How bout them…too cliche?

But, really…The Dallas Cowboys are 5-1. They just beat the Seahawks on the road. Nobody does that! And after a game where DeMarco Murray rushed for 115 yards and Tony Romo threw for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns against the league’s best defense, left tackle Tyron Smith wins the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Smith is the first offensive lineman to win the award since former Chiefs guard Brian Waters did in 2004. That’s saying a lot (unlike Marshawn Lynch).

Admit it. You’ve been waiting anxiously for that annual Murray injury or for Romo’s back to finally give.

While you wait, the Cowboys keep on rolling…despite their super annoying overbearing owner. For the time being, they look like the best team in a weird NFC East. And Murray has tied Jim Brown for the most 100 yard games in a row.

More Week 6 Quick Hits

– Joe Flacco threw 5 touchdowns faster than anyone in NFL history and I started to have flashbacks of Lebron predicting Miami Heat championships…And Lovie Smith’s Tampa Bay defense continued to look like a dumpster fire.

– Phillip Rivers has put up a 120+ passer rating in an NFL record 5 straight games. Good for you, Rios

(Batman! Woo!)

– Julius Thomas has caught more touchdown passes (9) than any tight end ever up to this point in a season, and has tied Calvin Johnson for the most by anyone in NFL history. Despite his recent backtracking, Thomas is making it look “too easy.”

– And today marks the 8th anniversary of one of the most ridiculous comebacks in NFL history, followed by the real reason we remember it.

And now to the Mailbag

Craig Bucy on Facebook: “Mark Ingram or Chris Ivory?” and “Pick 3 – Nelson, Cobb, Tate, James Jones, Rueben Randle”

Yes. Mark Ingram is back and is said to be “100%, full tilt.” While that may be true, he’s returning to a loaded backfield against the 2nd ranked run defense in the league. While I feel good about the Saints coming off a bye week and playing in a dome, that may benefit the passing game more than Ingram…Chris Ivory is coming off a tough stretch against the AFC’s two best teams (Broncos and Chargers). It seemed like the Jets abandoned the run and thought they could keep up with the arms of Geno Smith and Michael Vick (*pause* *now laugh*). Expect Ivory to get the carries he rightfully deserves tonight in a game where the weather is forecasted to be bad with a plan focused on time of possession.

For your pick 3: Nelson, Cobb and Golden Tate. Another game without Calvin Johnson only means good things for Tate.

Ryan Suarez on Facebook: “Matthew Stafford or Kirk Cousins?”

I know his output hasn’t been the same without Megatron, but Matthew Stafford has a favorable matchup against the 8th worst pass defense at home. That is as long as his offensive line doesn’t get him killed…There has been talk of Kirk Cousins potentially getting benched for Colt McCoy. While Cousins is asking for it with his interceptions, the gunslinger numbers have still benefitted fantasy owners. Based on matchup I like Stafford more, but Cousins has the better upside and more weapons to throw to.

Sam Latham on Facebook: “James Jones or Keenan Allen?”

James Jones has certainly fallen into the role of possession receiver with Derek Carr at quarterback and Jones is getting his looks while the rookie QB is progressing…I like Keenan Allen better though this weekend. Allen averaged 107 yards and 7 catches against Kansas City last year. If Eddie Royal doesn’t suit up because of his ribs injury, that only helps Allen more.

Donald Moenning on Facebook: “Pick one for Flex Spot: Jeremy Hill, Eric Decker, Keenan Allen, Brandon LaFell, Andre Holmes” (Playing Giovanni Bernard as well)

Without AJ Green in the lineup, Cincinnati has predictably relied heavily on their run game. Why not, especially when Gio Bernard is busting out 80+ yard touchdown runs…

I like Jeremy Hill as well in a matchup with a Colts defense that has an achilles heel playing against the run…But if you aren’t comfortable playing two RBs from the same backfield, go with Andre Holmes who is on fire as of late. Holmes is also the established Oakland deep threat going against the 2nd worst defense defending WRs out of the end zone.

John Hayes on Facebook: “Cutler or Flacco?”

While Joe Flacco made last week’s game against Tampa look like Madden on Rookie Mode, I caution Fantasy owners to be mindful that Atlanta has one of THE WORST RUN DEFENSES IN THE LEAGUE. If John Harbaugh and Gary Kubiak can run the ball, they’re going to run the ball…Jay Cutler will have a favorable matchup at home against a Dolphins secondary that let Aaron Rodgers fake spike on them. Really? But in all seriousness, Cutler has reached must-start territory as his giant receivers are all healthy and Matt Forte is doing unprecedented things in the pass game. Cutty Does It this weekend.

Erin Adell on Facebook: “Peyton Manning or Phillip Rivers?”

Phillip Rivers (or Rios, as I like to call him) is having an M.V…FOR GOD’S SAKE, YOU HAVE PEYTON MANNING! PLAY PEYTON MANNING! Ahem…I’ll just leave this here. Because it’s #DancingManning.

Sean Yamnitz on Facebook: “Stafford or Hoyer?”

Again, I like Stafford simply for the matchup at home against the 8th worst pass defense. But Brian Hoyer has been fun to watch while Johnny Football waits on the sidelines. While Hoyer has been very efficient, that has mostly been thanks to conservative play calling setting up play action. Cleveland may let Hoyer fly against the Jaguars or they might just run like crazy. You can depend on Stafford more this weekend against the Saints.

As always, don’t be shy about asking more questions on Facebook or Twitter. Everybody Wang Chung tonight. 

The first quarter of the season is in the books…and how do you feel?

Andrew Luck, DeMarco Murray, and Antonio Brown owners are loving themselves a little right now.

Cam Newton, Eddie Lacy, and Demaryius Thomas owners?…Not so much.

However, it’s still early enough to turn things around. A waiver wire pickup here, a sell high trade there…your 0-4 team can reel off a nice streak to put you back into playoff contention. Hey! Somebody’s gotta give you some optimism, right?

Paul Chivari on Facebook: “Sammy Watkins or Andrew Hawkins?”

The Kyle Orton era has begun in Buffalo and Sammy Watkins seems to be excited about it. Watkins told reporters “He reads [defenses] quicker, the ball is coming out faster.” Orton isn’t going to set the world on fire for Buffalo, but his style is going to benefit Watkins in the box score greatly. Quick release passes on slant routes could be their bread and butter, but that’s a tall order against the league’s #2 pass defense. The Lions are tied for 4th in passing touchdowns allowed with just 4, and haven’t slowed down getting after the quarterback…In his first 3 weeks, Andrew Hawkins has consistently gotten the 10+ targets from Brian Hoyer. Hawkins is catching 7 passes per game and putting up decent yardage, but he isn’t getting into the end zone. There’s a chance that can change against a fairly pedestrian Titans pass defense…Considering what the Lions pass defense was able to do against Aaron Rodgers and Orton is getting his first licks since Dec. 29th, 2013, I feel better about Hawkins this week.

Craig Bucy on Facebook: “Golden Tate or West Welker?”

Golden Tate finally reaped the rewards of lining up on the other side from Calvin Johnson, but it was a decoy Megatron against the Jets. Johnson missed practice yesterday and his status is unsure for Sunday, but I like Tate against a Bills defense giving up the 8th most against the pass…The Broncos don’t have that luxury facing the Cardinals, but Wes Welker does have an opportunity to attack vulnerable coverage over the middle. Funny how Welker had a couple weeks off for suspension, returned to catch 6 passes, and got another break with the bye. I do think Welker will get his looks against Arizona, but the potential for a majority of the Lions offense to go through Tate is greater.

Kirk Clark on Facebook: “Desean Jackson vs Seattle, Anquan Boldin vs KC or Terrance Williams vs Houston.”

I’m going to start out by just simply saying no to Desean vs. Seattle. Seeing what the Giants were able to to Cousins makes me terrified for him against the Seahawks…Boldin was making plays in clutch situations against the Eagles, but it was still disappointing that he couldn’t light it up against an atrocious pass defense…I like Terrance Williams the most in this group. He’s being single-covered a lot, and why not when Dez Bryant is on the opposite end. Assuming Bryant draws Jonathan Joseph in coverage, Williams will get big point targets again.

Ryan Suarez on Facebook: “Doug Martin, Vincent Jackson or Knile Davis in the Flex”

I’ve made this known before, but I don’t like Doug Martin. At all. He did score last week but still seemed to struggle. He has an opportunity to produce against a Saints defense that he ran 144 yards on last season, but I like his teammate from this group better…Mike Glennon is a big boost for Vincent Jackson over Josh McCown and the Saints secondary is one to be had. Jackson will also be getting a majority of the targets with Mike Evans dealing with a groin injury…Lastly, Knile Davis didn’t seem to slow down in production the other night against the Patriots, even with Jamaal Charles starting as well. He still deserves flex consideration, but I don’t like his matchup against the 49ers who shut down the combo of LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles last week on the ground. Go with V-Jax in the flex.

Zach Munoz on Facebook: “Jeremy Maclin or Brian Quick?”

Go with Brian Quick. Brian Quick has proven to be the best receiving option in St. Louis, and #1 receivers get to eat when it comes to playing against the Philadelphia pass defense.

Scott Marlega on Facebook: “Pick two 1 WR/1 Flex (non PPR) Brandin Cooks, Michael Crabtree, Reggie Wayne, Fred Jackson.”

I’ll make the first part easy. Start Brandin Cooks at WR. The Saints are a very different team at home and Drew Brees LOVES to play against the Bucanneers. In his last 4 starts against Tampa Bay, Brees has thrown for totals of 381, 322, 307, and 377 yards. He’s thrown four touchdowns in three of those four games. Cooks is going to get some love this weekend.

Now for your Flex spot: Michael Crabtree is a decent start at home. Going into the Monday Nighter, I expected Tom Brady to be able to take advantage against Kansas City’s beat up secondary but that wasn’t the case at Arrowhead Stadium. Crabtree may have a better chance as Colin Kaepernick can elude the Chiefs’ pass rush better than Brady could…The Ravens are great against the run but the Colts have the Fantasy quarterback in the league right now, and he doesn’t care. I’m expecting Andrew Luck to air it out against Baltimore at home, and Reggie Wayne is back to being the hot hand receiving…Fred Jackson is 3rd in the league among running backs receiving with 19 catches for 170 yards. Jackson faces a Lions defense that can shut down the run, but don’t be surprised to see Orton check down to Jackson a lot. The most dependable in this group though is Reggie Wayne.

As always, keep the questions coming through the weekend on Facebook and Twitter and I’ll do my best to respond. 

I came across something yesterday that described the past few weeks better than I ever could.

“Sports is not Sports sometimes.” (WSCR Sports Radio Program Director Mitch Rosen)

Hard to argue. The escape that many of us rely on in sports has become almost as depressing as the Ten o’clock news. Every breaking story has more potential to break your heart as well. Not so good to be the king right now, is it?

I still love football though. I was on my feet, yelling at the top of my lungs in someone else’s apartment while CJ Spiller ran up the sideline against the Dolphins.

I felt my heart drop to my stomach when Jay Cutler was speared in the chest by a San Francisco defender, then punched the air for every touchdown he threw right after. I look forward to doing it all over again this coming weekend, because it is still sports…It’s still an escape.

On the field, Week 2 had plenty of highlights but also a fair share of carnage. Jamaal Charles, Robert Griffin III, DeSean Jackson, AJ Green, Ryan Matthews, and Mark Ingram all suffered significant injuries. Unfortunately, some (RG3) much worse than others.

When you get 1/8 into the NFL season, you start to get a good feel for your team and who you shouldn’t be leaving on your bench *cough*Darren Sproles*. You also get a better feeling for the defenses that your players are facing week to week. Let’s open this week’s mailbag and see what you’re dealing with.

John Filantres on Facebook: “(Eddie) Lacy or (Marshawn) Lynch this week?”

I would hope that since you have both, you could start both on your roster…but I’ll humor you. As an Eddie Lacy Fantasy owner, it’s been a rough 2 weeks to start the season for me. Lacy left the season opener with a concussion, and then was left out of the game plan after the Packers found themselves trailing 21-3 to the Jets. Lacy also had a goal line touchdown robbed from him as Aaron Rodgers faked the handoff and hit Randall Cobb in the end zone instead on play-action. You obviously drafted Lacy high, and I believe you are going to get your due as he faces 3 division opponents in a row starting with Detroit. While the Lions have improved against the run from a year ago, they are still giving up rushing touchdowns…Marshawn Lynch is obviously having a much better start to the season than Lacy, evident from their Week 1 matchup. However, Lynch is dealing with back issues which forced him to exit the game early during a loss to San Diego. At home in a Super Bowl rematch against the Broncos defense warrants a start for Lynch though, if he’s healthy.

Jon Golabek on Facebook: “Andrew Hawkins, (Eric) Decker, DeSean Jackson or James Jones.”

Your two best options, D-Jax and Decker, are dealing with injuries and I would keep an eye on their statuses throughout the week…especially Jackson against the Eagles. He’s itching to get on the field against the Eagles who allowed 306 yards per game passing a year ago, and still haven’t found a way to stop it…Decker is a starting option against a Bears defense that can either be the one who opened the season losing to Buffalo, or picking off Colin Kaepernick like crazy on the road in San Francisco…Hawkins is getting his targets from Brian Hoyer, but he faces a Baltimore defense that has given up the least passing TDs so far this season….James Jones is probably your best option if neither Jackson or Decker can go. He is going to draw coverage from Darrelle Revis though in New England, and that will not be easy for his rookie quarterback on the road. I would prioritize your options 1) Jackson 2) Decker 3) Jones and 4) Hawkins.

Christi Reiter on Facebook: “Tell me about Doug Martin and Bobby Rainey…ESPN keeps encouraging me to play Martin over Rainey but I have no faith…he’s pulled a whopping 0 points so far this season!”

All-Caps will be necessary here…DON’T TRUST DOUG MARTIN. I spent the early part of Sunday watching Red Zone Channel with my friend Jamie, keeping an eye on our players every time they got chances to score. Not too far into the Noon (CDT) games, Jamie received an update on his phone that Martin was ruled out for the game later on. The Buccaneers had Martin listed as playing they day before, and then screwed fantasy owners who had him slotted to start. Even if Martin plays (reports are saying that’s unlikely now), he’s a risky one at that. Only playing 6 games last season, Martin scored just one touchdown total and averaged 88 yards from scrimmage per. He also wasn’t a factor in the passing game…If Bobby Rainey gets the nod, you may be in luck. I have a hard time seeing him denied his touches after rushing for 144 yards last week. Rainey also torched Atlanta for 163 yards last year…I like Rainey > Martin.

Craig Bucy on Facebook: “How do you feel about Welker’s return vs Golden Tate or James Jones?”

It feels set up a little too perfectly, doesn’t it? Welker is reinstated 2 weeks early from his suspension just in time for a Super Bowl rematch against the Seahawks. Welker specializes in the underneath route in Peyton Manning’s offense and that is where the Seahawks have been vulnerable as of late. It’s also the Seahawks at home, where they hardly lose and offenses quake in their boots. I think they’ll take the running game away from the Broncos and force Manning to pass, setting the targets up for Welker’s return…Outside of that, Golden Tate could benefit from what could be high scoring affair with the Packers. If Matthew Stafford isn’t throwing to Calvin Johnson, he’s throwing to Tate and may have to often…Tate may be the safer bet, but I feel better about Welker in what could be one of the better games of the weekend.

Alberto Arreola on Facebook: “Cutler or Big Ben?”

Based on matchup alone, Cutty Does It. Jay Cutler is currently tied with Peyton Manning and leading the league in touchdown passes and the New York Jets are tied for allowing the most scores through the air. Look for the Bears to run a very similar game plan to their Sunday Nighter against San Francisco on the road again. They will test the Jets’ stout run defense and take advantage of the inexperienced secondary, one that allowed the Packers to reel off 28 of the last 31 points of the game coming from behind. The Bears are also 6-1 now in primetime games a year and two weeks into Marc Trestman’s head coaching tenure….Ben Roethlisberger is coming off a brutalizing loss to the Ravens and doesn’t catch a break having to go into Carolina to face a rolling Panthers defense. While their cornerbacks can be had, the Panthers’ front seven are as good as any in football. Big reason for Roethlisberger’s woes last week were the Ravens defensive line and outside linebackers getting to him. Even without Greg Hardy, the Panthers can do the same. Roethlisberger’s saving grace is a pair of receivers, Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton, who are terrific after the catch…if he can get the ball to them. Go Cutler this weekend.

Sam Kalmar on Facebook: “If AJ Green doesn’t play: Keenan Allen, Edelman or Torrey Smith? Also, Vereen, Sproles or Rashad Jennings?”

It’s amazing how fluid a player’s injury status can be. Earlier in the week, the word was AJ Green wouldn’t be back on the field until after the Bengals’ bye in Week 4. Now he’s trying to go this Sunday, but that’s neither here nor there…In the case Green does not suit up this week, I like Julian Edleman and I like him a lot. Edelman is clear and away Tom Brady’s #1 target and he’s catching almost everything thrown his way (13 catches on 15 targets). He has averaged 8 catches or more in his last 10 games. If return yards matter in your league, Edelman’s chances on special teams don’t hurt you either.

Solid options for running backs, and here is a rule of thumb when it comes to Shane Vereen: When the Patriots are playing from behind, Bill Belichick gets Vereen the ball every way possible. When the Patriots are leading, it’s all about Stevan Ridley. That will be the case playing the Raiders at home…After two weeks in Chip Kelly’s system, I don’t think you can leave Darren Sproles on your bench anymore. 26 touches, 263 yards, and 2 touchdowns in that time says enough. Washington is very good against running backs in between the tackles, but that’s not Sproles’ game nor Philadelphia’s. Sproles works wonders in space and Kelly knows how to get the ball to him, especially through the air. Washington also has problems giving up pass yards to running backs, four of which gaining 69 yards or more last season against them….Rashad Jennings is also a good option simply because he is the Giants’ ONLY reliable weapon in a hot mess offense. The Texans are relatively soft up front without Jadeveon Clowney playing, and that will likely be the only thing preventing Eli Manning Face this weekend. Go with Sproles, though, until he slows down.

Sean Liam on Facebook: “Ellington vs SF, Pierce @ Cle, CJ2k vs Chi, Fred Jackson vs SD,Terrance West vs Baltimore. Pick 2″

Okay. First glance has me picking Andre Ellington first, but let’s delve into him further. Despite the bad foot, Ellington is going to get the touches until his foot comes off with no Dwyer and Carson Palmer dealing with nerve damage. Ellington is averaging 5.1 yards per carry and 25-30 touches per game going into a tough matchup against the 49ers, but Demarco Murray did prove they can be had with 143 yards on the ground. Ellington also caught 8 passes and scored against them last season.

Now the question becomes, “who will get starter-like opportunities among the rest?” The Ravens have allowed 100+ combo yards to running backs in each of the first two weeks of the season, and Terrance West is going to get a chance to do the same with Ben Tate unlikely to play. I don’t know how much of an incentive this is or if it matters, but this is also a homecoming game for the rookie running back who played at Northwestern High School in Baltimore….Chris Johnson had a pretty dismal game against the Packers a week ago, and he will likely not be the number one option in the red zone as he has negative rush yards with those opportunities so far. Chris Ivory is still the Jets starter and the more reliable of the two early on, but that point could be moot if they have to play catchup against the Bears passing attack…And then there’s Bernard Pierce. Pierce drew 22 carries to Justin Forsett’s 8 in a drubbing of the Steelers a week ago and the Browns can be had on the ground, giving up 150 yards per game. In Gary Kubiak’s scheme, I like Pierce to take advantage of that stat more than your other options especially if Joe Haden is taking away passing options from Joe Flacco. Play Ellington and Pierce this weekend.

Kirk Clark on Facebook: “PPR Keenan Allen, Golden Tate, Brandon Quick. Then whoever is left over from those and throw in Zac Stacy for flex option.”

As mentioned before, I like Golden Tate against the Packers pass defense if they overcompensate covering Calvin Johnson…Keenan Allen hasn’t had a chance to put up big numbers having lined against two of the best cornerbacks in the game, Patrick Peterson and Richard Sherman. The Bills secondary is letting you throw on them though, allowing 295 yards per game, and that could be Allen’s ticket…And Brian Quick proved again to be the top target for the Rams passing game, catching 7 balls on 9 targets for 74 yards. The Cowboys secondary has proven to be bit more formidable than in the past, ranking 10th against the pass. This is where I see Zac Stacy being relied on if the Rams can keep the game close. The Rams have been the best team against the pass in terms of yardage (174 per) but that’s been against Matt Cassel and Josh McCown…I feel best about Keenan Allen and Golden Tate as your options, but keep Stacy in the mix as he may be needed to trade yardage against DeMarco Murray.

Good luck everyone in Week 3. If you have more questions, feel free to Tweet them to me.