Week 6 Observations

Week 6 boys, half way through the Equalizer Regular season already. A lot of parity in the league this year in my eyes, with both Dark Force and SGF Dirtdogs riding high on two game winning streaks. Should shape up to be a very interesting second half of the season. Let's get down to the NFL action this week.

TY Hilton - One of the ultimate boom or bust fantasy players year in and year out, came out with a boom this past Thursday night to the tune of 9 receptions, 223 yards, and 1 touchdown. Perhaps his most impressive statistic of the day however was this was done on 9 targets, or a 100% reception rate. One of the knocks on Hilton last season was not the targets he was receiving, but his ability to haul in a high percentage of them. Been much more consistent this season, I just hope some of those big plays will start going Reggie Wayne's way...

Andre Johnson - 7 receptions for 99 yards and an unbelievable touchdown catch this week, nice to see him get back on track a little bit. Still think he wants out of Houston, but I think this team can challenge the Colts for AFC South supremacy once Clowney is back (likely this week) and Ryan Fitzpatrick can continue to play mistake free football.

Tom Brady - You think Brady enjoyed the talk about him being done? Comes out in back to back weeks against formidable defenses and shreds them to the tune of 653 and two touchdowns, quickly vaulting himself back into QB1 conversation. I think the loss of Stevan Ridley may be a significant one, who has given the Pats a consistent run game so far this year, but Brady, and more importantly that hodge podge offensive line, are turning a corner.

CJ Spiller - I am not sure if it is Spiller or his skill set doesn't fit this offensive scheme, but being outplayed by a 33 year old Fred Jackson so far this year. Welcome to Dumpsville.

Cam Newton - Looks to finally be healthy, as evidenced by his 17 (yes, that's 17) carries for 107 yards and a touchdown. His value lied in his ability to carry the football, and should be making Touch my TD's ownership happy for the rest of the season. His reemergence as a rusher also eliminates what little value there was left in Carolina's backfield situation, as Newton figures to get a significant portion of goal line carries.

Mike Nugent - Fun Fact: Drafted by the jets with the 47th overall pick. Seems to have taken a piece of the Jets organization with him to Cincy.

Cleveland Browns - Can't believe I am saying this, but the Browns are legitimate. Have not lost a game by more than 3 points this season, and minus a last second field goal, are 4-1 on the year. Brian Hoyer has put up respectable numbers minus Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron for some weeks. They are running the football effectively, rushing for 146.4 yards per game, good enough for third in the league. Believe it or not, I think the NFC North division is a three team race, and the Steelers are not in that conversation.

Aaron Rodgers - Rodgers goes to Miami and does what?! A fake spike to set up the game winning touchdown?! That final drive is why he is the best in the business right now, and without the luxury of a good offensive line.

Lamar Miller - Starting to show flashes of what everyone expected from him coming into this league. 93 total yards from scrimmage with a touchdown, has posted more than 14 fantasy points this year in 4 out of 5 games played.

As I am writing this Benny Cunningham just plunged in a one yard score in the Monday night game, one of the 36 RB's Eth has stashed on his roster...

Detroit Lions - Offense has come to a grinding halt with the loss of Megatron (possibly out until week 10) but that defense is stout. I expected Teddy Bridgewater to actually have a good game here, but was sacked 8 times and intercepted another three times. One of the best front sevens in the league, they better get their money's worth from Suh because he is gone after this season.

Jerrick McKinnon - I think we are going to see the emergence of a new star in the league in this kid. This is a football team accustomed to running the football with AP and I am not sure if we will see him back with the Vikings even if his legal issues play out in his favor. As Matthew Berry would say, I like the cut of this kid's gib and expect some good numbers from him going forward.

Ronnie Hillman - With the injury to Montee Ball, it was expected Hillman would slide into the starting role, but there were questions to how effective he may be. He answered the bell on Sunday, rushing for 100 yards against one of the league's best rushing defense. With Ball being ineffective while he was in the lineup, this may be Hillman's job to lose.

Geno Smith - I actually think Geno unfairly receives the brunt of the criticism in New York. First and foremost, the secondary in New York is non-existent. Second, the offensive line is suspect at best. I also do not like that there is no clear starting RB in NY even though Ivory has clearly been the better back. Lots of work needs to be done to right the ship in Jets land.

Joe Flacco - Game kicks off at 1:05. By 1:30, Flacco has four touchdown passes. I guess Lovie Smith's defense down in Tampa is still a work in progress. At least I hope...

Jacksonville Jaguars - They were so closeee...in other news, Tennessee is not good. Nonexistent run game, Jake Locker can't stay on the field, and even old reliable Kendall Wright has been inconsistent all season.

Kirk Cousins - This guy can play football. He looks the part when he is out there, and has put up the numbers to prove it. Just needs to cut down on the mistakes big time. It almost looks like he doesn't see defenders at times, because some of the interceptions he has thrown look like they're right to guys. I like this offense, especially from a fantasy perspective, but Cousins needs to get this turned around or he might be surrendering the reins back to a not-so-good RGIII (probably will anyways, that's how Snyder runs his shop).

Matt Forte - Finally rounding into form, getting it done on the ground and through the air. Worth all 99 bucks, right Dan?

Antone Smith - The human TD, I don't know if I want him to get more touches or just score every time he does.

Matt Ryan - Matty Ice coming back home, playing in Atlanta with a full compliment of weapons has gotta be money in the bank right. Wrong. The offensive line woes on this team might be too much to overcome even with the talent they have on this ball club. Run game just has not been there, and only so much Ryan can do with limited time in the pocket.

Seattle Seahawks defense - First things first, I picked the boys in this game this week. My best pick of the year so far. Back to the Seahawks defense though, you saw a perfect example of how they can be exposed here. The key is a great offensive line. If they cannot get pressure rushing four, they suddenly become human on the defensive side of the football. Broncos could not block in the Super Bowl and you saw what happened. More concerning for the Hawks is that offense. Minus a costly muffed punt, they potentially put up a goose egg.

Dallas Cowboys defense - 11 guys that just hustle to the football. No big names, less egos than you would expect on a Dallas team, these guys have really proved the naysayers wrong so far this year. It may not be sexy, but they're getting it done. I like the Cowboys to win the NFC East this year.

Larry Donnell - Wtf dude?

New York Giants - And just as Giants fans were getting excited about this year, last night happens. Not only did they get steam rolled on national TV, they lost one of their best players and leaders in Victor Cruz (well wishes to Cruz by the way looked like he was in some serious pain and from what I have heard today, it's no guarantee he's back for the start of next season from this injury). Giants were just outplayed in the trenches, with Philly looking significantly faster and more athletic. Just really gave the impression to me that Philly saw something on tape they could exploit and executed that game plan perfectly.

Vernon Davis - Brutalllll game from Davis here. Dropped a couple balls, just overall looked very rusty. I am wondering if that is a result of health, and him maybe not being 100%.

That's all I got for week six, let me know what you guys think.