Week 6: Box Score Bandit

A week of surprise blowouts by Pittsburgh, San Diego, and Washington captured the headlines as fantasy scoring was down for a second consecutive week. Why? Injuries and weak production from high-profile running backs continue to hamper offenses across the league.

As a result, a handful of kickers and defenses pumped out notable numbers this week, leaving many fantasy owners shaking their heads and going back to the drawing board in an attempt to salvage what has become a very challenging season.

Don't have time to scour the box scores? No need to worry, the Bandit is here every week to break down all of the games for owners - fantasy style. Check out the latest quick hits on the studs, bench plays, sleepers, and injuries from the week that was.

Panthers Beat a Demoralized Saints Team, 16-13
Fantasy Stud: RB-Reggie Bush (NO) has not come close to fulfilling the expectations of him, but he continues to help owners in PPR leagues. He totaled 119 yards on the strength of 9 receptions.
Bench Play: QB-Drew Brees (NO) and his owners are in big trouble. The former stud managed to throw for 252 yards, but had 0 TDs and 2 INTs in a huge loss that dropped New Orleans to 0-4.
Sleeper: WR-Keary Colbert (CAR) is establishing himself as the team's best receiving option outside of stud Steve Smith. He hauled in 4 passes for 74 yards.

Giants Stomp on Crosstown Jets, 35-24
Fantasy Stud: WR-Plaxico Burress (NYG) is off to the best start of his career and has become an elite #1 option. He broke the game open and finished with 5 catches, 124 yards, and 1 TD.
Bench Play: RB-Thomas Jones (NYJ) is struggling as he's been able to get going so far this year. He was held to just 50 total yards.
Sleeper: RB-Brandon Jacobs (NYG) is back and may be sitting on wires in some leagues. He bounced back from an early fumble and rumbled for 100 yards and 1 TD.

Houston Boots Miami, 22-19
Fantasy Stud: RB-Ronnie Brown (MIA) continues to be one of the few backs putting up #1 numbers every week. This week he totaled 153 yards, scored 1 TD, and added 5 receptions.
Bench Play: WR-Chris Chambers (MIA) was a non-factor with just 2 receptions for 16 yards. His value will be diminished with Trent Green likely out.
Sleeper: K-Kris Brown (HOU) was a perfect 5-5 on FGs with 3 being from 50+ yards. He nailed a 57-yard game winner as time expired.
Injuries: QB-Trent Green (MIA) suffered a concussion while making a block. His status is questionable.

Cardinals Grab Key Division Road Win, Beat Rams, 34-31
Fantasy Stud: WR-Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) came up huge in this one with 9 receptions, 136 yards, and 1 TD. The numbers were fantasy's best this week.
Bench Play: QB-Gus Frerotte (STL) was able to toss 3 TDs and 262 yards, but he also had 3 costly INTs and is just keeping the seat warm until Marc Bulger's return in the next couple of weeks.
Sleeper: QB-Kurt Warner (ARI) is set to be the team's starter for the rest of the season. He threw for 190 yards and 1 TD in this contest.
Injuries: QB-Matt Leinart (ARI) injured his collarbone and is expected to miss at least 6-8 weeks.

Chargers Bounce Back in a Big Way, Ravage Broncos, 41-3
Fantasy Stud: TE-Antonio Gates (SD) continues to produce elite numbers every week. He grabbed 7 passes for 113 yards and 1 TD this time around.
Bench Play: RB-Travis Henry (DEN) had just 65 yards rushing in what could be his last NFL game for at least a year.
Sleeper: RB-Michael Turner (SD) showed his worth with 147 yards and 1 TD. If the Chargers get hot, look for Turner to get more work in garbage time.