Good morning friends and welcome back to the articles. It’s week 6 of the NFL season and as of now, it’s not looking like any games will be postponed due to COVID-19. Hopefully you did not miss me too much as I took last weekend off to celebrate my sons birthday. Needless to say, go ahead and laugh at my picks but don’t start that guy or any other I mention today if you can avoid it.
In case you have the memory of my children, let me give you a quick refresh as to how we select these guys. Every week, I will identify 10 players who on ESPN are starting in over 75 percent of leagues that I feel are not worth it. I quantify this by Quarterbacks, Tight Ends, Kickers and yes even defenses, not scoring in the top 12. Running Backs must finish outside the top 15 and Wide Receivers the top 20.
Laugh all you want, but when you log on and see that heroes like Aaron Rodgers are only starting in 57 percent of leagues, it proves the fact not everyone gets that starting nod. Therefore, we must evaluate who is and whether or not they deserve such high praise. Now, let us move on to those selections
Deshaun Watson, Quarterback, Houston, 78.8 percent
Laugh all you want but don’t start that guy. Yes, he has had a hot streak over the past two games of eclipsing 300 total yards of offense. But, you know who else is performing very well? That Titans defense he is going up against. You DID see what they did to Josh Allen right? I would expect the same and while this might incite laughter, Houston, we have a problem. They are going on the road for the first time with their new head coach and that always provides new challenges.
Odell Beckham, Jr., Wide Receiver, Cleveland, 83.7 percent
OBJ had a an amazing week versus Dallas. Amazing! But, outside of that game, he has been anything but that. His matchup this week against Pittsburgh is not boosting my enthusiasm either. He will be a flex play this week or a serviceable third wide receiver.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Running Back, Kansas City, 95.5 percent
And now I can hear you laughing all across the pond over here in Kansas. No this is not due to Le’veon Bell being signed on Thursday afternoon. No this is not due to how well Buffalo has been performing outside of last week. This is simple facts. CEH has not been playing up to the first round draft pick many of us used on him. Even with all of the injured players ahead of him removed from scoring, CEH is ranked 15th amongst running backs. He is an second tier running back. Add into the fact Buffalo will be playing with a chip on their shoulder bigger than Niagara Falls; it isn’t going to end well for him. Flex play or running back two performance for him this week.
Miles Sanders, Running Back, Philadelphia, 92.8 percent
Take away his performance last week versus Pittsburgh in the inexplicable shootout and you have a running back who barely warrants a bench spot. He isn’t performing well so far this year. I chalk it up to him being injured late in training camp and the lack of preseason games to knock the rust off. If he wasn’t facing Baltimore, I would have higher hopes for the second year man. But, he is facing the Ravens and their ELITE run defense. He won’t be worth anything more than a flex play this week.
Joe Mixon, Running Back, Cincinnati, 86.4 percent
While I believe Joe has started to trend back towards the positive in his performance, this week, he is not going to perform well. Indianapolis is a BEAST on the defensive side of the ball. They have only given up two touchdowns to opposing running backs. That coupled with my concerns of Cincinnati being able to move the ball in general makes Mixon a bench option. Not the elite starter people are thinking he is.
Jonathan Taylor, Running Back, Indianapolis, 79.6 percent
Again, go ahead and laugh all you want but don’t start that guy above or at the very least not as your lead back. Jonathan has run into the similar issue with CEH. While he had a strong start, he has definitely cooled as the season has progressed. After week two, he has averaged only 14 carries per game. The lone bright spot is he is averaging 4.38 yards per carry and if he can just get a few more touches, he will be worth that second or third round pick many of us used on him. Consider him a flex play at best.
David Johnson, Running Back, Houston, 76.2 percent
One question. Why? Why are people still starting him at such a high rate? The only thing I can think of is that people are utilizing him as a second running back or flex play. If that’s the case, then by all means continue doing so. But realize this. He is 75th in flex rankings on ESPN, 75th! WHY ARE YOU STARTING HIM? Don’t.
Cooper Kupp, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles, 80.5 percent
Just don’t. Cooper has been a boom or bust type play this year for being a top 20 wide receiver on the year. While he has performed very well in two games, the other three have been lacking. It’s been touchdown or bust on his performance being reliable and to see him still being sent out with expectations of being a top wide out is disheartening.
Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, Baltimore, 91.1 percent
Yup, he too is on this list this week. Yes, I know he is the reigning MVP. Yes, I know he is a superior talent. BUT. Have you actually watched him play this year? Since the trouncing of the 4-1 Browns (checks standings, still shocking) in week one, Lamar has been on a downward trajectory ever since. A lot of it has been due to the game plan set forth by the team, but a good portion of it is this. Teams have “figured” him out. And until Lamar starts dissecting opposing defenses, they will continue to rush three to five players and dare him to beat them with his arm.
Zach Ertz, Tight End, Philadelphia, 78 percent
Oh my goodness folks. Why have you been sending this man out for your team? He is only registering 8.0 points per game; which makes him not even a top 20 tight end on the year in points per game. Yeah, there are a few tight ends out there who are on the injury report, when you take them out, he still isn’t even a top 15 tight end on the year. Please don’t expect anything from him. Baltimore may be middle of the road versus the tight end, I’m expecting him to end up on the low side of the road.
Well, while I may be making some reaches on calls and by all means laugh all you want but don’t start that guy or any of the others I’ve mentioned. If you have the time today, go take a look around here at the Kings Table for your help in this week. If you don’t have the time to do more research reach out to me on Twitter . Good luck y’all!
Image Credit: Derick E. Hingle – USA TODAY Sports
