Harris (toe), RB Rashad Jennings (thumb), LB Devon Kennard (concussion)

JPP, DRC and Jennings were all limited Thursday and Friday.

Washington Redskins: TE Jordan Reed (concussion), S Su'a Cravens (concussion) -- OUT; CB Dashaun Phillips (hamstring), CB Bashaud Breeland (ankle)

Reed and Cravens were both ruled out on Saturday.

Cleveland Browns: TE Gary Barnidge (forearm, hip), CB Joe Haden (groin), CB Tramon Williams (shoulder)

Barnidge was limited all week. Haden sat out Friday. Williams was full-go Thursday and Friday.

Green Bay Packers: RB Eddie Lacy (ankle), CB Damarious Randall (groin), CB Quinten Rollins (groin)

Lacy was limited all week and should play. Running back James Starks sat out all week and was originally listed as questionable, but was ruled out by the Packers on Saturday.

Chicago Bears: WR Alshon Jeffery (hamstring), WR Eddie Royal (calf), RB Ka'Deem Carey (hamstring), LB Leonard Floyd (calf), LB Jerrell Freeman (wrist), G Kyle Long (shoulder),

What is the record for players being labeled questionable but not actually missing a game? Jeffery might attempt to break it. (Tom Brady probably has that record too.) Royal sat out all week again -- last week he played despite missing practices.

Detroit Lions: DE Ezekiel Ansah (ankle), RB Dwayne Washington (ankle), WR Anquan Boldin (ankle), S Don Carey (ribs), DT A'Shawn Robinson (shoulder), G Laken Tomlinson (neck), G Larry Warford (hip),

Ansah is on pace to return. Washington's status is one to keep an eye on. If the rookie doesn't play, newly signed Justin Forsett and Zach Zenner are the only healthy tailbacks -- Theo Riddick (ankle) was ruled out, along with TE Eric Ebron (ankle, knee), LB DeAndre Levy (quadricep, knee) and DT Haloti Ngata (shoulder).

Los Angeles Rams: WR Brian Quick (calf), DE Robert Quinn (shoulder), DT Michael Brockers (hip), DE William Hayes (ankle)

The quartet all returned to practice as limited on Friday.

Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Sammie Coates (finger)

Coates was limited on Friday. Fellow receiver Markus Wheaton (shoulder) was already ruled out.

Miami Dolphins: RB Arian Foster (hamstring), S Reshad Jones (groin), T Laremy Tunsil (ankle), WR Jakeem Grant (ankle)

Foster will test out his hamstring pre-game. Jones returned limited on Friday after missing earlier sessions.

Oakland Raiders: TE Clive Walford (knee), RB Taiwan Jones (knee)

With Latavius Murray still out, the Raiders will roll with the rookie duo in the backfield again.

Philadelphia Eagles: DT Fletcher Cox (ankle), CB Leodis McKelvin (hamstring)

Fox was full-go Friday. McKelvin was limited.

Buffalo Bills: TE Charles Clay (knee), LB Zach Brown (foot), T Cordy Glenn (ankle)

Clay was limited on Thursday and Friday, indicating he should be ready to play. The tight end has been Tyrod Taylor's favorite target during the three-game win streak.

Indianapolis Colts: WR T.Y. Hilton (hip), CB Darius Butler (hand), CB Patrick Robinson (knee, hip)

T.Y. was full go on Friday. He'll play.

Houston Texans: WR Will Fuller (hamstring), CB Kareem Jackson (hamstring), T Derek Newton (ankle)

Fuller was limited all week but is expected to play.

New York Jets: LB David Harris (hamstring) -- DOUBTFUL; CB Darrelle Revis (hamstring), C Nick Mangold (knee), TE Austin Sefarian-Jenkins (shoulder)

Harris has played in 112 consecutive games.

Weather Tracking*

We could be in for rain in six of our 10 outdoor games this week. We will update Sunday prognostications for all non-dome contests as we drift closer to game time.

49ers at Bills -- 68 degrees -- chance of rain (65 percent)
Jaguars at Bears -- 67 degrees -- chance of thunderstorms (29 percent)
Steelers at Dolphins -- 82 degrees -- chance of thunderstorms (56 percent)
Bengals at Patriots -- 66 degrees
Ravens at Giants -- 67 degrees
Browns at Titans -- 78 degrees
Eagles at Redskins -- 66 degrees
Chiefs at Raiders -- 64 degrees -- chance of rain (92 percent)
Cowboys at Packers -- 67 degrees -- slight chance of rain late in contest (10 percent)
Falcons at Seahawks -- 59 degrees -- chance of rain (75 percent)

 

[Greenbacks]

What to Watch For

San Francisco 49ers at Buffalo Bills
The LeSean McCoy revenge game! Shady enters Sunday's tilt versus former coach Chip Kelly enjoying his best streak in Buffalo. McCoy has been unstoppable in Buffalo's past three games, averaging 110 yards per contest on the ground. On Sunday he faces the 49ers' No. 31 rushing defense (146.8 YPG allowed) that has allowed a 100-plus yard rusher in four straight games. Getting huge push from an underrated Bills interior O-line, Shady will feast again.
Colin Kaepernick will attempt to jumpstart Kelly's offense after Blaine Gabbert's scattershot stretch to open the season. We are not getting the same Kap that set the world on fire in 2013. Last year Kaepernick seemed lost, made poor decisions and lacked accuracy. It will be intriguing to see how Kelly deploys the athletic but gaunt passer. We don't expect much from Kaepernick against a Rex Ryan defense that has been swarming during a three-game winning streak. The Bills defense has forced 11 turnovers (six INT, five fumbles lost) and 17 sacks (fourth-most in NFL) after struggling to take down the passer last season. Ryan has Lorenzo Alexander leading the NFL in sacks (7.0) entering Week 6 for Pete's sake.
Say what? Stat of the week: With Gabbert at QB, Torrey Smith had career lows in receiving yards (106), yards per receptions (11.8) and yards after the catch (13) through five games of a season.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears
After a disappointing start to the season, Blake Bortles hopefully used the bye week to clear his head. The enigmatic passer is averaging just 6.6 yards per pass this season. His field-stretching passes to Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns have been wayward, thanks in part to shaky footwork and protection breakdowns. Bortles faces a young Vic Fangio secondary playing better than we expected, but is still susceptible to getting toasted on occasion -- see T.Y. Hilton last week. Bortles needs to come out of the bye firing if he's going to salvage the season. The running game offering any semblance of aid might be nice.
The Chicago media has swarmed over Brian Hoyer not targeting Alshon Jeffery late last week. With risk-averse Hoyer under center, Jeffrey's targets have waned, but the Bears offense has been more efficient. Jeffery is amidst his first career five-game streak without a receiving TD in a single season. Will all the honking cause Hoyer to reconsider giving Jeffery more 50-50 opportunities? The Jags defense ranks seventh in passing yards allowed per game this season and has given up fewer than 300 total yards in three of four games. Jeffrey's battles with rookie Jalen Ramsey could be epic, but expect Hoyer to try and pick on Davon House, who has frequently been burned.
Say what? Stat of the week: Bears running back Jordan Howard leads the NFL with 5.8 yards per carry this season -- his 6.6 scrimmage yards/touch ranks third among RB.

Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions
Finally, a matchup that appears in Todd Gurley's favor. The Rams rusher is getting 78.9 percent of the team's handoffs, but averaging 2.7 yards per rush this season (last in NFL among 39 qualified players). Gurley is the fifth RB since at least 1960 with 100-plus carries in his team's first five games and YPC under 3.0. But enough with the negatives. In Detroit, Gurley faces a banged-up Lions defense that will be without Haloti Ngata and DeAndre Levy, two of their top run-stuffers. The Lions give up 114.8 yards per game on the ground. If the Rams can't free up their stud runner to earn more than three yards a carry on Sunday, just end the season.
Sunday will be the latest reminder for Lions fans that their team passed on drafting Aaron Donald. The defensive tackle has been a game-wrecker this season and has a good matchup against an inconsistent, injured Lions interior. Matthew Stafford has played the best in his career, but, like all quarterbacks, gets killed with pressure up the gut. With Rams top corner Trumaine Johnson out, Stafford will have the advantage with Marvin Jones on the outside. First, the Lions offensive line needs to give the quarterback time to exploit that matchup.
Say what? Stat of the week: The Lions are averaging 65.3 rush YPG in their last three contests (after Ameer Abdullah went down). Matthew Stafford was the team's second-leading rusher in each of those games. Starting Theo Riddick was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins
When Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers' offense is on the field this week, there isn't a position where they don't enjoy the advantage. Le'Veon Bell is averaging 105.0 rushing YPG this season; the Dolphins have allowed 150.8 rush YPG this year (worst in NFL). Antonio Brown is the top route-runner in the NFL and Sammie Coates (finger; questionable) is a downfield blur; Miami has one of the worst set of corners in the NFL and star safety Reshad Jones (groin) might not play. The Dolphins have also given up the sixth-most yards to tight ends this season; Jesse James is 6-foot-7. Unless the Steelers lay an egg, it's difficult to imagine Vance Joseph's unit not getting diced up.
We could go on and on blaming the offensive line for the Dolphins' struggles, pointing out the lack of holes in the ground game and blown blocks in the passing game. At some point franchise quarterbacks need to overcome those deviances and make plays -- ask Sam Bradford in Minnesota or Andrew Luck in Indy, neither of whom gets good blocking. Ryan Tannehill has multiple giveaways in each of his last four games while taking 17 sacks (some his fault, some not). Against a Steelers defense injured up front and still prone to giving up the occasional big play on the back end, Tannehill needs to be secure with the ball and attack down field. We've seen no indications he can do either.
Say what? Stat of the week: Miami's leading rusher (Jay Ajayi) has 117 rushing yards this season. Ten NFL players have had 120-plus rushing yards in a single game this year, including two on the Steelers (Bell and DeAngelo Williams).

Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots
With a stagnant run game, the Bengals have relied on Andy Dalton to guide the offense through the air. That trend should continue in Week 6, especially with Jeremy Hill coming off an injury. The Bengals offense has been dependent on production from A.J. Green this season, with the stud receiver garnering at least eight targets a game and averaging 176.5 receiving yards per game in Cincy's two wins. Bill Belichick usually shuts down an opponent's best player. The Pats have only allowed two 100-yard receivers this season -- Jarvis Landry (135) and DeVante Parker (106) in Week 2 after the Dolphins got down big early. Only four Bengals players have ever had 100-plus receiving yards versus the Patriots, and none have been Green. Brandon LaFell, Tyler Boyd and Giovani Bernard must step up to fill the void when New England blankets Green.
With Tom Brady back, the Pats predictably returned to the passing attack to churn out yards last week. That should continue against a Bengals defense that has allowed 11 passing TDs in five games this season -- it allowed 18 pass TDs all of last season (second-fewest in NFL). The Pats' use of tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett is lethal. Against the Bengals' linebackers, the duo will wreck havoc again. New England used 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR) 39.0 percent of plays in Week 5 and are averaging 6.8 yards/play in that formation this season. When teams begin to overcompensate to cover the Gronk/Bennett duo, Brady will strike to Julian Edelman. This Pats offense is just beginning its ascent.
Say what? Stat of the week: Edelman has fewer than 40 receiving yards in each of his last three games -- his last 100-yard game was Week 5, 2015 vs. Cowboys (120). Edelman has eight straight games without a TD reception, including playoffs.

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
Cam Newton (questionable) expects to return from concussion protocol in time to meet a leaky Saints secondary ranked 29th against the pass, last in points allowed per game and 31st in total yards. It's a good matchup for Newton to get right after a shaky start to the season -- even before the concussion. In his last nine games, including the playoffs, Newton has averaged just 241.1 passing yards per game, 11 touchdown tosses, 11 turnovers and an 87.1 passer rating. After a brutal loss to fall to 1-4, Carolina needs its MVP to raise his level of play if the Panthers are going to salvage a floundering season.
Drew Brees hasn't shown any chinks in the armor, despite the losses. Against a sagging Panthers defense in the Superdome, the future Hall of Fame quarterback can put up fireworks coming off the bye week. The Panthers defense hasn't pressured the quarterback and the back end is a mess with inconsistent play and injuries (CB Robert McClain has been ruled out). Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead and Michael Thomas all have mismatches against Carolina's secondary.
Say what? Stat of the week: Mark Ingram has one 100-yard rushing game in his last 20 contests and fewer than 60 rush yards in 15 of those 20 games.

 

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Baltimore Ravens at New York Giants
When your former boss gets fired for not running the ball enough, the first thing you're likely to do after taking over is RUN THE BALL. Despite averaging 6.7 yards/carry in the first quarter in Week 5, the Ravens ran just eight rush plays in the final three quarters. That should change with Marty Mornhinweg calling the plays, and Terrance West will benefit. If the Giants' front four has a strength, it's stopping the run (ranking 12th in the NFL, allowing 96.6 YPG) but the unit has been gashed the past two weeks. When Joe Flacco does drop back to pass, we expect more deep shots than under Marc Trestman. Pounding the ball on the ground and taking shots to Breshad Perriman and Mike Wallace fits the Ravens' personnel better than the dink-and-dunk strategy of the previous play-caller.
Eli Manning has been a mess during the Giants' three-game skid, completing 57.6 percent of his passes with a 2-3 TD-INT ratio and 73.8 passer rating. Manning has looked gun-shy and skittish in the pocket. On Sunday he faces a pocket-pushing defensive line. The Ravens have only compiled 10 sacks on the season but forces quarterbacks off their spot. The Ravens rank in the top 10 in rushing and passing yards per game allowed, scoring defense and total yards given up. Manning has particularly struggled targeting Odell Beckham Jr. this season (73.0 passer rating with just one touchdown), especially downfield. That must change Sunday for the Giants to end their losing streak.
Say what? Stat of the week: Joe Flacco has 215 pass attempts this season, most in the NFL, yet is averaging 5.9 yards per attempt, tied for the lowest with Blaine Gabbert.

Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans
With a less-than-100-percent Cody Kessler under center, the Browns will rely on Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson heavily out of the backfield. Crowell should shoulder the load after getting stymied last week versus New England. The bruising back is one of the best surprises this season, churning out 5.6 yards per carry (second in the NFL). Facing the Titans' No. 14 ranked rush defense, Cleveland needs the chain-mover to have a big day in a very winnable game for the winless Browns.
Fire up the Marcus Mariota-Delanie Walker combo for a big day. The Browns have given up 43 receptions for 501 yards to tight ends this season, most in the NFL. When he's healthy, Walker is Mariota's security blanket and should be open plenty over the middle, especially off play-action fakes. After a four-touchdown game last week, Mariota will stack back-to-back big performances against the only defense to allow 25-plus points in every game this season.
Say what? Stat of the week: We could be in for a throwback, pound-it-out matchup. Both offenses rank in the top five in rushing -- TEN: 148.6 rush YPG (2nd), CLE: 124.8 rush YPG (5th) -- and struggle to pass -- CLE: 224.6 pass YPG (26th), TEN: 209.4 pass YPG (28th).

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins
The Redskins' run defense is abysmal, ranking 30th in the NFL, giving up 130.0 yards per game. The question is will the Eagles be able to take advantage? Lane Johnson's suspension takes away a massive blocking edge. Ryan Mathews got most of the work last week but averages just 3.3 yards per rush this season. Darren Sproles is the most efficient back but doesn't carry the load. After getting just one snap in Week 5, rookie Wendell Smallwood could see his role increase this week. Expect Carson Wentz also to do more damage with his legs this week against Washington.
Versus an Eagles defense that has earned at least three sacks in every game, Kirk Cousins needs to keep his mettle. The Eagles are susceptible to getting picked on in the quick-pass attack, where Cousins is at his best. The Redskins have the pass-catchers to pick apart Philly's secondary, even if Jordan Reed (concussion; questionable) is out. Expect a big day from Jamison Crowder on quick tosses. The shifty receiver can be deadly in space. Cousins will get pressured, but if he can avoid getting discombobulated and making game-killing mistakes, there will be opportunities to be had through the air, especially on misdirection plays.
Say what? Stat of the week: Only Dan Marino (103.6) earned a higher passer rating as a rookie through his first four career games than Carson Wentz (103.5).

Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders
The matchup between Marcus Peters and Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree will be fascinating. Derek Carr fearlessly goes after any cornerback -- it's what makes him so fun to watch. Last season Peters held both receivers to four catches on eight targets each. The Chiefs picked off two passes targeted at Cooper while allowing Crabtree to score a touchdown with Peters in coverage. Carr has thrown only two interceptions all year but might do well to pick on the opposite side of the field Sunday and avoid the NFL's leading interception artist.
Jamaal Charles says he's "110 percent" and ready to roll, while offensive coordinator Brad Childress said he plans to "sprinkle" the back into the offense. Expect Spencer Ware to retain a major role in the offense, but the Chiefs need the playmaking Charles provides in both the run and passing game to open up the defense. The Raiders give up 4.9 yards per attempt on the ground (30th), so it's a good matchup for both Ware and Charles. Jeremy Maclin could have a big day picking on Sean Smith. Week after week, Oakland has been susceptible to downfield passes and coverage breakdowns. Can Alex Smith take advantage?
Say what? Stat of the week: Among active head coaches, Andy Reid has the best winning percentage following a bye week (15-2, .882). He's 2-1 following a bye with K.C.

Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers
Here is the major question heading into Sunday's showdown at Lambeau Field: Is the Packers' run defense as impressive as it's looked in four games? Green Bay has allowed a minuscule 42.8 rushing yards per game, and 2.0 yards per carry, both best in the NFL (for comparison's sake: last season they allowed 4.5 yards per carry; 26th). The Packers' front seven has been impressive, but do the otherworldly stats have more to do with their opponents? In four games, they've faced the Jaguars (30th in rushing offense), Vikings (32nd), Lions (23rd -- and sans their top rusher) and Giants (27th). On Sunday they face the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL. The Cowboys boast a road-grading offensive line and rookie tailback Ezekiel Elliott, who leads the NFL with 546 rushing yards. Elliott has been more impressive by the week, displaying patience hitting the hole. If the Packers hold down Zeke, that will be an accomplishment, but don't expect another week of under 50 yards on the ground versus Green Bay.
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers have looked like two totally different offenses from one half to the next. The Packers are getting great blocking and solid support in the run game, but the passing attack continues to raise eyebrows. Rodgers should have plenty of time to find targets against the Cowboys' front seven this week but needs his receivers to find space. Cowboys corner Morris Claiborne has been stellar this season. He should clamp down on Jordy Nelson, which means Randall Cobb could be in for another big day. Cobb hasn't posted back-to-back 100-plus-yard receiving games since Weeks 7 and 8 in 2014.
Say what? Stat of the week: Dak Prescott needs eight more pass attempts to break the record for most throws without an INT to begin a career (Tom Brady, 162).

Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks
Matt Ryan and the soaring Falcons offense passed their first two big tests of the season (Carolina, Denver). Now comes the mid-term exam. Atlanta ranks first in points, total yards, passing yards per game and yards per play this season. This week in Seattle is actually a stiffer test than Week 5 in Denver -- no disrespect to the Broncos. Unlike last week, the Seahawks linebackers are much better in coverage than Denver's, meaning those tosses to Tevin Coleman won't be so easy. What game plan will Kyle Shanahan deploy this week? Can Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu pick on Deshawn Shead, who has played well opposite Richard Sherman? In the last six meetings between the No. 1 total offense and No. 1 total defense (yards per game allowed), the defense has won five times -- the Seahawks' D won two of those contests.
Russell Wilson has shown no ill effects of ankle or knee injuries in his past two games. Coming off a bye, don't expect the injuries to slow his pace. In the last two games, Wilson is completing 69.1 percent of his passes for 276 yards per game, a 4-0 TD-INT ratio and 125.7 passer rating. Jimmy Graham's emergence has helped escalate Seattle's passing attack. Against a decimated Falcons linebacking corps, Graham should be in for another big day. Doug Baldwin also stacks up as a candidate to rack up yards against Falcons rookie slot corner Brian Poole. Atlanta needs Vic Beasley to take advantage of a weak Seattle offensive line, or Wilson will pick the secondary apart.
Say what? Stat of the week: Matt Ryan has thrown for 200-plus pass yards in 44 straight games. He will match Dan Fouts for the longest streak since 1960 with one more game over 200. Ryan's last game with fewer than 200 passing yards came in Week 10, 2013 -- his last against the Seahawks.

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
Can the Colts protect Andrew Luck long enough for him to make plays down the field? Luck has been sacked 20 times this season (most in the NFL) and taken 42 hits (second-most). The Colts have allowed five-plus sacks in back-to-back games for the first time since Weeks 2 and 3, 1997. The Texans' front seven, led by Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus, have 35 QB hits (third-most) and 13 sacks (T-6th). If Luck has any time, he can hit T.Y. Hilton (170-plus receiving yards in two of his last three games) downfield against a Texans secondary that got burned by the Sam Bradford-Adam Thielen combo last week.
A lifeless Texans offense needs to show some semblance of spirit versus a talent-poor Colts defense. It's one of the few times the Colts' D will head into a game ranked higher than the opposing offense this season. Vontae Davis has been fantastic since overcoming injury to open the season. He won't be solely lined up on DeAndre Hopkins, but the duo should match up plenty. This will be a physical battle worthy of prime time. If Davis is blanketing Hopkins, Brock Osweiler needs to prove he can work through his progression and get others, aside from Will Fuller, involved. If Brock can't move the ball against an Indy defense allowing a 104.9 passer rating (30th in NFL), it will be a long, long, long year in Houston.
Say what? Stat of the week: T.Y. Hilton has been targeted 10-plus times in every game this season (only player in NFL).

New York Jets at Arizona Cardinals
With Eric Decker on IR and Brandon Marshall getting the Patrick Peterson treatment, Quincy Enunwa becomes the linchpin of the Jets' passing attack this week. Enunwa has the big body and hands to be a playmaker, but he's done his best work as the third fiddle. Now that he's permanently moved up a chair, can he boost his play? Ryan Fitzpatrick also needs to utilize Bilal Powell heavily in the passing game to keep the Cards' linebackers honest. Powell has been more impressive than Matt Forte the past several weeks (a sentence I would never have thought I'd write).
If Carson Palmer can get his deep ball accuracy under control, this is a great matchup for a John Brown blow-up game. The Jets' secondary consistently gets burned deep, with or without Darrelle Revis in the lineup. Brown has had a schizophrenic start to his season, with fewer than 15 yards in three games. Expect Palmer to give the speedy receiver plenty of chances against Jets defensive backs that have the propensity to get out of position.
Say what? Stat of the week: Markus Golden is a beast (6.0 sacks this season; T-3rd most in NFL). Golden is the only player in NFL with at least one sack in each of his team's games this season.

 

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Ravens' inactives including top receiver, top defensive playmaker, top two offensive lineman, their sacks leader the last two seasons and best returner:

WR/RS Devin Hester
LB C.J. Mosley
OLB Elvis Dumervil
DT Willie Henry
G Marshal Yanda
T Ronnie Stanley
WR Steve Smith Sr.

 

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Giants inactives include CB Eli Apple. Good news: DRC and Rashad Jennings are active. It's Jennings' first game since injuring his thumb in Week 2. Other inactives include WR Tavarres King, RT Marshall Newhouse, S Nat Berhe and Darian Thompson, LB Deontae Skinner and QB Josh Johnson. King a bit of a surprise. He had been active the first five games.

 

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Dolphins RB Arian Foster officially active today vs Steelers.

 

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Saints need to figure out how to regain their Superdome advantage today against Panthers. They're 0-2 at home this year and 4-11 in last 15 after going 8-0 at home in both 2011 and 2013. "We need to take advantage of our fan base," Saints S Kenny Vaccaro said. "At one point if you came to the Dome, you were gonna lose, and we need to get back to that."

 

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