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LeSean McCoy should have no problem with the 49ers in Week 6.
LeSean McCoy should have no problem with the 49ers in Week 6.Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Fantasy Football Week 6: Matt Camp's Week 6 Big Board

Matt CampOct 12, 2016

The NFL schedule is a little more fantasy-friendly for Week 6 with only the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a bye. 

Early-week fantasy football rankings could look vastly different than what you’ll see over the weekend thanks to another long list of injuries to important players. That’s why you should wait to make your lineup decisions until later in the week, as we’ll have to wait out practice reports and injury updates, which may or may not clear up these situations. 

The Green Bay Packers are worried about Eddie Lacy (ankle) and Randall Cobb (neck). Not only could their rankings change, but so could those of Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams and James Starks.

Will we see Jeremy Hill (shoulder) against the Patriots, or will Giovani Bernard have to carry the load again? Is Latavius Murray (turf toe) ready to come back after missing last week? Would that even help fantasy players or just make Oakland’s backfield even cloudier? 

And those are just some of the injuries we know about coming out of Week 5, but there will be more revealed, as it tends to happen every week.

As a reminder, this is the first look at my points-per-reception (PPR) rankings for Week 6. These will change throughout the week and up to Sunday’s action as we get more information about injuries and limitations, so make sure to bookmark this page.

Top 100: The Time Is Now?

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Could this be a breakout week for the Chiefs offense?
Could this be a breakout week for the Chiefs offense?

I present my top 100 players (minus quarterbacks) for the week as a way to help determine your flex spots. You may favor a certain position or player over another based on his role and/or your scoring rules. 

As an additional tiebreaker, here are the teams I like as a whole this week based on their matchups: 

  • Pittsburgh Steelers (at Miami Dolphins)
  • Kansas City Chiefs (at Oakland Raiders)
  • Seattle Seahawks (vs. Atlanta Falcons)
  • Houston Texans (vs. Indianapolis Colts)
  • Denver Broncos (at San Diego Chargers)
  • Philadelphia Eagles (at Washington Redskins)

Week 6 Top 100 PPR Rankings

1Antonio Brown (PIT)at MIAWR110
2Allen Robinson (JAC)at CHIWR23+1
3Le'Veon Bell (PIT)at MIARB12-1
4A.J. Green (CIN)at NEWR340
5David Johnson (ARI)vs. NYJ RB250
6Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG)vs. BAL WR460
7T.Y. Hilton (IND)at HOU WR513+6
8LeSean McCoy (BUF)vs. SFRB380
9Demaryius Thomas (DEN)at SDWR620+11
10DeMarco Murray (TEN)vs. CLE RB47-3
11DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)vs. INDWR7110
12Brandin Cooks (NO)vs. CARWR818+6
13Ezekiel Elliott (DAL)at GBRB514+1
14Brandon Marshall (NYJ)at ARIWR916+2
15Todd Gurley (LA)at DET RB619+4
16Amari Cooper (OAK)vs. KCWR1027+11
17Lamar Miller (HOU)vs. INDRB715-2
18Julio Jones (ATL)at SEAWR1110-8
19Christine Michael (SEA)vs. ATL RB828+9
20Michael Crabtree (OAK)vs. KCWR1231+11
21C.J. Anderson (DEN)at SDRB923+2
22Greg Olsen (CAR)at NOTE130+8
23Kelvin Benjamin (CAR)at NOWR1312-11
24Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)vs. NYJ WR1417-7
25Jeremy Maclin (KC)at OAKWR1529+4
26Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)at SDWR1632+6
27Carlos Hyde (SF)at BUF RB1034+7
28Jordy Nelson (GB)vs. DALWR179-19
29Marvin Jones (DET)vs. LAWR1821-8
30Mark Ingram (NO)vs. CARRB1122-8
31Rob Gronkowski (NE)vs. CIN TE240+9
32Julian Edelman (NE)vs. CIN WR1926-6
33Sammie Coates (PIT)at MIAWR2051+18
34Doug Baldwin (SEA)vs. ATL WR2124-10
35Will Fuller (HOU)vs. INDWR2246+11
36Alshon Jeffery (CHI)vs. JAC WR2333-3
37Jordan Howard (CHI)vs. JAC RB1235-2
38Devonta Freeman (ATL)at SEARB1336-2
39Jarvis Landry (MIA)vs. PITWR2425-14
40Delanie Walker (TEN)vs. CLE TE343+3
41Randall Cobb (GB)vs. DALWR2539-2
42Willie Snead (NO)vs. CARWR2641-1
43Melvin Gordon (SD)vs. DENRB1442-1
44Jimmy Graham (SEA)vs. ATL TE452+8
45Jordan Matthews (PHI)at WASWR2737-8
46John Brown (ARI)vs. NYJ WR2845-1
47Theo Riddick (DET)vs. LARB1538-9
48Giovani Bernard (CIN)at NERB1654+6
49Terrelle Pryor (CLE)at TENWR2950+1
50Jordan Reed (WAS)vs. PHITE547-3
51Sterling Shepard (NYG)vs. BAL WR3053+2
52Ryan Mathews (PHI)at WASRB1749-3
53Mike Wallace (BAL)at NYG WR3178+25
54Jamaal Charles (KC)at OAKRB1848-6
55DeSean Jackson (WAS)vs. PHIWR32550
56Travis Kelce (KC)at OAKTE644-12
57Frank Gore (IND)at HOU RB1956-1
58Tevin Coleman (ATL)at SEARB2069+11
59DeVante Parker (MIA)vs. PITWR3358-1
60Martellus Bennett (NE)vs. CIN TE767+7
61Terrance West (BAL)at NYG RB2163+2
62Travis Benjamin (SD)vs. DENWR3465+3
63Allen Hurns (JAC)at CHIWR3561-2
64Cameron Meredith (CHI)vs. JAC WR3660-4
65LeGarrette Blount (NE)vs. CIN RB2270+5
66Spencer Ware (KC)at OAKRB2388+22
67Quincy Enunwa (NYJ)at ARIWR3771+4
68Isaiah Crowell (CLE)at TENRB2473+5
69Zach Ertz (PHI)at WASTE875+6
70Chris Hogan (NE)vs. CIN WR3862-8
71Coby Fleener (NO)vs. CARTE976+5
72Matt Forte (NYJ)at ARIRB2557-15
73Cole Beasley (DAL)at GBWR3968-5
74T.J. Yeldon (JAC)at CHIRB26740
75Kenny Britt (LA)at DET WR40110+35
76Duke Johnson (CLE)at TENRB2772-4
77Fozzy Whittaker (CAR)at NORB28102+25
78Jason Witten (DAL)at GBTE1093+15
79Michael Thomas (NO)vs. CARWR4166-13
80Darren Sproles (PHI)at WASRB2982+2
81Tavon Austin (LA)at DET WR4283+2
82Robert Woods (BUF)vs. SFWR4387+5
83Charles Clay (BUF)vs. SFTE11118+35
84Michael Floyd (ARI)vs. NYJ WR4486+2
85Zach Miller (CHI)vs. JAC TE1277-8
86Eddie Royal (CHI)vs. JAC WR4579-7
87Steve Smith (BAL)at NYG WR4691+4
88Bobby Rainey (NYG)vs. BAL RB30124+36
89James White (NE)vs. CIN RB3164-25
90Jeremy Kerley (SF)at BUF WR4784-6
91Bilal Powell (NYJ)at ARIRB3290-1
92Julius Thomas (JAC)at CHITE1381-11
93Matt Jones (WAS)vs. PHIRB3380-13
94Brice Butler (DAL)at GBWR48134+40
95Brandon LaFell (CIN)at NEWR49108+13
96Tyrell Williams (SD)vs. DENWR5089-7
97Jesse James (PIT)at MIATE14103+6
98Chris Thompson (WAS)vs. PHIRB34106+8
99Tyler Lockett (SEA)vs. ATL WR5195-4
100Jeremy Hill (CIN)at NERB3594-6
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyPros
ECR - Expert Consensus Rankings

Quarterbacks: Top-Heavy

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The Cardinals get Carson Palmer back from a concussion this week.
The Cardinals get Carson Palmer back from a concussion this week.

Better than Usual

Carson Palmer, ARI (vs. NYJ)

Palmer missed Week 5 with a concussion but has been cleared to play in Week 6, according to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. With the Jets visiting Monday night, he should have a good chance to get back on track following a shaky start over the first four weeks. 

In their first five games, the Jets have given up the fourth-most fantasy points to QBs thanks to 1,599 yards and 12 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Based on scoring average, Palmer isn’t a top-12 fantasy QB through five games, but he should have a great chance to move up in the fantasy world with such a favorable matchup. 

Week 6 Projection: 275-285 yards, 2 touchdowns

Concerns 

Matt Ryan, ATL (at SEA)

No QB has thrown for more yards or has more fantasy points than Ryan over the first five weeks. After opening the season with a soft schedule, he faced his toughest matchup of the year in Denver last week and was able to do more than expected in an altered game plan. Ryan completed 15 of 28 passes for 267 yards and a TD. 

His life won’t get any easier with another trip on the road this weekend to Seattle. The Seahawks are coming off their Week 5 bye as the best defense against fantasy QBs with the 805 yards and a single TD allowed in their first four games. It’s tough to sit Ryan even with this bad matchup, so if you’re rolling with him, just lower expectations a bit.

Week 6 Projection: 250-260 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception

Andrew Luck, IND (at HOU)

Luck doesn’t have a lot of reliable help around him, which is why it’s so impressive to see him among the top fantasy QBs after five weeks. He took advantage of a vulnerable Bears defense last week to pass for 322 yards and two touchdowns at home. Unfortunately, he was sacked five times, which brings the total to 20 on the season, and that’s dangerously high. 

Luck’s been afforded an easy schedule to open the season minus his Week 2 matchup in Denver, but he’ll have his first real test since that game when he takes on the Texans on Sunday night. Houston may not have J.J. Watt, but it’s still a good defense as a whole, as evidenced by its standing as the fifth-best unit against fantasy QBs.

He’s been way too good to bench this week, so hope Luck can keep up his strong fantasy numbers and avoid taking too many sacks.

Week 6 Projection: 255-265 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception

Avoid 

Eli Manning, NYG (vs. BAL)

Eli’s been a fantasy mess too often in the early part of this season. Last week’s trip to Green Bay resulted in another loss with Manning completing just 18 of 35 attempts for 199 yards and a TD. Manning is averaging 277 yards and a TD per game so far, but he’s also taken nine sacks.

The Ravens visit the Giants in Week 6 fresh off firing offensive coordinator Marc Trestman, although they aren’t in complete disarray. They’ve allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to QBs in the first five weeks, including nine TDs, which actually skews their ranking in the wrong direction. Their defense is more of a strength than their offense, so it won’t be easy for Manning to get back on track. You’re better off looking elsewhere for your QB this weekend. 

Week 6 Projection: 250-260 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception

Sleepers 

Alex Smith, KC (at OAK)

Smith’s best fantasy performances came in the first and fourth weeks of the season, the latter coming before the team’s bye. In Week 4, the Steelers dominated the Chiefs, so Smith threw 50 passes, completing just 30 of those attempts for 287 yards, two TDs and an interception. He’s not a top-20 fantasy QB through five weeks, but that doesn’t matter for Week 6. 

The Chiefs travel to Oakland for an AFC West showdown with the 4-1 Raiders. Oakland’s offense has carried the team so far, and it has to with how shaky its defense has been, both on the ground and through the air. Smith faces a pass defense giving up the third-most fantasy points to QBs this season. On average, QBs are getting the Raiders for 338 yards and more than two TDs per game. 

The attractive matchup for Smith should give you enough reason to consider him as a good streamer this week.

Week 6 Projection: 290-300 yards, 2 touchdowns

Marcus Mariota, TEN (vs. CLE)

For the first four weeks, Mariota and the Titans' passing offense were tough to watch, and fantasy production wasn’t anywhere to be found. That changed in Week 5 when Mariota threw for 163 yards and three TDs in addition to 60 rushing yards and a TD on the ground. 

Hopefully, Mariota can keep it going at home against the hapless Browns. They’re a bottom-five defense against fantasy QBs through five weeks. They’ve allowed multiple TDs in every game, including three in each of the last three games. QBs have thrown for at least 278 yards in four of their five games. 

Mariota may not go that high with his passing numbers, but if he’s running again, he’ll do enough to make up for it. Stream him if you’re looking for a solid option in Week 6. 

Week 6 Projection: 240-250 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 35 rushing yards

Week 6 Quarterback Rankings

1Tom Brady (NE)vs. CIN 10
2Drew Brees (NO)vs. CAR20
3Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)at MIA4+1
4Cam Newton (CAR)at NO3-1
5Carson Palmer (ARI)vs. NYJ 7+2
6Derek Carr (OAK)vs. KC9+3
7Russell Wilson (SEA)vs. ATL 5-2
8Aaron Rodgers (GB)vs. DAL6-2
9Matthew Stafford (DET)vs. LA11+2
10Andrew Luck (IND)at HOU 8-2
11Alex Smith (KC)at OAK16+5
12Andy Dalton (CIN)at NE21+9
13Matt Ryan (ATL)at SEA17+4
14Brian Hoyer (CHI)vs. JAC 19+5
15Marcus Mariota (TEN)vs. CLE 12-3
16Carson Wentz (PHI)at WAS15-1
17Blake Bortles (JAC)at CHI10-7
18Dak Prescott (DAL)at GB13-5
19Tyrod Taylor (BUF)vs. SF14-5
20Philip Rivers (SD)vs. DEN200
21Kirk Cousins (WAS)vs. PHI22+1
22Joe Flacco (BAL)at NYG 25+3
23Ryan Tannehill (MIA)vs. PIT24+1
24Brock Osweiler (HOU)vs. IND26+2
25Eli Manning (NYG)vs. BAL 18-7
26Trevor Siemian (DEN)at SD23-3
27Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ)at ARI270
28Colin Kaepernick (SF)at BUF 280
29Case Keenum (LA)at DET 32+3
30Cody Kessler (CLE)at TEN35+5

Running Backs: Higher and Higher

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Todd Gurley could put his slow start behind him with a huge performance against the Lions.
Todd Gurley could put his slow start behind him with a huge performance against the Lions.

Better than Usual

Todd Gurley, LA (at DET)

If Gurley’s on your fantasy roster, it’s been a frustrating season, so you might be skeptical about possible positive signs. Even though Gurley’s not a top-10 back for the year, he’s slowly heading in the right direction. Last week, he carried 23 times for 72 yards and a touchdown with an additional three receptions for 36 yards on five targets. Over the last two weeks, he has eight receptions for 85 yards on 10 targets. He had just three receptions for nine yards on six targets in the first three games.

Having somewhat of a role in the passing game makes him at least a threat to hit 100 total yards in any given week. He might not need a lot of help to get going this week with a nice matchup against the Lions. If you go by fantasy points allowed, they’re in the middle of the pack, but a closer look shows that a big part of that is the one score they’ve allowed to RBs in five weeks. 

Running backs picked up 496 yards on 97 carries (5.1 yards per carry) and added 30 receptions for 213 yards in those first five weeks. That gives the Rams every reason to feed Gurley early and often in Week 6. Start him with confidence and reap the benefits. 

Week 6 Projection: 22 carries, 100 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 3 receptions, 21 receiving yards

Lamar Miller, HOU (vs. IND)

Much like Gurley, Miller has been frustrating despite getting a bunch of touches. He already has 101 carries through five games, but with just 371 rushing yards, he’s averaging only 3.7 yards per carry. He’s stayed fairly active as a receiver with 82 yards on 14 receptions (17 targets). A big problem is a zero in all touchdown columns, but those will come eventually—and possibly even this week.

Through five weeks, only the Saints and Chargers have allowed more fantasy points to RBs than the Colts. Opposing backs have averaged 4.6 yards per carry, scored seven total touchdowns and caught 29 targets for 313 yards against the Colts. Another busy workload for Miller could propel him out of the funk he’s been in the first five weeks.

Week 6 Projection: 20 carries, 92 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 4 receptions, 24 receiving yards

Concerns

Ezekiel Elliott, DAL (at GB)

Let me start by saying I’m not overly concerned about Elliott in any matchup, but with just five games under his belt, I don’t want to assume he’ll be running through one of the best run defenses with ease. Of course, he’s the league’s leading rusher by 85 yards over Tennessee's DeMarco Murray and has also carried the ball more than anyone in the league.

So what’s the real concern for a back coming off his third straight 100-yard effort? Well, Green Bay’s run defense has given up just 170 rushing yards on 78 carries, which comes out to about 2.2 yards per carry. There’s a chance the Packers will sell out to slow down Elliott and make Dak Prescott beat them with his arm.

Still, tough matchups go both ways, and when we’re talking about a rookie as the leading rusher after just five games, he’s more than capable enough to produce another top performance with a challenge in front of him in Week 6. 

Week 6 Projection: 21 carries, 85 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 2 receptions, 18 receiving yards

Avoid 

Matt Jones, WAS (vs. PHI)

Last week, I pushed the idea of selling high on Jones following his Week 4 performance against the Browns that saw him run for 117 yards and a score on 22 carries along with two receptions for 21 yards. Why move Jones after his best game of the season? I didn’t expect him to keep it up in Washington’s pass-first offense, and he didn’t, going for 31 yards on 14 carries with a lost fumble.

According to JP Finlay of CSN Mid-Atlantic, head coach Jay Gruden said, “I think you’ll see more of Robert [Kelley]. I think Robert shows that he’s deserving of some carries.” Kelley had three carries for 18 yards in Week 5. With Kelley and Chris Thompson in the mix, Jones doesn’t have much room for error. 

Jones has enough red flags to stay away this week, but consider the matchup isn’t great, either. The Eagles allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to RBs in their first four games. Jones feels too risky to start with confidence. 

Week 6 Projection: 14 carries, 56 yards

Sleepers

Fozzy Whittaker, CAR (at NO)

The Panthers backfield could get a boost from the return of Jonathan Stewart (hamstring) this week, but whether it’s Stewart or Cameron Artis-Payne carrying the load for the Panthers, Whittaker should keep his role as the primary receiver of the three backs.

For the season, Whittaker has 19 receptions on 21 targets for 164 yards, while Stewart and Artis-Payne have combined for three receptions, 18 yards and four targets. Stewart and Artis-Payne might battle for carries, whereas Whittaker has no competition for targets.

That’s important in what could be a high-scoring game with the Saints. In four games, the Saints have allowed the most fantasy points to RBs, including 28 receptions for 245 yards and a score.

Using Whittaker is a good idea if you’re trying to get in the area of 10 points from your flex spot in a PPR league.

Week 6 Projection: 4 carries, 23 rushing yards, 5 receptions, 40 receiving yards

Chris Thompson, WAS (vs. PHI)

Thompson hasn’t been busy in terms of carries or targets this season, but he trails Matt Jones by just 27 snaps, per Pro Football Focus, so he’s been on the field a lot. Thompson leads the backfield with 12 receptions for 115 yards and a TD on 16 targets. Could we see more of Thompson in Week 6 against the Eagles? 

It’s a reach, but if the Eagles get their offense back on track and take advantage of Washington’s beatable defense, the Redskins will be throwing it more playing from behind, which would likely put Thompson on the field more over Jones and Robert Kelley. If you’re in a PPR format, Thompson is worth a shot as the last player in your lineup.

Week 6 Projection: 3 carries, 14 rushing yards, 5 receptions, 47 receiving yards

Week 6 Running Back PPR Rankings

1Le'Veon Bell (PIT)at MIA10
2David Johnson (ARI)vs. NYJ 20
3LeSean McCoy (BUF)vs. SF4+1
4DeMarco Murray (TEN)vs. CLE 3-1
5Ezekiel Elliott (DAL)at GB50
6Todd Gurley (LA)at DET 7+1
7Lamar Miller (HOU)vs. IND6-1
8Christine Michael (SEA)vs. ATL 10+2
9C.J. Anderson (DEN)at SD8-1
10Carlos Hyde (SF)at BUF 11+1
11Mark Ingram (NO)vs. CAR9-2
12Jordan Howard (CHI)vs. JAC 13+1
13Devonta Freeman (ATL)at SEA12-1
14Melvin Gordon (SD)vs. DEN15+1
15Theo Riddick (DET)vs. LA14-1
16Giovani Bernard (CIN)at NE18+2
17Ryan Mathews (PHI)at WAS170
18Jamaal Charles (KC)at OAK16-2
19Frank Gore (IND)at HOU 21+2
20Tevin Coleman (ATL)at SEA25+5
21Terrance West (BAL)at NYG 23+2
22LeGarrette Blount (NE)vs. CIN 24+2
23Spencer Ware (KC)at OAK31+8
24Isaiah Crowell (CLE)at TEN27+3
25Matt Forte (NYJ)at ARI20-5
26T.J. Yeldon (JAC)at CHI28+2
27Duke Johnson (CLE)at TEN26-1
28Fozzy Whittaker (CAR)at NO37+9
29Darren Sproles (PHI)at WAS290
30Bobby Rainey (NYG)vs. BAL 41+11
31James White (NE)vs. CIN 22-9
32Bilal Powell (NYJ)at ARI320
33Matt Jones (WAS)vs. PHI30-3
34Chris Thompson (WAS)vs. PHI38+4
35Jeremy Hill (CIN)at NE33-2
36Jay Ajayi (MIA)vs. PIT35-1
37James Starks (GB)vs. DAL48+11
38Eddie Lacy (GB)vs. DAL19-19
39Chris Ivory (JAC)at CHI390
40Devontae Booker (DEN)at SD49+9
41Jonathan Stewart (CAR)at NO40-1
42Derrick Henry (TEN)vs. CLE 45+3
43Latavius Murray (OAK)vs. KC42-1
44DeAndre Washington (OAK)vs. KC34-10
45Jalen Richard (OAK)vs. KC44-1
46Dwayne Washington (DET)vs. LA71+25
47Arian Foster (MIA)vs. PIT43-4
48Andre Ellington (ARI)vs. NYJ 70+22
49Rashad Jennings (NYG)vs. BAL 46-3
50DeAngelo Williams (PIT)at MIA500
51Kenneth Dixon (BAL)at NYG 52+1
52Mike Gillislee (BUF)vs. SF55+3
53Javorius Allen (BAL)at NYG 57+4
54Cameron Artis-Payne (CAR)at NO36-18
55Alfred Morris (DAL)at GB67+12
56C.J. Spiller (SEA)vs. ATL 47-9
57Robert Kelley (WAS)vs. PHI82+25
58Zach Zenner (DET)vs. LA77+19
59Orleans Darkwa (NYG)vs. BAL 53-6
60Jamize Olawale (OAK)vs. KC62+2
61Tim Hightower (NO)vs. CAR75+14
62Alfred Blue (HOU)vs. IND85+23
63Travaris Cadet (NO)vs. CAR61-2
64Josh Ferguson (IND)at HOU 640
65Dexter McCluster (SD)vs. DEN63-2
66Benny Cunningham (LA)at DET 78+12
67Damien Williams (MIA)vs. PIT56-11
68Ka'Deem Carey (CHI)vs. JAC 86+18

TOP NEWS

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Wide Receivers: All Is Well

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Will Fuller and DeAndre Hopkins should get back on track against the Colts.
Will Fuller and DeAndre Hopkins should get back on track against the Colts.

Better than Usual

DeAndre Hopkins/Will Fuller, HOU (vs. IND)

Brock Osweiler hasn’t earned the love of many fantasy players with his play this season. At various times, he’s hurt the value of both Hopkins and Fuller, with the rookie taking the hit last week in a brutal matchup with the Vikings. Fuller wound up with a single catch for four yards on six targets. Hopkins salvaged his day with a late TD as part of five receptions for 56 yards on nine targets. 

With the great Vikings defense now behind them, the Texans have a good chance to get everyone back on track when they host the Colts on Sunday night. Indianapolis has been mostly average against WRs this season, but last week, it got torched for 22 receptions, 264 yards and touchdown by the Bears. 

The Hopkins-Fuller combination should give the Colts a lot of problems, which means it will just be up to Osweiler to get them the ball. Hopefully that happens in this juicy AFC South showdown. 

Hopkins’ Week 6 Projection: 6 receptions, 80 yards, 1 touchdown

Fuller’s Week 6 Projection: 5 receptions, 75 yards

Jeremy Maclin, KC (at OAK)

Maclin’s been good, but far from great over the first five weeks of the season. His only touchdown came in Week 1, and he doesn’t have any games with more than 80 yards or six receptions. However, his schedule looks glorious starting this week in Oakland.

The Raiders have been the prime matchup for any fantasy WR, as they’ve allowed the most fantasy points to the position on the season. No team has given up more yards (1,095) to WRs, and the next closest is the Jets at 991, which shows just how bad Oakland has been this year.

Without any real competition for targets in the Chiefs receiving corps other than Travis Kelce, this should be a busy and productive week for Maclin. 

Week 6 Projection: 6 receptions, 75 yards, 1 touchdown

Concerns

Julio Jones, ATL (at SEA)

Jones wrapped his two worst games of the season around the biggest of his career. After catching one pass against the Saints in Week 3 and then posting 300 yards in Week 4, Jones managed just two receptions for 29 yards on six targets last week against the Broncos. 

The matchup was a major concern, and the Falcons did a great job adjusting to running their passing game through running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Could we see more of the same this week? Seattle trails only Denver and Minnesota (bye) in fewest fantasy points given up to fantasy WRs this season.

If the Falcons go away from Jones by choice or by necessity, it wouldn’t be a surprise. You can’t sit him, but you can lower expectations in this rough matchup in Seattle. 

Week 6 Projection: 5 receptions, 71 yards

Avoid 

Tyrell Williams, SD (vs. DEN)

When the Chargers lost Keenan Allen to a torn ACL, they didn’t have an obvious replacement on the roster, so as a result, we’ve seen Williams, Travis Benjamin and Dontrelle Inman all in the mix without any one of the three emerging as the most consistent threat. 

Inman led the way in Week 4, but he managed just one catch for three yards on three targets the next week. Meanwhile, Benjamin and Williams bounced back from Week 4 to each post 117 yards in Week 5. Benjamin did it by catching seven of 11 targets, while Williams had five receptions for six targets and a touchdown.

Of the three WRs, Williams ran the fewest routes from the slot (22.3 percent), which means he’ll draw the toughest matchups from Denver’s secondary on Thursday. It is the best defense against fantasy WRs and is coming off a game that saw Julio Jones held to just two receptions for 29 yards. While some of that was by design from the Falcons, it still shows you how hard it is to produce against Denver. 

Week 6 Projection: 3 receptions, 48 yards

Sleepers 

Cameron Meredith, CHI (vs. JAC)

Even though both Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal played through their injuries last week, it was Meredith who came through with the biggest performance against the Colts. He snatched nine of 12 targets for 130 yards and a TD to lead the Bears in every receiving category.

The 6'3", 207-pounder is the new starter with Kevin White on injured reserve yet again. Opportunities will continue to be there for Meredith, including this week against the Jaguars. Jacksonville gave up the fifth-most fantasy points to WRs in their first four games. If Meredith is more than just a one-week wonder, he’ll take advantage of this matchup. 

Week 6 Projection: 5 receptions, 71 yards

Kenny Britt, LA (at DET)

I try to ignore anything to do with the Rams if it doesn’t involve Todd Gurley, but you have to take notice of what Britt is doing this season. He’s tied with Tavon Austin for the team lead in receptions (23), but he needed only 32 targets to get there, while Austin needed 45. Britt hasn’t scored, but no one on the team comes close to his 356 receiving yards.

Can Britt break the TD drought, or at least have another productive fantasy afternoon? He should have a great chance to do one or both against the Lions in Detroit. In the first five weeks of the season, Detroit ranks as a bottom-10 defense against fantasy wide receivers. 

You probably don’t want to invest too much in the Rams offense, but against the Lions, Britt is definitely worth a look. 

Week 6 Projection: 5 receptions, 77 yards

Week 6 Wide Receivers PPR Rankings

1Antonio Brown (PIT)at MIA10
2Allen Robinson (JAC)at CHI20
3A.J. Green (CIN)at NE30
4Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG)vs. BAL 40
5T.Y. Hilton (IND)at HOU 9+4
6Demaryius Thomas (DEN)at SD13+7
7DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)vs. IND70
8Brandin Cooks (NO)vs. CAR12+4
9Brandon Marshall (NYJ)at ARI10+1
10Amari Cooper (OAK)vs. KC18+8
11Julio Jones (ATL)at SEA6-5
12Michael Crabtree (OAK)vs. KC20+8
13Kelvin Benjamin (CAR)at NO8-5
14Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)vs. NYJ 11-3
15Jeremy Maclin (KC)at OAK19+4
16Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)at SD21+5
17Jordy Nelson (GB)vs. DAL5-12
18Marvin Jones (DET)vs. LA14-4
19Julian Edelman (NE)vs. CIN 17-2
20Sammie Coates (PIT)at MIA29+9
21Doug Baldwin (SEA)vs. ATL 15-6
22Will Fuller (HOU)vs. IND27+5
23Alshon Jeffery (CHI)vs. JAC 22-1
24Jarvis Landry (MIA)vs. PIT16-8
25Randall Cobb (GB)vs. DAL24-1
26Willie Snead (NO)vs. CAR25-1
27Jordan Matthews (PHI)at WAS23-4
28John Brown (ARI)vs. NYJ 26-2
29Terrelle Pryor (CLE)at TEN28-1
30Sterling Shepard (NYG)vs. BAL 300
31Mike Wallace (BAL)at NYG 41+10
32DeSean Jackson (WAS)vs. PHI31-1
33DeVante Parker (MIA)vs. PIT330
34Travis Benjamin (SD)vs. DEN36+2
35Allen Hurns (JAC)at CHI34-1
36Cameron Meredith (CHI)vs. JAC 32-4
37Quincy Enunwa (NYJ)at ARI39+2
38Chris Hogan (NE)vs. CIN 35-3
39Cole Beasley (DAL)at GB38-1
40Kenny Britt (LA)at DET 58+18
41Michael Thomas (NO)vs. CAR37-4
42Tavon Austin (LA)at DET 420
43Robert Woods (BUF)vs. SF45+2
44Michael Floyd (ARI)vs. NYJ 46+2
45Eddie Royal (CHI)vs. JAC 40-5
46Steve Smith (BAL)at NYG 44-2
47Jeremy Kerley (SF)at BUF 43-4
48Brice Butler (DAL)at GB69+21
49Brandon LaFell (CIN)at NE55+6
50Tyrell Williams (SD)vs. DEN48-2
51Tyler Lockett (SEA)vs. ATL 50-1
52Davante Adams (GB)vs. DAL51-1
53Golden Tate (DET)vs. LA47-6
54Dorial Green-Beckham (PHI)at WAS56+2
55Ted Ginn (CAR)at NO63+8
56Phillip Dorsett (IND)at HOU 52-4
57Tajae Sharpe (TEN)vs. CLE 53-4
58Victor Cruz (NYG)vs. BAL 59+1
59Terrance Williams (DAL)at GB57-2
60Jamison Crowder (WAS)vs. PHI54-6
61Pierre Garcon (WAS)vs. PHI73+12
62Anquan Boldin (DET)vs. LA61-1
63Nelson Agholor (PHI)at WAS78+15
64Breshad Perriman (BAL)at NYG 76+12
65Jaron Brown (ARI)vs. NYJ 99+34
66Dontrelle Inman (SD)vs. DEN75+9
67Mohamed Sanu (ATL)at SEA670
68Dez Bryant (DAL)at GB49-19
69Markus Wheaton (PIT)at MIA62-7
70Andre Johnson (TEN)vs. CLE 84+14
71Brian Quick (LA)at DET 83+12
72Marquise Goodwin (BUF)vs. SF720
73Rishard Matthews (TEN)vs. CLE 79+6
74Torrey Smith (SF)at BUF 60-14
75Eric Decker (NYJ)at ARI65-10
76Devin Funchess (CAR)at NO74-2
77Seth Roberts (OAK)vs. KC85+8
78Chris Conley (KC)at OAK71-7
79Kamar Aiken (BAL)at NYG 77-2
80Kenny Stills (MIA)vs. PIT800
81Tyler Boyd (CIN)at NE82+1
82Kendall Wright (TEN)vs. CLE 86+4

Tight Ends: Getting Deeper

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Jimmy Graham should pick up right where he left off before the bye.
Jimmy Graham should pick up right where he left off before the bye.

Better than Usual 

Delanie Walker, TEN (vs. CLE)

Is Walker finally rounding into the weekly starter who dominated last season? Last week, he hung five receptions for 66 yards and a TD (eight targets) on the Dolphins in a convincing victory. 

If Walker’s ready to perform at that level for the rest of the season, we should see it against the Browns on Sunday. After putting up no fight against Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett in Week 5, Cleveland is now the worst defense against fantasy TEs, and it’s not even close. 

Walker might not command the same kind of respect as Gronkowski from a raw-ability standpoint, but he’s still one of the better players at the position when he’s totally healthy—and it looks like he’s getting there after battling a hamstring injury for a couple of weeks. Play him with confidence this week against the Browns.

Week 6 Projection: 5 receptions, 68 yards, 1 touchdown

Concerns 

Dwayne Allen, IND (at HOU)

Trusting Allen to come through for you on a regular basis is foolish since he’s rarely been consistent and almost never puts up big numbers. Last week was easily his best game of the short season, as he caught all six of his targets for 50 yards and a TD. It was Allen’s first score since Week 1 and marked the only time he's topped four receptions. It was also only the second time he hit the 50-yard mark.

That probably doesn’t inspire much confidence for his chances this week against the Texans. They killed the hot streak of Kyle Rudolph in Week 5 by limiting him to just two receptions for 15 yards on four targets. Only the Eagles have been tougher for fantasy TEs to score against this year.

Using Allen this week feels like a desperation play. Look elsewhere if you can. 

Week 6 Projection: 3 receptions, 31 yards

Avoid 

None of note.

Sleepers 

Charles Clay, BUF (vs. SF)

Clay is coming off his best game of the season in Week 5 against the Rams. He caught all five of his targets for 73 yards. In the last two games, he’s been a solid fantasy producer with 10 receptions for 120 yards on 12 targets. Those aren’t gaudy numbers, but they show what Clay is capable of if you need a plug-and-play option. 

With Sammy Watkins out of the lineup, the Bills are stretching for help in their receiving corps, so Clay’s role is more important. That’s why you can drop him into your lineup this week against the 49ers. San Francisco is a bottom-10 defense against tight ends, and would probably be worse if it had to worry about anyone of note last week when it faced the Cardinals. 

Week 6 Projection: 5 receptions, 54 yards

Jesse James, PIT (at MIA)

The spotlight may have been on James’ teammate Sammie Coates last week, but the Steelers saw James play the best game of his young career. He turned eight targets into six receptions for 43 yards and a TD. James now has three TDs this season, and all have come inside the 10-yard line. It sounds like a new Heath Miller is emerging. 

Can James keep it up? Well, he might not get much of a challenge against the Dolphins. Miami’s defense allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to TEs over the first five weeks, including five receptions for 66 yards and a TD by Delanie Walker last week.

The Steelers do have a lot of mouths to feed, so while you may not see James line up all over the field, you can be sure he’ll be in the mix near the end zone. 

Week 6 Projection: 4 receptions, 32 yards, 1 touchdown

Week 6 Tight End PPR Rankings

1Greg Olsen (CAR)at NO10
2Rob Gronkowski (NE)vs. CIN 20
3Delanie Walker (TEN)vs. CLE 4+1
4Jimmy Graham (SEA)vs. ATL 6+2
5Jordan Reed (WAS)vs. PHI50
6Travis Kelce (KC)at OAK3-3
7Martellus Bennett (NE)vs. CIN 70
8Zach Ertz (PHI)at WAS80
9Coby Fleener (NO)vs. CAR90
10Jason Witten (DAL)at GB13+3
11Charles Clay (BUF)vs. SF19+8
12Zach Miller (CHI)vs. JAC 10-2
13Julius Thomas (JAC)at CHI11-2
14Jesse James (PIT)at MIA15+1
15Gary Barnidge (CLE)at TEN12-3
16Hunter Henry (SD)vs. DEN160
17Antonio Gates (SD)vs. DEN18+1
18Dennis Pitta (BAL)at NYG 14-4
19Tyler Eifert (CIN)at NE17-2
20Dwayne Allen (IND)at HOU 200
21Richard Rodgers (GB)vs. DAL22+1
22Jacob Tamme (ATL)at SEA21-1
23C.J. Fiedorowicz (HOU)vs. IND27+4
24Will Tye (NYG)vs. BAL 31+7
25Eric Ebron (DET)vs. LA23-2
26Clive Walford (OAK)vs. KC32+6
27Jack Doyle (IND)at HOU 28+1
28Virgil Green (DEN)at SD26-2
29Lance Kendricks (LA)at DET 34+5
30Vance McDonald (SF)at BUF 24-6

Defenses: Best for the Best

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It won't be this difficult for Patrick Peterson to pick off Ryan Fitzpatrick on Monday night.
It won't be this difficult for Patrick Peterson to pick off Ryan Fitzpatrick on Monday night.

Best Options Based on Matchups 

Arizona Cardinals (vs. NYJ)

The Cardinals are already one of the best fantasy defenses, but when they get the bonus of a playing a mess like the Jets, they can put up enough points to potentially swing your fantasy matchup. 

Arizona has 18 sacks, seven interceptions, five fumble recoveries and a touchdown in the first five weeks, which makes them the third-best fantasy defense. They’ll have a chance to improve on that ranking when they face a Jets team that’s allowed the most points to fantasy defenses thanks to nine sacks, 10 interceptions, three fumble recoveries and three TDs. 

Week 6 Projection: 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 1 touchdown, 17-20 points allowed

Pittsburgh Steelers (at MIA)

If you rolled with the Steelers last week, they produced three sacks and held the Jets to 13 points. They get the luxury of another favorable matchup in Week 6 against the Dolphins. Miami’s allowed a whopping 17 sacks and surrendered seven interceptions, four fumble recoveries and a touchdown to opposing fantasy defenses, which puts them sixth in fantasy points allowed.

Week 6 Projection: 3 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, 20-23 points allowed

Week 6 Defense Rankings

1Arizona Cardinals (ARI)vs. NYJ 10
2Buffalo Bills (BUF)vs. SF20
3Denver Broncos (DEN)at SD30
4Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT)at MIA5+1
5New England Patriots (NE)vs. CIN 4-1
6Seattle Seahawks (SEA)vs. ATL 60
7Philadelphia Eagles (PHI)at WAS70
8Tennessee Titans (TEN)vs. CLE 80
9Los Angeles Rams (LA)at DET 90
10Houston Texans (HOU)vs. IND11+1
11Green Bay Packers (GB)vs. DAL10-1
12Detroit Lions (DET)vs. LA14+2
13Baltimore Ravens (BAL)at NYG 12-1
14New York Jets (NYJ)at ARI17+3
15Kansas City Chiefs (KC)at OAK150
16Carolina Panthers (CAR)at NO13-3
17New York Giants (NYG)vs. BAL 16-1
18Indianapolis Colts (IND)at HOU 20+2
19Cincinnati Bengals (CIN)at NE18-1
20Oakland Raiders (OAK)vs. KC19-1

Kickers: Quick Fix

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Nick Novak should be productive when he faces the Colts.
Nick Novak should be productive when he faces the Colts.

Best Options Widely Available on the Waiver Wire 

Nick Novak, HOU (vs. IND)

Novak’s been worth using as a top-12 option this season thanks to 11 field goals. Houston’s offense hasn’t been performing up to its full potential, but it’s been good enough to afford Novak at least three field-goal attempts in four of five weeks. If you’re looking for potential volume and opportunity, Novak should be able to help you with Houston facing a weak Colts defense.

Jason Myers, JAC (at CHI)

If you want to think outside the box this week, take a look at Myers. The Jaguars shouldn’t face a serious threat from the Bears defense, so if their offense can just be competent, they should have a productive day. Before their Week 5 bye, Myers hit three field goals and three extra points in their Week 4 matchup with the Colts. Myers is the type of kicker you’ll be able to grab at the last minute, if need be.

Week 6 Kicker Rankings

1Chandler Catanzaro (ARI)vs. NYJ 8+7
2Stephen Gostkowski (NE)vs. CIN 1-1
3Steven Hauschka (SEA)vs. ATL 2-1
4Justin Tucker (BAL)at NYG 3-1
5Mason Crosby (GB)vs. DAL4-1
6Graham Gano (CAR)at NO60
7Caleb Sturgis (PHI)at WAS18+11
8Dan Bailey (DAL)at GB7-1
9Chris Boswell (PIT)at MIA90
10Cairo Santos (KC)at OAK11+1
11Adam Vinatieri (IND)at HOU 5-6
12Nick Novak (HOU)vs. IND20+8
13Brandon McManus (DEN)at SD10-3
14Wil Lutz (NO)vs. CAR13-1
15Jason Myers (JAC)at CHI23+8
16Josh Brown (NYG)vs. BAL 12-4
17Matt Bryant (ATL)at SEA15-2
18Dan Carpenter (BUF)vs. SF16-2
19Sebastian Janikowski (OAK)vs. KC17-2
20Dustin Hopkins (WAS)vs. PHI19-1
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