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Fantasy Football Week 6: Matt Camp's Fantasy Big Board
October 11, 2017Fantasy Football Week 6: Matt Camp's Fantasy Big Board
Sometimes it's best not to overthink things and just stick with what works.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have done that with Leonard Fournette, which has turned him into one of the most reliable fantasy players over the first five weeks of the season. Jacksonville leans on its defense to stay in games and Fournette to carry the offense while limiting Blake Bortles' pass attempts. The formula has them at 3-2 and on top of the AFC South.
Fantasy owners should be sticking by players like Chris Hogan, Devin Funchess and Andre Ellington even if they are overachieving. All three have been consistent options for their teams, and that's made them reliable as weekly starters. Until they give you reason to doubt their value, continue using them with confidence.
The flip side of that is the players you're waiting on to come around who have underachieved for much of the season. If you drafted Jay Ajayi or Martavis Bryant to be strong, reliable pieces of your starting lineup, chances are your team isn't doing so well through five games. If you need to bench them for safer options, don't hesitate.
Here's the first look at points-per-reception 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 for my full rankings in both PPR and non-PPR formats.
Top 100
- Houston Texans (vs. Cleveland Browns)
- New England Patriots (at New York Jets)
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 this week based on their matchups:
Week 6 Top 100 PPR Rankings
Week 6 Top 100 PPR Rankings
Quarterbacks
Better Than Usual
Deshaun Watson, HOU (vs. CLE)
The difference between fantasy and reality can be huge, as we learned last week when Deshaun Watson faced the Kansas City Chiefs. He completed just 16 of 31 passes (51.6 percent) for 261 yards but threw five touchdowns and rushed for 31 yards. The Houston Texans scored 21 of their 34 points of the fourth quarter and still lost 42-34. However, if you stuck with Watson, his performance yielded 35.5 fantasy points, which made him the top fantasy quarterback for a second straight week.
You were certainly justified if you went into last week with lower expectations for Watson, as he is still a developing rookie. Luckily, those expectations can shoot right back up with the Cleveland Browns visiting Houston in Week 6. In the first five games, Cleveland allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Last week, Jacoby Brissett got them for 314 yards in an overtime victory, so this a vulnerable defense regardless of the quarterback. Watson has a chance to finish as the top quarterback for three weeks in a row.
Concern
Alex Smith, KC (vs. PIT)
Alex Smith is having one of the best seasons of his career through the first five games, which could be attributed to an increase in volume. He already has three games with at least 35 pass attempts and at least 293 yards. In 2016, Smith attempted 35 or more passes just six times and had only three games with at least 270 yards. Will the volume continue against the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Pittsburgh has limited quarterbacks to the second-fewest fantasy points by giving up just 820 yards and three touchdowns. While that is impressive, it's faced DeShone Kizer, Case Keenum, Mike Glennon, Joe Flacco and Blake Bortles, so Smith and the Chiefs will be a big step up in competition. Still, Smith has to worry about a pass rush that is tied for third in the league with 17 sacks. Smith comes into this game as the top fantasy quarterback, so while he's still a starter, lower your expectations just a bit.
Avoid
Jared Goff, LAR (at JAC)
Jared Goff was an avoid last week against the Seattle Seahawks, which was justified when Goff attempted a season-high 47 passes but completed just 22 of those attempts for 288 yards with two interceptions. He stays on the avoid list in another tough matchup at Jacksonville. One of the best pass defenses in the league should give Goff a lot of trouble, as no team has let up fewer fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Even though Goff has taken steps in the right direction, there's no reason to risk using him in tough matchups.
Sleeper
Jacoby Brissett, IND (at TEN)
If you streamed Jacoby Brissett last week, you wound up with the No. 10 fantasy quarterback, which certainly counts as a successful stream. Even though he failed to throw a touchdown, Brissett managed to get the San Francisco 49ers for 314 yards through the air and 14 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He's been an obvious upgrade over Scott Tolzien and has kept the Indianapolis Colts afloat in a weak division in the absence of Andrew Luck.
Brissett will get another start this week with Luck still sidelined by his shoulder recovery, so you might want to consider firing him up as a streamer once again with an attractive Monday night matchup in Tennessee. Even after Jay Cutler had just 92 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the Titans, they've still allowed the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Brissett has found a connection with T.Y. Hilton and has proved to be a threat with his legs, so he has what it takes to produce another solid fantasy outing in this prime matchup.
Week 6 Quarterback Rankings
# Player (team) 1 Aaron Rodgers (GB) 2 Tom Brady (NE) 3 Drew Brees (NO) 4 Deshaun Watson (HOU) 5 Matt Ryan (ATL) 6 Kirk Cousins (WAS) 7 Cam Newton (CAR) 8 Carson Palmer (ARI) 9 Jameis Winston (TB) 10 Matthew Stafford (DET) 11 Alex Smith (KC) 12 Carson Wentz (PHI) 13 Philip Rivers (LAC) 14 Derek Carr (OAK) 15 Jacoby Brissett (IND) 16 Marcus Mariota (TEN) 17 Josh McCown (NYJ) 18 Trevor Siemian (DEN) 19 Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) 20 Brian Hoyer (SF) 21 Case Keenum (MIN) 22 Joe Flacco (BAL) 23 Jared Goff (LAR) 24 Blake Bortles (JAC) 25 DeShone Kizer (CLE) 26 Kevin Hogan (CLE) 27 Eli Manning (NYG) 28 Jay Cutler (MIA) 29 Mitch Trubisky (CHI)
Week 6 Quarterback Rankings
| # | Player (team) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Aaron Rodgers (GB) |
| 2 | Tom Brady (NE) |
| 3 | Drew Brees (NO) |
| 4 | Deshaun Watson (HOU) |
| 5 | Matt Ryan (ATL) |
| 6 | Kirk Cousins (WAS) |
| 7 | Cam Newton (CAR) |
| 8 | Carson Palmer (ARI) |
| 9 | Jameis Winston (TB) |
| 10 | Matthew Stafford (DET) |
| 11 | Alex Smith (KC) |
| 12 | Carson Wentz (PHI) |
| 13 | Philip Rivers (LAC) |
| 14 | Derek Carr (OAK) |
| 15 | Jacoby Brissett (IND) |
| 16 | Marcus Mariota (TEN) |
| 17 | Josh McCown (NYJ) |
| 18 | Trevor Siemian (DEN) |
| 19 | Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) |
| 20 | Brian Hoyer (SF) |
| 21 | Case Keenum (MIN) |
| 22 | Joe Flacco (BAL) |
| 23 | Jared Goff (LAR) |
| 24 | Blake Bortles (JAC) |
| 25 | DeShone Kizer (CLE) |
| 26 | Kevin Hogan (CLE) |
| 27 | Eli Manning (NYG) |
| 28 | Jay Cutler (MIA) |
| 29 | Mitch Trubisky (CHI) |
Running Backs
Better Than Usual
Jordan Howard, CHI (at BAL)
The concern for Jordan Howard in a weak Chicago Bears offense has been justified, as he's rushed for at least 80 yards just once this season. However, he's been able to keep himself among the top 15 fantasy running backs with four touchdowns and an average of four yards per carry.
While the Baltimore Ravens could hit some big plays against a vulnerable Bears secondary, they don't have the type of offense that will blow anyone away, so Howard should get plenty of volume. Due to the absence of top run-stopper Brandon Williams (foot), Baltimore's allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs this season. If Williams is out or limited, Howard could have a very productive day.
Concern
Wayne Gallman, NYG (at DEN)
Wayne Gallman has been a hot waiver-wire name over the last two weeks and managed to come through with 57 yards on 11 carries and five receptions for 25 yards on five targets in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
With Orleans Darkwa (calf) not at 100 percent and the New York Giants dealing with a decimated wide receiver corps, Gallman could be busy against the Denver Broncos, but that doesn't mean he'll be productive. They've given up the fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. The only hope for Gallman is that he gets enough volume to have a decent fantasy performance.
Avoid
Isaiah Crowell, CLE (at HOU)
Isaiah Crowell is out of excuses. He had a nice matchup with the New York Jets last week and saw 16 carries but managed just 60 yards. He's averaging just 3.1 yards per carry on the season and has yet to find the end zone. The Texans allow the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs on the season, so even though they lost J.J. Watt (leg) and Whitney Mercilus (pectoral) for the rest of the year, Crowell hasn't done anything to warrant using him with even a shred of confidence.
Sleeper
Elijah McGuire, NYJ (vs. NE)
Elijah McGuire could be stepping into a big role in Week 6 if Matt Forte (toe) remains out for the third straight week and Bilal Powell (calf) can't return from the injury that knocked him out in Week 5. Over the last two weeks, McGuire has 21 carries for 113 yards and a touchdown and four receptions for 48 yards on five targets. He'll have a good chance to build on that if he's leading the Jets backfield against the New England Patriots.
New England has given up the second-most fantasy points to running backs thanks to 95 carries for 498 yards and three touchdowns and 31 receptions for 372 yards and three touchdowns. McGuire has proved to be a threat as a runner and a receiver, so with this matchup, he can exploit all of New England's weaknesses.
Week 6 Running Back PPR Rankings
Week 6 Running Back PPR Rankings
Wide Receivers
Better Than Usual
T.Y. Hilton, IND (at TEN)
If you read this week's B.S. Meter, you know Brissett has given the Colts some life on offense, and that's turned Hilton back into a useful fantasy player. Last week, he hauled in seven of nine targets for 177 yards against the 49ers. Hilton has seven receptions and at least 153 yards in two of his last three games. He enters Week 6 as the No. 10 fantasy wide receiver, which is amazing since he's done it without Luck. With some success to build on, Hilton has a chance at another big week against a Titans defense giving up the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
Alshon Jeffery, PHI (at CAR)
A look at the numbers for the Carolina Panthers shows this is just an average matchup for Jeffery, as Carolina has given up 61 receptions for 648 yards and five touchdowns over the first five games. However, it's still better than what Jeffery has seen to open the season, facing off against great cornerbacks like Josh Norman, Marcus Peters, Janoris Jenkins, Casey Hayward and Patrick Peterson.
Carolina was without starting cornerbacks James Bradberry and Daryl Worley in Tuesday's practice, according to Brendan Marks of the Charlotte Observer, so even if they do play, they won't be completely healthy. Jeffery finally has a chance to shine since this isn't a matchup to shy away from on Thursday night.
Concern
Sammy Watkins, LAR (at JAC)
Last week, Sammy Watkins was included as an avoid player in a tough matchup with the Seahawks and was held without a catch on four targets. He has just one reception for 17 yards in the last two weeks and draws another tough matchup in Jacksonville this week. Over the first five weeks of the season, Jacksonville has held wide receivers to the third-fewest fantasy points even after giving up 10 receptions for 157 yards to Antonio Brown last week. That big performance gives the slightest glimmer of hope for Watkins and is the difference between him being called a concern instead of an avoid.
Avoids
Giants WRs (at DEN)
This is a pretty simple one since almost any wide receiver ends up in the concern or avoid category when they take on the Broncos. In four games, Denver held wide receivers to just 48 receptions for 509 yards and five touchdowns. The Giants lose Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall to season-ending surgeries and could be without Sterling Shepard (ankle), who was seen in a walking boot on Tuesday, according to Dan Duggan of NJ.com. That would leave Roger Lewis as their only legitimate option heading into this brutal matchup with the Broncos. If you're looking to replace any of the injured Giants wide receivers, look elsewhere.
Sleeper
John Brown, ARI (vs. TB)
Figuring out what Arizona Cardinals wide receiver to take a shot on outside Larry Fitzgerald has been a weekly conundrum, but it's worth the risk in Week 6 with a beatable matchup in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brown gets the nod this week after he played 80 percent of the snaps and had two receptions for 26 yards and a touchdown on seven targets against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5. He was the No. 2 Cardinals wide receiver behind Fitzgerald, so you should try him against a Tampa Bay secondary giving up the most fantasy points to wide receivers this season.
Week 6 Wide Receiver PPR Rankings
Week 6 Wide Receiver PPR Rankings
Tight Ends
Better Than Usual
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, NYJ (vs. NE)
If you took a shot on Seferian-Jenkins in a plus matchup with the Browns last week, he paid off by producing six receptions for 29 yards and a TD on eight targets. While that's obviously not a superb line, it was enough for a top-10 finish at the position in Week 5. Seferian-Jenkins comes into this week with an average of five receptions over his last three games, so there should be a little more confidence in using him, especially against a Patriots defense that allows the fourth-most fantasy points to TEs on the season.
Concern
Travis Kelce, KC (vs. PIT)
Kelce had a huge first half against the Texans in Week 5, posting eight receptions for 98 yards on 11 targets, but suffered a concussion and had to sit out the second half. Obviously, you can't assume anything when it comes to concussions, so it's not a lock that Kelce is cleared to play for Sunday afternoon's game against the Steelers. While Kelce is a must-start if healthy, you need to be ready with a backup, especially since the Chiefs play in the late-afternoon slate of games.
Avoid
Benjamin Watson, BAL (vs. CHI)
Watson has been mostly quiet since catching eight of eight targets for 91 yards in Week 2. Since then, he has just 10 receptions for 57 yards and a TD on 13 targets while battling through multiple injuries. The Ravens offense hasn't been great for fantasy this season, and while Watson's matchup with the Bears isn't terrible, he doesn't offer much upside and has a low floor. Look elsewhere for your TE in Week 6.
Sleeper
A.J. Derby, DEN (vs. NYG)
Hunting around for a TE has been quite a chore this season, so it's important to keep an open mind when it comes to the position. Targeting the best possible matchup has worked out well, which is why Derby has to be under consideration when he faces the Giants. No team has allowed more fantasy points to TEs than the Giants thanks to 34 receptions, 374 yards and six touchdowns. Last week, Hunter Henry had three receptions for 42 yards and a TD in a win over them. Before the bye, Derby posted four receptions for 75 yards and a TD on six targets against the Raiders.
Week 6 Tight End PPR Rankings
# Player (team) 1 Rob Gronkowski (NE) 2 Zach Ertz (PHI) 3 Travis Kelce (KC) 4 Hunter Henry (LAC) 5 Evan Engram (NYG) 6 Delanie Walker (TEN) 7 Austin Seferian-Jenkins (NYJ) 8 Kyle Rudolph (MIN) 9 Jordan Reed (WAS) 10 Martellus Bennett (GB) 11 Ryan Griffin (HOU) 12 Cameron Brate (TB) 13 George Kittle (SF) 14 Jared Cook (OAK) 15 Coby Fleener (NO) 16 A.J. Derby (DEN) 17 Ed Dickson (CAR) 18 Vernon Davis (WAS) 19 Benjamin Watson (BAL) 20 Austin Hooper (ATL) 21 Zach Miller (CHI) 22 Jack Doyle (IND) 23 David Njoku (CLE) 24 Eric Ebron (DET) 25 Marcedes Lewis (JAC) 26 Jesse James (PIT) 27 Tyler Higbee (LAR) 28 Antonio Gates (LAC) 29 Darren Fells (DET) 30 Julius Thomas (MIA) 31 Jermaine Gresham (ARI) 32 Stephen Anderson (HOU) 33 O.J. Howard (TB) 34 Gerald Everett (LAR) 35 Virgil Green (DEN) 36 Nick Boyle (BAL) 37 Lance Kendricks (GB) 38 Demetrius Harris (KC) 39 Dwayne Allen (NE) 40 Dion Sims (CHI) 41 Vance McDonald (PIT)
Week 6 Tight End PPR Rankings
| # | Player (team) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rob Gronkowski (NE) |
| 2 | Zach Ertz (PHI) |
| 3 | Travis Kelce (KC) |
| 4 | Hunter Henry (LAC) |
| 5 | Evan Engram (NYG) |
| 6 | Delanie Walker (TEN) |
| 7 | Austin Seferian-Jenkins (NYJ) |
| 8 | Kyle Rudolph (MIN) |
| 9 | Jordan Reed (WAS) |
| 10 | Martellus Bennett (GB) |
| 11 | Ryan Griffin (HOU) |
| 12 | Cameron Brate (TB) |
| 13 | George Kittle (SF) |
| 14 | Jared Cook (OAK) |
| 15 | Coby Fleener (NO) |
| 16 | A.J. Derby (DEN) |
| 17 | Ed Dickson (CAR) |
| 18 | Vernon Davis (WAS) |
| 19 | Benjamin Watson (BAL) |
| 20 | Austin Hooper (ATL) |
| 21 | Zach Miller (CHI) |
| 22 | Jack Doyle (IND) |
| 23 | David Njoku (CLE) |
| 24 | Eric Ebron (DET) |
| 25 | Marcedes Lewis (JAC) |
| 26 | Jesse James (PIT) |
| 27 | Tyler Higbee (LAR) |
| 28 | Antonio Gates (LAC) |
| 29 | Darren Fells (DET) |
| 30 | Julius Thomas (MIA) |
| 31 | Jermaine Gresham (ARI) |
| 32 | Stephen Anderson (HOU) |
| 33 | O.J. Howard (TB) |
| 34 | Gerald Everett (LAR) |
| 35 | Virgil Green (DEN) |
| 36 | Nick Boyle (BAL) |
| 37 | Lance Kendricks (GB) |
| 38 | Demetrius Harris (KC) |
| 39 | Dwayne Allen (NE) |
| 40 | Dion Sims (CHI) |
| 41 | Vance McDonald (PIT) |
Defenses
Best Streaming Options
Atlanta Falcons (vs. MIA)
The Falcons would be a great defense to use this weekend based on the matchup alone, but they look even more appealing following a week off for their bye. While Atlanta has been an average fantasy defense this season, it should be one of the best performing units for Week 6 with the Dolphins visiting Sunday. Miami has given up 10 sacks and four interceptions in four games, which isn't terrible, but the Dolphins offense has only scored 35 points. That's why they're giving up the third-most points to fantasy defenses.
Ownership percentages: ESPN, 12.9; Yahoo, 25
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at ARI)
Last week's game in Tampa looked like it would be a high-scoring affair between the Buccaneers and Patriots, but the two teams combined for just 33 points. Tampa Bay actually held New England to 19 points while registering three sacks, one interception and a fumble recovery. Their pass rush could do some damage in Week 6 when they face the decimated Cardinals offensive line, which has allowed 19 sacks this season. Over the first five weeks, the Cardinals allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Ownership percentages: ESPN, 10.3; Yahoo, 12
Week 6 Defense Rankings
# Team 1 Denver Broncos (DEN) 2 Atlanta Falcons (ATL) 3 Baltimore Ravens (BAL) 4 Jacksonville Jaguars (JAC) 5 Houston Texans (HOU) 6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB) 7 Kansas City Chiefs (KC) 8 New England Patriots (NE) 9 Los Angeles Rams (LAR) 10 Arizona Cardinals (ARI) 11 Washington Redskins (WAS) 12 Carolina Panthers (CAR) 13 Green Bay Packers (GB) 14 Tennessee Titans (TEN) 15 Philadelphia Eagles (PHI) 16 Chicago Bears (CHI) 17 Oakland Raiders (OAK) 18 Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) 19 New York Giants (NYG) 20 Indianapolis Colts (IND)
Week 6 Defense Rankings
| # | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Denver Broncos (DEN) |
| 2 | Atlanta Falcons (ATL) |
| 3 | Baltimore Ravens (BAL) |
| 4 | Jacksonville Jaguars (JAC) |
| 5 | Houston Texans (HOU) |
| 6 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB) |
| 7 | Kansas City Chiefs (KC) |
| 8 | New England Patriots (NE) |
| 9 | Los Angeles Rams (LAR) |
| 10 | Arizona Cardinals (ARI) |
| 11 | Washington Redskins (WAS) |
| 12 | Carolina Panthers (CAR) |
| 13 | Green Bay Packers (GB) |
| 14 | Tennessee Titans (TEN) |
| 15 | Philadelphia Eagles (PHI) |
| 16 | Chicago Bears (CHI) |
| 17 | Oakland Raiders (OAK) |
| 18 | Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) |
| 19 | New York Giants (NYG) |
| 20 | Indianapolis Colts (IND) |
Kickers
Best Option Widely Available on the Waiver Wire
Dustin Hopkins, WAS (vs. SF)
Hopkins and the Redskins come off their bye week with an attractive matchup at home against the 49ers. Thanks to their defensive woes, San Francisco allows more fantasy points to kickers than any other team on the season, which is part of the reason you should consider Hopkins. Over the first four games, Hopkins has a solid average of 8.3 fantasy points per game and has at least two field goals and two extra points in three of four games.
Ownership percentages: ESPN, 26.9; Yahoo, 12
Week 6 Kicker Rankings
# Player (team) 1 Matt Bryant (ATL) 2 Stephen Gostkowski (NE) 3 Dustin Hopkins (WAS) 4 Ka'imi Fairbairn (HOU) 5 Will Lutz (NO) 6 Harrison Butker (KC) 7 Adam Vinatieri (IND) 8 Justin Tucker (BAL) 9 Ryan Succop (TEN) 10 Brandon McManus (DEN) 11 Mason Crosby (GB) 12 Giorgio Tavecchio (OAK) 13 Jake Elliott (PHI) 14 Graham Gano (CAR) 15 Matt Prater (DET) 16 Kai Forbath (MIN) 17 Phil Dawson (ARI) 18 Jason Myers (JAC) 19 Chris Boswell (PIT) 20 Greg Zuerlein (LAR) 21 Nick Novak (LAC) 22 Chandler Catanzaro (NYJ)
Week 6 Kicker Rankings
| # | Player (team) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Matt Bryant (ATL) |
| 2 | Stephen Gostkowski (NE) |
| 3 | Dustin Hopkins (WAS) |
| 4 | Ka'imi Fairbairn (HOU) |
| 5 | Will Lutz (NO) |
| 6 | Harrison Butker (KC) |
| 7 | Adam Vinatieri (IND) |
| 8 | Justin Tucker (BAL) |
| 9 | Ryan Succop (TEN) |
| 10 | Brandon McManus (DEN) |
| 11 | Mason Crosby (GB) |
| 12 | Giorgio Tavecchio (OAK) |
| 13 | Jake Elliott (PHI) |
| 14 | Graham Gano (CAR) |
| 15 | Matt Prater (DET) |
| 16 | Kai Forbath (MIN) |
| 17 | Phil Dawson (ARI) |
| 18 | Jason Myers (JAC) |
| 19 | Chris Boswell (PIT) |
| 20 | Greg Zuerlein (LAR) |
| 21 | Nick Novak (LAC) |
| 22 | Chandler Catanzaro (NYJ) |