Week 6 is here, and we’re a third of the way to the finish line. Let’s get more wins for a hopeful playoff appearance with the rankings, sleepers and game breakdowns.
Reminder! I always have some fun ranks! This can be anything from cartoons to players from the 80s to things not to do when you’re over 30 — feel free to suggest yours. And, I try to answer as many comments as humanly possible… however… if it’s a simple WDIS within a position or “Who should I trade for?” type question, those are 99% covered with the ranks and link to the trade charts. Let’s duckin’ go!
#CheckTheLink-age
Week 6 Waiver Wire
Week 6 SOS Ranks
Fantasy 101 (weather, start/sit, trading, more)
🎙️All in Fantasy Podcast🎙️
WEEK 6 FANTASY FOOTBALL PREVIEWS
BYES: KC, LAR, MIA, MIN
49ers at Seahawks, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET
- SLEEPERS: None — Because you’re starting everyone… though… wideouts have struggled against the 49ers since Week 2.
- NOTES: Kenneth Walker leads the league in missed tackles forced per attempt (MTF/Att) at 0.38, and the 49ers haven’t been as good as in recent years, allowing the T-11th-highest MTF/Att (0.16 — not a huge number, but not the league-leading Texans mark of 0.09 either)… A reminder from last year that still holds: Brandon Aiyuk is great against man and zone coverage, but Deebo Samuel is significantly better against zone (2.76 YPRR) than man (1.06), and the Seahawks are one of the more balanced man/zone teams (11th-highest man coverage).
Jaguars at Bears (London), Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET
- SLEEPERS: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, JAX — See below.
- NOTES: Only the Commanders run Cover-2 more than the Jaguars (23.5% to 22.6%), and Keenan Allen is seventh in YPRR against Cover-2 at 3.30 (min. 25 targets), with DJ Moore at 2.44… Guess who’s leading the NFL in YPRR against Cover-3? None other than BT7! Brian Thomas has 5.06 YPRR against Cover-3 (min. 25 targets — second is Tyreek Hill at 3.44) and the Bears run Cover-3 fourth-most (47.9%).
Cardinals at Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
- SLEEPERS: Dontayvion Wicks, WR, GB — See waivers. Unless Romeo Doubs returns.
- NOTES: Wicks’ 28.0 TmTGT% in Week 5 would be sixth on the year and his 13.0 AirYD/TGT would be 12th — both small samples, but as mentioned in waivers, a rough showing with all eyes on him is not enough for me to stop liking him for another week… James Conner is one of eight running backs with 100% of his team’s RB attempts on G2G (goal-to-go) — others: Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Rhamondre Stevenson, Najee Harris, Breece Hall, Josh Jacobs, Bijan Robinson.
Colts at Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
- SLEEPERS: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, TEN — This is deeper, but while Calvin Ridley has been consistent against man and zone coverage, Hopkins sees a boost against zone, and the Colts have the fifth-highest zone rate (78.1%).
- NOTES: Josh Downs has been targeted on 19.8% of his routes with Anthony Richardson compared to 22.8% without, with 1.66 YPRR and 12.2 YPR with Richardson compared to 1.71 and 10.5 marks without him. Small differences and in line with my opinion that he’s good with or without Richardson… In close or leading games, Tony Pollard has been the primary option and scored 16.9, 12.7 and 17.8, respectively. The big loss to the Packers was his nine-touch, 4.4-point game.
Texans at Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
- SLEEPERS: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, NE — There is no way to guarantee who Drake Maye has the best rapport with, but…
- NOTES: Polk’s Route% has gone up each of the past two weeks to a 100% route participation in Week 5 and 21.0 TmTGT%… Xavier Hutchinson stepped in as the clear third wideout after Nico Collins left. It’s a deep dart throw, but you might be needy… Despite the “benching,” Rhamondre Stevenson had 69.6% of the RB touches, which was his highest mark since Week 1.
Buccaneers at Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
- SLEEPERS: Cade Otton, TE, TB — Going back to him because tight end is a wasteland, and you’re starting everyone obvious in the game (assuming Derek Carr plays).
- NOTES: The Buccaneers have the third-highest zone rate (79.1%), and Rashid Shaheed goes from 1.79 YPRR, 6.9 TD/TGT% and 2.8 YAC against man to 2.00, 7.6% and 4.1, respectively, against zone (since the start of 2023) — of course, it needs to not be Jake Haener at quarterback… The Saints lead the league in Rush% in G2G (77.8%) and Alvin Kamara has 88.9% of the team’s rush attempts in G2G (10th-highest)… The Saints have also allowed a perfect 4-for-4 in G2G rush attempts scoring a touchdown… The Saints have allowed the most YAC (Yards After Catch) at 6.50 and Chris Godwin has the fifth-highest mark at 7.00.
Browns at Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
- SLEEPERS: Amari Cooper, WR, CLE — If you’re getting a good game out of Amari Cooper with Deshaun Watson at quarterback, it can come against the young Eagles secondary.
- NOTES: Browns run a league-high 41.4% Cover-1, and A.J. Brown is second in YPRR against Cover-1 since the start of 2023 (4.46 — Tyreek Hill first at 5.96)… The Browns have the eighth-highest pressure rate with four rushers and fifth-highest with five or more rushers, but Jalen Hurts has the seventh-best EPA under pressure since the start of 2023.
Commanders at Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
- SLEEPERS: Justice Hill, RB, BAL — The Commanders defense is better than expected, but it’s still susceptible to the run, and if the Washington offense finds a way to keep up the efficiency for a potential shootout, Hill will get work.
- NOTES: Not surprisingly, the Ravens have the second-highest Run Stuff% (49.5), but the Commanders offensive line is better than many expected with the 12th-lowest Stuff% allowed at 42.3% — don’t bench Brian Robinson Jr. but temper expectations… The Commanders had allowed just 31.2% pressure through four games before facing the aforementioned Browns defense, and the Ravens are seventh-lowest in terms of pressure with four rushers and mid-pack with five-plus rushers.
Chargers at Broncos, Sunday, 4 p.m. ET
- SLEEPERS: J.K. Dobbins, RB, LAC — Not a true sleeper, but don’t shy away from him — the Broncos are much better against the pass… even though, I wouldn’t run from them entirely because…
- NOTES: Broncos run the second-most Cover-1 (35.0%), and Ladd McConkey has a 4.94 YPRR against Cover-1… He also has a Separation Score in the range of Zay Flowers and Tee Higgins out wide (.120 per FantasyPoints), showing his ability to move around and have success.
Steelers at Raiders, Sunday, 4 p.m. ET
- SLEEPERS: Nothing really here — Start Justin Fields, George Pickens, Brock Bowers.
- NOTES: The Steelers are one of two teams (Vikings the other) that haven’t allowed a G2G rushing touchdown… The Steelers force the sixth-highest 3-and-Out% (36.7), and the Raiders have the sixth-highest 3nO% as an offense (39.6%)… If Aidan O’Connell is at quarterback, it’s not much of a change — similar Comp% to Gardner Minshew, AirYD/Att and more. The largest difference is 3.5 TD/Att% for O’Connell and 3.0 for Minshew (since the start of 2023), and that was with Minshew having most of his numbers with the Colts in this comparison.
Lions at Cowboys, Sunday, 4 p.m. ET
- SLEEPERS: Jalen Tolbert, WR, DAL — While Kenneth Walker went nuclear against the Lions, they still stifle the run most weeks with just 1.95 YACo/ATT allowed (fourth-lowest), and they essentially ask teams to try to beat them through the air. You saw the upside of Tolbert last week with Brandin Cooks on IR.
- NOTES: CeeDee Lamb was second in 2023 in YPRR against man coverage, and even with a slow start, he’s third this year with 4.33 (min. 25 targets), and the Lions are the fifth-highest in man at 35.3%… Even while playing better the past two games (relatively), the Cowboys are still last in Stuff% for their defense at 33.8%.
Falcons at Panthers, Sunday, 4 p.m. ET
- SLEEPERS: Tyler Allgeier, RB, ATL — You saw what the Bears just did to the Panthers. Allgeier is usable given byes and injuries thinning the position.
- NOTES: Diontae Johnson has 2.01 YPRR against Cover-3 compared to 1.71 against anything else (since the start of 2023), and the Falcons are fifth-highest in Cover-3 (47.4%)… Johnson also leads the league in red zone and end zone targets (9, 10)… The Panthers also pass the fifth-most in G2G (60.0%) with Johnson being second to only Keon Coleman in TmTGT% in G2G (63.6% — Coleman at 66.7%).
Bengals at Giants, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
- SLEEPERS: Chase Brown, RB, CIN — See below.
- NOTES: Whether or not Zack Moss is good to go, his touchdown upside is always at risk. While he has 81.8% of the RB rush attempts in G2G, no team passes more than the Bengals at 62.5% in G2G… Conversely, the Giants allow the second-highest rushing YACo (Yards After Contact — 2.85) and highest MTF/Att (0.23) despite having the 10th-highest Stuff% (46.3) — in other words, break past the line and boom! Brown is a strong play with or without Moss.
Bills at Jets, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
- SLEEPERS: Khalil Shakir, WR, BUF — Not only did we see how Josh Allen can struggle without Shakir, but he’s been his first-read 21.1% of the time and the Jets have teams throw to the first read 75.9% of the time (fifth-highest).
- NOTES: The Jets have passed 61.5% of the time in G2G (third-highest) with Garrett Wilson having 42.9 TmTGT% in those situations, 14th-highest… As mentioned, Hall has 100% of his team’s G2G running back attempts, but he’s been stuffed more than Braelon Allen (55.4% to 40.6%), who has gained 3.25 yards after contact compared to 2.66 for Hall. Of course, the context is volume and lead role for Hall, but we could be in worry mode after Monday if the coaching change includes a change of short-yardage for Hall and Allen.
BUY LOW, SELL HIGH
BUYS
- De’Von Achane (hurt and on bye, and rumors have Tua Tagovailoa returning after IR stint)
- Travis Etienne (if you’re winning — banged up two straight weeks)
- Amari Cooper (hopes he gets traded only)
- Diontae Johnson (as you saw above for RZ and EZ, even with Bryce Young returning risk)
- Sam LaPorta (see below — talk he was nursing the injury since Week 2)
SELLS
FUN WITH RANKS
From just spit-balling about crazy things with my brother-in-law, this week we have a fantasy football squad composed of cartoon characters. Now, I put limits on myself, as superheroes open a bag of worms that’s impossible to debate. I’m also sticking to pre-2000 cartoons — mostly because I don’t know a ton since then. Additionally, I wanted to stretch my limits a bit, so I’m avoiding doubling down on characters from the same show. Let me know some of your picks because I’m sure I forgot one or two… or more.
Fantasy Football Squad of Cartoon Characters
QUARTERBACK
Yakko Warner — I originally had Bugs Bunny (if you’ve ever seen his baseball episode, he’s a cheat code), but because I’m trying to only use one per show, I have another Looney Tunes character later. Yakko is essentially the Animaniacs’ version of Bugs, who can mess with the laws of physics.
RUNNING BACK
Road Runner — Was there a more obvious choice? It’s not just the speed, as brick walls are literally unable to stop him (well, rock faces with train tunnels painted on them… but you get it).
Popeye — Short-yard powerhouse, who will NEVER fumble with those arms.
WIDE RECEIVER
Lion-O — Athletic specimen with speed to match. A true alpha.
He-Man — He might not have the speed of Lion-O, but he can trump him in power, is no speed slouch, and would be a red zone target machine.
Pink Panther — We need a slippery, clever, elusive, third option. The Pink Panther was one of the trickiest characters there was.
TIGHT END
Johnny Bravo — Does any character scream Gronk more than him? Next!
FLEX
Mickey Mouse — Before you chuckle, you might want to make sure you’re aware of all his abilities, leadership and tricks up his sleeve seen in all his video game appearances. Mickey would be my Taysom Hill.
IDP PICKS (four — one DL, one LB, two secondary)
Raphael (DL) — You want an agro-defensive option? Look no further than the only one who might match Taz in that department, but with more muscles, technique and, yes, even planning.
Launchpad McQuack (LB) — He’s my Bobby Boucher. Crashing is his game, and Launchpad would cause havoc.
Scrooge McDuck (secondary) — One of the most powerful, fast and experienced animated characters of all time — check THIS! — and he can leap (bounce) to heights not seen on the field with that cane. Oh, and he definitely counts because 1.) DuckTales! and 2.) Launchpad was also on Darkwing Duck, so that’s where I’m pulling him from — it’s my list, I can bend the rules just like cartoon characters.
Tasmanian Devil (secondary) — Hah! Again, bending the rules a bit, but the Road Runner actually had his own show for a while, so I can go back to a Looney Tunes character. Taz is why I wanted to save my pick from there. Even Ed Reed would cower at Taz’s defensive dominance and ability to fly around the field to stop someone in the backfield or a pass downfield.
PLAY CALLER
Jimmy Neutron — I mean, “Boy Genius.” IQ of 210? Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay combined couldn’t manufacture or even conceive of the plays this kid would come up with.
WEEK 6 FANTASY FOOTBALL PROJECTIONS
🚨 HEADS UP 🚨 These can differ from my rankings, and MY RANKS are the order I’d start players outside of added context, such as, “Need highest upside, even if risky.” Also, based on 4-point TDs for QB, 6-point rest, and Half-PPR
Projections Download Link — LATE FRIDAY UPDATE
WEEK 6 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
🚨 HEADS UP 🚨
- There is no perfect widget out there, sadly, still. I know many view this on your phone, but 1) use the rankings widget on a PC/laptop/etc. if possible or 2) open in your phone’s browser, especially for Android users, to get the scrolling to work (or Android people can try a two-finger scroll).
- ECR = “Expert” Consensus Ranking (which isn’t updated by everyone consistently, so take with a grain of salt).
- Updated regularly, so check up to lineups locking.
(Top photo of Chase Brown: Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
