Ethan Hewett | October 16th, 2019
Week six has come and gone and we saw another batch of impressive rookie performances. This week was a rather defensive heavy week with a few standouts of the offensive side with one rookie quarterback making NFL history. Let’s get right into the rankings starting, as always, with a couple of honorable mentions.
Honorable Mentions
Brian Burns – Burns has been a consistent part of this great Carolina Panthers pass rush. While it was his only tackle on the day, Burns was able to pick up another sack this past weekend. With that, Burns has now notched at least a 0.5 sack in the past five games. Look for Burns to continue to dominate throughout the coming weeks after the Panthers return from their bye week to take on the San Francisco 49ers.
Byron Murphy – Murphy has continued to impress in this Arizona Cardinals secondary. He was able to pick up six more tackles this past weekend and a tackle for loss bringing his tackle total to 34 on the season so far. Along with this, Murphy has now played 100% of the Cardinals defensive snaps for the past four games. It is clear that the Cardinals trust him and he will continue to see the field this coming week against the New York Giants. Look for Murphy to try and pick up his first NFL interception off of fellow rookie Daniel Jones.
15. Charles Omenihu, EDGE, Houston Texans
Week Six Stats: 1 Tackle, 1 Sack, 1 FF
Omenihu had one big play last week against the Kansas City Chiefs and he made it count. Not only did he sack quarterback Patrick Mahomes near halftime, but he also forced a fumble which was then recovered by fellow teammate Benardrick McKinney at the Chiefs three-yard line. One play later the Texans scored, giving them a lead going into halftime. While Omenihu is usually used to occupy blockers and allow other players such as J.J. Watt to get in the backfield, he has done his share with two sacks and two forced fumbles on the season. Week seven will be a challenge for this Houston defensive line as they are taking on the Indianapolis Colts and their incredible offensive line.
Projected Stat Line vs Indianapolis: 2 Tackles
14. Josh Allen, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Week Six Stats: 2 Total Tackles, 1 Sack
Allen once again was a solid defender off the edge for this Jacksonville defense. He was able to add on a couple more tackles to his total (19) along with picking up his fourth sack on the season. While Allen’s playing time was at its lowest this past weekend against the New Orleans Saints, the Jags are going to be taking on the 0-6 Cincinnati Bengals this week that have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL right now. Even with the recent trade of Jalen Ramsey, this Jags defense should be able to contain a rather pedestrian Bengals offense and I expect Andy Dalton to be under a lot of pressure from Allen and company.
Projected Stat Line vs Cincinnati: 5 Total Tackles, 2 Sacks
13. Juan Thornhill, S, Kansas City Chiefs
Week Six Stats: 4 Total Tackles, 1 INT
Thornhill has been a solid safety for this Chiefs defense whose secondary hasn’t been the problem so far this season. Along with racking up four solo tackles this past weekend against the Houston Texans, Thornhill was able to pick off a second-quarter Deshaun Watson deep ball that was slightly overthrown for his first NFL interception. On that play, Thornhill showed off his ability to turn and run with a fast receiver in Will Fuller and made a play on the ball. This week the Chiefs are taking on the Denver Broncos and quarterback Joe Flacco. Look for this Chief safety to be all over the field looking for his second interception.
Projected Stat Line vs Denver: 5 Total Tackles, 2 PD
12. Dexter Lawrence, DL, New York Giants
Week Six Stats: 5 Total Tackles
Lawrence has continued to grow on me as the season progresses. His increased playing time throughout the season so far has allowed him to show off that he is more than just a run-stuffing defensive tackle and he played a big part in the havoc that the Giants were able to create against the New England Patriots for the first three-quarters of last week’s Thursday matchup. Lawrence was also able to rack up five more tackles bringing his total on the year to 18 to pair with a couple of sacks and a forced fumble. This week the Giants are taking on the Arizona Cardinals so look for the Giants to take advantage of a sub-par offensive line and rattle the young quarterback Kyler Murray.
Projected Stat Line vs Arizona: 6 Total Tackles, 1 Sack, 2 TFL
11. Mecole Hardman, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Week Six Stats: 4 Rec, 45 Yards
Hardman caught all four passes thrown his way last week against the Houston Texans. While the team lost, it is encouraging to see the rookie be able to contribute to this usually high-powered offense. With Tyreek Hill back some focus will be taken off of Hardman by opposing defenses and I expect him to continue to be involved in the coming weeks with Sammy Watkins’ health still up in the air. The Chiefs have a short week as they are taking on the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night. I expect Andy Reid to try and get the ball in Hardman’s hands in open space with Hill taking the top off the defense.
Projected Stat Line vs Denver: 3 Rec, 55 Yards, 1 TD
10. Benny Snell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Week Six Stats: 17 Car, 75 Yards
Snell had his first game above three carries this past week due to backup running back Jaylen Samuels being ruled out, and Snell stepped into the backup role. While most of Snell’s carries came in the second half after James Conner was forced to exit the game, he put on a show. Snell averaged 4.4 yards a carry which was nearly double what Conner was able to put up (2.6). While his involvement will remain as the backup for now, if Conner is forced to miss more time after this week’s bye, Snell could see a lot of playing time in week eight against the Miami Dolphins.
Projected Stat Line vs Miami: 18 Car, 80 Yards, 1 TD
9. Jakobi Meyers, WR, New England Patriots
Week Six Stats: 4 Rec, 54 Yards
The rookie out of North Carolina State needed to step up last week against the New York Giants and he did just that. With Josh Gordon and Julian Edelman getting injured in-game and Phillip Dorsett sidelined, Meyers became the main target for Tom Brady late in the game and he made some very nice catches. While fellow rookie N’Keal Harry looks to be in shape for this week’s matchup against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football, Meyers will still need to be a solid second or third option for this short-handed New England receiving room. Look for New England to get creative in how they work with their two young rookie receivers.
Projected Stat Line vs New York: 3 Rec, 50 Yards
8. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Week Six Stats: 4 Rec, 69 Yards
Metcalf has continued to contribute to this Seattle offense and has even become more than just the guy who takes the top off a defense. Metcalf showed off his yards-after-the-catch ability on his first grab making a couple of men miss and also showing off the strength of a 6’4” 229-pound receiver. While he didn’t find the end zone, Metcalf also made a nice catch along the sideline in the fourth quarter showing off the toe-drag. Week seven brings in the Baltimore Ravens whose secondary has lost a couple of players so look for Seattle to take advantage and keep all their receivers involved after losing tight end Will Dissly to injury.
Projected Stat Line vs Baltimore: 5 Rec, 85 Yards, 1 TD
7. Troy Reeder, LB, Los Angeles Rams
Week Six Stats: 10 Total Tackles
Reeder had another solid performance on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. While they did lose the game Reeder has been a pleasant surprise for this Rams team as he racked up double-digit tackles for the second week in a row and has made the most of the reps he has been getting. With the Clay Matthews injury and the new addition of Kenny Young via trade, Reeder should continue to see a good amount of playing time on this defense. In week seven the Rams are taking on the Atlanta Falcons who rank 29th in rushing yards. Look for Reeder to be used in many ways on Sunday.
Projected Stat Line vs Atlanta: 11 Total Tackles, 1 TFL
6. Devin White, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week Six Stats: 9 Total Tackles, 1 TFL
White made a great return to the field in week six doubling his tackle total after recording eight solo tackles against the Carolina Panthers last weekend in London. White looked good on the field once again and the Bucs are happy to have him back as he was on the field for all but one defensive snap. Week seven has the Buccaneers taking on the Tennessee Titans who have found themselves in quite the rut at the moment so look for this Bucs defense to redeem themselves after last week’s loss and for White to continue to be a tackling machine.
Projected Stat Line vs Tennessee: 10 Total Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PD
5. Quinnen Williams, DL, New York Jets
Week Six Stats: 6 Total Tackles
Williams returned to the field back in week five but week six we saw a glimpse of what we had been missing through the first four weeks as Williams dealt with an ankle injury. Williams was able to step up in big moments including assisting to bring down Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in the backfield on a crucial fourth down in the second quarter. Williams was disruptive all game in the trenches and chose a good time to start living up to his draft stock. Week seven has the Jets taking on the New England Patriots whose offensive line is struggling right now. Look for Williams and this Jets defensive line to try and get a lot of pressure on Tom Brady.
Projected Stat Line vs New England: 5 Total Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sack
4. Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Week Six Stats: 3 Rec, 86 Yards, 1 TD
While Sanders was a nonfactor last week in the run game, he did lead his team in receiving yards against the Minnesota Vikings in their 20-38 loss. Sanders was able to show off his big-play potential ripping off a 45-yard reception and a 25-yard touchdown which was the first of his NFL career. While he has seen fewer carries than his running mate Jordan Howard, Sanders has shown that he can serve as a solid third-down back on this Eagles team. Week seven has the Eagles taking on the division rival Dallas Cowboys who are coming of a 24-22 loss against the New York Jets. Look for this Eagles team to get the ball in Sander’s hands against a recently struggling Dallas defense.
Projected Stat Line vs Dallas: 9 Car, 50 Yards, 3 Rec, 60 Yards, 1 TD
3. Devin Bush, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Week Six Stats: 7 Total Tackles, 1 INT, 1 FR
I’m starting to feel redundant here, but Bush put up another great performance last week against the Los Angeles Chargers and grabbed his second interception on the year. While it was a tipped pass that Bush was able to reign in, his fumble recovery in the first quarter for a touchdown was his highlight of the night. Bush continues to put up solid tackle numbers and is a must-have for those who are in IDP fantasy leagues. Week seven has the Steelers on a bye but they will be taking on the Miami Dolphins in week eight so look for Bush to have another big game on Monday night in two weeks.
Projected Stat Line vs Miami: 10 Total Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 PD
2. Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Redskins
Week Six Stats: 4 Rec, 100 Yards, 2 TD
McLaurin had a great comeback performance last week against the Miami Dolphins reaching the century mark in receiving yards for the second time this season after dealing with a hamstring injury. McLaurin continued to show off the speed taking 25 and 33-yard passes to the endzone bringing his touchdown total to five. The Redskins got their first win on the year thanks to McLaurin as he continues to be the only bright spot on this team’s offense. The future could be rough next week for McLaurin as the Redskins will be taking on the 5-0 San Francisco 49ers who boast one of the best defenses in the NFL right now.
Projected Stats vs San Francisco: 3 Rec, 60 Yards, 1 TD
1. Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Week Six Stats: 27/37, 340 Yards, 3 TD
Murray was able to help his Cardinals offense carry the team to their second consecutive win last weekend over the Atlanta Falcons. While the Falcons defense has been bottom tier against the pass, Murray took advantage and threw for over 300 yards for the third time this season and became the first quarterback in NFL history to complete at least 20 passes in each of his first six starts. Week seven has the Cardinals taking on the New York Giants who are 31st in passing yards allowed and have allowed at least 28 points in all but one game so far this season. Look for Murray to have another big day against a struggling Giants defense.
Projection Stat Line vs New York: 26/33, 320 Yards, 2 TD
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