The Cincinnati Bengals are 5-0, coming off of a signature comeback win against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5. They are healthy (more or less) and productive. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills have a winning record, but at 3-2 it’s tenuous. And where the Bengals can count on most of their players, the Bills have an injury report that will fill up your computer screen. The two teams play one another Sunday.
Fantasy football advice, Week 6: Who to start/sit for Bengals vs. Bills
One team is undefeated and healthy. The other is neither of those things.
The only fantasy-relevant Bengal on the injury report is wide receiver Marvin Jones, who is dealing with a foot problem but should be fine to play Sunday. Meanwhile, for the Bills ... well, buckle up. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor is expected to miss the game with a knee problem, as is running back Karlos Williams with a concussion. Running back LeSean McCoy is expected to make his return from a hamstring problem, but he’s not 100 percent and is still far from a guarantee. Wide receivers Sammy Watkins (calf) and Percy Harvin (hip) have injury concerns as well; both are expected to at least give Sunday a shot, but keep an eye out Sunday morning for a possible downgrade. Finally, tight end Charles Clay was limited in practice with a calf injury, but he’s expected to play.
Buffalo will play host to Cincinnati Sunday, with the game scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
BENGALS
Start ‘em: The only two quarterbacks with at least 17 fantasy points in every game this year are Tom Brady and Andy Dalton. ... Even without his monster Week 3, A.J. Green has been a strong receiver. Add in his potential for another 34-point fantasy day like Week 3, and he’s a must-start everywhere. ... Tyler Eifert’s 21 fantasy points in Week 5 really shut up me and my “are we sure he’s good?” argument. ... The Bengals’ defense has been good-not-great this year, but with a replacement quarterback lined up opposite them, I think it’s a must-use.
Start ‘em?: The strong Buffalo run defense makes Giovani Bernard and his pass-catching a nicer-looking option than Jeremy Hill. Bernard is a low-end RB2, while Hill is more of a flex option. ... Mike Nugent has topped out at 10 fantasy points in a game. He’s a mediocre fill-in and not much else.
Sit ‘em: There have been a couple moments for Marvin Jones and even Mohamed Sanu so far this year, but against a good Buffalo defense, they’re both stay-aways.
BILLS
Start ‘em: Unless there’s a last-minute downgrade, LeSean McCoy should make his return Sunday, and even banged up, he’ll get the lion’s share of carries and be worth a low-end start. ... The pedigree of the Bills’ defense is better than the results thus far, but it’s a low-end starter nonetheless.
Start ‘em?: If you have Charles Clay, you’re probably using him even with a bad Week 5 and a subpar quarterback throwing to him. He’s a low-end starter.
Sit ‘em: With Tyrod Taylor out, EJ Manuel is going to play quarterback for Buffalo this week. Let’s just say there’s a reason Taylor won the starting job over Manuel. ... McCoy’s return renders Anthony Dixon and Dan Herron afterthoughts. ... If we knew Sammy Watkins and/or Percy Harvin were totally healthy, maybe you justify using one. But with a rough quarterback and injuries to deal with, just avoid them. ... Manuel could struggle, leaving Dan Carpenter without a lot of kicking chances.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Andy Dalton, A.J. Green, Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati defense, LeSean McCoy, Buffalo defense
Start if you’re desperate: Giovani Bernard, Jeremy Hill, Mike Nugent, Charles Clay
Bench: Marvin Jones, Mohamed Sanu, EJ Manuel, Anthony Dixon, Dan Herron, Sammy Watkins, Percy Harvin, Dan Carpenter
