Joshua Abbe, Mike Fanelli, Givanni Damico | October 12th, 2019
Here’s hope that your week five was a success and you started Will Fuller and didn’t sit him on the bench. If you started Mike Evans, here’s hope the rest of your squad pulled the weight and got you the win. Though on to week six and looking to recover from last week or keep the momentum going and to help fantasy football players with their roster construction, three of our writers have provided some insight on which players they would start, would sit, and consider a sleeper for week six. Be sure to follow all of them on twitter and ask any of The Scorecrow’s fantasy writers for fantasy advice.
Remember the Carolina Panthers/Tampa Bay Buccaneers game is in London and kicks off at 9:30 AM EST so set your fantasy lineups Saturday night or set the alarm clock.
Quarterbacks
Starts
Kyler Murray vs Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have given up the second-most fantasy points (23 PPG) to opposing quarterbacks this season. They’ve also given up two rushing and 10 passing touchdowns to the position and allowing an average 263 passing yards too. After Deshaun Watson torched them for five passing touchdowns and 426 passing yards, he also added 47 rushing yards as well. I look for Murray to have a successful game Sunday as a low-end QB1. – Josh
Matt Ryan at Arizona Cardinals
While the Falcons have gotten off to a disappointing start this season, Ryan has been excellent for his fantasy owners. He has scored 18.5 or more fantasy points in four of five games this season. He has thrown for three or more touchdowns in three games and has topped 300 yards passing in every contest. In a matchup with the Cardinals Sunday, Ryan should have another big game as the Cardinals give up the fourth-most points to quarterbacks this season. Furthermore, the Cardinals have given up 12 passing touchdowns this season and 6.9 more fantasy points than the league average to quarterbacks. – Mike
Lamar Jackson vs Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals’ defense has contributed greatly to their 0-5 record. They haven’t been able to hold opposing offenses whatsoever. Jackson’s dual-threat ability should give them fits on Sunday and he should be able to pass for 300 yards and run for at least 50 with at least three total touchdowns. – Gio
Sits
Matthew Stafford at Green Bay Packers
Stafford has a tough matchup against a Packers defense that has given up an average 13 fantasy points to quarterbacks. They have seven interceptions and 15 sacks through the five weeks of the season and only one opposing quarterback has thrown for 230 yards against them. Stafford is QB2 status or bench him for week six. – Josh
Sam Darnold vs Dallas Cowboys
Jet fans can’t be happier than Darnold is returning after seeing Luke Falk under center for the last few weeks, but Darnold is outside my top 20 quarterbacks this week. The Cowboys have given up the sixth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, giving up 4.6 per game below the league average. Furthermore, the Giants have held quarterbacks under 11 fantasy points in three straight games, including just 17.5 over the last two weeks combined to Teddy Bridgewater and Aaron Rodgers. Even though Darnold is back, no one can be sure he is 100% healthy. With no Chris Herndon either, I expect Le’Veon Bell to get close to 32 touches on Sunday. – Mike
Jared Goff vs San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers’ defense looks to be legit. They held Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns to just three points and have shown up to play each and every week so far. Goff has been very inconsistent this year. He has thrown seven interceptions and fumbled four times total already. The Niners’ defense can create more turnovers and give Goff another bad outing. – Gio
Sleepers
Gardner Minshew vs New Orleans Saints
Minshew has thrown for multiple touchdowns in all but one of his five games on the season. In addition, the Saints have given up the third-most fantasy points per week with 27 points to the position. Coming off a good 374 passing yard performance with two touchdowns against the Panthers, the Jaguars should be trailing this game and if not, they will still look to throw the ball against a poor secondary. – Josh
Josh Rosen vs Washington Redskins
This is more of a DFS play than a season-long option but in deeper super-flex leagues, Rosen’s matchup offers his owners hope. In his two starts this season, Rosen is averaging just 190 yards and 9.25 fantasy points per game. However, the Redskins have given up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season, giving up 5.4 more than the league average. The Redskins have given up three or more passing touchdowns in four of five games this season and have yet to hold a quarterback to under 225 yards passing. If Rosen is going to show any signs of being a franchise quarterback, it will happen this week against a dumpster fire Redskins team. – Mike
Kyle Allen at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Allen has yet to throw an interception this year and goes up against the Buccaneers’ secondary who continues to struggle. He is 3-0 as a starter and is out to prove himself as a viable starter. While fumbles have been a problem for him, he has been very productive and he has made his team a winning football team. – Gio
Running Backs
Starts
Carlos Hyde at Kansas City Chiefs
I like Hyde a lot this week. He continues to be the lead back in Houston and he’s a nice RB2/flex play this week. The Chiefs have allowed the second-most rushing yards to running backs at an alarming 134 yards a game. They also allow a little over five yards a carry to the position. Look for the Texans to want to establish the run even though it will be a shootout in Kansas and that’ll be lead by Hyde. – Josh
Joe Mixon at Baltimore Ravens
While Mixon has been a disappointment so far this season, just the RB29 in PPR, his last few games have been encouraging. Over the last three weeks, Mixon’s touches have gone up from 17 to 19 to 20 last week and he has averaged over four yards per carry in each of those games. The problem with Mixon’s underperforming fantasy production is the lack of touchdowns. Mixon has zero rushing touchdowns so far this season, while last year he finished with eight in 14 games. However, while the Ravens give up about the league average in fantasy points per game to running backs, they have given up the most rushing touchdowns in the league, including five over the last two weeks. Expect this to be the week Mixon gets in the end zone. – Mike
Kenyan Drake vs Washington Redskins
Drake has sat on my bench all year because he has had zero value. The Dolphins have constantly been playing from behind which takes the run game out of the equation. This week, they actually have a chance to hang with the winless Redskins. I expect the Dolphins to make good use out of both Drake and Kalen Ballage this week and going forward. – Gio
Sits
Joe Mixon at Baltimore Ravens
Mixon ranks an atrocious 29th in fantasy points at the running back position. His offensive line is bad, and it shows with his 3.7 yards a rush and the Bengals focusing a lot more on the passing game than running the ball. The Ravens have given up only the seventh-fewest scrimmage yards to running backs and only 90 rushing yards to the position. If you have to start him, don’t expect much. – Josh
Malcolm Brown vs San Fransico 49ers
Currently, Todd Gurley is listed as doubtful for this game with a quad injury and Brown should be the starting running back. However, just because Brown is starting for the Rams, that doesn’t mean he should start for your fantasy team. Brown hasn’t averaged over three yards per carry in three straight games. After scoring 17.3 fantasy points in week one (mostly thanks to two touchdowns), Brown has scored a total of 8.1 fantasy points over the last four weeks, plus Darrell Henderson is waiting for his shot to earn a role in this offense. Meanwhile, the 49ers give up the fewest fantasy points to running backs this season and have given up zero rushing touchdowns. Furthermore, the 49ers have held running backs under 13 fantasy points in three straight games. – Mike
LeSean McCoy vs Houston Texans
With Damien Williams making his return, McCoy is now useless. He only logged 15 snaps last week, just as many as fellow backfield mate Darrel Williams. Andy Reid suggested that McCoy could see the field more often if he figures out his problems in pass protection. If he is only logging 15 snaps, there’s no reason to consider starting him. – Gio
Sleepers
Kenyan Drake vs Washington Redskins
Drake is a nice flex play this week. He faces a Redskins unit that has given up the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs and an average 160 scrimmage yards. His touches are starting to increase and with elevated volume look for him to have a nice game against a team also eight-worst facing the run. – Josh
Adrian Peterson at Miami Dolphins
After scoring 11.2 in his season debut against the Cowboys in week two, Peterson’s fantasy points and touches have dropped in each game after. Over the last three weeks, Peterson has totaled just nine fantasy points and has failed to top 35 scrimmage yards in each game. However, that should change this week. Not only has interim head coach Bill Callahan said that he wants to focus more on the running game, but Peterson said he has had the best week of practice as a Redskin this week. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have given up the second-most fantasy points to running backs this season, giving up an average of 36.4 per game; 12.9 more than the league average. Unless this game turns into a blowout (which it won’t), Peterson is in line for a good game. – Mike
Chris Thompson at Miami Dolphins
Everybody is on Peterson as a streamer play this week, and I am too, but I think Thompson could see a lot of action on Sunday. In PPR leagues, he’s especially useful since he catches a lot of passes out of the backfield. This Miami defense is awful and Thompson can flash his speed and show his value. – Gio
Wide Receivers
Starts
DJ Chark vs New Orleans Saints
It’s time to start putting Chark into the must-start conversation. He’s scored at least one touchdown in all, but one game in 2019. The Saints have allowed seven touchdowns, 194 receiving yards and averaged over 40 fantasy points a game to opposing wideouts. Chark is Minshew’s number one option and expect the same Sunday. – Josh
D.J. Moore at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It took a little while for Moore to build chemistry with Allen, but last week they got their connection down. In two games with Cam Newton under center, Moore had 16 catches on 24 targets and 30.5 fantasy points. By comparison, in Allen’s first two starts this season, Moore had four catches on seven targets and 20.8 fantasy points. However, last week he had six catches on eight targets and 15.1 fantasy points. Now Moore gets to face a Buccaneers’ secondary that has given up the most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, giving up 45.1 fantasy points per game; 10.6 more than the league average. Furthermore, the Buccaneers just gave up three touchdowns to the Saints wide receivers last week despite them only catching 13 passes. – Mike
Christian Kirk & Larry Fitzgerald vs Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons’ secondary allowed Will Fuller to eclipse 200 receiving yards last week. Kirk has a similar play style to Fuller and could fulfill the same role as a very reliable target against a bad defense if he’s healthy. If he’s out, Ol’ Reliable Fitzgerald is just as good of a play. Hell, even give KeeSean Johnson a look in deeper leagues this week. – Gio
Sits
Corey Davis at Tennessee Titans
Davis goes into a matchup facing a lockdown corner in Chris Harris who has given up no touchdowns and only 17 fantasy points to the wideout position. He only caught two receptions for 28 yards last week and unless you’re desperate he shouldn’t be played until something changes in Tennessee. – Josh
Robby Anderson vs Dallas Cowboys
For the same reason I’m sitting Darnold this week, I’m sitting Anderson. The Cowboys have given up the fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season, 8.5 below the league average. They have given up just two touchdowns to wide receivers this year and haven’t allowed a team’s wide receivers to top 160 receiving yards this season. Furthermore, Darnold is more likely to target Jamison Crowder as Anderson should see plenty of Byron Jones on Sunday. Meanwhile, Anderson has understandably struggled without Darnold this season, averaging just 6.3 fantasy points per game without Darnold under center. The schedule is tough over the next few weeks for the Jets but starting week nine, Anderson has mostly great matchups the rest of the season. – Mike
Dede Westbrook vs New Orleans Saints
With the emergence of Chark, Westbrook has become a less reliable player in fantasy. He still gets plenty of targets, but I’m worried about his productivity this week against a secondary that has played very well this season. He should still get plenty of looks, but he may bring in a low volume of catches. If he’s your best bet, go for it, but I don’t like the matchup. – Gio
Sleepers
Larry Fitzgerald vs Atlanta Falcons
Fitzgerald has been quieted the past couple of weeks, but the Falcons just got torched by Fuller for 217 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He is first in routes ran by all wideouts and is 10th in targets per game at the position. He lines up a lot in the slot frequently and given the Falcons surrender the eight-most fantasy points and three touchdowns to the slot, he looks to have a nice game Sunday. – Josh
Mecole Hardman vs Houston Texans
Currently, Tyreek Hill is expected to be a game-time call while Sammy Watkins is listed as doubtful, meaning Patrick Mahomes could easily be without two of his top three weapons this week. That means the other guys will have to pick up the slack. Hardman has plenty of upside, as he has the best chance to create a big play downfield. In two of his last three games, Hardman’s average yards per catch has been 19.8 or more. He has also scored 11 or more fantasy points and topped 60 yards receiving in three of the last four games. Meanwhile, it only helps that the Texans give up the sixth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers, giving up 46 or more in two of their last three games. If both Tyreek and Watkins are out, start Hardman. – Mike
Preston Williams vs Washington Redskins & Auden Tate at Baltimore Ravens
I simply could not pick between these two this week. Williams has looked like the most reliable receiver for the Dolphins. He faces a weak Redskins’ secondary where he has the opportunity to really show his ability for the first time all year. Tate is facing the Ravens’ secondary which has been less than impressive this year. With John Ross out, he will continue to see a high volume of targets. It’s a toss-up between these two, but if I had to give one the edge this week, I’ll take Tate. – Gio
Tight Ends
Starts
Austin Hooper at Arizona Cardinals
It might be a boring start, but Hooper is a must-start until he slows down. Especially against the Cardinals who have given up the most yards, the most touchdowns, and the most fantasy points to tight ends. They also have given up the third-most catch to the position. Again, start him if you got him! – Josh
Will Dissly at Cleveland Browns
Dissly has been good for the Seahawks and fantasy owners this season. He has caught 23 of his 26 targets so far this year while scoring at least 12.8 fantasy points in each of his last four games. Furthermore, Dissly has scored over 18 fantasy points in three of those games. Other than Tyler Lockett, Dissly has become Russell Wilson‘s favorite target; especially in the red zone. Meanwhile, the Browns defense has been banged up and it shows. They have given up the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season, giving up 14.4 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, the Browns have allowed tight ends to score 20 or more fantasy points in three of five games this season. Dissly is a top-five option this week. – Mike
Mark Andrews vs Cincinnati Bengals
Andrews has been one of Jackson’s favorite targets. The Bengals don’t give up many receptions to tight ends, but when they do, opponents average 15.3 yards per catch. Andrews is the Ravens’ most targeted pass catcher, so he should have good production. – Gio
Sits
Jared Cook at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have only given up 9.5 fantasy points a game to tight ends. With Cook ranking 16th in red-zone targets, 12th in routes ran, and 14th in targets per game for the season, I’m looking to sit him this week. Greg Olsen was held without a catch last week as well against the Jaguars. He is a risky start if needed. – Josh
T.J. Hockenson at Green Bay Packers
As of Friday, Hockenson had yet to clear the concussion protocol. The good news is he has till Monday night to clear it. The bad news is fantasy owners have to risk him being inactive and stuck picking up his backup, Jesse James instead. After scoring 25.1 fantasy points in week one, Hockenson has scored a total of 14.5 in the three games since. Meanwhile, the Packers give up the eighth fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends, giving up just 8.8 per game. Furthermore, they have held tight ends to under 8.8 fantasy points in four of five games this season. – Mike
O.J. Howard vs Carolina Panthers
Howard has caught more foul balls at baseball games than footballs on Sunday, or at least it seems like it. He’s facing one of the best pass defenses in the league. This matchup heavily favors Luke Kuechly and the Panthers’ front seven. Give Howard a rest this week. – Gio
Sleepers
Greg Olsen at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last time Olsen played the Buccaneers, he scored 17 fantasy points against them. I look for the same come Sunday. The Buccaneers give up the second-most fantasy points and seven catches a game to tight ends. If you are dealing with injuries or have a tight end on a bye, Olsen is a great play here. – Josh
Darren Fells at Kansas City Chiefs
There isn’t a tight end I like this week that I would consider a sleeper so I’ll go with a dumpster dive instead. If your league isn’t an 18 team size league or bigger, ignore all of this. However, Fells scored 16 points last week verse the Falcons, almost all due to his two touchdowns. The only other game this season where Fells has scored more than 2.5 fantasy points was in week three, where he also got a touchdown. The Chiefs have given up the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season but only given up one touchdown to the position. This is more of a Hail Marry guess than anything else, hopefully, if you’re stuck play Fells, he falls into the end zone at least once. Good luck! – Mike
Gerald Everett vs San Francisco 49ers
Everett is just a YAC (yards after catch) machine. They need to get him the ball more often. The 49ers have played tough on the defensive side of the ball this year, but after his coming out party last week, I expect Everett to pick up right where he left off, given that Goff can get him the ball. – Gio
Questions and comments?
thescorecrowsports@gmail.com
Follow Us on Twitter @thescorecrow
Follow Us on Reddit at u/TheScorecrow
Follow Us on Facebook at The Scorecrow
Follow Us on Instagram at The Scorecrow
Facebook Group where you can read and post articles at The Scorecrow
Reddit Group where everyone can post without fear of being banned at The Scorecrow
Follow Joshua Abbe on Twitter @jabbe05
Follow Mike Fanelli on Twitter @MikeSports22
Follow Givanni Damico on Twitter @giodamico15
Main Image Credit:
[getty src=”1174307884″ width=”594″ height=”447″ tld=”com”]
