RandBall's Week 6 Fantasy Football Challenge

Week 6 of the Page 2 Fantasy Football Challenge is upon us. Each week, a guest picker takes aim at the Star Tribune's Michael Rand. The only players off-limits are those selected by the previous week's guest picker. This week's guest is Tom Linnemann, a former St. John's quarterback and the latest to answer Rand's challenge. They will go head-to-head, with the usual caveat: Rand is not allowed to pick anyone ranked in the top 10 in the NFL.com weekly scoring projections by position:

QB: Tony Romo, Cowboys

NFL.com fantasy projection: No. 7

Matchup: Redskins

I'm in Vegas this weekend, so I'll play the hot hand. With Dallas facing a Washington defense that allows 9.2 yards per pass attempt, Romo should have a field day. Or he'll implode. Either way it's fun to watch.

RB: Arian Foster, Texans

NFL.com fantasy projection: No. 17

The best way to avoid Matt Schaub's pick-6s is to give it to Foster every single play. Foster might as well take the snaps directly. Seriously, stay over there, Matt. Shhh. Two touchdowns.

WR: Dez Bryant, Cowboys

NFL.com fantasy projection: No. 28

Matchup: Redskins

Double down! If you're trusting one player to win, go with the "elite player who has allegedly gotten into a fight with Lil' Wayne" exacta. Sixty percent of the time, it works every time.

NFL.com fantasy projection: No. 18

Matchup: Steelers

I'm picking who now?Am I trying to lose? No, this is serious. Geno Smith played well last week in a victory over the Falcons. And I watched the Steelers stumble against the Vikings two weeks ago. I say Smith has a big game.

RB: DeMarco Murray, Cowboys

NFL.com fantasy projection: No. 14

You're not the only one betting big on Dallas, Tom. I'll take Murray for some big gains and a couple of scores. A feast-or-famine running back on a feast-or-famine team.

WR: Jerome Simpson

NFL.com fantasy projection: No. 19

Matchup: Panthers

The Vikings' QB on Sunday — whomever it ends up being — has incentive to put up big numbers with Josh Freeman waiting to step in. Jerome Simpson should benefit greatly.

Loser: Michael Rand — Jay Cutler (23.0), Frank Gore (14.1), Kenbrell Thompkins (1.6). Total: 38.7.

Overall standings: Guest pickers 3-2.