Fantasy football Week 6: Start, sit and sleepers

Here’s a look back at Week 5’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 5 RECAP

49ers 26, Rams 23: Mac Jones is averaging 19.4 fantasy points per game in his three starts, which ties him with Daniel Jones for 11th at the QB position. With how well he’s played, the Niners might not rush Brock Purdy back like they did in Week 4 against the Jaguars. Jones’ per 17 games averages: 487 completions out of 731 attempts (66.7%) for 5,128 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and only six interceptions.

Vikings 21, Browns 17: Quinshon Judkins has proven to be a workhorse for Cleveland only four games into his NFL career. Judkins had 110 yards on 23 carries against Minnesota, his first time eclipsing 100 yards, and his second straight game with at least 24 touches. He’s the overall RB12 in standard formats (RB14 in PPR) since Week 2.

Colts 40, Raiders 6: Jonathan Taylor is the overall RB1 in standard formats through five weeks, and only Christian McCaffrey has Taylor beat in PPR. He is currently on pace for 2,084 total yards and 24 total TDs, which would be the second time in his career he’s topped 2,000 total yards and 20 total TDs. Taylor had 2,171 total yards and 20 total TDs in 2021, his second season in the league.

Saints 26, Giants 14: Kendre Miller’s snap share has increased every game and he’s had double-digit carries in each of the last two games. He’s flirting with flex appeal, but the real upside is if New Orleans decides to trade Alvin Kamara.

Cowboys 37, Jets 22: Jake Ferguson is on pace to produce 139 receptions and 163 targets. Both marks would be an NFL record for a tight end. Zach Ertz had 116 receptions and 156 targets for the Eagles in 2018. Ferguson’s pace for receptions would place him fourth all-time, regardless of position, behind only Michael Thomas (149), Cooper Kupp (145) and Marvin Harrison (143).

Broncos 21, Eagles 17: Dallas Goedert only has eight receptions in the last three games, but four of them were for a TD. Goedert is a sell candidate, since I can’t imagine he’ll maintain this type of efficiency the rest of the way, and he’s the fourth option in Philadelphia’s inconsistent passing game.

Panthers 27, Dolphins 24: Darren Waller followed up his two-TD performance in his debut with Miami with five receptions for 78 yards and another TD at Carolina. Waller is averaging 14.3 fantasy points in standard formats (18.3 in PPR) through two games. No other tight end is currently averaging double-digit points in standard, and only the Cowboys’ Jake Ferguson is close to Waller in PPR. The former Pro Bowler has a chance to be the best tight end in fantasy going forward as long as he stays healthy, which has always been the issue.

Texans 44, Ravens 10: C.J. Stroud is the overall QB11 since Week 2, and has completed 81.8% of his passes for 477 yards, six TDs and no interceptions in the last two games.

Titans 22, Cardinals 21: Michael Carter played more snaps than Emari Demercado (39-19), had more carries (18-3) and finished with five receptions on five targets while Demercado played all of the third-down snaps — Demercado finished with zero targets. Carter should have RB2/flex upside most weeks considering his workload, at least for the foreseeable future.

Buccaneers 38, Seahawks 35: Emeka Egbuka is on pace to produce 85 receptions for 1,513 yards and 17 TDs this season. Egbuka’s yards total would break the NFL record for a rookie, set by Puka Nacua with 1,486 yards for the Rams in 2023. His 17 TD receptions would tie Randy Moss’ rookie record, set in 1998.

Lions 37, Bengals 24: Chase Brown continues to disappoint. It’s mostly the quarterback play and a bad offensive line, but still. Brown is averaging 2.5 yards per carry and hasn’t scored a TD since Week 1. He’s currently the overall RB37 in standard formats (RB32 in PPR), which means his flex appeal is hanging on by a thread.

Commanders 27, Chargers 10: It felt like Jacory Croskey-Merritt secured the lead back position going forward with his breakout performance against the Bolts. Croskey-Merritt produced 150 total yards and two rushing TDs on 16 touches. The rookie is the overall RB17 in standard formats (RB21 in PPR), and is averaging 6.6 yards per carry this season.

Patriots 23, Bills 20: TreVeyon Henderson played one fewer snap than Rhamondre Stevenson, ran two more routes, saw one more target, and had one fewer carry. Stevenson also fumbled again, his 10th time in his last 20 games. With Antonio Gibson suffering a torn ACL in this game, I’m anticipating the backfield situation essentially being a 50-50 split initially with Henderson eventually taking over the lead role.

Jaguars 31, Chiefs 28: Tyquan Thornton dropped back to fourth on the depth chart with Xavier Worthy’s return, but Thornton still led Kansas City in receiving yards (90) and should continue to have a role in the offense moving forward. He is the overall WR15 in standard formats (WR22 in PPR) since Week 2, with at least 90 receiving yards or a TD in four straight games. It’s clear Patrick Mahomes trusts him, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster see diminished roles once Rashee Rice returns from suspension.

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 are my best bets for Week 6:

PHILADELPHIA AT N.Y. GIANTS

Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), Saquon Barkley (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI).

Who to start: DeVonta Smith (PHI) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR30 in standard formats (WR27 in PPR) through five weeks, and faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Eagles D/ST face an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Cam Skattebo (NYG) is the overall RB17 in standard formats (RB9 in PPR) since Week 2 with at least 16 touches in three straight games. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) maintains WR3/flex upside with both Malik Nabers (IR) and Darius Slayton (hamstring) out. Jaxson Dart (NYG) deserves streaming consideration as the overall QB14 since Week 4 with at least 54 rushing yards in both starts.

Who to sit: I’m fading Dallas Goedert (PHI) against a defense that has only allowed 12 receptions for 79 yards to tight ends in the last three games. Theo Johnson (NYG) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) returns from a two-game absence due to a shoulder injury, and faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs this season.

DENVER VS. N.Y. JETS AT LONDON

Obvious starters: Courtland Sutton (DEN), J.K. Dobbins (DEN), Broncos D/ST, Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Breece Hall (NYJ).

Who to start: Bo Nix (DEN) is the overall QB12 through five weeks and faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including seven TD passes in the last three games. Evan Engram (DEN) faces a defense that has allowed 12 receptions, including four TDs, to tight ends the last two games. In the three games Justin Fields (NYJ) has started and completed, he’s finished as the weekly QB2, QB4 and QB7.

Who to sit: R.J. Harvey (DEN) remains TD-dependent with double-digit touches in only one of five games this season. Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in four of five games. Mason Taylor (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Troy Franklin (DEN) is averaging six targets per game and faces a defense that has allowed 34 receptions for 498 yards and two TDs to wide receivers in the last three games.

ARIZONA AT INDIANAPOLIS

Obvious starters: Trey McBride (ARI), Jonathan Taylor (IND), Tyler Warren (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND).

Who to start: Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) is the overall WR22 across most fantasy formats through five weeks and faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including six TDs in the last four games. The Colts D/ST have scored at least 13 fantasy points in three of five games this season, are at home and potentially will face a backup quarterback.

Who to sit: I’m fading Kyler Murray (ARI), who’s dealing with a foot injury, if he’s active. Michael Carter (ARI) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs. The Cardinals D/ST face an offense allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Emari Demercado (ARI) only had three touches and a crucial fumble at the goal-line last week with both James Conner and Trey Benson sidelined. I’m fading Daniel Jones (IND) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, including one-or-fewer TDs to QBs in four of five games this season. Josh Downs (IND) only has flex appeal in deeper PPR formats until further notice.

Sleeper: Jones has targeted the Colts “X” receiver consistently for big plays this season, and I anticipate Alec Pierce (IND) making it through the NFL’s concussion protocol after missing the last two games.

L.A. CHARGERS AT MIAMI

Obvious starters: Justin Herbert (LAC), De’Von Achane (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA).

Who to start: Quentin Johnston (LAC) has produced 89 yards or at least one TD in four of five games this season. Keenan Allen (LAC) is the overall WR18 in standard formats (WR14 in PPR) with at least five receptions in every game.

Who to sit: Ladd McConkey (LAC) hasn’t topped 48 yards in four straight games, and remains TD-dependent against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Darren Waller (MIA) is TD-dependent against a defense that has only allowed six receptions for 48 yards and a TD to tight ends in the last three games. Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) faces a defense that hasn’t allowed multiple TDs to QB this season. Ollie Gordon (MIA) has had six-or-fewer touches in four of five games. Malik Washington (MIA) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 12 receptions for 47 yards in five games.

Sleeper(s): Both Hassan Haskins (LAC) and Kimani Vidal (LAC) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs — I’d favor Haskins in standard formats and Vidal in PPR.

NEW ENGLAND AT NEW ORLEANS

Obvious starters: Stefon Diggs (NE), Hunter Henry (NE), Chris Olave (NO).

Who to start: Drake Maye (NE) is the overall QB7 through five weeks, and faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including multiple TDs to QBs in every game. Both TreVeyon Henderson (NE) and Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) limit each other’s upside, but have flex appeal in deeper leagues. The Patriots D/ST have been better in fantasy than reality, scoring the seventh-most fantasy points this season. Alvin Kamara (NO) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). Rashid Shaheed (NO) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including four TDs in the last three games.

Who to sit: Kayshon Boutte (NE) has had three or fewer targets in four consecutive games. DeMario Douglas (NE) has two-or-fewer receptions in every game this season. Juwan Johnson (NO) got off to a really hot start before fading the last two games with only 45 yards on five receptions and seven targets, and he’s also dealing with an ankle injury. Kendre Miller (NO) only has flex appeal if Kamara is out.

Sleeper: Taysom Hill (NO) had six carries in his first game of the season against the Giants last week, and faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends, but we all know he can be successful in a myriad of ways.

CLEVELAND AT PITTSBURGH

Obvious starters: Quinshon Judkins (CLE), DK Metcalf (PIT), Steelers D/ST.

Who to start: Jerry Jeudy (CLE) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Both David Njoku (CLE) and Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) deserve streaming consideration against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends. The Browns D/ST deserve streaming consideration in a potential defensive grudge match with their AFC North rival. Jonnu Smith (PIT) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed a TD to tight ends in three of five games.

Who to sit: Jerome Ford (CLE) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 2. Dylan Sampson (CLE) has had four touches in the last three games. Aaron Rodgers (PIT) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Both Jaylen Warren (PIT) and Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) are TD-dependent against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Sleeper: Isaiah Bond (CLE) has an almost 20% target share in the last two games, and the Browns are in the middle of a youth movement on offense with a rookie starting quarterback, running back and tight end as well.

DALLAS AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: Javonte Williams (DAL), Jake Ferguson (DAL), Tetairoa McMillan (CAR).

Who to start: CeeDee Lamb (DAL) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). George Pickens (DAL) is an obvious starter if Lamb is out, but slips to WR3/flex upside if Lamb returns against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Dak Prescott (DAL) is the overall QB1 since Week 2. Rico Dowdle (CAR) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs this season with an opportunity at revenge against the team that let him walk in the offseason. Xavier Legette (CAR) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 10 TDs to wide receivers in the last four games.

Who to sit: I’m thinking the Panthers give Chuba Hubbard (CAR) at least another week to help heal his calf. Hunter Renfrow (CAR) is TD-dependent, even against the Cowboys, with two-or-fewer receptions in four of five games.

Sleeper: Bryce Young (CAR) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 12 TD passes in the last four games.

SEATTLE AT JACKSONVILLE

Obvious starters: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), Kenneth Walker (SEA), Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC).

Who to start: Sam Darnold (SEA) is the overall QB10 since Week 2, and faces a defense that has allowed at least 309 passing yards to quarterbacks in three of the last four games. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) maintains flex appeal with at least 10 touches in every game he’s played, and a TD in three of four. Tory Horton (SEA) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR21 in standard formats (WR34 in PPR) since Week 2. A.J. Barner (SEA) is the overall TE2 in standard formats (TE4 in PPR) since Week 2 with at least one TD in three of the last four games. Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC) maintains RB2/flex upside with at least 15 touches in every game this season, and a TD in three of the last four. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 579 passing yards and four TDs to quarterbacks in the last two games. The Jaguars D/ST have forced at least three turnovers or scored a TD in every game.

Who to sit: Cooper Kupp (SEA) only has flex appeal in deeper PPR formats. I’m fading a decent Seahawks D/ST traveling cross country against an offense allowing only 3.8 fantasy points to opposing defenses. Travis Hunter (JAC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in four straight games. Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) has had six-or-fewer touches in three straight games.

Sleeper: With Brenton Strange on IR, Hunter Long (JAC) should benefit with bump in usage against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends.

L.A. RAMS AT BALTIMORE

Obvious starters: Puka Nacua (LAR), Davante Adams (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR).

Who to start: Matthew Stafford (LAR) in the overall QB3 since Week 2, and faces a depleted defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. The Rams D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense likely without Lamar Jackson (hamstring) until Week 8 at the earliest. Zay Flowers (BAL) has at least five receptions and 72 yards in four of five games this season, but monitor his new shoulder injury. Mark Andrews (BAL) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed a TD to tight ends in two of the last three games.

Who to sit: Blake Corum (LAR) remains TD-dependent despite the premium matchup. I’m fading Derrick Henry (BAL) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Justice Hill (BAL) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer touches in three of five games. Rashod Bateman (BAL) only has flex appeal if Flowers’ shoulder injury is serious.

Sleeper: Tutu Atwell (LAR) has at least 72 yards in two straight games, and faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including 10 TDs in five games.

TENNESSEE AT LAS VEGAS

Obvious starters: Ashton Jeanty (LV).

Who to start: Tony Pollard (TEN) is the overall RB24 in standard formats (RB25 in PPR) with at least 17 touches in every game this season. Calvin Ridley (TEN) finally broke through against the Cardinals last week — five receptions for 131 yards — and this week Ridley faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Titans D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense that has allowed double-digit fantasy points to opposing defenses in four straight games. Brock Bowers (LV) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee). Jakobi Meyers (LV) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR40 in standard formats (WR34 in PPR) through five weeks, and has WR2 upside if Bowers remains sidelined. The Raiders D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Elic Ayomanor (TEN) is TD-dependent despite the matchup with only 14 receptions in five games. Chig Okonkwo (TEN) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Tre Tucker (LV) only has eight targets in the last two games, but would have flex appeal if Bowers is inactive.

Sleeper(s): Tyjae Spears (TEN) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed seven TDs to running backs in the last three games. Michael Mayer (LV) would deserve streaming consideration if Bowers is out against a defense that has allowed at least five receptions to tight ends in four of five games.

CINCINNATI AT GREEN BAY

Obvious starters: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Josh Jacobs (GB), Tucker Kraft (GB).

Who to start: Chase Brown (CIN) maintains flex appeal as the overall RB37 in standard formats (RB32 in PPR) through five weeks. Jordan Love (GB) faces a defense that has allowed 10 TD passes in the last four games. The Packers D/ST face an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Romeo Doubs (GB) typically plays around 75% of snaps, but that rate has been closer to 85%-90% since Jayden Reed broke his collarbone. Matthew Golden (GB) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR39 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) his last two games.

Who to sit: Tee Higgins (CIN) is TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in every game this season. I’m skeptical the Bengals’ offensive line will be able to keep a statuesque Joe Flacco (CIN) upright for very long. Dontayvion Wicks (GB) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with two-or-fewer receptions in three of four games this season.

Sleeper: Mike Gesicki (CIN) deserves streaming consideration with Flacco under center against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends.

SAN FRANCISCO AT TAMPA BAY

Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), Baker Mayfield (TB), Emeka Egbuka (TB).

Who to start: Mac Jones (SF) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including eight TD passes in the last three games. Both Kendrick Bourne (SF) and Demarcus Robinson (SF) have flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 40 receptions for 443 yards and four TDs to wide receivers the last three games. Rachaad White (TB) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB24 in standard formats (RB22 in PPR) since Week 2. Cade Otton (TB) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed a TD to tight ends in three of the last four games — especially with Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) and Mike Evans (hamstring) likely out again.

Who to sit: Brian Robinson Jr. (SF) only has 12 carries in the last three games. Chris Godwin (TB) is TD-dependent with exactly three receptions for 26 yards in both games he’s played this season. Sterling Shepard (TB) only has flex appeal if Godwin can’t go due to a fibula injury.

Sleeper: Jake Tonges (SF) is the overall TE9 in standard formats (TE8 in PPR) through five weeks, and faces a defense that has allowed four TDs to tight ends in the last two games.

DETROIT AT KANSAS CITY

Obvious starters: Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Xavier Worthy (KC).

Who to start: David Montgomery (DET) is the overall RB12 in standard formats (RB16 in PPR) through five weeks. Marquise Brown (KC) is the overall WR37 in standard formats (WR29 in PPR) through five weeks with at least four receptions or a TD in every game.

Who to sit: I’m fading Sam LaPorta (DET) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Jameson Williams (DET) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with two-or-fewer receptions in four straight games. I’m fading the Lions D/ST on the road against Mahomes and Co. — the Chiefs are allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Jared Goff (DET) faces a defense that has allowed two TD passes in the last four games. I’m fading both Isiah Pacheco (KC) and Kareem Hunt (KC) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) is TD-dependent with only 11 receptions in the last four games.

Sleeper: Tyquan Thornton (KC) faces a defense that has allowed seven TDs to wide receivers in five games this season.

BUFFALO AT ATLANTA

Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL).

Who to start: Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintains WR3/flex upside with at least six receptions or a TD in four of five games.

Who to sit: I’m fading Dalton Kincaid (BUF) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Keon Coleman (BUF) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Joshua Palmer (BUF) has two-or-fewer receptions in four straight games. Ray Davis (BUF) remains TD-dependent against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) faces a defense that has only allowed three TD passes in the last three games. Kyle Pitts (ATL) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Darnell Mooney (ATL) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only seven receptions for 79 yards in three games this season.

Sleeper: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) faces a defense that has allowed six TDs to running backs in five games.

CHICAGO AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: Rome Odunze (CHI), Jayden Daniels (WAS), Deebo Samuel (WAS).

Who to start: D’Andre Swift (CHI) maintains RB2/flex upside with at least 15 touches in every game this season. D.J. Moore (CHI) maintains flex appeal with at least four receptions or a TD in three straight games. Caleb Williams (CHI) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed eight TD passes in the last four games. Terry McLaurin (WAS) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (quadriceps). Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) is the overall RB17 in standard formats (RB21 in PPR) through five weeks, and faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs. The Commanders D/ST have scored double-digit fantasy points in both home games this season.

Who to sit: Both Colston Loveland (CHI) and Cole Kmet (CHI) are TD-dependent. Zach Ertz (WAS) is TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in four of five games.

Sleeper: Luther Burden III (CHI) faces a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in the last four games.