This week features several intriguing matchups, including 49ers vs. Buccaneers and Chiefs vs. Lions. Our recommendations last week did not pan out as hoped, so here’s to a better showing in Week 6.
Looking Back at Week 5
Our start recommendations did fairly well. As predicted, Tyler Warren scored his first receiving touchdown on the way to a 14-point performance. Omarion Hampton finished with 13 points but likely would have had more if not for an ankle injury. Jameson Williams was the biggest disappointment, catching his only target for 10 yards and ending with just two points.
The sit recommendations were less successful. The Eagles responded to criticism on social media by having Jalen Hurts throw 40 times, many of them to Devonta Smith, who recorded his first 100-yard game since Week 17 last year. Despite the Raiders’ poor performance, Ashton Jeanty produced 16 points, most of them coming through the air with five receptions. Tee Higgins only caught three of seven targets for 22 yards but added a touchdown to finish with 11 points.
Week 6 Start ’Em
Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Johnston struggled through his first two years but has emerged as Justin Herbert’s favorite target this season. Last week’s seven-point outing was his lowest of the year, but he now faces a Dolphins defense allowing 29 points per game. With Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton both sidelined, expect Herbert to throw often and Johnston to see plenty of targets.
Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers
Doubs is coming off a monster performance against Dallas, catching three touchdowns. Since Jayden Reed’s injury, Doubs has become Jordan Love’s top receiver. This week he faces a struggling Cincinnati secondary allowing 259 passing yards per game, making him a strong matchup-based start.
Rico Dowdle, RB, Carolina Panthers
Dowdle earned his spot on this list after rushing for 234 yards against Miami. He now faces a Cowboys defense that allows even more points per game than the Dolphins. With Chuba Hubbard still recovering from injury, Dowdle could see another heavy workload similar to last week but watch the injury report to make sure Hubbard is indeed on the sidelines one more week.
Week 6 Sit ’Em
DJ Moore, WR, Chicago Bears
Moore has not had the start Bears fans hoped for. His best fantasy game came against Dallas, where he caught four of five targets for 21 yards and a touchdown. He has been overshadowed by the emergence of Rome Odunze, who has taken over as the true WR1. Expect Washington to focus on eliminating Moore as a threat in the passing game Monday night.
Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Brown was productive last season when Joe Burrow was healthy and the offense was balanced, but with Burrow gone, defenses can key on the run. The Bengals’ offensive line has been among the worst in the league, making life difficult for Brown. Facing Micah Parsons and the Packers’ front seven this week, expect the Bengals to struggle again and Brown’s production to suffer.
Travis Etienne, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Etienne’s workload has increased under new offensive coordinator Liam Cohen, but this week he faces one of fantasy’s toughest defenses in Seattle. Last week against Kansas City was his first game under 10 points, and that trend could continue. The Seahawks have held opponents under 90 rushing yards in four straight games, anchored by Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy.
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