Big Ten Fantasy Week 6

Quarterback

Week Winner - Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State v. Indiana

Ohio State needed a thrilling 4th quarter comeback to knock off Penn State, the stiffest test standing in their way from a College Football Playoff. Some teams could have a hangover, but coming home to face Indiana in an afternoon game should catch the Buckeyes attention, and with that, their best shot. Haskins is an incredible player at the helm of an incredibly talented offense, and he’s gonna be slinging it. Prediction - 340 yards, 4 TDs.

Bench ‘Em - Clayton Thorson, Northwestern v. Michigan State

Thorson, or more acutely, Thorson’s knee, isn’t being trusted to run. Without that, he’s an average passer with decent weapons. Squaring off against a very good Michigan State defense, that isn’t going to equate to an exciting day in fantasy.

Keep an Eye on - Peyton Ramsey, Indiana v. Ohio State

Ramsey is going to do his best to keep pace with Haskins and the Ohio State offense. The Buckeye defense has yet to be as a good as the sum of its parts, and is vulnerable on the ground by an opportunistic quarterback. Ramsey has pretty good wheels, and is going to be watching the tape of Trace McSorley running for a career high 175 yards last week.

Running Back

Week Winner - JK Dobbins, Ohio State v. Indiana

Dobbins has once again broke away from Mike Weber, and is getting starters carries and targets. Last week Dobbins was equally dangerous on the ground as he was in the passing game, and is opening up and already outstanding game. The Indiana defense isn’t anything to write home about, and Dobbins should be part of the Buckeye offensive explosion, and probably punches a couple in. Prediction - 130 yards rushing, 40 yards receiving, 2 total TDs

Bench ‘Em - Stevie Scott, Indiana v. Ohio State

The Ohio State defense took Miles Sanders out of last weeks game, and should focus even further into stopping Scott, because the Indiana offense doesn’t have nearly as many weapons as Penn State. Meyer knows if he can stop Scott, this one won’t be competitive.

Keep an Eye on - Mike Epstein, Illinois v. Rutgers

The Illini rushing game keeps coming along, improving with each week. This should be the first week with AJ Bush back behind center, and the reigns are off of Mike Epstein in what could be the make-or-break game to Lovie Smith’s career at Illinois to this point.

Wide Receiver

Week Winner - Stanley Morgan, Nebraska v. Wisconsin

The younger JD Speillman is starting to assert himself as Nebraska’s best receiver, and should receive additional attention from the Wisconsin defense. With them being honest, and Nebraska likely being behind, it’s a good time for the senior Morgan to pile up the yards. Prediction - 135 receiving yards, 1 TD.

Bench ‘Em - Tyler Johnson, Minnesota v. Iowa

Iowa is much like the Patriots, they’re going to do everything in their power to make sure you can’t beat them with your no. 1 option. Tyler Johnson is options 1-3 for the Minnesota offense, and will probably see double coverage all day long, with possibly even a press and an safety over the top.

Keep an Eye on - Ricky Smalling, Illinois v. Rutgers

Like Epstein, AJ Bush should open up huge opportunities for Smalling against a Rutgers defense that was abused by Kansas and Buffalo. He hasn’t had his breakout yet, but it’s coming, he’s too good not to have a 140 and 2 game up his sleeve.

Tight End

Week Winner - Noah Fant, Iowa v. Minnesota

I didn’t know what to do last week with Iowa on bye. Welcome back, Noah, go have a day. Prediction - 85 receiving yards, 1 TD.

Bench ‘Em - Lou Dorsey, Illinois v. Rutgers

Illinois needs to get Lou Dorsey more involved, but it’s been a struggle so far with his suspension and return last week. Daniel Barker is going to be a solid player, but Dorsey is one of the best players on the team and he hasn’t seen the ball.

Keep an Eye on - Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin v. Nebraska

The Nebraska defense isn’t very good and is especially soft from the seams, Ferguson is going to exploit that this week, and is continuing to grow into the next really good Wisconsin tight end.

Defense of the Week - Iowa v. Minnesota

If Iowa can take Tyler Johnson out of the picture, this is going to be a fantastically ugly contest.

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