Fantasy football advice, Week 6: Who to start/sit for Broncos vs. Browns

Week 6’s Denver Broncos-Cleveland Browns game will be a big referendum on believing in evidence we’ve seen so far. The Denver offense has been significantly worse than in recent years, while the Cleveland one has been much better. Will Sunday’s performances keep supporting these new developments, or will things change?

The Broncos will have wide receiver Demaryius Thomas ready to go Sunday despite the receiver spending the week dealing with a neck injury. On the Cleveland side, quarterback Josh McCown and running back Isaiah Crowell have both been held up in practice this week, though both are expected to play Sunday.

The Browns will host the Broncos Sunday, with gametime scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:

Start ‘em: The struggles of most of the team’s offensive players haven’t been reflected in the team’s wide-receiver duo of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, who have averaged almost eight fantasy points per game apiece this year. ... One way or another, Brandon McManus has put up plenty of kicker points this year. ... Even with DeMarcus Ware hurt, the Broncos’ defense is the league’s best and is a must-start in all leagues.

Start ‘em?: The Broncos seem determined to sink or swim with C.J. Anderson, who has only 15 fantasy points in five games this year. He’s a flex play, but a very frustrating one. ... The gradual climb in status of Owen Daniels came to a screeching halt. He’s only a flyer, hope-he-scores-a-touchdown play.

Sit ‘em: There’s a bit of a “screw it” factor to this week’s ranking of Peyton Manning, who has three games of eight or fewer fantasy points this year and has looked so bad that it makes sense just to bench him until he shows he can still do Peyton Manning things. ... Unless and until the Broncos move on from Anderson, Ronnie Hillman isn’t a great fantasy play.

Start ‘em?: The last three weeks have been the best stretch of Josh McCown’s career, with 25.3 fantasy points per game. But with his injury and going against the Denver defense, he’s far from a sure thing. It’s been a better stretch for Isaiah Crowell than Duke Johnson Jr. of late, though the latter is more of a pass-catching back, which is what you want against Denver. Both are low-end flexes, with Johnson slightly more appealing this week. ... Travis Benjamin has had at least seven fantasy points in every game this year, though that streak is at risk against Denver. ... Gary Barnidge went from fantasy afterthought to fantasy monster the last three weeks. I’m not sold yet, but I’m certainly listening. ... Travis Coons has increased his output steadily all year. Against Denver, Cleveland could struggle to score touchdowns, meaning the possibility of field-goal chances.

Sit ‘em: The Browns’ defense has put up negative production three weeks in a row.

Start in every league: Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Brandon McManus, Denver defense
Start if you’re desperate: C.J. Anderson, Owen Daniels, Josh McCown, Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson Jr., Travis Benjamin, Gary Barnidge, Travis Coons
Bench: Peyton Manning, Ronnie Hillman, Cleveland defense