Fantasy football advice, Week 6: Who to start/sit for Lions vs. Vikings

The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings have each played five games so far. The average margin of victory in the Lions' games is 12 points; the average margin of victory in the Vikings' games is 21.4. One of these teams plays close games, and the other doesn't. Something will have to give in their matchup Sunday.

The Lions in particular are full of injuries worth worrying about. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson has been dealing with an ankle injury for weeks now, and it's looking increasingly likely that will keep him out of Sunday's game. Running back Reggie Bush could also be out with an ankle injury. His position-mates Joique Bell and Theo Riddick, who both missed Week 5, are expected to be back on the field for Sunday's game. On the Vikings side, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is expected to return after missing a game with an ankle injury. Wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson has been limited with a hip injury, but is expected to go Sunday.

Start 'em: Even with some of his weapons down and coming off a bad week, Matthew Stafford is a strong starter at quarterback this week, considering the position's relative lack of depth. ... Assuming he's on the field and Bush isn't, Joique Bell is an attractive play this week, considering the team's lack of options. ... It's been a good start to the season for Golden Tate, and it's been even better while Johnson has been banged up. Expect that to continue. ... The Lions' defense has been one of the league's top units so far, and it's a must-start.

Start 'em?: The Lions have their best kicker of the season in Matt Prater, but it's his first game of the season; how much do you trust him?

Sit 'em: Bush's absence doesn't do enough to bring Theo Riddick or George Winn into starting consideration. ... With Johnson out, Jeremy Ross is interesting, but probably a stay-away. ... Eric Ebron has only had one decent fantasy day; he's an interesting long-term tight end, but for now he's not helpful.

Start 'em: By hook or by crook, Blair Walsh keeps getting his kicks. He's a fine starter.

Sit 'em: He looked great in his first start, and I love Teddy Bridgewater's career value, but coming off a high-ankle sprain against a good defense, he doesn't need to be anywhere near your lineup. ... It was a great game for Matt Asiata in Week 4, but then he no-showed Week 5 and now faces a stout run defense; he and Jerick McKinnon are both guys to avoid. ... The Vikings' receiving corps of Cordarrelle Patterson, Greg Jennings and Jarius Wright is interesting, but there's not a starter in the ranks. ... Rhett Ellison has taken over the team's tight-end job, but he's not getting any fantasy points. ... The Vikings' defense has done basically nothing since Week 1.