Fantasy Football Week 6: Start ’em, Sit ’em
We are almost a third of the way through the regular season, which means a.) it’s still going by way too fast, and b.) we’re starting to figure things out; contenders, pretenders, disappointments, all the hearty debate topics as we inch closer to the postseason.
Per usual, another week brought another wave of injuries – and this week was bad.
The most notable week 5 injury, and it’s a tough one, was Justin Jefferson going down against the Chiefs (hamstring), later to be placed on IR. Other notable injuries were Anthony Richardson (grade 3 AC joint sprain, likely short IR stint), Daniel Jones (similar injury to neck in 2021, hoping to play Sunday night but keep an eye on the injury report), Tank Dell (concussion protocol, up in the air currently), Zay Jones (aggravated knee, considered day-to-day), James Conner (knee injury, placed on IR and out at least four weeks), De’Von Achane (knee injury, out multiple weeks), and Travis Kelce (low ankle sprain, returned later in the game, probably nothing).
Along with that brutal list of new injuries, there were also some key inactives for week 5 that should continue to be monitored going into week 6. That’s a whole lotta noise, but we continue to push on as fantasy managers and find replacements to stay afloat.
Ian’s Record: 28-13
Start ’em
Matthew Stafford (QB, Rams) vs. Cardinals
Through five weeks, Stafford has been throwing the ball quite a bit (40.6 avg. attempts). With Cooper Kupp finally back in the rotation, I’m expecting that workload to continue – as well as much more open-field concepts with Kupp and Nacua.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals took it to the Cardinals last week through the air without Tee Higgins, so this is about to be a nightmare matchup for Nick Rallis and Arizona’s secondary. Cha-ching.
James Cook (RB, Bills) vs. Giants
Despite having an okay rushing attack prior to week 5, the Giants got shredded up by De’Von Achane and the Dolphins’ rushing attack. If I’m the Bills, frustrated after a tough loss in London, I’m pinpointing weaknesses to storm back with a win.
Despite last week, Cook has been putting up respectable numbers against tougher run defenses, as well as catching a fair share of passes. He’ll find the endzone for sure.
Garrett Wilson (WR, Jets) vs. Eagles
While he hasn’t been producing stellar numbers fantasy-wise, Wilson is a must start this week against a struggling Eagles secondary.
To this point, Philadelphia has surrendered the tenth most PPR points to opposing wide receivers as they continue to nurse injuries in their secondary and were most recently torched by Cooper Kupp in his first game back.
This game is a big test for Zach Wilson to hold onto the starting job, and I think the offense will have his back. Mark it.
Kyle Pitts (TE, Falcons) vs. Commanders
Don’t look now, but it appears as though the tide may finally be turning for Pitts in Atlanta.
He saw eleven (!!) targets last week against the Texans, who may stink against the position, but it’s still something.
With Ridder starting to play better, we may finally get to see what Pitts can really do as a receiving tight end. The matchup is stingy, but the Commanders did just fall to Cole Kmet. Take a chance on him.
Sit ’em
Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, Raiders) vs. Patriots
The Raiders did just beat the Packers on Monday night, but the way Garoppolo is playing is not what you want to see with the supporting cast he has around him. Through five weeks Jimmy G has thrown just six touchdowns as well as seven interceptions, capping 300 yards just once.
The Patriots have plenty of woes of their own, but their defense (who is now reacquainted with J.C. Jackson) and Bill Belechick have seen enough of Garoppolo to keep him at bay for yet another week.
Dameon Pierce (RB, Texans) vs. Saints
The Texans, though they’ve been fun to watch thus far, find themselves in another tough matchup this week. This stout Saints defense just shut out the Pats on the road while holding Ezekiel Elliott and Rhamondre Stevenson to 45 combined rushing yards.
Aside from that game, the Saints have allowed the seventh fewest PPR points to running backs on the season, and Pierce hasn’t exactly been having a great year himself. Pass.
Terry McLaurin (WR, Commanders) @ Falcons
Coming off an embarrassing loss to the Bears at home, I’m sure the Commanders are fuming after forcing overtime and almost beating the Eagles in Philadelphia. However, as hungry as Washington may be in a winnable game in Atlanta this week, it won’t be by the hands of McLaurin.
Besides that barn burner in Philly, McLaurin just hasn’t been getting the production from QB Sam Howell on the outside. He had ten targets that game, his next highest is six. There won’t be a fumble recovery for him to save his fantasy performance this week lined up opposite AJ Terrell. Pass.
Hunter Henry (TE, Patriots) @ Raiders
As of now, Henry is still ranked as a top ten fantasy tight end in ESPN leagues. However, that should be no indication of how the Patriots’ offense is looking right now.
After throwing pick-6’s in back to back games, it’s clear the Patriots have hit rock bottom. Henry was targeted only twice that entire game and caught neither pass.
This matchup is much more favorable in terms of the tight end position, but with Mac Jones starting you really can’t trust any skill players for the Pats right now.
BYES: GREEN BAY PACKERS, PITTSBURGH STEELERS
