Fantasy

Fantasy Football Rankings & Tiers. Week 6

by Dwain McFarland

1 year ago

It is time to make those tough lineup decisions for Week 6 of the fantasy football season.

Below you’ll find positional rankings, player analysis, betting totals, and implied points for every game on the slate.

Find all of our positional rankings here.

Fantasy Football Rankings & Tiers – Week 6

Last updated: 1pm Saturday, October 15th. Please refer to our Rankings page for updates!

Quarterback

Tier	Pos Rnk	Player	Opp	Total	Spread	Implied Points	FPTS	PPG
1	QB1	Josh Allen	at KC	54.0	-2.5	28.3	151	30.1
1	QB2	Lamar Jackson	at NYG	45.5	-6.0	25.8	135	27.0
1	QB3	Jalen Hurts	vs DAL	42.0	-6.5	24.3	131	26.2
1	QB4	Patrick Mahomes II	vs BUF	54.0	2.5	25.8	125	25.0
2	QB5	Kyler Murray	at SEA	50.5	-2.5	26.5	102	20.4
2	QB6	Justin Herbert	vs DEN	45.5	-4.5	25.0	97	19.4
2	QB7	Tom Brady	at PIT	46.0	-9.5	27.8	81	16.1
2	QB8	Joe Burrow	at NO	43.0	-3.0	23.0	100	20.0
3	QB9	Geno Smith	vs ARI	50.5	2.5	24.0	100	20.0
3	QB10	Kirk Cousins	at MIA	45.5	-3.5	24.5	86	17.3
4	QB11	Aaron Rodgers	vs NYJ	45.0	-7.5	26.3	72	14.4
4	QB12	Russell Wilson	at LAC	45.5	4.5	20.5	78	15.5
4	QB13	Matthew Stafford	vs CAR	41.5	-10.0	25.8	61	12.2
4	QB14	Carson Wentz	at CHI	38.0	1.0	18.5	99	19.9
4	QB15	Trevor Lawrence	at IND	42.0	2.0	20.0	77	15.4
5	QB16	Jimmy Garoppolo	at ATL	44.5	-5.5	25.0	58	14.5
5	QB17	Daniel Jones	vs BAL	45.5	6.0	19.8	79	15.8
5	QB18	Justin Fields	vs WAS	38.0	-1.0	19.5	59	11.7
5	QB19	Zach Wilson	at GB	45.0	7.5	18.8	35	17.7
5	QB20	Jacoby Brissett	vs NE	43.0	-2.5	22.8	77	15.3
6	QB21	Mac Jones	at CLE	43.0	2.5	20.3	42	14.0
6	QB22	Kenny Pickett	vs TB	46.0	9.5	18.3	28	14.2
6	QB23	Marcus Mariota	vs SF	44.5	5.5	19.5	75	14.9
6	QB24	Matt Ryan	vs JAC	42.0	-2.0	22.0	63	12.7
6	QB25	Skylar Thompson	vs MIN	45.5	3.5	21.0	4	3.6
6	QB26	Andy Dalton	vs CIN	43.0	3.0	20.0	25	12.3
6	QB27	Cooper Rush	at PHI	42.0	6.5	17.8	50	10.0
6	QB28	PJ Walker	at LAR	41.5	10.0	15.8	2	2.4

Running back

Tier	Pos Rnk	Player	Opp	Total	Spread	Implied Points	PPG
1	RB1	Saquon Barkley	vs BAL	45.5	6.0	19.75	21.1
1	RB2	Christian McCaffrey	at LAR	41.5	10.0	15.75	19.0
1	RB3	Austin Ekeler	vs DEN	45.5	-4.5	25.00	22.7
1	RB4	Nick Chubb	vs NE	43.0	-2.5	22.75	22.2
2	RB5	Leonard Fournette	at PIT	46.0	-9.5	27.75	18.3
2	RB6	Rhamondre Stevenson	at CLE	43.0	2.5	20.25	12.7
2	RB7	Alvin Kamara	vs CIN	43.0	3.0	20.00	12.8
2	RB8	Dalvin Cook	at MIA	45.5	-3.5	24.50	14.3
2	RB9	Aaron Jones	vs NYJ	45.0	-7.5	26.25	14.6
2	RB10	Breece Hall	at GB	45.0	7.5	18.75	16.4
2	RB11	Joe Mixon	at NO	43.0	-3.0	23.00	13.8
3	RB12	Jeff Wilson Jr.	at ATL	44.5	-5.5	25.00	12.5
3	RB13	Eno Benjamin	at SEA	50.5	-2.5	26.50	8.3
3	RB14	Kenneth Walker III	vs ARI	50.5	2.5	24.00	7.0
3	RB15	David Montgomery	vs WAS	38.0	-1.0	19.50	10.7
3	RB16	Miles Sanders	vs DAL	42.0	-6.5	24.25	14.7
3	RB17	Darrell Henderson Jr.	vs CAR	41.5	-10.0	25.75	7.7
3	RB18	Devin Singletary	at KC	54.0	-2.5	28.25	10.7
3	RB19	Melvin Gordon III	at LAC	45.5	4.5	20.50	8.4
3	RB20	Raheem Mostert	vs MIN	45.5	3.5	21.00	9.1
3	RB21	Clyde Edwards-Helaire	vs BUF	54.0	2.5	25.75	16.4
3	RB22	Najee Harris	vs TB	46.0	9.5	18.25	10.3
4	RB23	J.K. Dobbins	at NYG	45.5	-6.0	25.75	10.9
4	RB24	Kareem Hunt	vs NE	43.0	-2.5	22.75	13.0
4	RB25	James Robinson	at IND	42.0	2.0	20.00	13.0
4	RB26	Travis Etienne Jr.	at IND	42.0	2.0	20.00	9.0
4	RB27	AJ Dillon	vs NYJ	45.0	-7.5	26.25	9.3
4	RB28	Deon Jackson	vs JAC	42.0	-2.0	22.00	6.4
4	RB29	Ezekiel Elliott	at PHI	42.0	6.5	17.75	8.8
4	RB30	Tony Pollard	at PHI	42.0	6.5	17.75	10.2
4	RB31	Michael Carter	at GB	45.0	7.5	18.75	11.0
4	RB32	Brian Robinson Jr.	at CHI	38.0	1.0	18.50	2.2
5	RB33	Rachaad White	at PIT	46.0	-9.5	27.75	5.2
5	RB34	Tyler Allgeier	vs SF	44.5	5.5	19.50	5.7
5	RB35	J.D. McKissic	at CHI	38.0	1.0	18.50	9.7
5	RB36	Mike Boone	at LAC	45.5	4.5	20.50	4.2
5	RB37	Phillip Lindsay	vs JAC	42.0	-2.0	22.00	8.4
5	RB38	Antonio Gibson	at CHI	38.0	1.0	18.50	11.9
5	RB39	Jerick McKinnon	vs BUF	54.0	2.5	25.75	5.9
6	RB40	Khalil Herbert	vs WAS	38.0	-1.0	19.50	11.9
6	RB41	Alexander Mattison	at MIA	45.5	-3.5	24.50	7.0
6	RB42	Tevin Coleman	at ATL	44.5	-5.5	25.00	21.7
6	RB43	Chase Edmonds	vs MIN	45.5	3.5	21.00	8.3
6	RB44	Samaje Perine	at NO	43.0	-3.0	23.00	6.5
6	RB45	Joshua Kelley	vs DEN	45.5	-4.5	25.00	5.8
6	RB46	Jaylen Warren	vs TB	46.0	9.5	18.25	4.2
6	RB47	Kenneth Gainwell	vs DAL	42.0	-6.5	24.25	5.1
6	RB48	DeeJay Dallas	vs ARI	50.5	2.5	24.00	1.4
7	RB49	Isiah Pacheco	vs BUF	54.0	2.5	25.75	4.0
7	RB50	Caleb Huntley	vs SF	44.5	5.5	19.50	5.1
7	RB51	Mark Ingram II	vs CIN	43.0	3.0	20.00	5.2
7	RB52	James Cook	at KC	54.0	-2.5	28.25	4.1
7	RB53	Zack Moss	at KC	54.0	-2.5	28.25	3.4
7	RB54	Avery Williams	vs SF	44.5	5.5	19.50	2.9
7	RB55	Matt Breida	vs BAL	45.5	6.0	19.75	1.8
7	RB56	Sony Michel	vs DEN	45.5	-4.5	25.00	2.8
7	RB57	Keaontay Ingram	at SEA	50.5	-2.5	26.50	0.0
7	RB58	Myles Gaskin	vs MIN	45.5	3.5	21.00	6.3
7	RB59	Kyle Juszczyk	at ATL	44.5	-5.5	25.00	3.9
7	RB60	Kenyan Drake	at NYG	45.5	-6.0	25.75	3.4
7	RB61	Malcolm Brown	vs CAR	41.5	-10.0	25.75	0.0
7	RB62	Mike Davis	at NYG	45.5	-6.0	25.75	0.6
7	RB63	Latavius Murray	at LAC	45.5	4.5	20.50	6.8
7	RB64	Pierre Strong Jr.	at CLE	43.0	2.5	20.25	0.0
7	RB65	Boston Scott	vs DAL	42.0	-6.5	24.25	3.4

Tier 1 – Christian McCaffrey

McCaffrey has a tough matchup on the surface. Yes, the Rams have the No. 1 graded PFF run defense (82.5), but they play the most zone coverage in the NFL (84.6%).

Targets are often spread out against zone-centric teams, and the RBs and TEs get a boost in these scenarios. When you are a receiving superhero like CMC, that can be the difference between a great target share game and an out-of-this-world one.

McCaffrey’s target share against man coverage is 18% but balloons to 25% against zone defense.

Last week, CMC had 11 targets against the third-heaviest zone team (78%) in the 49ers. Look for a similar performance in Week 6.

Tier 2 – Alvin Kamara

The Saints won’t have Michael Thomas (toe) or Jarvis Landry (ankle) again this weekend, and Andy Dalton will start. That recipe led to an old-school Kamara workload in Week 5, where the veteran back saw a mouth-watering 25% target share on his way to 25.9 fantasy points.

The Bengals' defense has been stingy against the run, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game on the ground in non-overtime play (10.8). That and the low implied point total (20.0) keep projections around Kamara in check.

Kamara is a mid-range RB1 who could boom in the passing attack in Week 6.

Tier 2 – Breece Hall

Hall hasn’t finished lower than RB15 in the last three games, and in Week 5, he had an eruption game with 27.7 points (RB4). Michael Carter remains involved, but Hall is clearly in control of the Jets’ backfield.

Player	Week	Snaps	Rush Att	Routes	Targets	TPRR	SDD Snaps	i5 Att	LDD Snaps	2MIN Snaps	PPG
Breece Hall	2	27%	33%	18%	2%	14%	14%	-	18%	16%	13.0
	3	51%	40%	48%	26%	41%	75%	-	81%	63%	15.2
	4	66%	65%	59%	19%	24%	100%	100%	71%	50%	15.8
	5	69%	55%	54%	11%	17%	100%	-	88%	-	27.7
	YTD	51%	47%	43%	15%	29%	56%	50%	55%	42%	16.8

The rookie ranks fifth in target rate (TPRR) and sixth in the percentage of runs that have gone for 10-plus yards (18%). We love explosive RBs with passing-down chops, and Hall dominates in both categories.

According to PFF, the Packers have the second-worst run defense grade (44.2) and love to deploy zone coverage looks the seventh-most (75%).

Hall has a 28% TPRR against zone and should be busy as a runner and a receiver on Sunday – making him a SMASH play.

Tier 2 – Eno Benjamin

James Conner (ribs) and Darrel Williams (knee) won’t play this weekend, leaving Benjamin with an opportunity to lead the Cardinals’ backfield. In Week 5, Benjamin took over in the second half due to injuries and posted a top-24 fantasy finish with 14.3 points.

Arizona faces Seattle, who allows the most fantasy points per game on the ground in non-overtime play (26.8 points per game). Benjamin sports a solid 21% target rate (TPRR), so we should see substantial involvement in the passing attack in a game with the second-highest total (50.5) on the slate.

Expect Benjamin to handle 60-70% of the workload and provide high-end RB2 value.

Tier 2 – Darrell Henderson

Cam Akers (personal) is out against the Panthers for Week 6. That means Henderson should see a heavy workload, with Malcolm Brown rotating in for relief. In his last 11 games as the primary back, Henderson averaged 15.4 fantasy points.

The Rams haven’t been an effective rushing team this season but are 10-point favorites, and Carolina allows the third-most non-overtime rushing attempts per game (33.4).

Henderson should see plenty of opportunities this weekend and is a mid-range RB2 option.

Tier 2 – Devin Singletary

I ranked Singletary well above consensus last weekend based on his huge Week 3 and Week 4 utilization numbers. However, the Bills led the Steelers by four-plus points on 95% of plays, leading to larger roles for James Cook and Zack Moss.

We should see a much more competitive game against the Chiefs this week. The current spread is only three points, and the game offers monster point potential with a 54-point total.

When the Bills are within three points or trailing by four-plus points, Singletary has a 77% snap share. He has also been much more involved in the passing game in those situations, with a 19% target share.

Once again, I have Singletary ahead of expert consensus rankings.

He is a SMASH play in Week 6 against Kansas City.

Tier 2 – Raheem Mostert

Mostert took over the Dolphins' backfield over the last two weeks – including the passing downs. That makes him an RB2, but there are a couple of concerns keeping him from climbing too high.

First, Miami will start seventh-round rookie Skylar Thompson at QB. Secondly, Mostert (questionable) is dealing with a knee injury but is expected to play.

The Vikings allow the fourth-most (21.2) non-overtime fantasy points on the ground.

Mostert is a low-end RB2 that gets a boost up the ranks if he practices in full by Friday and Bridgewater plays.

Tier 4 – Brian Robinson Jr.

Robinson returned to action for the Commanders last weekend. He led the team in rushing attempts with 56% despite a 32% snap share.

Player	Week	Snaps	Rush Att	Routes	Targets	TPRR	SDD Snaps	i5 Att	LDD Snaps	2MIN Snaps	PPR
Brian Robinson Jr.	2	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0.0
	3	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0.0
	4	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0%	0.0
	5	29%	56%	11%	0%	0%	43%	0%	0%	20%	2.2
	YTD	5%	8%	2%	0%	0%	10%	0%	0%	6%	2.2
Antonio Gibson	2	54%	74%	38%	10%	20%	67%	100%	8%	0%	12.1
	3	44%	63%	28%	3%	7%	29%	100%	6%	23%	11.0
	4	41%	48%	23%	8%	33%	0%	0%	13%	0%	9.3
	5	32%	19%	28%	11%	33%	29%	0%	0%	0%	6.9
	YTD	47%	53%	34%	10%	25%	45%	100%	6%	6%	11.9
J.D. McKissic	2	46%	16%	40%	17%	33%	33%	0%	92%	100%	13.3
	3	53%	16%	55%	21%	27%	43%	0%	94%	77%	10.0
	4	51%	30%	55%	11%	15%	100%	0%	87%	100%	8.6
	5	41%	0%	51%	20%	32%	29%	0%	100%	80%	8.7
	YTD	47%	16%	47%	15%	25%	39%	0%	94%	88%	9.3

Robinson was named the starter in the preseason before the unfortunate scary gunshot incident. It appears he is picking up where he left off, and we could see the rookie further reduce Antonio Gibson’s role.

The Bears give up the second-most non-overtime points (24.6) on the ground to RBs. If Washington gains a lead, Robinson might surprise this weekend.

I have Robinson eight spots ahead of expert consensus rankings as a mid-range RB3.

Additional RB Notes & Movers:

Austin Ekeler has a tough matchup against the Broncos, who allow the eighth-fewest points to RBs on the ground in non-overtime. However, Denver plays zone coverage the fifth-most (77%). Ekeler feasts on zone looks with a bamboozling 37% TPRR.
Out of 43 RBs with at least 30 rushing attempts, Joe Mixon has underperformed the most. He ranks 41st in missed tackles forced (0.09), 43rd in average yards after contact (1.95), and 39th in runs of 10-plus yards (5%). Now the veteran gets a matchup against the sixth-ranked run defense, per PFF grades, in the Saints. That is a downgrade.
Initially, Damien Harris was expected to miss multiple games but has practiced in a limited fashion all week. He is notorious for getting knocked out of action and returning the next week, so it is hard to rule him out completely. Of course, this could be the typical Patriots’ gamesmanship where everyone is considered limited to keep the opponent guessing. Rhamondre Stevenson is currently my RB6. If Harris is active, he will move to mid-range RB2 territory.

Wide Receiver

Tier	Pos Rnk	Player	Opp	Total	Spread	Implied Points	PPG
1	WR1	Cooper Kupp	vs CAR	41.5	-10.0	25.75	26.4
1	WR2	Stefon Diggs	at KC	54.0	-2.5	28.25	24.0
1	WR3	Justin Jefferson	at MIA	45.5	-3.5	24.50	23.2
1	WR4	Ja'Marr Chase	at NO	43.0	-3.0	23.00	15.3
1	WR5	Tyreek Hill	vs MIN	45.5	3.5	21.00	20.8
1	WR6	Marquise Brown	at SEA	50.5	-2.5	26.50	19.5
2	WR7	Mike Evans	at PIT	46.0	-9.5	27.75	17.4
2	WR8	A.J. Brown	vs DAL	42.0	-6.5	24.25	15.5
2	WR9	CeeDee Lamb	at PHI	42.0	6.5	17.75	14.9
2	WR10	Deebo Samuel	at ATL	44.5	-5.5	25.00	15.0
2	WR11	DK Metcalf	vs ARI	50.5	2.5	24.00	14.6
2	WR12	Mike Williams	vs DEN	45.5	-4.5	25.00	15.8
2	WR13	Jaylen Waddle	vs MIN	45.5	3.5	21.00	16.8
2	WR14	Tyler Lockett	vs ARI	50.5	2.5	24.00	16.5
2	WR15	Michael Pittman Jr.	vs JAC	42.0	-2.0	22.00	14.8
2	WR16	Courtland Sutton	at LAC	45.5	4.5	20.50	15.4
2	WR17	Christian Kirk	at IND	42.0	2.0	20.00	14.6
2	WR18	Chris Olave	vs CIN	43.0	3.0	20.00	15.2
2	WR19	Chris Godwin	at PIT	46.0	-9.5	27.75	10.6
2	WR20	Gabe Davis	at KC	54.0	-2.5	28.25	15.0
2	WR21	Amari Cooper	vs NE	43.0	-2.5	22.75	15.1
3	WR22	Diontae Johnson	vs TB	46.0	9.5	18.25	11.6
3	WR23	Drake London	vs SF	44.5	5.5	19.50	12.5
3	WR24	DeVonta Smith	vs DAL	42.0	-6.5	24.25	13.9
3	WR25	Tee Higgins	at NO	43.0	-3.0	23.00	15.9
3	WR26	Jakobi Meyers	at CLE	43.0	2.5	20.25	17.6
3	WR27	Adam Thielen	at MIA	45.5	-3.5	24.50	11.2
3	WR28	Keenan Allen	vs DEN	45.5	-4.5	25.00	10.6
3	WR29	Terry McLaurin	at CHI	38.0	1.0	18.50	11.7
3	WR30	Curtis Samuel	at CHI	38.0	1.0	18.50	15.0
3	WR31	JuJu Smith-Schuster	vs BUF	54.0	2.5	25.75	9.1
3	WR32	Allen Lazard	vs NYJ	45.0	-7.5	26.25	13.7
3	WR33	Romeo Doubs	vs NYJ	45.0	-7.5	26.25	10.9
3	WR34	Jerry Jeudy	at LAC	45.5	4.5	20.50	9.9
3	WR35	Rondale Moore	at SEA	50.5	-2.5	26.50	8.4
4	WR36	Garrett Wilson	at GB	45.0	7.5	18.75	12.6
4	WR37	DJ Moore	at LAR	41.5	10.0	15.75	9.3
4	WR38	George Pickens	vs TB	46.0	9.5	18.25	8.4
4	WR39	Devin Duvernay	at NYG	45.5	-6.0	25.75	13.2
4	WR40	Alec Pierce	vs JAC	42.0	-2.0	22.00	9.3
4	WR41	Brandon Aiyuk	at ATL	44.5	-5.5	25.00	9.5
4	WR42	Tyler Boyd	at NO	43.0	-3.0	23.00	10.7
4	WR43	Elijah Moore	at GB	45.0	7.5	18.75	7.2
4	WR44	Michael Gallup	at PHI	42.0	6.5	17.75	9.4
4	WR45	Isaiah McKenzie	at KC	54.0	-2.5	28.25	12.2
4	WR46	Marquez Valdes-Scantling	vs BUF	54.0	2.5	25.75	8.9
4	WR47	Zay Jones	at IND	42.0	2.0	20.00	11.6
4	WR48	Darnell Mooney	vs WAS	38.0	-1.0	19.50	5.5
4	WR49	Corey Davis	at GB	45.0	7.5	18.75	11.8
5	WR50	Russell Gage	at PIT	46.0	-9.5	27.75	9.2
5	WR52	Joshua Palmer	vs DEN	45.5	-4.5	25.00	8.3
5	WR53	Chase Claypool	vs TB	46.0	9.5	18.25	6.7
5	WR54	Allen Robinson II	vs CAR	41.5	-10.0	25.75	5.7
5	WR55	Randall Cobb	vs NYJ	45.0	-7.5	26.25	8.4
5	WR56	Robbie Anderson	at LAR	41.5	10.0	15.75	7.5
5	WR57	K.J. Osborn	at MIA	45.5	-3.5	24.50	7.6
5	WR58	Donovan Peoples-Jones	vs NE	43.0	-2.5	22.75	7.0
5	WR59	Marquez Callaway	vs CIN	43.0	3.0	20.00	6.1
5	WR60	Noah Brown	at PHI	42.0	6.5	17.75	10.6
5	WR61	DeVante Parker	at CLE	43.0	2.5	20.25	6.6
6	WR62	Khalil Shakir	at KC	54.0	-2.5	28.25	6.9
6	WR63	Darius Slayton	vs BAL	45.5	6.0	19.75	8.0
6	WR64	Mecole Hardman	vs BUF	54.0	2.5	25.75	6.5
6	WR65	Ben Skowronek	vs CAR	41.5	-10.0	25.75	7.2
6	WR66	Olamide Zaccheaus	vs SF	44.5	5.5	19.50	8.7
6	WR67	Richie James Jr.	vs BAL	45.5	6.0	19.75	6.5
6	WR68	Jauan Jennings	at ATL	44.5	-5.5	25.00	4.8
6	WR69	A.J. Green	at SEA	50.5	-2.5	26.50	3.7
6	WR70	Nelson Agholor	at CLE	43.0	2.5	20.25	7.7
6	WR71	Parris Campbell	vs JAC	42.0	-2.0	22.00	4.4
6	WR72	Wan'Dale Robinson	vs BAL	45.5	6.0	19.75	1.5
6	WR74	K.J. Hamler	at LAC	45.5	4.5	20.50	2.1
6	WR83	Tre'Quan Smith	vs CIN	43.0	3.0	20.00	6.4
6	WR75	Equanimeous St. Brown	vs WAS	38.0	-1.0	19.50	5.5
6	WR76	Demarcus Robinson	at NYG	45.5	-6.0	25.75	3.4
6	WR73	DeAndre Carter	vs DEN	45.5	-4.5	25.00	6.8
7	WR77	Skyy Moore	vs BUF	54.0	2.5	25.75	2.1
7	WR78	Kendrick Bourne	at CLE	43.0	2.5	20.25	5.1
7	WR79	David Sills V	vs BAL	45.5	6.0	19.75	3.9
7	WR80	Quez Watkins	vs DAL	42.0	-6.5	24.25	4.0
7	WR81	Braxton Berrios	at GB	45.0	7.5	18.75	5.0
7	WR82	Dyami Brown	at CHI	38.0	1.0	18.50	8.7
7	WR84	Cedrick Wilson Jr.	vs MIN	45.5	3.5	21.00	2.9
7	WR85	Tyquan Thornton	at CLE	43.0	2.5	20.25	2.7
7	WR86	David Bell	vs NE	43.0	-2.5	22.75	2.6
7	WR87	Trent Sherfield	vs MIN	45.5	3.5	21.00	3.4
7	WR88	Shi Smith	at LAR	41.5	10.0	15.75	3.7
7	WR89	Jamal Agnew	at IND	42.0	2.0	20.00	5.3
7	WR90	Greg Dortch	at SEA	50.5	-2.5	26.50	9.5
7	WR91	KhaDarel Hodge	vs SF	44.5	5.5	19.50	5.7
7	WR92	Velus Jones Jr.	vs WAS	38.0	-1.0	19.50	3.0
7	WR93	Dante Pettis	vs WAS	38.0	-1.0	19.50	2.4
7	WR94	Dee Eskridge	vs ARI	50.5	2.5	24.00	1.3
7	WR95	Justin Watson	vs BUF	54.0	2.5	25.75	3.0
7	WR96	Scotty Miller	at PIT	46.0	-9.5	27.75	5.4
7	WR97	Cam Sims	at CHI	38.0	1.0	18.50	0.6
7	WR98	Marcus Johnson	vs BAL	45.5	6.0	19.75	6.5
7	WR100	Mike Thomas	at NO	43.0	-3.0	23.00	3.9

Tier 1 – Ja’Marr Chase

Tee Higgins (ankle) is questionable for the Bengals’ tilt in New Orleans. He managed work in a limited fashion at Friday’s practice but missed Wednesday and Thursday. That puts him on the more doubtful side of the equation, and if he plays, he won’t likely be 100%.

With the Saints’ star CB Marshon Lattimore also out, this could be an eruption game for Chase. The second-year WR posted a 33% target share last weekend, with Higgins leaving the game early after trying to play through the injury.

Chase is capable of the No. 1 overall WR box score on any slate, but things are lining up exceptionally well this weekend.

Tier 1 – Marquise Brown

Brown has three top-12 finishes in the last three games and averages 23.5 points per game. He has a 26% target share on the season (15th) and should be in line for another heavy workload against the Seahawks in Week 6.

Player	Week	Routes	TPRR	Targets	ADOT	Air Yards	EZ Tgts	3rd/4th Down Targets	PA Targets	PPR	PPR Rank
Marquise Brown	2	95%	20%	23%	10.1	39%	0%	50%	20%	12.8	36
	3	95%	29%	31%	8.0	41%	0%	50%	6%	28.0	3
	4	93%	27%	32%	11.4	50%	100%	50%	11%	20.8	11
	5	98%	23%	26%	9.1	34%	0%	11%	60%	21.8	9
	YTD	95%	23%	26%	10.4	42%	30%	40%	21%	19.5	5

Seattle has the second-worst PFF coverage grade (42), allowing the eighth-most points to pass catchers (58.1). However, the Seahawks' offense can push opponents to keep scoring, ranking sixth in drives converted to TDs (28%). The Cardinals have the second-most implied points on the slate in a game with the second-highest total.

Brown is a SMASH play as a top-six WR option in Week 6.

Tier 2 – Tyler Lockett

Lockett is averaging 19.7 points per game over the last four contests with an eye-popping 29% target share. The Seahawks face a Cardinals secondary with the worst PFF receiving grade (36.8) that allows 60 points per game (sixth) to pass catchers in non-overtime play.

Arizona plays zone on 70% of plays, per PFF data, which also bodes well for Lockett, whose target share jumps from 20% against man to 29% against zone – a multi-year trend for the Seahawks. The speedy slot option torched the Cardinals for 480 yards and six TDs over the last four matchups.

The game projects as a shootout with the No.2 game total (50.5) and a top-eight implied point total (24).

Lockett is a SMASH play in Week 6.

Tier 2 – Gabe Davis

Davis uncorked a 32-point performance in Week 5 against the Steelers. It wasn’t due to a large target share in typical Davis fashion – it came via two long-TD receptions. The third-year WR ended the day with an 18% target share.

But that isn’t bad in an offense willing to drop back to pass on 71% of plays despite leading by four-plus points on 95% of snaps. An 18% target share in Buffalo is worth a 25% target share in a slow run-heavy offense. Everything is relative.

Player	Week	Routes	TPRR	Targets	ADOT	Air Yards	EZ Tgts	3rd/4th Down Targets	PA Targets	PPR
Gabriel Davis	2	0%	0%	0%	0.0	0%	0%	0%	0%	0.0
	3	96%	9%	11%	11.0	20%	33%	7%	17%	6.7
	4	98%	7%	9%	8.3	11%	0%	0%	0%	2.3
	5	85%	18%	18%	28.0	36%	25%	25%	33%	32.1
	YTD	77%	11%	11%	17.1	22%	17%	15%	25%	15.0

Davis isn’t an elite target earner at 11% on the season, but he will give you huge boom games when he hits. This weekend the Bills face the Chiefs in a game where we could see 100 points, which moves him into mid-range WR2 territory.

Additional WR Notes & Movers:

Mike Williams has been a monster against man coverage this season, with a 42% target share. Against zone, that number dips to 17%, and this isn’t a new thing for Williams. His target deltas between man and zone go back to 2019 (-3%, -14% and -5%). The big-bodied veteran isn’t someone to bench – especially if Keenan Allen is out, but he gets a slight downgrade against the Broncos, who play zone the fifth-most (77%).
Amari Cooper faces off against the Patriots this weekend, who love some man coverage (fourth-most). Amari also loves some man coverage in 2022. Cooper has registered 6%, 9%, and 12% higher target shares against man coverage from 2019 to 2021. I have him ranked above expert consensus rankings as a mid-range WR2 despite the ninth-toughest fantasy matchup on paper.
Adam Thielen gets a small upgrade in Week 6 thanks to the Vikings’ top-seven implied point total and the Dolphins troubled secondary. Miami gives up the fifth-most regulation points (62.9) to pass catchers. Thielen is a high-end WR3 this weekend.
Terry McLaurin is historically a solid target earner versus man coverage (27%), but that hasn’t played out so far in 2022 (19%). The Bears play man coverage the eighth-most (32%), which might give McLaurin a few extra chances to find his groove on Sunday. However, 32% of snaps might not be enough to move the needle. McLaurin is a boom-bust WR3 against a Chicago club that most teams run the ball against (see Brian Robinson Jr.).
Rondale Moore ranks six spots ahead of industry consensus as a low-end WR3 in a pedal-to-the-metal matchup against the Seahawks. He has eclipsed 90% route participation in consecutive games and has target shares of 18% and 21%. This game could be a blowup spot for the second-year playmaker. Start him over players like Brandon Aiyuk, Tyler Boyd, Elijah Moore, Allen Robinson II, and Darnell Mooney.
Alec Pierce’s target rates have been phenomenal over the last three games (25%, 35%, and 25%), and his route participation is growing. Parris Campbell’s routes haven’t produced many targets, which is why this could be the weekend that Pierce catapults Campbell for the No. 2 role in Indianapolis. Pierce is a mid-range WR4 and ranks five spots ahead of the consensus.
Isaiah McKenzie is out of concussion protocol and might be the primary slot receiver for the Bills moving forward. Khalil Shakir rode that role to a top-20 finish last week. McKenzie was two spots ahead of Shakir on the depth chart before the Jamison Crowder injury. McKenzie would be a low-end WR3 against the Chiefs in a shootout if we knew he was the starter. Due to that uncertainty, he is a boom-bust WR4 option.
Tee Higgins (ankle) left last week’s game after playing 17% of snaps and is questionable again for Week 6. He had a limited practice session on Friday, but it was his first week's work. He carries injury/performance risk if he plays against the Saints. The third-year WR downgrades to a boom-bust WR3.
CeeDee Lamb (hip) popped up on the injury report on Friday. However, he seems likely to play based on comments from Stephen Jones. It is a Sunday night game, so be sure to have a backup plan from Dallas, Philadelphia, Denver, or the Chargers if possible.

Tight end

Tier	Pos Rnk	Player	Opp	Total	Spread	Implied Points	PPG
1	TE1	Travis Kelce	vs BUF	54.0	2.5	25.8	22.4
1	TE2	Mark Andrews	at NYG	45.5	-6.0	25.8	18.2
2	TE3	Dallas Goedert	vs DAL	42.0	-6.5	24.3	12.7
2	TE4	Zach Ertz	at SEA	50.5	-2.5	26.5	13.0
2	TE5	Tyler Higbee	vs CAR	41.5	-10.0	25.8	12.4
2	TE6	George Kittle	at ATL	44.5	-5.5	25.0	6.3
2	TE7	David Njoku	vs NE	43.0	-2.5	22.8	11.3
2	TE8	Kyle Pitts	vs SF	44.5	5.5	19.5	6.3
2	TE9	Gerald Everett	vs DEN	45.5	-4.5	25.0	10.1
3	TE10	Dawson Knox	at KC	54.0	-2.5	28.3	5.8
3	TE12	Taysom Hill	vs CIN	43.0	3.0	20.0	14.7
3	TE11	Hayden Hurst	at NO	43.0	-3.0	23.0	9.5
3	TE13	Evan Engram	at IND	42.0	2.0	20.0	7.6
3	TE14	Cameron Brate	at PIT	46.0	-9.5	27.8	5.3
4	TE15	Irv Smith Jr.	at MIA	45.5	-3.5	24.5	6.7
4	TE16	Robert Tonyan	vs NYJ	45.0	-7.5	26.3	7.2
4	TE17	Tyler Conklin	at GB	45.0	7.5	18.8	9.2
4	TE18	Dalton Schultz	at PHI	42.0	6.5	17.8	3.8
5	TE19	Hunter Henry	at CLE	43.0	2.5	20.3	3.7
5	TE20	Will Dissly	vs ARI	50.5	2.5	24.0	9.1
5	TE21	Cole Kmet	vs WAS	38.0	-1.0	19.5	3.8
5	TE22	Zach Gentry	vs TB	46.0	9.5	18.3	5.5
5	TE23	Noah Fant	vs ARI	50.5	2.5	24.0	5.9
5	TE24	Mo Alie-Cox	vs JAC	42.0	-2.0	22.0	7.3
5	TE25	Daniel Bellinger	vs BAL	45.5	6.0	19.8	8.1
5	TE26	Mike Gesicki	vs MIN	45.5	3.5	21.0	5.0
5	TE27	Juwan Johnson	vs CIN	43.0	3.0	20.0	4.6
6	TE28	Isaiah Likely	at NYG	45.5	-6.0	25.8	3.2
6	TE29	Harrison Bryant	vs NE	43.0	-2.5	22.8	4.3
6	TE30	Cade Otton	at PIT	46.0	-9.5	27.8	4.4
6	TE31	John Bates	at CHI	38.0	1.0	18.5	3.3
6	TE32	Adam Trautman	vs CIN	43.0	3.0	20.0	6.6
6	TE33	Albert Okwuegbunam	at LAC	45.5	4.5	20.5	3.0
6	TE34	Noah Gray	vs BUF	54.0	2.5	25.8	3.3
6	TE35	Tommy Tremble	at LAR	41.5	10.0	15.8	2.3
6	TE36	Eric Saubert	at LAC	45.5	4.5	20.5	4.3
6	TE37	Kylen Granson	vs JAC	42.0	-2.0	22.0	4.8
6	TE38	Greg Dulcich	at LAC	45.5	4.5	20.5	0.0

Tier 2 – Tyler Higbee

Higbee saw similar route participation in 2021, but his target share has come to life this year. The veteran tight end ranks second in target share (25%) and fifth in route participation in 2022.

Player	Week	Routes	TPRR	Targets	ADOT	Air Yards	EZ Tgts	3rd/4th Down Targets	PA Targets	PPR
Tyler Higbee	2	84%	29%	26%	7.0	23%	33%	0%	22%	14.1
	3	85%	17%	16%	-0.3	0%	0%	29%	50%	10.1
	4	84%	30%	32%	3.8	21%	25%	30%	36%	17.3
	5	76%	27%	24%	3.6	11%	0%	20%	10%	11.6
	YTD	84%	25%	25%	3.8	14%	21%	19%	22%	12.4

Higbee is the clear-cut No. 2 option in the Rams passing attack.

Most teams end up running the ball more against the Panthers, but the Rams have been ineffective this season on the ground. Los Angeles has the fourth-highest implied total on the slate as double-digit favorites.

Higbee is a mid-range TE2 this weekend.

Additional TE Notes & Movers:

Kyle Pitts returned to practice and should be ready to go against a zone-heavy (third-most) 49ers defense. Pitts has a 21% target share against zone this season and a 10% target share against man. Per PFF data, San Francisco plays zone on 78% of passing plays. We still need Arthur Smith to unlock Pitts via more routes, but the matchup gives us a reason to keep him in lineups as a low-end boom-bust TE1 option.
The Saints could look to keep Taysom Hill heavily involved against the Bengals. Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry are both out, leaving New Orleans short on weapons. The Saints will need to keep the game competitive for Hill’s legs to pay off in a big way. He is a boom-bust TE option worth starting over the high-end TE2 options like Evan Engram and Cameron Brate this weekend.

Key

Total = Game total per BetMGM
Implied points = Team expected points based on game total and spread
Route participation = routes divided by team pass plays per PFF
LDD = long down and distance – third and fourth down with three or more yards to go per PFF
SDD = short down and distance – second, third and fourth down with two or fewer yards to go per PFF
TPRR = targets per route run
YPRR = yards per route run
Explosive rush rate = percentage of runs that go for 10-plus yards per PFF
Explosive target rate = percentage of targets that go for 15-plus yards per PFF
Regulation = excludes overtime
Injuries: Q = Questionable; D = Doubtful (typically removed from ranks on Saturday); GTD = game-time decision

Dwain McFarland