WEEK 6 RECAP
Chiefs 19, Broncos 8: Marvin Mims’ playing time took a dip after increasing the previous two weeks. The dynamic Mims’ value will skyrocket if Jerry Jeudy or Courtland Sutton (or both) get traded. He needs to be stashed now.
Ravens 24, Titans 16: Ryan Tannehill suffered a high-ankle sprain during Sunday’s loss in London. Malik Willis took over for the rest of the game. Tennessee has a bye week coming up, but Tannehill will likely miss some time afterward. High-ankle sprains are notoriously slow to heal. Willis completed 4-of-5 passes for 74 yards and added 17 yards on three rush attempts.
Commanders 24, Falcons 16: Drake London has finished as a WR21, WR79, WR31, WR19 and WR5 in his last five games. Can you spot the outlier?
Vikings 19, Bears 13: Khalil Herbert landed on injured reserve last week, which will keep him off the field for at least the next three games, and Roschon Johnson would’ve started against Minnesota ahead of D’Onta Foreman had he not suffered a concussion the previous week against the Commanders on Thursday Night Football. Johnson is expected to be back this week and will likely see heavy usage with rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent starting in place of an injured Justin Fields.
Bengals 17, Seahawks 13: Remember, Jaxon Smith-Njigba wasn’t entirely healthy to begin the season, but he’s still received at least five targets in four of five games. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith-Njigba set season-highs for routes ran and snaps played against Cincinnati. It makes sense for Seattle to get him more involved after the bye week, especially now that his wrist is probably completely healed. If he’s available in your league, stash him before the breakout game happens.
Browns 19, 49ers 17: I told you to stash the Cleveland defense through its bye and a matchup with San Francisco. I’d only recommend that with a defense if it was elite.
Dolphins 42, Panthers 21: Not for nothing, but Tyreek Hill is currently on pace to produce 119 receptions (169 targets), 2,306 (!) yards and 17 touchdowns.
Jaguars 37, Colts 20: After Zack Moss dominated touches in Jonathan Taylor’s return, it was more of a 50/50 split against Jacksonville. It’s hard to envision Taylor not eventually taking the clear lead in this backfield given his new contract.
Texans 20, Saints 13: Devin Singletary played 13 more snaps, ran 11 more routes, received two more targets and only had one fewer carry than Dameon Pierce for Houston. Pierce has had a disappointing start to the season and this could be the first signs of a major shift in the Texans’ backfield.
Raiders 21, Patriots 17: Las Vegas finally made Michael Mayer a full-time player against New England after drafting him 35th overall in April. The highly-touted rookie had only received two targets in his first four games and had played between 40-to-51 percent of snaps. Mayer has caught seven balls on nine targets for 114 yards the last two games, and played 81 percent of the offensive snaps against the Patriots. He has massive upside if this continues.
Rams 26, Cardinals 9: Kyren Williams suffered an ankle injury and backup Ronnie Rivers sprained his PCL against Arizona. Williams will at least miss a matchup with the Steelers on Sunday, while Rivers is expected to be out at least a month. Drafted in the sixth round of this year’s draft, Zach Evans originally signed with TCU as a five-star recruit in the 2020 recruiting class (he was the No. 2 running back behind only Bijan Robinson). He averaged 6.8 yards per carry and 10.8 yards per reception in his collegiate career (almost 23 percent of his carries last season resulted in a 10-plus-yard gain). He’s dealt with a myriad of injuries the last two years, the most significant one being turf toe that cost him six games in 2021, but there’s still a lot of tread on the tires. Evans will likely get first crack at Williams’ touches.
Jets 20, Eagles 14: Dalvin Cook hasn’t scored a TD this season and is averaging 2.8 yards per carry. He only has 16 touches since Week 4. At this point, he only deserves to be on your roster if you’re handcuffing him to an ascending Breece Hall.
Lions 20, Buccaneers 6: Jameson Williams actually played less than last week, but showcased his potential with a 45-yard TD in the third quarter.
Bills 14, Giants 9: Damien Harris suffered a neck injury on his only carry against the G-Men on Sunday night and was taken to the hospital. Buffalo has used James Cook significantly in its run-away victories, but have gotten Harris and Latavius Murray more involved when playing from behind. Murray has value because he’s getting used in goal-line situations and on passing downs — Harris likely missing some time only locks in Murray’s usage — which means he’ll have weekly flex appeal in a normally high-powered offense, even with Cook as the primary back.
Cowboys 20, Chargers 17: Joshua Palmer played twice as many snaps and ran twice as many routes as Quentin Johnston. Palmer finished with seven targets compared to Johnston’s one. The rookie is still raw and as long as Palmer produces, this type of discrepancy will likely be the norm.
Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.
Here’s my best bets for Week 7:
JACKSONVILLE AT NEW ORLEANS
Obvious starters: Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Calvin Ridley (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC), Chris Olave (NO), Alvin Kamara (NO), Saints D/ST.
Who to start: Christian Kirk (JAC) has at least six receptions, 78 yards or a TD in five straight games. The Jaguars D/ST have created multiple turnovers in five of six games this season and have held five of six opponents to 20-or-fewer points. Michael Thomas (NO) maintains flex appeal in PPR with at least four receptions, six targets and 45 yards in every game.
Who to sit: Even if Trevor Lawrence (JAC) was completely healthy — he isn’t — I’d likely be fading him against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Rashid Shaheed (NO) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only seven receptions in the last four games. Taysom Hill (NO) remains the ultimate lottery ticket if you’re in a pinch.
Sleeper: Derek Carr (NO) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
LAS VEGAS AT CHICAGO
Obvious starters: Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV), DJ Moore (CHI), Cole Kmet (CHI).
Who to start: Jakobi Meyers (LV) is the overall WR13 in standard formats (WR15 in PPR) despite missing one game. Michael Mayer (LV) faces a defense that has allowed at least six receptions, 50 yards or a TD to tight ends in three of the last four games. Roschon Johnson (CHI) not practicing on Wednesday is concerning after he missed last week with a concussion, but if he’s active, I’m treating him as a premium flex with RB2 upside.
Who to sit: It doesn’t sound like a back injury Jimmy Garoppolo (LV) suffered against the Patriots has improved enough for him to play. Darnell Mooney (CHI) has failed to register a reception in three of the last five games. D’Onta Foreman (CHI) is TD-dependent unless Johnson fails to exit the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Sleeper: The Raiders D/ST faces an offense that has allowed 25 sacks and thrown seven interceptions, while also allowing opposing defenses and special teams to record a TD in four of six games.
CLEVELAND AT INDIANAPOLIS
Obvious starters: Amari Cooper (CLE), Browns D/ST, Jonathan Taylor (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND).
Who to start: Both Jerome Ford (CLE) and Kareem Hunt (CLE) have flex appeal against a defense that has allowed five TDs to running backs in the last three games. David Njoku (CLE) faces a defense that has allowed at least five receptions and 55 yards to tight ends in five straight games. The Colts D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: Deshaun Watson (CLE) is reportedly dealing with a “microtear” in his rotator cuff. I’m fading Zack Moss (IND) because Taylor’s involvement in the offense will only continue to grow and this a difficult matchup as is. I’m fading Josh Downs (IND) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Gardner Minshew (IND) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Sleeper: The usage has been consistent for Elijah Moore (CLE) — at least seven targets in four of five games — and he faces a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in six games.
BUFFALO AT NEW ENGLAND
Obvious starters: Stefon Diggs (BUF), Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Bills D/ST, Rhamondre Stevenson (NE).
Who to start: Gabe Davis (BUF) is the overall WR16 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) through six games. Kendrick Bourne (NE) deserves flex consideration as the overall WR38 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) through six games.
Who to sit: Both Dalton Kincaid (BUF) and Dawson Knox (BUF) are TD-dependent options this week. I’m fading the Patriots D/ST against Allen and the Bills’ high-powered offense. Ezekiel Elliott (NE) remains TD-dependent with double-digit carries in only one game this season. JuJu Smith-Schuster (NE) is TD-dependent with only five receptions for 25 yards in his last three games. I’m fading Hunter Henry (NE) and Mike Gesicki (NE) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Mac Jones (NE) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Sleeper: Latavius Murray (BUF) faces a defense that has allowed five TDs to running backs in the last five games.
WASHINGTON AT N.Y. GIANTS
Obvious starters: Terry McLaurin (WAS), Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS), Saquon Barkley (NYG), Darren Waller (NYG).
Who to start: Curtis Samuel (WAS) is the overall WR9 in fantasy since Week 4, with 17 receptions (19 targets) for 158 yards and three total TDs. Sam Howell (NYG) is the overall QB11 through six games, and the fourth-highest scoring QB in fantasy since Week 4 — behind only Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts and Justin Fields. The Commanders D/ST faces an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses. If Daniel Jones (NYG) is active, he faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Who to sit: Jahan Dotson (WAS) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 12 receptions for 100 yards in the last five games. Antonio Gibson (WAS) hasn’t had double-digit touches in a game this season. Logan Thomas (WAS) faces a defense that has allowed six receptions for 95 yards to tight ends in the last three games.
Sleeper: Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) faces a defense that has allowed nine TDs to wide receivers in the last five games and the third-most fantasy points to the position.
ATLANTA AT TAMPA BAY
Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Kyle Pitts (ATL), Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB).
Who to start: Drake London (ATL) is the overall WR18 in standard formats (WR16 in PPR) since Week 2. Jonnu Smith (ATL) is the overall TE8 in standard formats (TE7 in PPR) since Week 2.
Who to sit: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) is TD-dependent against a defense that hasn’t allowed a TD to running backs this season. I’m fading Desmond Ridder (ATL) with 392 yards and a TD with two interceptions in two road starts. I’m fading Rachaad White (ATL) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Baker Mayfield (TB) only has value in superflex formats this week. Despite a good matchup, Cade Otton (TB) remains TD-dependent with only five receptions for 44 yards in his last three games.
Sleeper: The Buccaneers D/ST faces an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
DETROIT AT BALTIMORE
Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL).
Who to start: Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) is trending in the right direction after missing two games with a hamstring injury. Josh Reynolds (DET) has at least 50 yards or a TD in five of six games. Zay Flowers (BAL) is the overall WR36 in standard formats (WR22 in PPR) through six games while averaging eight targets per game. The Ravens D/ST are the seventh-highest scoring defense in fantasy with 24 sacks in six games.
Who to sit: David Montgomery (DET) is expected to miss at least one game with a rib injury. I’m fading Jared Goff (DET) on the road against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Jameson Williams (DET) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with exactly three targets in each game he’s played in this season. Craig Reynolds (DET) only has flex appeal if Gibbs remains out — Reynolds is also dealing with a hamstring and toe injury. I’m fading Gus Edwards (BAL) and Justice Hill (BAL) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL) has yet to surpass four targets in a game this season.
Sleeper: The Lions D/ST is the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 3 with at least 10 points in three of the last four games.
PITTSBURGH AT L.A. RAMS
Obvious starters: Cooper Kupp (LAR), Puka Nacua (LAR).
Who to start: Pat Freiermuth (PIT) returns from a hamstring injury and faces a defense that has allowed 21 receptions for 312 yards and three TDs to tight ends in the last three games. Both Najee Harris (PIT) and Jaylen Warren (PIT) maintain flex appeal with consistent usage — especially Warren in PPR.
Who to sit: Only the Browns and Jets have allowed fewer fantasy points to wide receivers than the Rams, so I’m fading both George Pickens (PIT) and Diontae Johnson (PIT) — if Johnson is active. Kenny Pickett (PIT) only deserves consideration in superflex formats. Despite the great matchup, Tutu Atwell (LAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only three receptions (six targets) for 39 yards in the last two games. Tyler Higbee (LAR) only has six targets in the two games since Kupp came back. Matthew Stafford (LAR) has provided a safe baseline for scoring, but not much upside through six games.
Sleeper: Zach Evans (LAR) will likely start for the Rams with Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers both sidelined, and is a worthy flex flier against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs.
ARIZONA AT SEATTLE
Obvious starters: Marquise Brown (ARI), DK Metcalf (SEA), Kenneth Walker (SEA).
Who to start: Tyler Lockett (SEA) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active — monitor his hamstring injury. Geno Smith (SEA) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed 43 receptions for 506 yards and 4 TDs to wide receivers in the last two games. The Seahawks D/ST are the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 2.
Who to sit: I’m fading Zach Ertz (ARI) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Rondale Moore (ARI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with inconsistent usage. Keaontay Ingram (ARI) is TD-dependent until further notice. Emari Demercado (ARI) only had three touches for 17 yards with James Conner out. Joshua Dobbs (ARI) only has two TDs in three road games this season. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) only has double-digit touches in one game this season.
Sleeper: Michael Wilson (ARI) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers and seven TDs in the last four games to the position.
GREEN BAY AT DENVER
Obvious starters: Christian Watson (GB).
Who to start: It’s hard to sit Aaron Jones (GB) if he’s active. Jordan Love (GB) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. AJ Dillon (GB) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs even if Jones returns. Romeo Doubs (GB) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed seven TDs to wide receivers in six games. The Packers D/ST face an offense that has allowed four sacks and committed three turnovers in two straight games. Courtland Sutton (DEN) has at least 66 yards or a TD in five of six games. Javonte Williams (DEN) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs. Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) has flex appeal as the overall RB12 in standard formats (RB14 in PPR) since Week 4.
Who to sit: Jayden Reed (GB) only has seven targets in two games since Watson came back. Jerry Jeudy (DEN) is the overall WR66 in standard formats (WR55 in PPR) since Week 2. Russell Wilson (DEN) faces a defense that has allowed a singled TD to quarterbacks in every game this season. Samaje Perine (DEN) remains TD-dependent as the third running back on the Broncos’ depth chart. Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only three targets in the last three games.
Sleeper: Luke Musgrave (GB) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends.
L.A. CHARGERS AT KANSAS CITY
Obvious starters: Austin Ekeler (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC), Travis Kelce (KC), Patrick Mahomes (KC).
Who to start: Joshua Palmer (LAC) deserves flex consideration with at least 60 yards or a TD in three straight games. Isiah Pacheco (KC) has at least 70 total yards or a TD in five straight games. The Chiefs D/ST have scored at least 10 points in two of three home games. This is a premium matchup, and Kadarius Toney (KC) has at least five targets in four of six games. Jerick McKinnon (KC) deserves flex consideration against a defense allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to running backs. Mecole Hardman (KC) has flex appeal with this matchup if he’s active, factoring in his familiarity with KC’s offense.
Who to sit: Quentin Johnston (LAC) has yet to surpass three targets in a game. Gerald Everett (LAC) remains TD-dependent having surpassed three receptions in a game once this season. Skyy Moore (KC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only eight targets in the last three games. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only three receptions in the last four games.
Sleeper: Rashee Rice (KC) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers.
MIAMI AT PHILADELPHIA
Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA), Raheem Mostert (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Tua Tagovailoa (MIA), Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI), D’Andre Swift (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI).
Who to start: The Eagles D/ST has 14 sacks in the last three games.
Who to sit: It’s hard to trust Jeff Wilson (MIA) if he’s active against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m fading the Dolphins D/ST on the road against Hurts.
Sleeper: Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) has flex appeal in deeper leagues against a defense that has allowed five TDs to running backs in six games.
SAN FRANCISCO AT MINNESOTA
Obvious starters: George Kittle (SF), Brandon Aiyuk (SF), 49ers D/ST, TJ Hockenson (MIN).
Who to start: Christian McCaffrey (SF) and Deebo Samuel (SF) remain obvious starters if they’re active — my gut tells me the 49ers may be cautious here. I anticipate Brock Purdy (SF) bouncing back against a significantly worse defense in a dome. Jordan Addison (MIN) has at least 52 yards or a TD in five of six games. Alexander Mattison (MIN) has had at least 18 touches in three of the last four games. KJ Osborn (MIN) deserves flex consideration with 14 targets the last two games against a defense that has allowed three TDs to wide receivers in the last three games.
Who to sit: Both Jauan Jennings (SF) and Ray-Ray McCloud (SF) would be sneaky flex plays in deeper leagues if you’re in a pinch if Samuel is out. Kirk Cousins (MIN) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading the Vikings D/ST despite how well they’ve played recently. Cam Akers (MIN) remains TD-dependent with only 16 touches in three games with the Vikings.
Sleeper(s): Both Jordan Mason (SF) and Elijah Mitchell (SF) deserve flex consideration if McCaffrey is out — Mason is the more explosive player, but Mitchell may be more trusted by the coaching staff.
