Fantasy football Week 6: Start and sit

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

WEEK 5 RECAP

Falcons 36, Buccaneers 30 (OT): Kirk Cousins won’t throw for 500 yards and four touchdowns every week, but he’s a proven commodity in fantasy. Cousins has finished as the overall QB11 or higher in six of the last nine seasons, and was the overall QB6 before tearing his Achilles in Week 8 last year with the Vikings. He’s surrounded by plenty of offensive weaponry in Atlanta, including an above average offensive line.

Vikings 23, Jets 17: Aaron Jones suffered a hip injury against New York in London and was ruled out during halftime. Minnesota is off this week so maybe Jones won’t miss time, but Ty Chandler needs to be rostered just in case the injury is worse than it seems (especially if you already have Jones).

Bears 36, Panthers 10: D’Andre Swift looked good for the second straight week, but Roschon Johnson clearly has a role in Chicago’s offense with 29 touches and three TDs in his last three games.

Ravens 41, Bengals 38 (OT): Derrick Henry ran for 92 yards and a TD in a victory at Cincinnati. Henry became the 32nd player in NFL history to surpass 10,000 rushing yards and the 27th player in NFL history to score 100 career TDs. He also helped Baltimore run for at least 100 yards for the 38th straight game, the third-longest streak of all time. The Ravens (2018-2021) and Steelers (1974-1977) hold the record with 43 straight games.

Dolphins 15, Patriots 10: Miami had all of its running backs healthy for almost a full quarter after Raheem Mostert (chest) returned against New England on Sunday. Then De’Von Achane suffered a concussion late in the first quarter and didn’t return. Rookie Jaylen Wright ended up leading the Dolphins in rushing with 86 yards on 13 carries. Mostert wasn’t far behind with 80 yards on 19 attempts. Miami is off this week, so I’m anticipating Achane being fine for a Week 7 matchup with the Colts, but there’s a chance Wright will eventually be the last man standing in this backfield. Achane is listed at 5-9, 188 pounds, but he must’ve been wearing a flak jacket when the Dolphins weighed him, while veterans Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. both have extensive injury histories.

Commanders 34, Browns 13: Jayden Daniels became the first player with at least 1,000 passing yards and 250 rushing yards in his first five NFL games.

Jaguars 37, Colts 34: Tank Bigsby finished with 129 total yards and two TDs against Indianapolis, carrying the ball 13 times compared to Travis Etienne’s six — Etienne was more involved in the passing game. The former Auburn standout is averaging 8.0 yards per carry this season and looks like the more explosive option in Jacksonville’s backfield.

Texans 23, Bills 20: Nico Collins is considered week-to-week with the hamstring injury he suffered against Buffalo before halftime. Collins has a history of soft tissue injuries, so Houston might want to be cautious with his return — he was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. All of Dalton Schultz’s targets (six) against the Bills came during the third and fourth quarters, with four of them coming on third downs. It wouldn’t surprise me if Schultz is C.J. Stroud’s safety blanket while Collins is out. He was a top-12 option in both standard and PPR formats last season.

Broncos 34, Raiders 18: It seems like it’s a forgone conclusion Davante Adams will be traded soon. If Adams gets moved, Jakobi Meyers becomes Las Vegas’ top option at receiver. He’s seen at least nine targets in three straight games, with at least five receptions or a TD in all three.

Cardinals 24, 49ers 23: Arizona shut out San Francisco in the second half, producing the first scoreless half of Brock Purdy’s NFL career.

Packers 24, Rams 19: Blake Corum has supplanted Ronnie Rivers as Kyren Williams’ primary backup. If you roster Williams, the overall RB4 across all fantasy formats, you should also invest in the former Michigan star.

Giants 29, Seahawks 20: Devin Singletary missed Week 5 due to a groin injury. Tyrone Tracy Jr. stepped in on early downs, while Eric Gray played the third-down snaps and most of the goal-line snaps. Tracy finished with 129 yards on 18 carries in an upset win at Seattle, but I was a little surprised he wasn’t utilized more on third down, considering he was a converted wide receiver in college. Tracy looked more than capable of handling higher usage even after Singletary returns.

Cowboys 20, Steelers 17: Jalen Tolbert is the overall WR21 in standard formats (WR24 in PPR) since Week 2, and produced seven receptions on 10 targets for 87 yards and the game-winning TD against Pittsburgh on Sunday night with Brandin Cooks (knee) sidelined. Cooks was placed on injured reserve last week. Tolbert will have flex appeal against the Lions this week, assuming the groin injury he sustained at the end of the game isn’t serious.

Chiefs 26, Saints 13: The champs leaned on JuJu Smith-Schuster and Travis Kelce on Monday night with Rashee Rice potentially done for the season. Smith-Schuster had a 20.5% target share with seven receptions and a team-high 130 yards. When asked about Smith-Schuster last week, Andy Reid said, “Pat (Mahomes) has got a lot of trust in him.” Mahomes proved it after a ball bounced off of JuJu’s hands in the end zone, directly to defensive lineman Khalen Saunders late in the third quarter. Saunders returned the interception further than you’d expect most men his size to, setting up New Orleans for a TD that would narrow the Chiefs’ advantage to three points. On the next drive, Mahomes found Smith-Schuster on a crosser in the middle of the field for a 50-yard gain that helped set up an Xavier Worthy TD.

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:

SAN FRANCISCO AT SEATTLE

Obvious starters: George Kittle (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), Jordan Mason (SF), 49ers D/ST, DK Metcalf (SEA), Kenneth Walker (SEA).

Who to start: Brandon Aiyuk (SF) had his best game of the season against the Cardinals (eight receptions for 147 yards) last week and has at least 10 targets in two of the last three games. Brock Purdy (SF) is the overall QB10 since Week 2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) is the overall WR33 in standard formats (WR22 in PPR) since Week 2.

Who to sit: Jauan Jennings (SF) is TD-dependent with only four receptions on 10 targets for 101 yards the last two games. Geno Smith (SEA) has 418 passing yards and one TD pass with one interception in his last two home games vs. the 49ers. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) only has value in deeper PPR leagues with only four carries for 26 yards the last two games. Noah Fant (SEA) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in four of five games. I’m fading the Seahawks D/ST against a Niners offense looking to get right after a disappointing loss to Arizona at home.

Sleeper: In 17 career games against the Niners, Tyler Lockett (SEA) has 79 receptions for 874 yards and eight TDs with five scores coming at home.

JACKSONVILLE VS. CHICAGO AT LONDON

Obvious starters: DJ Moore (CHI), D’Andre Swift (CHI).

Who to start: Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (shoulder). Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC) is the overall WR5 in standard formats (WR9 in PPR) through five weeks. Christian Kirk (JAC) has at least four receptions, 79 yards or a TD in three straight games. Tank Bigsby (JAC) faces a defense that has allowed five TD runs to running backs in the last three games. Keenan Allen (CHI) and Rome Odunze (CHI) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers. Cole Kmet (CHI) is the overall TE4 across most fantasy formats since Week 2, and the Jaguars have allowed a TD to tight ends in two of the last three games. Roschon Johnson (CHI) has flex appeal in deeper leagues against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs. Only the Vikings, Packers and Broncos have scored more fantasy points than the Bears D/ST this season.

Who to sit: It’s looking like Evan Engram (JAC) will play for the first time since Week 1, but usually when someone has missed significant time with a hamstring injury, I like to see them in game-action before reinserting them back into my lineup. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Gabe Davis (JAC) remains a boom-or-bust option with three-or-fewer receptions in every game this season. Brenton Strange (JAC) only has value if Engram remains out.

Sleeper: Caleb Williams (CHI) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including nine TD passes in the last three games.

ARIZONA AT GREEN BAY

Obvious starters: Kyler Murray (ARI), James Conner (ARI), Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI), Trey McBride (ARI), Jordan Love (GB), Jayden Reed (GB), Josh Jacobs (GB).

Who to start: Tucker Kraft (GB) is the overall TE2 in standard formats (TE3 in PPR) through five weeks. Only the Vikings have scored more fantasy points than the Packers D/ST this season.

Who to sit: Greg Dortch (ARI) is TD-dependent with only 10 receptions for 91 yards in the last four games. Christian Watson (GB) remains a boom-or-bust option if he’s active (ankle). Dontayvion Wicks (GB) is TD-dependent with two-or-fewer receptions in three of five games. Hard to trust Romeo Doubs (GB) after his one-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team” without knowing more about the situation, but he does have great chemistry with Love.

Sleeper: Michael Wilson (ARI) has at least five receptions and 64 yards in two of the last three games and faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

INDIANAPOLIS AT TENNESSEE

Obvious starters: Tony Pollard (TEN).

Who to start: Jonathan Taylor (IND) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). Trey Sermon (IND) would have flex appeal once again if Taylor is out after producing 63 total yards, six receptions and a TD against the Jaguars. Tyjae Spears (TEN) has flex appeal in deeper PPR leagues with at least four receptions or a TD in three of four games. The Colts have allowed five TD receptions to wide receivers in five games, and DeAndre Hopkins (TEN) has caught seven of Will Levis’ 12 career TD passes.

Who to sit: Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) is doubtful to play with a back injury. I’m fading Anthony Richardson (IND) if he’s active (oblique) until we see a more consistent version on the field — I’d also fade Joe Flacco (IND) if he starts. Josh Downs (IND) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Alec Pierce (IND) remains a boom-or-bust option with three-or-fewer targets in four of five games. Despite the good matchup, Calvin Ridley (TEN) has three-or-fewer receptions in three of four games. Chig Okonkwo (TEN) remains TD-dependent with only eight receptions on targets in four games — the Colts have allowed a TD to tight ends in three straight games if you’re desperate.

Sleeper: The Colts D/ST face an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

HOUSTON AT NEW ENGLAND

Obvious starters: CJ Stroud (HOU), Stefon Diggs (HOU).

Who to start: Joe Mixon (HOU) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). Tank Dell (HOU) has WR3/flex upside with Nico Collins sidelined. The Texans D/ST face an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses with a rookie QB making his first start. Dalton Schultz (HOU) almost never leaves the field and has at least five targets in three straight games. Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (foot), otherwise Antonio Gibson (NE) would have flex appeal with at least 56 total yards in three of the last four games. DeMario Douglas (NE) has flex appeal with nine targets in two of the last three games against a defense that has allowed seven TD receptions to wide receivers in five games.

Who to sit: Cam Akers (HOU) only has flex appeal if Mixon remains out. Hunter Henry (NE) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Ja’Lynn Polk (NE) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in every game this season. I’m fading the Patriots D/ST at home against Stroud.

Sleeper: Xavier Hutchinson (HOU) has been operating essentially as Collins’ understudy since the preseason.

TAMPA BAY AT NEW ORLEANS

Obvious starters: Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB).

Who to start: Rachaad White (TB) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (foot) with at least 11 touches in every game this season. Only Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels have scored more fantasy points than Baker Mayfield (TB) at quarterback this season. Bucky Irving (TB) has flex appeal as the overall RB29 in standard formats (RB31 in PPR) since Week 3. Cade Otton (TB) deserves streaming consideration as the overall TE16 in standard formats (TE10 in PPR) since Week 3 against a defense that has allowed 22 receptions for 274 yards to tight ends in the last three games. Alvin Kamara (NO) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (hip/hand). Chris Olave (NO) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR24 in standard formats (WR25 in PPR) since Week 2. Rashid Shaheed (NO) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (hip) against a defense that has allowed five TD receptions to wide receivers in the last two games. The Saints D/ST deserve streaming consideration at home as the ninth-highest scoring defense in fantasy through five weeks.

Who to sit: Taysom Hill (NO) remains a boom-or-bust candidate if he’s active (ribs). Derek Carr (NO) is currently week-to-week with an oblique injury. Juwan Johnson (NO) remains TD-dependent with only nine receptions on 11 targets in five games.

Sleeper: The Buccaneers D/ST deserve streaming consideration against Spencer Rattler in his first career start.

CLEVELAND AT PHILADELPHIA

Obvious starters: Amari Cooper (CLE), Saquon Barkley (PHI), Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI).

Who to start: The Eagles D/ST face an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: I’m fading Jerome Ford (CLE) as the overall RB38 in standard formats (RB28 in PPR) through five weeks unless you need a flex in PPR. David Njoku (CLE) is nursing a knee and ankle injury while facing a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. I’m fading a hobbled Browns D/ST on the road against Hurts. Deshaun Watson (CLE) currently only has value in Superflex formats. DeVonta Smith (PHI) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (concussion).

Sleeper: Jerry Jeudy (CLE) faces a defense that has allowed seven TD receptions to wide receivers in four games.

WASHINGTON AT BALTIMORE

Obvious starters: Jayden Daniels (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL).

Who to start: Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS) is an obvious starter if he’s active (knee) as the overall RB7 in standard formats (RB9 in PPR) through five weeks. Austin Ekeler (WAS) maintains flex appeal with at least 62 total yards or a TD in every game he’s played this season. Zay Flowers (BAL) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed 10 TD receptions to wide receivers in five games.

Who to sit: Both Mark Andrews (BAL) and Isaiah Likely (BAL) are TD-dependent against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Justice Hill (BAL) only has value in deeper PPR leagues this week. Rashod Bateman (BAL) remains TD-dependent if he’s active (groin) with three-or-fewer receptions in four of five games.

Sleeper: Zach Ertz (WAS) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends.

L.A. CHARGERS AT DENVER

Obvious starters: JK Dobbins (LAC), Broncos D/ST.

Who to start: The Chargers D/ST was the sixth-highest scoring defense in fantasy before a bye last week. Javonte Williams (DEN) maintains RB2/flex upside with at least 16 touches in three of the last four games.

Who to sit: Justin Herbert (LAC) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading both Ladd McConkey (LAC) and Quentin Johnston (LAC) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Gus Edwards (LAC) remains TD-dependent if he’s active (ankle). Courtland Sutton (DEN) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) currently only has value in the deepest PPR leagues.

Sleeper: Will Dissly (LAC) faces a defense that has allowed at least six receptions or a TD to tight ends in four straight games and Hayden Hurst is still dealing with an Achilles injury.

PITTSBURGH AT LAS VEGAS

Obvious starters: Justin Fields (PIT), Steelers D/ST, Brock Bowers (LV).

Who to start: George Pickens (PIT) maintains WR3/flex upside with at least seven targets in four of five games. Najee Harris (PIT) has had at least 16 touches in every game this season and is facing a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) is the overall TE7 across most fantasy formats through five weeks with at least four receptions or a TD in every game this season — monitor Freiermuth’s calf injury. Jakobi Meyers (LV) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (ankle) with at least nine targets in three straight games.

Who to sit: Jaylen Warren (PIT) is doubtful to play with a knee injury. Davante Adams (LV) isn’t expected to play this week amid swirling trade rumors. Zamir White (LV) is dealing with a groin injury and faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs — it’s a difficult matchup to trust Alexander Mattison (LV) as well.

Sleeper: Tre Tucker (LV) faces a defense that has allowed a TD reception to wide receivers in three straight games.

DETROIT AT DALLAS

Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), David Montgomery (DET), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Dak Prescott (DAL), Jake Ferguson (DAL).

Who to start: Sam LaPorta (DET) had seven receptions on 12 targets for 84 yards at Dallas last year and is due for a “smash” game. Jared Goff (DET) deserves streaming consideration if you’re desperate and is a solid option in Superflex formats anytime he plays inside.

Who to sit: Jameson Williams (DET) remains a boom-or-bust option with only five targets in the last two games. Rico Dowdle (DAL) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m fading a hobbled Cowboys D/ST at home against one of the better offenses in the league. Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) remains TD-dependent with only 16 touches in the last three games.

Sleeper: Jalen Tolbert (DAL) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

ATLANTA AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Diontae Johnson (CAR), Chuba Hubbard (CAR).

Who to start: Kyle Pitts (ATL) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Darnell Mooney (ATL) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR7 in standard formats (WR6 in PPR) since Week 2 if he’s active (knee). Kirk Cousins (ATL) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Who to sit: Ray-Ray McCloud (ATL) only has value in the deepest PPR leagues at this point. Xavier Legette (CAR) is a boom-or-bust option with two-or-fewer receptions in three of the last four games. Miles Sanders (CAR) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs.

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

CINCINNATI AT N.Y. GIANTS

Obvious starters: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN).

Who to start: Zack Moss (CIN) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (foot). Chase Brown (CIN) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB6 in standard formats (RB7 in PPR) since Week 3 if he’s active (quadriceps). Malik Nabers (NYG) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (concussion). Devin Singletary (NYG) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (groin) with at least 14 touches in every game he’s played this season. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) is the overall WR28 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR) through five weeks with at least six receptions or a TD in every game.

Who to sit: Mike Gesicki (CIN) is TD-dependent with only three targets the last two games. Andrei Iosivas (CIN) remains a boom-or-bust option with only two receptions the last two games. Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) has RB2/flex upside if Singletary is out again. Darius Slayton (NYG) only has flex appeal if Nabers can’t clear protocol.

Sleeper: Daniel Jones (NYG) faces a defense that has allowed 10 TD passes to quarterbacks in the last four games.

BUFFALO AT N.Y. JETS

Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), Dalton Kincaid (BUF), Breece Hall (NYJ), Garrett Wilson (NYJ).

Who to start: James Cook (BUF) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (foot) — Ray Davis (BUF) would likely see double-digit carries if Cook is out on Monday night. The Bills D/ST averages 10.25 fantasy points per game if you throw out the debacle against the Ravens in Week 4. The Jets D/ST are the fifth-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 2. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) is the overall TE11 in standard formats (TE9 in PPR) since Week 3 with 15 receptions on 23 targets for 165 yards in the last three games.

Who to sit: I’m fading Khalil Shakir (BUF) and Keon Coleman (BUF) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) is the overall QB18 through five weeks and he’s currently dealing with multiple injuries (ankle/hamstring). I’m fading Allen Lazard (NYJ) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Mike Williams (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with only 10 receptions in five games.

Sleeper: Braelon Allen (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs.