By Cody Smith
Talk about a historic week. Week 5 resulted in the first week in fantasy football history where five different individuals scored over 40 fantasy points in regular PPR scoring formats. Deshaun Watson, Aaron Jones, Christian McCaffrey, Will Fuller V and Michael Thomas all posted 40-point games, while Matt Ryan, Amari Cooper, D.J. Chark, Adam Thielen, Chris Godwin and the Eagles D/ST posted at least 30 points.
Will Fuller jumped all the way from WR66 on the season to WR8 with his performance, doubling his season stats through four weeks in a single game.
We also saw a few surprising names topping the positional ranks. Teddy Bridgewater posted QB4 numbers, while Gardner Minshew dropped in at QB8, proving he might be a legit startable quarterback every week in 12-14 team leagues.
Josh Jacobs had a solid game against a tough defense, gouging the Chicago Bears for RB3 numbers behind the aforementioned Jones and McCaffrey. Sony Michel finally broke out as a Top-10 performer with 91 rushing yards and a score as well as a career-high three receptions for 32 yards. Tevin Coleman bounced back from his ankle injury and also posted borderline top-10 numbers, making the 49ers backfield situation even messier than it may have been before.
On the receiver side, Byron Pringle was the top wide receiver scorer for the Chiefs. While Steven Sims and Darius Slayton also posted WR15 and WR16 numbers.
Week 6 will be the first week with more than two teams on bye, as four teams will not take the field this weekend. The Bills, Bears, Colts and Raiders all have the week off. This may cause some openings in a few fantasy lineups. Make sure to give Nate’s Waiver Wire Wishlist podcast a listen to find out who you can grab to plug any holes you may have on your roster.
Injury Notes
Patrick Mahomes seems to be nursing an ankle injury after being hobbled in a loss to the Colts. I would expect Mahomes to play, but keep an eye on the injury report this week. You’re obviously playing him if he’s a go this week.
After seeing the hit placed on Mason Rudolph last week, I guarantee he won’t play. This downgrades nearly all of the Steelers that are going to play, except for James Connor, who doesn’t have Jaylen Samuels taking touches away anymore after having minor knee surgery Tuesday.
Christian McCaffrey hobbled off the field late in the game against Jacksonville, but I would expect him to play this week. Keep an eye on the injury report and his practice reps this week. If he can’t go, Reggie Bonnafon is a must-add and and maybe even a must-start against Tampa Bay this week.
Sticking with workhorse running backs, David Johnson played through a back injury Sunday. Kliff Kingsbury came out and said Johnson isn’t guaranteed to play this weekend. If he sits, I would feel confident starting Chase Edmonds in his place, who has been receiving more and more touches every week.
Saquon Barkley would probably be returning if it wasn’t a short week, but it's looking like he won’t be rushed back on a short week against the Patriots. Wayne Gallman is also in concussion protocol leaving the door wide open for Jonathan Hilliman and Elijhaa Penny. I think both are better off left on the bench, especially in a game where the Giants will be playing from behind.
Julian Edelman is dealing with a chest injury, but will more than likely play Thursday night, but keep an eye out in case the Patriots decide to give the veteran wide-out a day off.
Sammy “Blown Hammy” Watkins as I’ve liked to refer to him as throughout the years laid an egg Sunday night when he left the game with - you guessed it - a hamstring injury. Watkins has been disappointing since his Week 1 outburst, so do you really want him in the lineup even if healthy? It would be a risk, but with Patrick Mahomes, anything can happen.
Others to keep an eye on: Davante Adams (turf toe), Brandin Cooks (concussion), Christian Kirk (ankle).
Check out this week’s rankings below.
Enjoy!
Quarterbacks I like
Andy Dalton is currently QB18 on the season and the Bengals have had a rough go of things early in the season. The team is missing A.J. Green and John Ross, but Dalton still managed a QB10 finish last week against a weak Cardinals' secondary. This week he faces a tougher task in the Ravens. The Ravens have allowed three 300-yard passers on the season; Patrick Mahomes, Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield. Dalton could add his name to that list, as he’s done it twice this season against tough defenses (Seattle and San Francisco.)
My Rank: QB16
ESPN Rank: QB22
Philip Rivers is coming off of a rough start against Denver where he threw for just 211 yards with no touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. The good news is that Rivers has thrown for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns in three of four games prior to that. Rivers will have to avoid the Pittsburgh pass rush Sunday and if he can do that, the Pittsburgh secondary can certainly be had. Rivers has taken just 11 sacks in five games this season.
My Rank: QB12
ESPN Rank: QB15
Kyle Allen has certainly come down to earth following his hot start against Arizona. This week Allen gets a similarly bad defense in Tampa Bay who is currently ranked 27th against the pass. In Week 2, Cam Newton threw for over 300 yards against this secondary and Allen has arguably been better than Newton since taking over the starting job. I’m expecting low-end QB1/high-end QB2 numbers this weekend.
My Rank: QB13
ESPN Rank: QB16
Quarterbacks to avoid
Aaron Rodgers is certainly not the Aaron Rodgers of old. He currently sits at QB19 and has thrown just six touchdown passes in five weeks. It doesn’t help Rodgers’ case that Davante Adams has been injured, but even so, Rodgers hasn’t put up the numbers those that drafted him hoped he would have. The problem is the Packers are winning football games, so I wouldn’t expect the play calling to change anytime soon. Rodgers is a streaming QB as it is, perhaps best left on the bench against the Lions this week.
My Rank: QB14
ESPN Rank: QB9
Jared Goff has not had the greatest start to the season - currently ranked QB19 - and he hasn’t been particularly careful with the football. Goff has thrown seven interceptions and lost three fumbles over the first five games of the season. This week Goff gets the San Francisco pass defense who has been third best against the pass this season. The 49ers defense has forced seven interceptions and recovered four fumbles in just four games this season. This could be a rocky start for Goff.
My Rank: QB19
ESPN Rank: QB12
Matthew Stafford could be risky this week. He has looked really good (385 yards and 4 TDs Week 1) and really bad (201 yards and 1 TD Week 3.) The Packers' defense has also been hot and cold this season, limiting opponents to no more than 16 points over the first three weeks, but allowing 58 combined points in the last two weeks. Stafford is a risky start at best this week.
My Rank: QB18
ESPN Rank: QB14
Week 6 Quarterback Rankings
1. Lamar Jackson vs. Cin
2. Patrick Mahomes vs. Hou
3. Russell Wilson @Cle
4. Deshaun Watson @KC
5. Matt Ryan @Ari
6. Tom Brady vs. NYG
7. Dak Prescott @NYJ
8. Kyler Murray vs. Atl
9. Gardner Minshew vs. NO
10. Carson Wentz @Min
11. Jameis Winston vs. Car
12. Philip Rivers vs. Pit
13. Kyle Allen @TB
14. Aaron Rodgers vs. Det
15. Jimmy Garoppolo @LAR
16. Andy Dalton @Bal
17. Teddy Bridgewater @Jax
18. Matthew Stafford @GB
19. Jared Goff vs. SF
20. Kirk Cousins vs. Phi
21. Baker Mayfield vs. Sea
22. Sam Darnold vs. Dal
23. Colt McCoy @Mia
24. Marcus Mariota @Den
25. Joe Flacco vs. Ten
26. Devlin Hodges @LAC
27. Daniel Jones @NE
28. Josh Rosen vs. Wsh
Running Backs I Like
Mark Ingram II will be running against the worst run defense in the league this weekend. Cincinnati has allowed at least one rushing touchdown per game and Ingram has accounted for six rushing touchdowns over five weeks. The Ravens also look to be in control all game long against an 0-5 Bengals team, giving Ingram an even better chance at putting up big numbers.
My Rank: RB16
ESPN Rank: RB21
James Connor may not have a 100-yard rushing game this season, but he has stayed relevant thanks to his pass-catching ability and his three touchdowns on the season. He is currently RB18 on the season and with the latest news of Jaylen Samuels having his knee scoped earlier this week, he is in line for even more touches.
My Rank: RB18
ESPN Rank: RB27
Rex Burkhead should be back this week after missing Week 5 with a foot injury. Prior to his injury, Burkhead received 17 touches in a win against the Jets. If he jumps right back into his previous role he could put up numbers, especially in a game against the Giants where the Patriots will more than likely be in charge.
My Rank: RB21
ESPN Rank: RB29
Running Backs to Avoid
David Johnson may not play with a back injury, but even if he does, his reps may be limited. Chase Edmonds has been picking up more and more carries each week and should receive even more work to help preserve the veteran Johnson.
My Rank: RB14
ESPN Rank: RB8
Melvin Gordon received the bulk of the carries last week, but it was still Austin Ekeler that scored the majority of fantasy points with his 15 receptions in the game. I don’t believe the Chargers are going to stray too far away from what has been working for them, meaning Ekeler getting a chunk of the touches in the backfield. I want to see Gordon as an RB1 before I trust rolling him out as one.
My Rank: RB20
ESPN Rank: RB12
Tevin Coleman returned with a bang last week, posting 16 carries for 97 yards and a score. It is a bit concerning that he didn’t catch a pass in the contest. The 49ers' backfield is muddled at best, and though Coleman had the most carries and a score, Matt Breida had the most rushing yards and also scored. That’s not to mention that Raheem Mostert got seven carries as well. This week Coleman gets a Rams defense that is 20th against the run, but an even split with Breida may be less than ideal.
My Rank: RB25
ESPN Rank: RB14
Week 6 Runningback Rankings
1. Christian McCaffrey @TB
2. Alvin Kamara @Jax
3. Ezekiel Elliott @NYJ
4. Le’Veon Bell vs. Dal
5. Mark Ingram II vs. Cin
6. Dalvin Cook vs. Phi
7. Nick Chubb vs. Sea
8. Chris Carson @Cle
9. James Conner @LAC
10. Derrick Henry @Den
11. Aaron Jones vs. Det
12. Leonard Fournette vs. NO
13. Todd Gurley vs. SF
14. Kerryon Johnson @GB
15. David Johnson vs. Atl
16. Austin Ekeler vs. Pit
17. Devonta Freeman @Ari
18. Joe Mixon @Ba
19. Damien Williams vs. Houl
20. James White vs. NYG
21. Melvin Gordon vs. Pit
22. Sony Michel vs. NYG
23. Chris Thompson @Mia
24. Kenyan Drake vs. Wsh
25. Phillip Lindsay vs. Ten
26. Jordan Howard @Min
27. Royce Freeman vs. Ten
28. Miles Sanders @Min
29. Carlos Hyde @KC
30. Rex Burkhead vs. NYG
31. Tevin Coleman @LAR
32. Jonathan Hilliman @NE
33. Adrian Peterson @Mia
34. Matt Breida @LAR
35. Ronald Jones vs. Car
36. Peyton Barber vs. Car
37. Jamaal Williams vs. Det
38. LeSean McCoy vs. Hou
39. Duke Johnson @KC
40. Raheem Mostert @LAR
41. Ito Smith @Ari
42. Chase Edmonds vs. Atl
43. Rashaad Penny @Cle
44. Elijhaa Penny @NE
45. Giovani Bernard @Bal
46. Gus Edwards vs. Cin
47. Dion Lewis @Den
48. Mark Walton vs. Wsh
49. Justice Hill vs. Cin
50. Ameer Abdullah vs. Phi
Wide Receivers I Like
Amari Cooper thrived in a tough match-up against the Packers last weekend, recording 11 catches for 226 yards and a touchdown. This week Cooper gets the 22nd ranked pass defense of the Jets. I expect Cooper to continue his WR4 pace, even with the potential return of Michael Gallup this week.
My Rank: WR2
ESPN Rank: WR8
Mike Evans’ volatile season continues. He was a complete no-show against the Saints despite going for 8-190-3 just two weeks prior. I’m sure Evans bounces back this week against the 21st ranked pass defense of the Panthers. Evans went 4-61-0 earlier in the season with Cam Newton at quarterback.
My Rank: WR5
ESPN Rank: WR16
Courtland Sutton seems to have taken over as the Broncos top receiving option. If not, he is certainly close. Sutton is currently WR10 on the season and scoring nearly 17 fantasy points per game in PPR formats. Sutton hasn’t had less than seven targets in a game, but has a tough match-up against the Titans. Sutton still has potential to produce mid-tier WR2 numbers.
My Rank: WR15
ESPN Rank: WR23
Wide Receivers to Avoid
Odell Beckham Jr. has had back-to-back under achieving games. Over the last two weeks, Beckham combined to catch four passes for 47 yards. A breakout may be coming, but I’m not betting on it against Seattle’s secondary.
My Rank: WR16
ESPN Rank: WR7
Kenny Golladay faces a tough Green Bay defense who has actually allowed some big games recently. Golladay is coming off of a bye week and posted a 4-98-1 line last year in a game against Green Bay. The WR1 potential is there, but I view Golladay as more of a low-end WR2/high-end WR3
My Rank: WR20
ESPN Rank: WR11
Golden Tate didn’t do much last week in a 3-13-0 performance in his first game of the season. Things are lining up nicely for Tate with nearly all of New York’s top offensive weapons on the injury report on a short week, but the Patriots are the top defense by far. I’m not putting Tate in my starting lineup.
My Rank: NR
ESPN Rank: WR37
Week 6 Wide Receiver Rankings
1. Michael Thomas @Jax
2. Amari Cooper @NYJ
3. Chris Godwin vs.Car
4. Keenan Allen vs. Pit
5. Mike Evans vs. Car
6. Cooper Kupp vs. SF
7. Julio Jones @Ari
8. Julian Edelman vs. NYG
9. Tyler Lockett @Cle
10. Adam Thielen vs. Phi
11. Tyler Boyd @Bal
12. DeAndre Hopkins @KC
13. Davante Adams vs. Det
14. D.J. Chark Jr. vs. NO
15. Courtland Sutton vs. Ten
16. Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Sea
17. Robert Woods vs. SF
18. Terry McLaurin @Mia
19. Juju Smith-Schuster @LAC
20. Kenny Golladay @GB
21. Will Fuller V @KC
22. D.J. Moore @TB
23. Jarvis Landry vs. Sea
24. Michael Gallup @NYJ
25. Josh Gordon vs. NYG
26. Brandin Cooks vs. SF
27. Calvin Ridley @Ari
28. Larry Fitzgerald vs. Atl
29. Curtis Samuel @TB
30. Christian Kirk vs. Atl
31. Alshon Jeffery @Min
32. Marvin Jones Jr. @GB
33. Sammy Watkins vs. Hou
34. Emmanuel Sanders vs. Ten
35. Dede Westbrook vs. NO
36. Stefon Diggs vs. Phi
37. Marquise Brown vs. Cin
38. Mike Williams vs. Pit
39. Mohamed Sanu @Ari
40. Diontae Johnson @LAC
41. DeSean Jackson @Min
42. Auden Tate @Bal
43. Randall Cobb @NYJ
44. Phillip Dorsett II vs. NYG
45. DK Metcalf @Cle
46. Preston Williams vs. Wsh
47. Jamison Crowder vs. Dal
48. Robby Anderson vs. Dal
49. Darius Slayton @NE
50. Danny Amendola @GB
Tight Ends I Like
Austin Hooper is the current TE1 and playing against the worst TE defense in the league with Arizona. That's all I need to see to place him as my TE1 this week.
My Rank: TE1
ESPN Rank: TE5
Tight Ends To Avoid
Delanie Walker has posted back-to-back one-catch games where he was only targeted twice. Unfortunately with the lack of depth at TE, I think you should still enter him in your lineup unless you have a better option. He still has low TE1 upside.
My Rank: TE10
ESPN Rank: TE8
Week 6 Tightend Rankings
1. Austin Hooper @Ari
2. Travis Kelce vs. Hou
3. Zach Ertz @Min
4. George Kittle @LAR
5. Mark Andrews vs. Cin
6. Will Dissly @Cle
7. Greg Olsen @TB
8. Jimmy Graham vs. Det
9. Jared Cook @Jax
10. Delanie Walker @Den
11. Gerald Everett vs. SF
12. Jason Witten @NYJ
13. T.J. Hockenson @GB
14. Vance McDonald @LAC
15. Tyler Eifert @Bal
16. O.J. Howard vs. Car
17. Vernon Davis @Mia
18. Rhett Ellison @NE
19. Dallas Goedert @Min
20. Jordan Akins @KC
21. Darren Fells @KC
22. Geoff Swaim vs. NO
23. Tyler Higbee vs. SF
24. Noah Fant vs. Ten
25. Hayden Hurst vs. Cin
Week 4 likes/dislikes
Quarterback likes
Jameis Winston: My Rank - QB2; ESPN Rank - QB10; Actual finish - QB14
Jimmy Garoppolo: My Rank - QB11; ESPN Rank - QB19; Actual finish - QB16
Kyle Allen: My Rank - QB18; ESPN Rank - QB25; Actual finish - QB20
Quarterback dislikes
Matt Ryan: My Rank - QB10; ESPN Rank - QB4; Actual finish - QB2
Dak Prescott: My Rank - QB12; ESPN Rank - QB6; Actual finish - QB5
Mason Rudolph: My Rank - QB27; ESPN Rank - QB18; Actual finish - QB23
Running Back likes
Devonta Freeman: My Rank - RB16; ESPN Rank - RB21; Actual finish - RB13
Josh Jacobs: My Rank - RB18; ESPN Rank - RB27; Actual finish - RB3
Chris Thompson: My Rank - RB21; ESPN Rank - RB29; Actual finish - RB37
Running Back dislikes
Leonard Fournette: My Rank - RB14; ESPN Rank - RB8; Actual finish - RB7
Joe Mixon: My Rank - RB20; ESPN Rank - RB12; Actual finish - RB28
Austin Ekeler: My Rank - RB25; ESPN Rank - RB14; Actual finish - RB8
Wide Receiver likes
Emmanuel Sanders/Courtland Sutton: My Rank - WR12/13; ESPN Rank - WR24/25; Actual finish - WR88/14
Alshon Jeffery: My Rank - WR22; ESPN Rank - WR27; Actual finish - WR32
Cole Beasley: My Rank - WR38; ESPN Rank - WR50; Actual finish - WR62
Wide Receiver dislikes
Odell Beckham Jr.: My Rank - WR11; ESPN Rank - WR5; Actual finish - WR63
Adam Thielen: My Rank - WR18; ESPN Rank - WR12; Actual finish - WR5
Sammy Watkins: My Rank - WR23; ESPN Rank - WR16; Actual Finish - N/A
Tight End likes
Tyler Eifert: My Rank - TE11; ESPN Rank - TE14; Actual finish - TE31
Tight End dislikes
Jason Witten: My Rank - TE20; ESPN Rank - TE12; Actual finish - TE22
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