Stars of Week 6

QB: Cam Newton: 20-26, 242 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs (9 carries, 30 yards, 1 TD)

QB: Andy Dalton: 26-40, 337 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT

RB: Brandon Jacobs: 22 carries, 106 yards, 2 TDs

WR: Vincent Jackson: 9 catches, 114 yards, 2 TDs

TE: Vernon Davis: 8 catches, 180 yards, 2 TDs

It felt wrong to omit Newton or Dalton from this list (especially with Dalton unlikely to make the honor roll again this season), so they are sharing the QB honor this week. Newton’s performance backs up what was said in this column just last week: bench him and he’ll go off. Sure, Newton is frustrating to own. As for Dalton and Jacobs, both will be further scrutinized below. Jackson and Davis had terrific performances, but no surprise that either would put up such numbers during the course of the season.

Week 6 Takeaways – A Closer Look 

Each week we’ll take a closer look at a handful of performances and sort out what such performances mean going forward.

- Andy Dalton: 26-40, 337 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT

Analysis: Let’s start with Mr. Dalton’s performance against the Bills. Dalton put up the numbers that should have been expected of him facing the Bills' pass defense, especially considering the weapons at his disposal. In other words, don’t get too excited about Dalton if you own him. He’s solidly in the QB2 camp, and will have a few games of this quality throughout the year. Usually he won’t, however, so unless you’re in the deepest of leagues (meaning 16+ teams), Dalton should not be your weekly starter. His performance this week was nice, but Dalton will be hard-pressed to repeat these numbers more than a few times a season. 

- Nick Foles: 22-31, 296 yards, 3 TDs (3 rushes, 2 yards, 1 TD)

Analysis: A case can be made that Foles belongs up there with Newton and Dalton, but in this case we have him defer to a future time. With Vick likely out for at least another week, Foles has the opportunity to showcase his talents not only for the near term, but for the permanent chair as well. Foles’ performance against the Bucs was a terrific start, and he should be rostered in all leagues while he’s starting. Just like Dalton, however, he’s QB2 material, meaning solid fill-in for bye weeks and for the occasional favorable matchup. The difference between Foles and Dalton, however, is potential. Specifically, we know enough about Dalton to put the label “he is what he is” on him. This is not the case with Foles. With Foles working under Chip Kelly’s offense, his upside is considerable. Let’s just hope he gets a fair shot to hold onto the starting QB spot. 

- Brandon Jacobs: 22 carries, 106 yards, 2 TDs

Analysis: Jacobs was left for dead by the NFL, as he was cut by San Francisco over the offseason, with no team rushing to pick him up. Fast forward a bit – 1) the Giants sign him after the season begins, 2) David Wilson is unproductive/gets hurt, and 3) Jacobs gets a start against the Bears. Jacobs runs with the opportunity (pun intended), putting up the best fantasy numbers for an RB during Week 6. So what do we have in Jacobs? I may be in the minority, but I find this performance to be an aberration. The real Brandon Jacobs more closely resembles the player that got cut by the 49ers than the one we saw against the Bears. On that note, feel free to pick him up in your league if you need another RB, as it never hurts to take a flyer. But, this is not your RB2 savior. Best case scenario is a flex starter, and even then, I don’t have faith that he can be counted on to produce for a full season. Don’t be fooled by what happened in the Bears game. And, just in case I haven’t made myself clear, I don’t believe in Jacobs….at all. 

- Steven Ridley: 20 carries, 96 yards, 2 TDs

Analysis: Ridley has largely disappointed his fantasy owners, at least up until this past week. His performance against the Saints, a strong defense this year, albeit not a strong run D, was a major step in the right direction. Hopefully Ridley’s performance will serve as a springboard to getting his season back on track. The Patriots certainly want him to be the featured guy, so if you own Ridley, get him back into your starting lineup. Can we safely state that Ridley’s lackadaisical performances are history? Not quite – we’re still in wait and see mode. But, the arrow is pointing up. 

- Justin Blackmon: 14 catches, 190 yards, 0 TDs

Analysis: In the two games that Blackmon has played this season, he has accounted for 19 catches, 326 yards and 1 TD. While he won’t maintain this pace of catches and yards, Blackmon is a fantasy force to be reckoned with. He’s a clear WR2, with a ceiling higher than that, and with the Jaguars likely to be trailing in every game, they will be passing frequently in order to try to catch up. Blackmon, and not Cecil Shorts, is the top Jaguars WR to own. This is not a slight on Shorts, as he also factors in as a low-end WR2/high end WR3. 

- Keenan Allen: 9 catches, 107 yards, 1 TD

Analysis: With Danario Alexander and Malcolm Floyd both out for the year, the Chargers needed a WR to step up and take over the first chair. Eddie Royal? I don’t think so. How about Keenan Allen? Affirmative! Allen has proven to be a draft day steal for the Chargers, and likely would have been drafted in the first round if not for injury concerns. In the event that Allen remains available in your league, do what you can to grab him ASAP. Allen should be viewed as a legit WR2 going forward, as he should continue to put up strong numbers with Philip Rivers continuing to look his way. Stud in the making.

- Joseph Fauria: 3 catches, 34 yards, 3 TDs

Analysis: If the name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the nephew of former Seahawks tight end Christian Fauria. His performance was heavy on TDs and lighter on yards, which is consistent with his stats on the year (7 catches, 66 yards and 5 TDs). The takeaway here is that Fauria has Stafford’s attention around the red zone, so it’s probable that Fauria will catch a handful of additional TD passes as the season goes on. The yards per game should increase, but not by some crazy multiple, so Fauria has more value in leagues that emphasize TDs in scoring, and less in those that reward yardage. In any event, Fauria is a solid pickup as a TE2.

- Jordan Reed: 4 catches, 58 yards, 0 TDs

Analysis: For teams needing a tight end, take a flyer on Jordan Reed. His numbers against the Cowboys don’t blow you away, but from watching that game, it’s clear that Reed will continue to evolve as a prime component of the Redskins’ passing game. Reed possesses great physical tools, and perhaps even more importantly, RGIII’s trust. Reed’s profile will increase as the season goes on, so if you need a TE, grab him now.

Buy Low

Robert Griffin III: 1,448 yards passing, 6 TDs, 5 INTs (27 carries, 149 yards, 0 TDs)

Those who invested a high draft choice in RGIII would likely take a mulligan if offered. RGIII was certainly a risky pick, coming off ACL surgery. Good news for his owners is that RGIII will continue to improve each week, and will get closer to resembling the player we saw last year as the season goes on. His 77 yards rushing against the Cowboys was his season high, and it’s fair to expect RGIII to feel more comfortable running the football. Remember that he went without any preseason action, so the slow start should not be a surprise. If you’re looking for a QB, check with RGIII’s owner to see if he/she is frustrated with him. You may be able to work out a deal that doesn’t cost you much. RGIII’s performance will go nowhere but up from here.

Pierre Garcon: 35 catches, 408 yards, 2 TDs

We’ll stick with the Redskins here, and specifically, RGIII’s number one target. It follows that if RGIII is a buy low, Pierre Garcon will be as well, as Garcon’s numbers will rise with improved play by RGIII. Note that Garcon was targeted 15 times by RGIII against the Cowboys. So, no doubt who’s the primary target of the Redskins’ passing game. Garcon’s numbers will start shooting up, so try to pry him away from his owner soon if  you need a WR.

Week 7 Rankings

Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning, Broncos (at IND)

2. Cam Newton, Panthers (STL)

3. Tony Romo, Cowboys (at PHI)

4. Philip Rivers, Chargers (at JAC)

5. Andrew Luck, Colts (DEN)

6. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (CLE)

7. Robert Griffin III, Redskins (CHI)

8. Matthew Stafford, Lions (CIN)

9. Matt Ryan, Falcons (TB)

10. Tom Brady, Patriots (at NYJ)

11. Jay Cutler, Bears (at WAS)

12. Colin Kaepernick, 49ers (at TEN)

13. Russell Wilson, Seahawks (at ARI)

14. Nick Foles, Eagles (DAL)

15. Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins (BUF)

16. Alex Smith, Chiefs (HOU)

17. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (BAL)

18. Josh Freeman, Vikings (at NYG)

19. Joe Flacco, Ravens (at PIT)

20. Eli Manning, Giants (MIN)

Running Backs

1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (at NYG)

2. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs (HOU)

3. LeSean McCoy, Eagles (DAL)

4. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks (at ARI)

5. Matt Forte, Bears (at WAS)

6. Arian Foster, Texans (at KC)

7. Alfred Morris, Redskins (CHI)

8. Reggie Bush, Lions (CIN)

9. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos (at IND)

10. Frank Gore, 49ers (at TEN)

11. Doug Martin, Buccaneers (at ATL)

12. Ray Rice, Ravens (at PIT)

13. Trent Richardson, Colts (DEN)

14. Giovani Bernard, Bengals (at DET)

15. Eddie Lacy, Packers (CLE)

16. Stevan Ridley, Patriots (at NYJ)

17. Lamar Miller, Dolphins (BUF)

18. C.J. Spiller, Bills (at MIA)

19. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers (STL)

20. Le'Veon Bell, Steelers (BAL)

21. Andre Ellington, Cardinals (SEA)

22. Ryan Mathews, Chargers (at JAC)

23. Joseph Randle, Cowboys (at PHI)

24. Bilal Powell, Jets (NE)

25. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (SD)

26. Zac Stacy, Rams (at CAR)

27. Chris Johnson, Titans (SF)

28. Fred Jackson, Bills (at MIA)

29. Ben Tate, Texans (at KC)

30. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Bengals (at DET)

Wide Receivers

1. Dez Bryant, Cowboys (at PHI)

2. A.J. Green, Bengals (at DET)

3. Brandon Marshall, Bears (at WAS)

4. DeSean Jackson, Eagles (DAL)

5. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos (at IND)

6. Wes Welker, Broncos (at IND)

7. Victor Cruz, Giants (MIN)

8. Calvin Johnson, Lions (CIN)

9. Jordy Nelson, Packers (CLE)

10. Antonio Brown, Steelers (BAL)

11. Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers (at ATL)

12. Reggie Wayne, Colts (Broncos)

13. Josh Gordon, Browns (at GB)

14. Justin Blackmon, Jaguars (SD)

15. Pierrce Garcon, Redskins (CHI)

16. Andre Johnson, Texans (at KC)

17. Eric Decker, Broncos (at IND)

18. Steve Smith, Panthers (STL)

19. Hakeem Nicks, Giants (MIN)

20. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (SEA)

21. T.Y. Hilton, Colts (DEN)

22. Alshon Jeffery, Bears (at WAS)

23. Torrey Smith, Ravens (at PIT)

24. Keenan Allen, Chargers (at JAC)

25. Julian Edelman, Patriots (at NYJ)

26. Mike Wallace, Dolphins (BUF)

27. Kenbrell Thompkins, Patriots (at NYJ)

28. Anquan Boldin, 49ers (at TEN)

29. Harry Douglas, Falcons (TB)

30. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs (HOU)

Tight Ends

1. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons (TB)

2. Vernon Davis, 49ers (at TEN)

3. Julius Thomas, Broncos (at IND)

4. Antonio Gates, Chargers (at JAC)

5. Jordan Cameron, Browns (at GB)

6. Jermichael Finley, Packers (CLE)

7. Martellus Bennett, Bears (at WAS)

8. Jason Witten, Cowboys (at PHI)

9. Kyle Rudolph, Vikings (at NYG)

10. Coby Fleener, Colts (DEN)

11. Greg Olsen, Panthers (STL)

12. Heath Miller, Steelers (BAL)

13. Jared Cook, Rams (at CAR)

14. Brandon Myers, Giants (MIN)

15. Garrett Graham, Texans (at KC)

Neema Hodjat is the fantasy sports writer for RealGM.  He can be reached via email at nhodjat@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @NeemaHodjat.

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