Before the season started, my advice to Fantasy Football enthusiasts was to NOT draft based on potential. This was in regards to rookies who were soaring in mock drafts, as they normally do. How is that Bishop Sankey pick in the early rounds working out for you? (You probably loved seeing that Leon Washington touchdown last week against Baltimore)

Standing out, however, are the wide receivers from the 2014 Draft Class. Sammy Watkins (4th overall), Mike Evans (7th), Odell Beckham Jr. (12th), Brandin Cooks (20th), Kelvin Benjamin (28th), and Martavis Bryant (118th) have all put themselves have all put themselves in the “must start” conversation…Jordan Matthews (42nd) and John Brown (91st) have their arrows pointing up as well.

During the Super Bowl Era (since 1967), only 12 rookie wide receivers have gained over 1,000 yards in a season. Just 5 have recorded 10+ touchdowns. With 7 weeks left in the regular season, 4 of the aforementioned rookies have a shot at 1,000: Benjamin (659), Watkins (617), Evans (585), and Cooks (500). Touchdowns can be unpredictable but the 2 wide receivers who will likely eclipse the 10+ mark, Benjamin (7) and Bryant (6). There are 5 rookies tied with 5 touchdown catches: Watkins, Evans, Matthews, Brown, and Allen Hurns.

The boost in rookie receiver production can be attributed to the way the game has evolved with quarterback friendly rules and the murky interpretations of pass interference in coverage, but fantasy owners aren’t complaining. When you look at the Top 25 fantasy receivers right now, you’ll find 4 rookies: Benjamin (10), Watkins (15), Evans (17), and Cooks (23).

While Benjamin is top 15 in yards and touchdowns, and Bryant is making history with the most touchdowns in his first 4 games played, these guys are still susceptible to the dread rookie mistakes.

Quick Hits

• Speaking of receivers doing unprecedented things, how about the Packers wide receivers? After the Sunday Night massacre last week, Randall Cobb leads all wide receivers with 10 touchdowns and Jordy Nelson is tied for 4th with 8. The duo combined for 10, 224 yards, and 3 touchdowns against the Bears (no)defense…almost all of it in the first half. Nelson and Cobb are on pace to finish the season with 32 touchdowns combined. The record is 31, set by Randy Moss and Wes Welker with the Patriots in 2007.

• Marshawn Lynch catapulted himself to the league lead in rushing touchdowns after piling 4 on the Giants last week. It was a new chapter to the Beast Mode saga that began in 2011, but really statement for the Seahawks offensive identity. Not only are they getting off the bus running, they are running to get back on it as they lead the league averaging 170.9 yards per game (nearly 20 more than the 2nd ranked Cowboys). While that might not be great news for owners of the Seahawks receivers, it’s a dance party for Lynch owners.

• I don’t talk about D/ST very much on here, but what..the hell…Eagles? I went into Monday night with a 40+ point lead over my opponent and SQUEAKED away with a .04 point victory. 9 sacks, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 3 touchdown returns (1 KR, 1 PR, 1 Pick-6)…that’s just silly. The Eagles D/ST is a real weapon though as they have returned 9 touchdowns on the season. With Monday Night Football being so out of hand, unfortunately I was forced to ask this question:

• I was a little bummed out when the Patriots went on their bye week. Maybe it was having to start Larry Donnell instead of Rob Gronkowski, but deep down I was missing Tom Brady’s, now infamous, Facebook rally posting…Seriously, the guy is a Facebook fiend and it’s fun. Tom Brady owners are going to be very happy to have him back against the Colts. Before the bye week, the Colts allowed a combined 881 yards and 8 touchdowns to Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning. Since the bad Week 4 loss to the Chiefs, Brady has averaged 320 yards and 3.6 touchdowns. He’s also thrown multiple touchdowns in 5 straight games against Indy.

And now…MAIL TIME!

Joey McNamara on Facebook: “C.J. Anderson or Montee Ball?…other options are Joique Bell or Branden Oliver.”

Remember when Montee Ball first went down? It became a game of “who gets the ball now?” between Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson. Obviously Hillman ran away and never looked back…until this week. Yes, Montee Ball is probable to play and should get some carries, but I think it is Anderson’s backfield until he’s knocked out of it. While the Rams are giving up just 2.85 yards per carry in the last 5 weeks, Peyton Manning’s running backs have benefitted in the passing game even more so than the run. And if the Broncos get out to a quick lead against the now Shaun Hill led Rams, I expect Anderson to benefit plenty…Joique Bell is a tough start against the Cardinals defense who is 3rd against the run. With Reggie Bush out again, passing downs have been going to Theo Riddick as well…While the Chargers get Ryan Matthews back this week, that actually may help Branden Oliver as he is delegated to the “Danny Woodhead” role. It was against Oakland in Week 6 when Oliver rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown, adding 4 catches for 23 yards. Again, I say go with Anderson this week.

Emmet Fairfield on Facebook: W/R/T: Deandre Hopkins, Freddy Jackson, or Dwayne Allen…Thinking about starting Jackson over Rashad Jennings.”

First, I would leave Rashad Jennings right where he is. He is facing a 49ers defense that surrendered 120 yards to a similar style runner in Mark Ingram, and I think the Giants CAN’T WAIT to hand the keys to Jennings again…I actually thought Fred Jackson could have been a decent start when he returned last week, but the Bills had other plans by giving him just 3 carries while the combo of Bryce Brown and Boobie Dixon got 75% of the action. Jackson did get 4 catches, but Brown got 6. On a short week, I don’t really like Jackson’s chances in a crowded backfield against Miami…Hopkins is an interesting play with Ryan Mallett getting his first start. My real concern is whether or not Hopkins will draw coverage from Joe Haden. Haden and the Browns secondary gave Andy Dalton a passer rating of 2 a week ago. Seriously. 2. Hopkins is drawing 33% of targets over the last 4 weeks though…The most consistent player from your group has been Dwayne Allen. Allen has 7 touchdowns this season and has hit paydirt in each of the last 3 games. He is not a world burner in yardage and he splits targets with Coby Fleener. But touchdowns are touchdowns…I lean toward Allen only because I don’t know what you’re going to get with Ryan Mallett starting.

Greg Kulaga on Facebook: “What’s the outlook for Jerick McKinnon with Adrian Peterson set to return?

Jerick McKinnon owners must REALLY hate Matt Asiata. He vultured not 1, not 2, but 3 touchdowns from McKinnon and I don’t think Adrian Peterson’s return is going to help him either. Asiata will resume 3rd down and short yardage duties and Peterson is going to have legs fresh for miles. McKinnon’s total yardage was trending downward the past 3 weeks anyway, so I don’t like his value long term after AP returns.

Brandon Watson on Facebook: “Trade: Give Odell Beckham Jr and Ahmad Bradshaw. Receive Jeremy Maclin and Heath Miller. PPR league.”

I don’t know if you’re trying to get a Tight End, but Heath Miller is not that guy. Especially for Bradshaw. Ahmad Bradshaw has the most red zone targets for running backs this season with 10. If you’re looking short term, that bodes well against a Patriots defense that has given up the most receiving touchdowns to running backs…I like Jeremy Maclin a lot and Mark Sanchez at quarterback won’t hurt him, but you’ve also got the best offensive threat in the Giants arsenal in Odell Beckham Jr. You’re better off with what you have in this trade scenario, unless womens jersey sales count in your league…No, seriously. Heath Miller has the most popular NFL jersey for women in North Dakota and Arkansas.

Feel free to keep asking questions on Twitter. 

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.