Week Six fantasy football focus: Broncos vs. Jets

Quarterbacks:

Peyton Manning (DEN)

After his best week of the entire season, throwing for a career-high 479 passing yards to go along with four touchdown passes, Peyton is now averaging the second-most fantasy points per week for QBs (28.0), behind just Andrew Luck (31.1). And although Rex Ryan's defenses have historically stifled Manning, they've allowed the third-most fantasy points to QBs in 2014 (124.4), and the fifth-most fantasy points per week to QBs (24.4). With Demaryius Thomas finally hitting his stride to go along with the already potent combo that Emmanuel Sanders and Julius Thomas have been this season, Manning should have no problem picking apart the Jets' defense. Manning is the number one fantasy option at quarterback in Week Six.

Verdict: Start as top QB-1 option

Prediction: 320 passing yards, 3 TDs- 24.8 fantasy points

Geno Smith (NYJ)

Charlie Whitehurst has averaged more fantasy points per game than Geno Smith. Yeah, that Charlie Whitehurst. Geno has had a hard time getting anything going this season, and it doesn't happen that his one true weapon, Eric Decker, has been battling injuries the entire season thus far. Smith's supporting cast in New York is no doubt lacking, and he's had a hard time creating plays on his own. Averaging just 15.7 fantasy points per week, and about to go against a Denver defense that is ranked 11th in the league against QBs over the past three weeks, Smith doesn't have a whole lot of upside. If you don't have a better QB on your roster, you're likely in a very deep league, or you need to work the waiver wire better.

Verdict: Sit

Top 20 Quarterbacks for Week Six

Week Six Top 20 Fantasy Quarterback Rankings
1.	Peyton Manning (@ NYJ)	11.	Jay Cutler (@ ATL)
2.	Philip Rivers (@ OAK)	12.	Ben Roethlisberger (@ CLE)
3.	Andrew Luck (@ HOU)	13.	Carson Palmer (vs. WAS)*
4.	Aaron Rodgers (@ MIA)	14.	Joe Flacco (@ TB)
5.	Matt Ryan (vs. CHI)	15.	Kirk Cousins (@ ARI)
6.	Eli Manning (@ PHI)	16.	Tony Romo (@ SEA)
7.	Nick Foles (vs. NYG)	17.	Kyle Orton (vs. NE)
8.	Matt Stafford (@ MIN)	18.	Austin Davis (vs. SF)
9.	Russell Wilson (vs. DAL)	19.	Cam Newton (@ CIN)
10.	Colin Kaepernick (@ STL)	20.	Tom Brady (@ BUF)

* Carson Palmer is questionable to play- his ranking reflects what he projects for if healthy

Running Backs:

Chris Ivory (NYJ)

Chris Ivory is an interesting case, in the sense that he is clearly the better fantasy performer (as well as the more consistent player) than Chris Johnson, yet the Jets still lean just as heavily on CJ2K. Ivory is averaging 10.2 fantasy points per game, while Johnson is averaging just 7.0. Even in PPR leagues, Ivory is performing better (11.6 per game compared to CJ's 8.8), contrary to the thought that Johnson is better in the passing game. Despite the fact that he continues to share snaps with Johnson, Ivory is worthy of a start in most leagues, as he's managed to produce within the running back by committee system and the Broncos defense has given up 23.0 points per game to running backs.

Verdict: Start as RB-2

Prediction: 60 rush yards, 1 TD, 2 receptions, 10 yards- 13.0 fantasy points (15.0 PPR)

Chris Johnson (NYJ)

Despite the fact that Johnson is averaging 4.0 yards per carry, as opposed to Chris Ivory's 5.4, the Jets have continued to use both running backs almost equally. Johnson still gets his opportunities, and the Broncos' lack of ability to slow down Andre Ellington last week is also encouraging for CJ2K. Johnson is still worth a start as a flex player in 12-team or bigger leagues, but he's definitely worth more in PPR leagues and always has the potential to be higher if he manages to find the end-zone.

Verdict: Start as RB-3 or flex

Prediction: 35 rush yards, 4 receptions, 25 yards- 6.0 fantasy points (10.0 PPR)

Ronnie Hillman/ CJ Anderson/ Juwan Thompson (DEN)

Montee Ball is set to miss an entire month with his groin injury, and the situation in the Broncos' backfield could not be more unclear. Word is that Ronnie Hillman will get the majority of the carries after his positive performance against the Cardinals in Ball's stead; however, it's no doubt going to be a running back by committee situation, and any of the backs could emerge with the most touches on a week-to-week basis. For now, it's a crap-shoot when picking Broncos running backs in fantasy, and none are worth starting unless you have no other option and need an injury replacement for Ball. If you're going to start one for Week Six, the safest option is Hillman, considering that he'll likely get the most carries until someone else proves they're more deserving, or until he proves he can't handle it.

Verdict: Sit all Broncos running backs until the situation becomes clearer... unless you're desperate, then roll with Hillman.

Top 20 Running Backs for Week Six

Week Six Top 20 Fantasy Running Back Rankings
1.	Matt Forte (@ ATL)	11.	Andre Williams (@ PHI)
2.	Le'Veon Bell (@ CLE)	12.	CJ Spiller (vs. NE)
3.	Giovani Bernard (vs. CAR)	13.	Frank Gore (@ STL)
4.	Eddie Lacy (@ MIA)	14.	Justin Forsett (@ TB)
5.	LeSean McCoy (vs. NYG)	15.	Andre Ellington (vs. WAS)
6.	Demarco Murray (@ SEA)	16.	Chris Ivory (vs. DEN)
7.	Arian Foster (vs. IND)	17.	Alfred Morris (@ ARI)
8.	Marshawn Lynch (vs. DAL)	18.	Bishop Sankey (vs. JAX)
9.	Ahmad Bradshaw (@ HOU)	19.	Antone Smith (vs. CHI)
10.	Lamar Miller (vs. GB)*	20.	Matt Asiata (vs. DET)

*Miller's value will decrease depending on Moreno's injury situation. If Moreno's ready to go, Miller remains a playable option, but is no longer a Top Ten back.

Wide Receivers:

Demaryius Thomas (DEN)

Well, he'd been holding back for three weeks, but the flood-gates of Demaryius Thomas' fantasy value finally opened up last week, and one of the best receivers in the league showed just what he's capable of. It was only a matter of time before Thomas got it going, and now that he's back on track, there's no reason to expect him to slow down (although you shouldn't expect 34 points per week). Thomas has a favourable match-up against a very weak Jets secondary this week; the Jets are giving up 25.1 points per week to receivers, and they'll have a very tough time containing the receiving corps of the Broncos.

Verdict: Start as a high-end WR-1

Prediction: 7 receptions, 95 yards, 1 TD- 15.5 fantasy points (22.5 PPR)

Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)

Emmanuel Sanders almost got the touchdown monkey off of his back last week, when Patrick Peterson and the rest of the Cardinals' secondary had a momentary brain-lapse; however, Sanders' near 77-yard TD was erased off the board after review. Sanders still made seven receptions on nine targets for 101 yards, ranking him 17th in standard scoring and 16th in PPR scoring for receivers last week. He continues to be Manning's safety blanket and go-to guy when the Broncos need a big play, and Sanders continues to deliver. His fantasy value remains strong even without touchdowns, and that goose-egg will crack soon enough.

Verdict: Start as high-end WR-2; low-end WR-1 in deep leagues

Prediction: 7 receptions, 90 yards, 1 TD- 15.0 fantasy points (22.0 PPR)

Eric Decker (NYJ)

Eric Decker was brought in by the Jets to be a number one receiver, yet his numbers don't exactly reflect that quite yet, especially in the fantasy world. The low production is more likely a product of the system he's in and the injuries he's been battling. Decker is averaging just 8.1 points per game, making him a solid WR-3 or flex option, but he'll be no more than that until he can get 100% healthy, in which case he'll likely be a WR-2 candidate most weeks. The former Broncos receiver is in for a tough match-up against a defense that's allowed just 16.3 fantasy points per week to receivers, including just two touchdowns, which is where Decker gets his most fantasy value from.

Verdict: Start as low-end WR-3/flex

Prediction: 3 receptions, 40 yards- 4.0 fantasy points (7.0 PPR)

Wes Welker (DEN)

Wes Welker is not of much value in standard scoring leagues (5.9 points per game), but his production doubles in PPR leagues, where he has averaged 12.4 points per game over his two games this season. Welker's role in the Broncos offense has been cut this season, especially due to Sanders' versatility in the passing game, but he remains a solid bet to make 5-7 receptions per week. Welker's 10 touchdowns from 2013 are encouraging, and he hasn't had fewer than six in a season since 2009; he's bound to find the end-zone at least a few times this season, and remains a WR-3/flex play in most leagues, especially PPR leagues.

Verdict: Start as WR-2 or flex in all PPR leagues, and WR-3/flex in 10+ team standard leagues

Prediction: 6 receptions, 50 yards- 5.0 fantasy points (11.0 PPR)

Jeremy Kerley (NYJ)

Kerley is the Jets' number two receiver, but he's hardly worth consideration in fantasy. He's in the Brian Hartline, Markus Wheaton, Andre Roberts territory, but his quarterback is arguably worse than all three of those players. Kerley is only worth a start in deep leagues with more than two receivers. As mentioned with Decker, he's got a tough match-up against the Broncos this week, further lowering his fantasy value; try to find a replacement for Kerley, if possible.

Verdict: Sit

Prediction: 5 receptions, 40 yards- 4.0 fantasy points (9.0 PPR)

Top 20 Wide Receivers for Week Six

Week Six Top 20 Fantasy Wide Receiver Rankings
1.	Antonio Brown (@ CLE)	11.	Jeremy Maclin (vs. NYG)
2.	Demaryius Thomas (@ NYJ)	12.	Alshon Jeffery (@ ATL)
3.	Julio Jones (vs. CHI)	13.	Steve Smith (@ TB)
4.	Jordy Nelson (@ MIA)	14.	Roddy White (vs. CHI)
5.	Golden Tate (@ MIN)	15.	Kelvin Benjamin (@ CIN)
6.	Emmanuel Sanders (@ NYJ)	16.	Desean Jackson (@ ARI)
7.	Brandon Marshall (@ ATL)	17.	Brian Quick (vs. SF)
8.	Dez Bryant (@ SEA)	18.	Keenan Allen (@ OAK)
9.	Victor Cruz (@ PHI)	19.	Mike Wallace (vs. GB)
10.	Randall Cobb (@ MIA)	20.	Julian Edelman (@ BUF)

Tight Ends:

Julius Thomas (DEN)

Julius Thomas has been extremely consistent this season in fantasy, and a lot of his consistency has come from his ability to find the end-zone. Well on his way to a single-season record for tight end receiving touchdowns, Thomas has already scored seven of them, and he has another favourable match-up against the Jets this week, who have allowed the second-most touchdowns (5) to tight ends this season. Thomas is, as always, a high-end TE-1 this week.

Verdict: Start as a high-end TE-1

Prediction: 6 receptions, 55 yards, 1 TD- 11.5 fantasy points (17.5 PPR)

Jace Amaro (NYJ)

Jace Amaro has not been the dynamic tight end that the Jets had hoped he would be quite yet, but he's enjoying more success fantasy-wise than Jeff Cumberland. Amaro is the man for the Jets when it comes to tight ends, but he's far from a viable fantasy option, even in two-tight end leagues.

Verdict: Sit

Prediction: 3 receptions, 20 yards- 2.0 fantasy points (5.0 PPR)

Top 20 Tight Ends for Week Six

Week Six Top 20 Fantasy Tight End Rankings
1.	Julius Thomas (@ NYJ)	11.	Martellus Bennett (@ ATL)
2.	Greg Olsen (@ CIN)	12.	Vernon Davis (@ STL)
3.	Antonio Gates (@ OAK)	13.	Owen Daniels (vs. IND)
4.	Delanie Walker (vs. JAX)	14.	Tim Wright (@ BUF)
5.	Rob Gronkowski (@ BUF)	15.	Luke Willson (vs. DAL)
6.	Larry Donnell (@ PHI)	16.	Heath Miller (@ CLE)
7.	Dwayne Allen (@ HOU)	17.	Jordan Cameron (vs. PIT)
8.	Niles Paul (@ ARI)	18.	Jared Cook (vs. SF)
9.	Marcedes Lewis (@ TEN)	19.	Jason Witten (@ SEA)
10.	Eric Ebron (@ MIN)	20.	Zach Ertz (vs. NYG)

Defense/Special Teams (D/ST):

Denver Broncos

The Broncos defense has been better and better each week, and they've got a particularly favourable match-up in New York this week. Geno Smith has thrown six interceptions in 2014 already, and Mike Vick didn't fair any better when put into action last week. The Broncos' secondary will be licking their chops in anticipation of interceptions, and should be able to add onto their current total of three. Additionally, Von Miller and Demarcus Ware seem to be getting stronger in the pass rush each week, wreaking havoc in the Cardinals' backfield in Week Five; look for them to get to Geno at least a couple of times in their Week Six match-up.

Verdict: Start

Prediction: 7-13 points allowed, 1 INT, 3 sacks- 8.0 fantasy points

New York Jets

The Jets have had the best run defense in the league this season, and should be able to enjoy success against the Broncos' poor run blocking. That being said, Denver still has the best passing attack in the league, and the Jets have a dismal secondary when it comes to pass coverage. It's hard to justify starting the Jets defense this week, considering their match-up.

Verdict: Sit

Prediction: 28-34 points allowed, 0 INT, 1 sack- (-3.0) fantasy points

Top 20 Defense/Special Teams Units for Week Six

Week Six Top 20 Fantasy D/ST Rankings
1.	San Francisco 49ers (@ STL)	11.	Cincinnati Bengals (vs. CAR)
2.	Detroit Lions (@ MIN)	12.	Miami Dolphins (vs. GB)
3.	Denver Broncos (@ NYJ)	13.	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. BAL)
4.	Seattle Seahawks (vs. DAL)	14.	Chicago Bears (@ ATL)
5.	New England Patriots (@ BUF)	15.	Atlanta Falcons (vs. CHI)
6.	San Diego Chargers (@ OAK)	16.	Indianapolis Colts (@ HOU)
7.	Buffalo Bills (vs. NE)	17.	Carolina Panthers (@ CIN)
8.	Philadelphia Eagles (vs. NYG)	18.	Tennessee Titans (vs. JAX)
9.	Green Bay Packers (@ MIA)	19.	Pittsburgh Steelers (@ CLE)
10.	Arizona Cardinals (vs. WAS)	20.	New York Giants (@ PHI)

Editor's Note: FanDuel is hosting a private fantasy football League for SBNation readers this week. It's $10 to join, the top 200 teams win money, and first place wins $1,000. League starts Sunday 1 PM ET and ends on Monday. Here's the link.