There are some players that are great plays in Week 6 and some that aren’t. We look at those, plus a few that could surprise, in this week’s Studs, Duds and Sleepers.
QUARTERBACKS
Stud: Carson Palmer – Palmer is a great option for fantasy owners who are looking for a bye week fill-in. He is second in the league in passing yards. Palmer should get into a rhythm this week against a Tampa Bay defense that’s allowing 309 passing yards per game. This game will likely be a high-scoring affair, which means Palmer will throw it a lot. He is a low-end QB1 and a legitimate option in daily leagues.
Dud: Eli Manning – Manning has thrown for at least two touchdowns in the past three games. He was starting to heat up and then ALL of his wide receivers got hurt. Odell Beckham and Brandon Marshall are out for the season. Sterling Shepard is likely out this week. He also has to play a very good Denver defense on the road with a bad pass rush. Manning is a low-end QB2 at best this week.
Sleeper: Josh McCown – McCown is on my fantasy radar this week against the Patriots. I expect New England to dominate this game, but the Jets should score points against one of the NFL’s worst defenses. The Patriots are last in the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns allowed. The Jets could lose 42-14, but McCown may have 250 yards and two touchdowns. He’s a sneaky QB2 this week.
RUNNING BACKS
Stud: Mike Gillislee – Gillislee hasn’t scored a touchdown in three weeks. He is going up against a Jets defense that’s allowing 143 rushing yards-per-game. Tom Brady is dealing with a shoulder injury. This feels like a week where Bill Belichick will lean on the running game more than normal. Worst case they score a lot of points and Gillislee gets a few goal line carries.
Dud: Tarik Cohen – Cohen’s touches continue to drop after a breakout Week 1. He’s more of a weekly flex option. He’s on a bad offense and could struggle to find room against a solid Ravens defense. Hopefully if you snagged Cohen off of the waiver wire you sold high because his value is dropping by the day.
Sleeper: Semaje Perine – Perine should get plenty of work this week against a poor 49ers’ defense. Rob Kelley isn’t expected to play. San Francisco is giving up the fourth most fantasy points to running backs this season. Perine is a solid option in daily leagues and has RB2 potential.
MORE WEEK 6 ADVICE:
- GSI Cheat Sheet – Rankings
- Listen: Weekly Fantasy Segment on ESPN 1530
- FOX19 Fantasy Friday: Week 6 Lineup Advice
- Week 6 Podcast – Fantasy Happy Hour – coming soon
- Office Pool Picks: Week 6
WIDE RECEIVER
Stud: DeSean Jackson – Jackson is coming off of his first 100-yard receiving game of the season. He has a great matchup this week against the Cardinals. Patrick Peterson should be on Mike Evans, which will give Jackson plenty of running room. Jackson is a high-end WR2 in this matchup and could end up among the top 10 fantasy wide receivers for Week 6.
Dud: Allen Hurns – Hurns has plenty of ability, but he’s not a good option for fantasy owners this week. The Jaguars are a run-first team. Blake Bortls threw 14 passes last week. The Rams are 10th in pass defense. Hurns is a low-end WR3 with bust-potential in Week 6.
Sleeper: Jamison Crowder – Crowder has struggled this season averaging just five targets per game. Head coach Jay Gruden says the team wants to get him more involved. He has a prime matchup against the 49ers this week. San Francisco is allowing the eighth most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Crowder is a nice option this week and worth a look in daily leagues.
TIGHT END
Stud: Cameron Brate – Brate has a touchdown in three-straight games. He’s becoming the second option in the red zone for Tampa Bay. With Patrick Peterson covering Mike Evans, Brate should get plenty of looks this week. He’s a top ten tight end for Sunday’s matchup against Arizona.
Dud: Travis Kelce – Kelce is in concussion protocol, but there’s a chance he could play this week. Unfortunately, the Steelers are great at covering opposing tight ends. They’ve only allowed on touchdown to tight ends this season. Kelce is a TE1 if he plays, but I’m avoiding him in daily leagues.
Sleeper: Evan Engram – Engram could be Eli Manning’s number one target this week against Denver. Odell Beckham, Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard are all injured. The Broncos are giving up the seventh most fantasy points to tight ends this season. Engram should get plenty of targets and is worth a look this week.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Stud: Denver – They’re clearly the number one defense this week. The Giants are without their top offensive threats and they have a poor offensive line. The Broncos should get plenty of sacks and force multiple turnovers.
Dud: Atlanta – You may be tempted to plug in the Falcons this week, but the Dolphins’ offense is going to play better. Jay Cutler should fare well in a dome. The Dolphins will look to get Jay Ajayi going on the ground. The Falcons were a popular add this week, but they’re going to be a tad underwhelming. They’re still a streaming option if you’re desperate.
Sleeper: Houston – The Texans are going to be without J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus for the rest of the season, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start them this week. Kevin Hogan is starting for a Browns’ offense that is surrendering the ninth most fantasy points to defenses this season. They’re weaker on defense, but they are worth plugging in this week.
