Week 6 of the NFL season is here and there is plenty to discuss. Top players like Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara are on a bye. Here are the best of the rest with our Studs, Duds and Sleepers:
QUARTERBACKS
Stud: Aaron Rodgers – Rodgers’ numbers have been underwhelming to start the season, but the volume is there. He has at least 40 passing attempts in his last four games. He has a great matchup against the 49ers this week. San Francisco is giving up the seventh most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.
Dud: Ben Roethlisberger – ‘Big Ben’ has posted QB1 numbers so far this season and the Bengals’ defense has struggled at times. That doesn’t mean I love this matchup for either quarterback. These teams know each other well and it is usually a lower scoring, physical game. I’m not going near Roethlisberger in daily leagues.
Sleeper: Russell Wilson – His numbers have been underwhelming, but that will probably change this week against Oakland. The Raiders are allowing 308 yards passing-per-game and Doug Baldwin is finally healthy. Wilson should get back on track this week.
RUNNING BACKS
Stud: Christian McCaffrey – McCaffrey has at least 13 fantasy points in every game this season (PPR leagues) and has topped the 20-point mark in three out of four games. He doesn’t have a rushing touchdown this season, but that hasn’t hurt his fantasy value. He has 521 yards from scrimmage in four games and will look to stay hot this week against Washington.
Dud: Devonta Freeman – Freeman might’ve been my ‘stud’ this week, but he suffered a foot injury and missed practice. Even if he can play, he’ll be at less than 100 percent. Fantasy owners won’t be able to enjoy a juicy matchup with Tampa Bay. I’m keeping Freeman on the bench until he proves he’s healthy enough to produce.
Sleeper: Tarik Cohen – Cohen is a small, explosive running back coming off of a huge game against Tampa Bay in Week 4. The Bears should lean on him more moving forward, which makes him a legitimate RB3 against the Dolphins this week. Miami is allowing the fourth most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.
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WIDE RECEIVER
Stud: Julio Jones – Jones has been targeted 55 times in five games, but hasn’t scored a touchdown. The good news is he has 34 receptions and 564 yards. Something tells me he’ll get his first touchdown this week and then some against a Tampa Bay secondary that is allowing the second most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season.
Dud: Amari Cooper – Cooper had one reception for 10 yards last week. He’s had a roller coaster start to the 2018 season and it’ll probably stay that way. Seattle has been average when guarding opposing wide receivers, but it’s nearly impossible to trust Cooper this week.
Sleeper: Robby Anderson – Anderson was considered a draft bust through the first four weeks of the season. That might’ve changed in Week 5. Sam Darnold found him for a pair of touchdowns last week, including a 76-yarder. Anderson was a WR2 at times last season and has the most upside of any of the New York wide receivers. He’ll look to stay hot against the Colts this week.
TIGHT END
Stud: Jimmy Graham – I expect the Packers’ offense to have a lot of success this week and that means Graham is going to have a big day. Travis Kelce had eight receptions against this 49ers team earlier in the season. They haven’t played any other premier tight ends yet, which makes the numbers look better than they are. Graham should have a big week against the 49ers.
Dud: Trey Burton – Burton has just 19 targets through four games. He has two touchdown receptions, but he’s too hard to trust. Miami has fared well against opposing tight ends, allowing the eighth fewest fantasy points to them this season.
Sleeper: Vance McDonald – McDonald had one big game this season and he could have another one this Sunday in Cincinnati. The Bengals’ linebackers have struggled in coverage this season, which could give him a chance to have success. Cincinnati is allowing the eighth most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Stud: Houston – The Texans’ pass rush is ramping up, just in time for a date with Josh Allen and the Bills. Buffalo’s offense is one of the worst in the league, which means Houston could have a big day.
Dud: Tennessee – The Titans have an underrated defense, but they’re at home this week against an improved Baltimore team. Joe Flacco has played well so far and the Ravens have taken care of the ball. Tennessee’s defense is a streaming option, but I wouldn’t feel great about it.
Sleeper: Seattle – The Seahawks’ defense isn’t what it was, but that doesn’t mean they won’t have success against a turnover prone Oakland offense. Derek Carr has thrown two or more interceptions in three games this season.
