Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 6
After an awful Week 5 slate for injuries, many fantasy football managers are scrambling to fill out a competitive lineup. FullTime Fantasy‘s Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 6 can help you find those hidden gems to insert this week. Also, what notable players could disappoint in Week 6.
Quarterbacks
Start ‘Em
Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) vs. Arizona
In his debut with Cooper Kupp back in action, Matthew Stafford threw for 222 yards and two touchdown passes. Stafford now boasts a pair of elite wide receivers at his disposal, complemented by strong secondary receiving options.
While he has typically been a reliable, high-floor quarterback, the return of Kupp has heightened his potential, offering a significantly higher ceiling.
This week, he faces a favorable matchup against the Cardinals, who have allowed the fourth-highest passing yardage and the sixth-most touchdowns in the NFL.
Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks) at Cincinnati
Ranked 23rd in terms of fantasy points per game, Geno Smith is coming off a bye week. That was a much-needed extra week of prep time. Also, there is speculation about getting Jaxon Smith-Njigba more involved in the offensive scheme. That would be a big boost to the passing game. And, there are no significant concerns about Smith’s minor knee issue.
Notably, the Bengals are one of the top teams in terms of points allowed to fantasy quarterbacks. Also, this matchup has the potential for a high-scoring shootout, particularly against a depleted Bengals secondary.
Sit ‘Em
Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers) at Cleveland
Purdy, who has been a borderline fantasy starting quarterback in most weeks, is coming off a strong performance. However, the early season MVP candidate faces a challenging matchup against the Cleveland Browns, who have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
Purdy’s success has typically come against zone defense. And he struggles more against man coverage. Unfortunately, the Browns predominantly employ man defense, making it unlikely that Purdy will deliver a strong performance. Also, Cleveland has allowed an NFL-low three touchdown passes so far in 2023.
Running Backs
Start ‘Em
Alexander Mattison (Minnesota Vikings) at Chicago
Last week Mattison recorded eight rushes for 26 yards but managed to salvage his fantasy value with a receiving touchdown. Cam Akers is starting to see more early-down work. Also, C.J. Ham has taken the majority of third-down responsibilities.
This week, the Vikings will square off against the Chicago Bears, who have conceded the third-most fantasy points to running backs this season. Furthermore, the Minnesota offensive line holds a significant advantage over the Chicago defensive line in terms of run blocking. Given the Bears’ low pass-rush grade, Mattison should not be required for pass protection, making him the primary choice for passing downs.
Finally, with the Vikings favored, even in the absence of Justin Jefferson, Mattison should receive double-digit carries and some of the 36% target share Jefferson is leaving behind.
Tyler Algeier (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Washington
In their victory over Houston, Allgeier tallied a season-high 17 carries but managed just 40 yards. Notably, he has received 15, 16, and 17 carries in the Falcons’ three wins this season, compared to only seven carries in both of their losses. Atlanta is a 2.5-point favorite at home against Washington this weekend. The Commanders have an average run defense DVOA, ranking 16th.
Finally, our bottom line is that Algeier is the closer in this backfield. He is a low-end RB2 or flex in this matchup.
Sit ‘Em
Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Buccaneer) vs. Detroit
White has one good game this season. And that was week 2 against the hapless Bears. He appears to be heavily dependent on favorable matchups. Also, facing the Lions, who have been tough against running backs, doesn’t bode well.
The Lions have allowed just 49.6 rushing yards per game and have held running backs to 3.1 yards per carry. Bench White coming out of his bye week.
Dameon Pierce (Houston Texans) vs. New Orleans
Pierce is off to a slow start to the season, with the Texans losing games where he received limited carries and struggled with efficiency. While the Texans have been more competitive recently, they face the New Orleans Saints, who have the fourth-worst matchup for running backs and possess the fourth-highest team run-defense grade.
Also, Pierce has caught only nine passes through five games. He isn’t doing enough as a receiver to justify a start against an elite run-stopping unit.
Wide Receivers
Start ‘Em
Josh Downs (Indianapolis Colts) at Jacksonville
Downs delivered a 6-catch, 97-yard performance in the previous week, marking his second top-32 PPR WR finish in the last three weeks. His first top-32 finish occurred with QB Gardner Minshew, who will be returning as the starting quarterback after Anthony Richardson was sent to IR.
However, Minshew is considered an upgrade over Richardson for Indianapolis’ pass-catchers. So far this season, Minshew has targeted Downs on 24% of his attempts. Downs offers WR2/3 upside in Week 6.
Gabe Davis (Buffalo Bills) vs. New York Giants
Davis has found the end zone and scored double-digit fantasy points in each of his last four games. He has averaged 17.2 fantasy points per game during this span. Also, on the season, he leads the Bills with five end-zone targets and averages 16.3 air yards per target.
While his floor may not be the highest, Davis is currently playing at a high level and is the second option in one of the league’s better offenses. Moreover, this week, he faces the Giants, who have allowed six touchdowns to receivers and the 10th-highest fantasy points per game to the position. That makes Davis a high-upside option.
Sit ‘Em
Deebo Samuel (San Francisco 49ers) at Cleveland
Deebo Samuel is no longer on the injury report. But he faces a formidable matchup against the Browns, who lead the league in adjusted fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. Also, the Browns play a ton of man defense and Aiyuk is the receiver of choice for the Niners against man defense.
With a full complement of weapons at their disposal, San Francisco might not be able to distribute the football effectively against the strong Browns defense. At 41.5 points, this matchup has the lowest over/under for the entire Week 6 slate.
Amari Cooper (Cleveland Browns) vs. San Francisco
Cooper may have to catch passes from a banged-up Deshaun Watson or P.J. Walker on Sunday. While the 49ers defense ranks 21st in adjusted fantasy points allowed to wide receivers, it’s unclear if the Browns’ offense will perform well. Their low implied total suggests a challenging game for Cooper.
Unless Watson makes a miraculous “recovery” from an injury that has already been cleared, Cooper and the entire Cleveland offense should be avoided.
Tight Ends
Start ‘Em
Gerald Everett (Los Angeles Chargers) vs. Dallas
Everett has been targeted on an impressive 16.7% of his pass routes this season. With WR Mike Williams and TE Donald Parham out, Everett is expected to take on an expanded role.
Monday night’s game against the Cowboys has the potential for a shootout. Also, Everett faces a favorable individual matchup. The Cowboys rank 20th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to tight ends.
Sit ‘Em
Dalton Schultz (Houston Texans) vs. New Orleans
Despite his recent strong performances, Schultz may not be a wise choice this week. However, the Saints have allowed the fewest yards to tight ends this season and the second-fewest fantasy points per game to the position.
Finally, volume hasn’t always been an ally for Schultz in this offense. Schultz should be avoided in this unfavorable matchup.
