Week 6 Fantasy Starts

QB


Gardner Minshew

A win at home against the Saints would be a huge boost to the Jaguars, who remain a mystery when looking at possible playoff teams this year. For Minshew, this win may mean even more; if Gardner can pull off a win this week with another good performance, he may remain the starting QB even if Nick Foles does return. The Saints run defense is stout, but their secondary can be beat. If you are in a bind at quarterback, give him a shot.



Matthew Stafford

The Lions winning against the Packers would be huge this week. With the win, Detroit would be first place in the NFC North. The team got an extra week to prepare for this game, and should be ready to play. Meanwhile, Packer’s safety Darnell Savage was seen in a walking boot Tuesday after getting his ankle twisted against Dallas. If he doesn’t play, Stafford’s value increases even more. Expect big numbers from Matt on Monday Night Football.



Colt McCoy

Washington head coach Jay Gruden was fired this weekend, leaving the team with even more questions than before. The team may be in trouble long term, but fortunately for them they play the dreadful Dolphins this week. With Dwayne Haskins the obvious long term quarterback, and Case Keenum the QB with the big contract, Colt McCoy needs to prove himself in every game he starts to stay in the league. Miami is a good team to have a statement game against.

*UPDATE: Case Keenum will start this week, do not start McCoy



RB

James Conner

With QB Mason Rudolph and backup RB Jaylen Samuels both out with injuries the Steelers' offense is considerably weaker, but Conner will have to be fed. He’ll be featured in both the run and pass game. Hopefully he’s not your RB1, but either way it probably wouldn't be wise to bench him.



Sony Michel

Michel was relied upon a lot Sunday against the Redskins, and should be used a lot again against the Giants. The Pats defense will definitely take advantage of the Giants offense missing most of their stars, and so once again the positive game script for New England means more run plays. The Giants defense isn’t exactly composed of All-Pros either. Expect Sony to run all over them.



Carlos Hyde

Since week 3 against the Ravens, opponent’s game plans against the Chiefs have been adjusted. Teams against the Chiefs are trying to establish the run, and it’s leading to closer games. Hyde is averaging 4.2 yard per carry this year on 14.6 hand offs a game. The Texans offensive line is improving every week. This past weekend, Kansas City’s defensive line looked a little worse for wear after Chris Jones exited the game. Keep an eye on Jones’ status this week; if he can’t play Hyde’s value goes up even more. Play Carlos in your Flex if you don’t have a must-start player there already.




WR

Larry Fitzgerald

The Falcons defense has looked especially bad in the secondary as of late, allowing the Texans to move the ball through the air at will last week, and the Titans the week before. The Cardinals have an air raid offensive system, meaning they barrage their opponents with a variety of passing plays. With RB David Johnson questionable because of a back injury, Arizona is likely planning to pass even more than usual. Fitzgerald is an all time great, and already a favorite target of QB Kyler Murray. Let Larry loose this weekend- he’s in for a good game.



Josh Gordon

The Giants surprisingly haven’t been the worst against the run this year; however, their weakness is playing against the pass. New York will likely try to stop the run and limit Brady’s short pass attempts to force Tom to throw longer, more difficult passes. Josh Gordon is a burner, and is too big and fast for any Giants corner. He could have a touchdown on a big play this week, making him worthy of a flex or WR2 play, depending on your team’s situation.



Will Fuller

When he has a clean pocket, Deshaun Watson is possibly the most dangerous QB in football. Last week, Watson wasn’t sacked for the first time in a long time, and had a historic game. Fuller was on the other end of 14 completions against the Falcons, and could have more big play opportunities this week against the Chiefs. Kansas City’s Chris Jones may be out, meaning defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will have to blitz to create pressure. If he does, Fuller will have one on one coverage with one of the Chiefs terrible corners. I’d guess Fuller gets another touchdown this week.




Terry McLaurin

Miami’s best corner Xavien Howard may shadow McLaurin, but if this is anything close to an even game, Terry could get the targets and yards needed for a good fantasy performance. Last week was a down week for McLaurin, but he was followed by the NFL’s best corner, Stephon Gilmore. Xavien Howard isn’t on Gilmore’s level. Terry should be started again this week.




TE

Noah Fant

The Titans couldn’t stop the TE position again last week, giving up the game clinching score to Lee Smith, a tight end for the Bills. Noah Fant is an athletic freak that should be in the Broncos offensive plans. Expect red zone targets for Fant, which could translate into a touchdown.



Chris HerndonThe Jets QB Sam Darnold had a good connection at the end of the year last year, but Herndon missed the beginning of the year with a suspension. Now that Darnold and Herndon are back they will try to pick up where they left off. New York has a tight end in nearly all of their offensive formations, and Herndon is the kind of athlete you want at your fantasy tight end position. If your team needs a TE, at least pick him up this week and see if he performs well in his return game. But keep an eye on his injury report; as of this writing, he is questionable with a hamstring pull.




D/ST



Los Angeles Chargers

Pittsburgh is down to their 3rd string quarterback now that Mason Rudolph is out with a concussion. This means the Steelers' offense will be very one dimensional and predictable, giving the Chargers a major advantage. If you have this defense or they are on the waiver wire, give them a start this week.



Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore’s opponent this week is the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens 3-2 record is the top in the AFC North, but Cincy and Cleveland are not far behind, meaning this game has more significance than anticipated in the preseason. Luckily for the Ravens, AJ Green and John Ross are out, and the Bengals offensive line is, well, offensive. This defense is good enough to take advantage of that. Start them this week.



Dallas Cowboys

Sam Darnold and Chris Herndon are back for the Jets, but it won’t be enough to beat Dallas. The Cowboys should be highly motivated coming into this game after losing twice in a row. New York’s offense is good enough to make this a risky play, but the combination of a rusty Darnold and a bad offensive line may make this a good fantasy week for the Dallas defense.