Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em – Week 6

What a week in the world of NFL fantasy. After a barrage of injury news, fantasy managers are attempting to pick up the pieces as we approach Week 6. Fear not as we’re back with our start and sit recommendations for the coming slate of games.

Quarterback – Start ‘Em!

Matthew Stafford (vs ARI)

Stafford has provided solid fantasy production each week so far this season, albeit with a fairly low ceiling. The veteran stands fourth in passing yards this year, hitting 300 yards in three of his five games. This week he presents fantasy managers with a perfect streaming opportunity as the Rams face division rivals, the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona continue to be one of the most favourable matchups for Quarterbacks, as seen by Joe Burrow’s bounce back performance on Sunday, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to Quarterbacks this season, per FantasyData.

Dak Prescott (@ LAC)

Dak’s fantasy output may have been somewhat lacking so far this year, but this week’s matchup may provide a great opportunity to produce. Prescott stands as the QB21 this year, per FantasyData, averaging under 12 points per game. His opponents this week in the Chargers, however, have allowed the fifth-most points on average to Quarterbacks. The game promises to be a high-scoring affair, with the week’s highest over/under.

 

Quarterback – Sit ‘Em!

CJ Stroud (vs NO)

The rookie sensation has had an exemplary start to his career, standing third in passing yards and as the QB13 in fantasy, per FantasyData. This week, however, may be one to look elsewhere as Stroud faces the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have allowed an average of just 183 passing yards per game so far this year, the fourth-fewest in the league, equating to the team allowing the sixth-fewest points on average to Quarterbacks, per FantasyData. It may be worth switching to a higher-upside option this week.

Jared Goff (@ TB)

Despite missing his main target in Amon-Ra St.Brown, Goff produced his best fantasy performance of the season on Sunday with three passing touchdowns and an additional one on the ground. However, while Goff has largely been solid so far this year, this week’s opponent may be one to avoid. The Buccaneers have allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards and sixth-fewest fantasy points to Quarterbacks. On the road in a tough matchup, it may be best to pivot if other options are available.

 

Running Back – Start ‘Em!

Kyren Williams (vs ARI)

One of this year’s surprise packages Kyren Williams had his worst fantasy performance on Sunday after a blistering start to the year. Williams scored just 7.7 PPR points, rushing 13 times for 51 yards and adding a further four yards from two receptions (two targets). He has a good chance, however, to return to form this weekend against Arizona. The Cardinals have been equally susceptible to Running Backs this season, allowing the fourth-most average points to the position.

James Cook (vs NYG)

He may have also had his worst outing in London on Sunday but James Cook may be in line for a bounce back performance too. Cook saw just five rushing attempts which turned into negative four yards and recorded three receptions for 25 yards from four targets. While there is some concern over the usage, this week’s matchup presents the perfect antidote as he faces the Giants. The Giants rank sixth in average fantasy points allowed to Running Backs, according to FantasyData, and in a likely positive game script, should give Cook plenty of opportunities to produce.

 

Running Back – Sit ‘Em!

Gus Edwards (@ TEN)

Gus Edwards’ fantasy production has been lacking in recent weeks as he continues to split the backfield with Justice Hill. He may have seen double-digit rushing attempts in each of the last four weeks, but this has only amounted to single digit PPR performances in three of those outings. Work in the passing game continues to be minimal, with only three targets across the whole season so far. With a trip to London to face a tough Tennessee run defence on Sunday, his upside remains low.

Emari Demercado (vs LAR)

You may have spent a significant amount of FAAB on him, but Demercado may be a sit candidate this week. The former undrafted free agent performed admirably last week, rushing ten times for 45 yards, adding a further 12 yards from one reception. With Keaontay Ingram standing atop the depth chart, it is unclear how this backfield will be split. On top of that, he faces a tough matchup in the Rams, allowing the ninth fewest points on average to the position. Until the situation becomes clearer, I would look elsewhere this week.

 

Wide Receiver – Start Em!

Jordan Addison (@ CHI)

Rookie Jordan Addison has had a solid start to his NFL career, reaching 50 receiving yards in four of his five games. He has now scored double-digit PPR points in all but one game and the unfortunate injury to Justin Jefferson should give Addison a further bump in usage. He now faces a Chicago Bears team which has allowed the most passing yards so far this season.

DJ Moore (vs MIN)

On the other side of the field, DJ Moore has benefited greatly from Justin Fields’ improvement. After seeing just two receptions for 25 yards in the opening game, he has reached 100 receiving yards in three of his following four outings. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have allowed the fourth-most points to WRs in PPR scoring, per FantasyData. It may not be quite as extraordinary as last week, but I expect another big game from Moore.

 

Wide Receiver – Sit ‘Em!

Terry McLaurin (vs ATL)

Washington’s passing distribution has been a little bizarre at times this season. Last week McLaurin ranked fourth in targets, seeing just five out of Howell’s 51 attempts. Yardage has also been lacking at times with McLaurin has seen under 50 receiving yards in three of his five games this season. He now faces the Atlanta Falcons, who have allowed the fifth-fewest average points to Wide Receivers. It’s always tough to put someone like McLaurin on the bench, but it may be worth looking elsewhere this week.

Tyler Lockett (@ CIN)

Lockett has had a quiet start to 2023, recording four or fewer receptions in three of his four games and subsequently failed to reach ten PPR points in all three. He faces the Bengals this week, a team which has allowed the tenth-fewest points to wide receivers. Similar to McLaurin, with bye weeks and injuries benching someone of Lockett’s calibre and constant upside may not be possible – but expectations may need to be tempered.

 

Tight End – Start ‘Em!

Cole Kmet (vs MIN)

Justin Fields’ recent improvements have also subsequently helped Cole Kmet. After three games under 50 receiving yards without a touchdown, the former second round pick has seen his fantasy production skyrocket in the last two weeks. He now stands as the TE4 in PPR scoring. Kmet has been a constant part of Chicago’s passing attack with 29 targets so far this year, only five behind leader DJ Moore.

Logan Thomas (vs ATL)

Writing about Logan Thomas coming off an eleven target game was not a situation I thought I would find myself in this season. The veteran led the team in targets last week, reeling in nine for 77 yards and a touchdown against the Bears. Particularly at the Tight End position, that usage cannot be ignored. Atlanta have been susceptible to Tight Ends this season and Thomas presents a good streaming option this coming weekend.

 

Tight End – Sit ‘Em!

David Njoku (vs SF)

Many came into the year with plenty of hope for David Njoku. He has, however, provided single-digit PPR performances in three of his four games so far, failing to hit 30 receiving yards in two. This has also been a symptom of the underwhelming Browns passing attack. With backup PJ Walker potentially starting this coming Sunday, and a tough matchup in the San Francisco 49ers awaiting, Njoku is a sit for me this week.

Tyler Higbee (vs ARI)

With Cooper Kupp returning to the lineup, Higbee’s role in the offense was further diminished. Against the Eagles he saw three targets, catching two for just 20 receiving yards, representing his fewest receptions this season. With the emergence of Puka Nacua and Tuta Atwell, plus the return of Cooper Kupp, the target share is likely to remain low and Higbee may be best left on the bench this week.

Jonathan @JKlonowksiNFL