The below list is not designed as a sit/start type article.  Rather, it is aimed at trying to refocus some of our expectations. These will be players that you may be relying on heavily for big points each week, but for some identified reason, the player may not be as productive as usual.  Here are the Top 5 players that could underperform in Week 6… manage your expectations accordingly.

1. Mike Wallace  Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins

Look for the incredibly disappointing season to continue for Wallace in Week 8. Wallace, who came over to the Dolphins this year after signing huge free-agent contract, has been not lived up to his top wide receiver status. So far in 2013, he has only managed 27 receptions on 57 targets and one touchdown. He has scored less than three fantasy points in half of his games. Three! This week the match-up will not make things any easier. He should draw the attention of Aqib Talib, the shut-down coverman who held Jimmy Graham to zero catches two weeks ago. Now, Talib has been limited in practice this week and there is a chance he will not be able to play. Even if he doesn’t, however, the Patriots have a way of taking away a team’s best option. This unit has more interceptions (8) than passing touchdowns allowed (7).
 

Better play this week: Brian Hartline

2. Jordan Cameron  Tight End, Cleveland Browns

Cameron has established himself as a stud number one tight end. This season he has amassed 45 receptions for 515 yards and six touchdowns. Since we are not even at the half way mark of the season yet, it is easy to see that he is on pace for quite a year. And this has been with Brandon Weeden as his quarterback. But now, an old new face emerges. Jason Campbell will likely be the starting quarterback. Besides just the uncertainty factor of not having played together before, the new duo faces a brutal match-up. The Chiefs are third in passing yards per game (194.7). They also allow the fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends (2.73, that’s right 2.73) and are the only defense to allow less than 200 yards receiving total by all the tight ends they have faced combined. I have liked Cameron a lot this year and will continue to, but there are better options this week

.Better play this week: Jordan Reed

3. Zac Stacy  Running Back, St. Louis Rams

Since beginning to receive the bulk of the team’s carries three weeks ago, Stacy has asserted himself as the lead back in St. Louis. He has averaged 4.3 yards per carry. And he has the added dimension of being effective in the passing game, totaling six receptions for 45 yards and one score on the year. But, he has a couple of things working against him. First, his quarterback, Sam Bradford, is lost for the season. Now, the jury is still out on Bradford as A starting NFL quarterback, but Kellen Clemmons certainly isn’t the answer. The Rams called Brett Favre to see if he was available. No disrespect to the former great, but obviously you do not feel confident in the guy you got if you need to call someone who has been out of the league for a handful of years. Second, the match-up is terrible. The Seahawks are second in total defense (282.1) and allow the fourth fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs (12.8). I know the running back landscape is tough this week, but avoid Stacy if you can.

Better play this week: Joique Bell

4. Alfred Morris Running Back, Washington Redskins

This game should be fun. If there is one thing that we can count from this season, it is the team that faces the Broncos will score some points. So, why would Morris be on this list? Game circumstances. I think Morris is a good back, but his game does not translate well to these shoot-out contests. Look at last week: He did fine (19 carries for 95 yards), but in a game where the two combine for almost 100 points, I would expect more from the lead running back. (See Forte, Matt in Week 7). This game should be a similar point-fest. Denver allows the most passing yards (319.9) and the least rushing yards (77.1) of any team in the league. And when the Redskins get down and have to throw, Roy Helu will be in the game. Morris has only three receptions for 22 yards on the season. This is pretty much a “start ‘em if you got ‘em” game, so you have to start Morris. Just be careful about expecting a huge performance.

Better play this week: Eddie Lacy

5. Terrelle Pryor Quarterback, Oakland Raiders

Pryor has looked really good this season. I am glad that the Raiders are letting him play and seeing what they have. It is the right call. But Pryor will be inconsistent. He shows signs of brilliance at times, and then, will look very ordinary at times. He should be rested coming off of the bye week, but his last game was brutal. Pryor threw three interceptions and was sacked 10 times. Now, the match-up isn’t that tough this week. The Steelers, however, are a formidable force. They allow the third least fantasy points by opposing quarterbacks (11.7).

Better play this week: Carson Palmer