Fantasy Football Week 6 Rankings: Wide Receivers

Last week was heartbreaking, predictable and surprising for many fantasy owners.

The heartbreak came when Mark Clayton, who was having a career season, went down with a knee injury; he will miss the rest of the season.

As expected, Randy Moss made his triumphant return to the Minnesota Vikings and connected with Brett Favre on a long strike for a score.

The surprises came from Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Lloyd and San Diego Chargers receiver Malcom Floyd. Floyd’s eight receptions for 213 yards and a touchdown and Brandon Lloyd’s 135 yards and two touchdowns against tough pass defenses undoubtedly contributed to victories for many fantasy owners.

Except for the Elite receivers (Roddy White, Reggie Wayne, Randy Moss, etc.), wide receiver production is exceptionally difficult to predict. It will be interesting to see what unfolds this week.

Here are our Fantasy Football Week 6 Wide Receiver Rankings.

1. Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants) vs. Detroit

Nicks had a performance nothing short of spectacular against the Houston Texans Sunday. He saw 17 targets and had 12 receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Nicks had no trouble schooling a putrid Houston Texans secondary and has now certainly solidified himself as Eli Manning’s No. 1 receiver. He has scored the most fantasy points of any receiver this season (75).

The Detroit Lions have had trouble defending the pass, allowing the seventh most passing yards (964) in the league. Look for Nicks to take advantage of another favorable matchup and have another big game.

Point Projection: 17 points

2. Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis Colts) @ Washington

Wayne was the most productive Indianapolis Colts receiver in Week 5. He was targeted 11 times and hauled in six receptions for 75 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs. Wayne has had no touchdowns since Week 2; however, he has 356 receiving yards since then.

The Kansas City Chiefs defense held Peyton Manning to his lowest output of the season: 244 yards and no passing touchdowns. Consider that an aberration. Manning should have no problem passing against a Washington Redskins defense that has allowed the second most passing yards in the league this season (1,490). Plenty of those passes should find their way into Wayne’s cool and collected hands.

Point Projection: 17 points

3. Anquan Boldin (Baltimore Ravens) @ New England

Coming off his best performance of the season in Week 4, Boldin had his worst performance Week 5. He finished the game with one reception for eight yards against the Denver Broncos. The Baltimore Ravens ran the ball down the Denver Broncos’ throat Sunday, and the passing game became secondary.

That’s not likely to happen to Boldin Week 6 against a New England Patriots team that has allowed five receiving touchdowns and the third most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season (25.5). Look for Boldin to have a standout performance against the New England Patriots.

Point Projection: 17 points

4. Andre Johnson (Houston Texans) vs. Kansas City

Ankle, schmankle! Johnson was targeted 13 times and hauled in five receptions for 95 yards against the New York Giants in Week 5.

The Kansas City Chiefs were able to hold the mighty Indianapolis Colts passing game down on Sunday, but Johnson is one of the elite receivers in the league and is still able to produce at a level many other receivers can’t reach, ankle injury or not. Look for Johnson to produce against the Chiefs on Sunday.

Point Projection: 16 points

To see where your wide receivers rank in Week 6, go here: Week 6 WR Rankings.