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

TierPos RnkPlayerOppTotalSpreadImplied PointsFPTSPPG
1QB1Josh Allenat KC54.0-2.528.315130.1
1QB2Lamar Jacksonat NYG45.5-6.025.813527.0
1QB3Jalen Hurtsvs DAL42.0-6.524.313126.2
1QB4Patrick Mahomes IIvs BUF54.02.525.812525.0
2QB5Kyler Murrayat SEA50.5-2.526.510220.4
2QB6Justin Herbertvs DEN45.5-4.525.09719.4
2QB7Tom Bradyat PIT46.0-9.527.88116.1
2QB8Joe Burrowat NO43.0-3.023.010020.0
3QB9Geno Smithvs ARI50.52.524.010020.0
3QB10Kirk Cousinsat MIA45.5-3.524.58617.3
4QB11Aaron Rodgersvs NYJ45.0-7.526.37214.4
4QB12Russell Wilsonat LAC45.54.520.57815.5
4QB13Matthew Staffordvs CAR41.5-10.025.86112.2
4QB14Carson Wentzat CHI38.01.018.59919.9
4QB15Trevor Lawrenceat IND42.02.020.07715.4
5QB16Jimmy Garoppoloat ATL44.5-5.525.05814.5
5QB17Daniel Jonesvs BAL45.56.019.87915.8
5QB18Justin Fieldsvs WAS38.0-1.019.55911.7
5QB19Zach Wilsonat GB45.07.518.83517.7
5QB20Jacoby Brissettvs NE43.0-2.522.87715.3
6QB21Mac Jonesat CLE43.02.520.34214.0
6QB22Kenny Pickettvs TB46.09.518.32814.2
6QB23Marcus Mariotavs SF44.55.519.57514.9
6QB24Matt Ryanvs JAC42.0-2.022.06312.7
6QB25Skylar Thompsonvs MIN45.53.521.043.6
6QB26Andy Daltonvs CIN43.03.020.02512.3
6QB27Cooper Rushat PHI42.06.517.85010.0
6QB28PJ Walkerat LAR41.510.015.822.4

Running back

TierPos RnkPlayerOppTotalSpreadImplied PointsPPG
1RB1Saquon Barkleyvs BAL45.56.019.7521.1
1RB2Christian McCaffreyat LAR41.510.015.7519.0
1RB3Austin Ekelervs DEN45.5-4.525.0022.7
1RB4Nick Chubbvs NE43.0-2.522.7522.2
2RB5Leonard Fournetteat PIT46.0-9.527.7518.3
2RB6Rhamondre Stevensonat CLE43.02.520.2512.7
2RB7Alvin Kamaravs CIN43.03.020.0012.8
2RB8Dalvin Cookat MIA45.5-3.524.5014.3
2RB9Aaron Jonesvs NYJ45.0-7.526.2514.6
2RB10Breece Hallat GB45.07.518.7516.4
2RB11Joe Mixonat NO43.0-3.023.0013.8
3RB12Jeff Wilson Jr.at ATL44.5-5.525.0012.5
3RB13Eno Benjaminat SEA50.5-2.526.508.3
3RB14Kenneth Walker IIIvs ARI50.52.524.007.0
3RB15David Montgomeryvs WAS38.0-1.019.5010.7
3RB16Miles Sandersvs DAL42.0-6.524.2514.7
3RB17Darrell Henderson Jr.vs CAR41.5-10.025.757.7
3RB18Devin Singletaryat KC54.0-2.528.2510.7
3RB19Melvin Gordon IIIat LAC45.54.520.508.4
3RB20Raheem Mostertvs MIN45.53.521.009.1
3RB21Clyde Edwards-Helairevs BUF54.02.525.7516.4
3RB22Najee Harrisvs TB46.09.518.2510.3
4RB23J.K. Dobbinsat NYG45.5-6.025.7510.9
4RB24Kareem Huntvs NE43.0-2.522.7513.0
4RB25James Robinsonat IND42.02.020.0013.0
4RB26Travis Etienne Jr.at IND42.02.020.009.0
4RB27AJ Dillonvs NYJ45.0-7.526.259.3
4RB28Deon Jacksonvs JAC42.0-2.022.006.4
4RB29Ezekiel Elliottat PHI42.06.517.758.8
4RB30Tony Pollardat PHI42.06.517.7510.2
4RB31Michael Carterat GB45.07.518.7511.0
4RB32Brian Robinson Jr.at CHI38.01.018.502.2
5RB33Rachaad Whiteat PIT46.0-9.527.755.2
5RB34Tyler Allgeiervs SF44.55.519.505.7
5RB35J.D. McKissicat CHI38.01.018.509.7
5RB36Mike Booneat LAC45.54.520.504.2
5RB37Phillip Lindsayvs JAC42.0-2.022.008.4
5RB38Antonio Gibsonat CHI38.01.018.5011.9
5RB39Jerick McKinnonvs BUF54.02.525.755.9
6RB40Khalil Herbertvs WAS38.0-1.019.5011.9
6RB41Alexander Mattisonat MIA45.5-3.524.507.0
6RB42Tevin Colemanat ATL44.5-5.525.0021.7
6RB43Chase Edmondsvs MIN45.53.521.008.3
6RB44Samaje Perineat NO43.0-3.023.006.5
6RB45Joshua Kelleyvs DEN45.5-4.525.005.8
6RB46Jaylen Warrenvs TB46.09.518.254.2
6RB47Kenneth Gainwellvs DAL42.0-6.524.255.1
6RB48DeeJay Dallasvs ARI50.52.524.001.4
7RB49Isiah Pachecovs BUF54.02.525.754.0
7RB50Caleb Huntleyvs SF44.55.519.505.1
7RB51Mark Ingram IIvs CIN43.03.020.005.2
7RB52James Cookat KC54.0-2.528.254.1
7RB53Zack Mossat KC54.0-2.528.253.4
7RB54Avery Williamsvs SF44.55.519.502.9
7RB55Matt Breidavs BAL45.56.019.751.8
7RB56Sony Michelvs DEN45.5-4.525.002.8
7RB57Keaontay Ingramat SEA50.5-2.526.500.0
7RB58Myles Gaskinvs MIN45.53.521.006.3
7RB59Kyle Juszczykat ATL44.5-5.525.003.9
7RB60Kenyan Drakeat NYG45.5-6.025.753.4
7RB61Malcolm Brownvs CAR41.5-10.025.750.0
7RB62Mike Davisat NYG45.5-6.025.750.6
7RB63Latavius Murrayat LAC45.54.520.506.8
7RB64Pierre Strong Jr.at CLE43.02.520.250.0
7RB65Boston Scottvs DAL42.0-6.524.253.4

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.

PlayerWeekSnapsRush AttRoutesTargetsTPRRSDD Snapsi5 AttLDD Snaps2MIN SnapsPPG
Breece Hall227%33%18%2%14%14%-18%16%13.0
351%40%48%26%41%75%-81%63%15.2
466%65%59%19%24%100%100%71%50%15.8
569%55%54%11%17%100%-88%-27.7
YTD51%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.

PlayerWeekSnapsRush AttRoutesTargetsTPRRSDD Snapsi5 AttLDD Snaps2MIN SnapsPPR
Brian Robinson Jr.20%0%0%0%0%0%0%0%0%0.0
30%0%0%0%0%0%0%0%0%0.0
40%0%0%0%0%0%0%0%0%0.0
529%56%11%0%0%43%0%0%20%2.2
YTD5%8%2%0%0%10%0%0%6%2.2
Antonio Gibson254%74%38%10%20%67%100%8%0%12.1
344%63%28%3%7%29%100%6%23%11.0
441%48%23%8%33%0%0%13%0%9.3
532%19%28%11%33%29%0%0%0%6.9
YTD47%53%34%10%25%45%100%6%6%11.9
J.D. McKissic246%16%40%17%33%33%0%92%100%13.3
353%16%55%21%27%43%0%94%77%10.0
451%30%55%11%15%100%0%87%100%8.6
541%0%51%20%32%29%0%100%80%8.7
YTD47%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

TierPos RnkPlayerOppTotalSpreadImplied PointsPPG
1WR1Cooper Kuppvs CAR41.5-10.025.7526.4
1WR2Stefon Diggsat KC54.0-2.528.2524.0
1WR3Justin Jeffersonat MIA45.5-3.524.5023.2
1WR4Ja'Marr Chaseat NO43.0-3.023.0015.3
1WR5Tyreek Hillvs MIN45.53.521.0020.8
1WR6Marquise Brownat SEA50.5-2.526.5019.5
2WR7Mike Evansat PIT46.0-9.527.7517.4
2WR8A.J. Brownvs DAL42.0-6.524.2515.5
2WR9CeeDee Lambat PHI42.06.517.7514.9
2WR10Deebo Samuelat ATL44.5-5.525.0015.0
2WR11DK Metcalfvs ARI50.52.524.0014.6
2WR12Mike Williamsvs DEN45.5-4.525.0015.8
2WR13Jaylen Waddlevs MIN45.53.521.0016.8
2WR14Tyler Lockettvs ARI50.52.524.0016.5
2WR15Michael Pittman Jr.vs JAC42.0-2.022.0014.8
2WR16Courtland Suttonat LAC45.54.520.5015.4
2WR17Christian Kirkat IND42.02.020.0014.6
2WR18Chris Olavevs CIN43.03.020.0015.2
2WR19Chris Godwinat PIT46.0-9.527.7510.6
2WR20Gabe Davisat KC54.0-2.528.2515.0
2WR21Amari Coopervs NE43.0-2.522.7515.1
3WR22Diontae Johnsonvs TB46.09.518.2511.6
3WR23Drake Londonvs SF44.55.519.5012.5
3WR24DeVonta Smithvs DAL42.0-6.524.2513.9
3WR25Tee Higginsat NO43.0-3.023.0015.9
3WR26Jakobi Meyersat CLE43.02.520.2517.6
3WR27Adam Thielenat MIA45.5-3.524.5011.2
3WR28Keenan Allenvs DEN45.5-4.525.0010.6
3WR29Terry McLaurinat CHI38.01.018.5011.7
3WR30Curtis Samuelat CHI38.01.018.5015.0
3WR31JuJu Smith-Schustervs BUF54.02.525.759.1
3WR32Allen Lazardvs NYJ45.0-7.526.2513.7
3WR33Romeo Doubsvs NYJ45.0-7.526.2510.9
3WR34Jerry Jeudyat LAC45.54.520.509.9
3WR35Rondale Mooreat SEA50.5-2.526.508.4
4WR36Garrett Wilsonat GB45.07.518.7512.6
4WR37DJ Mooreat LAR41.510.015.759.3
4WR38George Pickensvs TB46.09.518.258.4
4WR39Devin Duvernayat NYG45.5-6.025.7513.2
4WR40Alec Piercevs JAC42.0-2.022.009.3
4WR41Brandon Aiyukat ATL44.5-5.525.009.5
4WR42Tyler Boydat NO43.0-3.023.0010.7
4WR43Elijah Mooreat GB45.07.518.757.2
4WR44Michael Gallupat PHI42.06.517.759.4
4WR45Isaiah McKenzieat KC54.0-2.528.2512.2
4WR46Marquez Valdes-Scantlingvs BUF54.02.525.758.9
4WR47Zay Jonesat IND42.02.020.0011.6
4WR48Darnell Mooneyvs WAS38.0-1.019.505.5
4WR49Corey Davisat GB45.07.518.7511.8
5WR50Russell Gageat PIT46.0-9.527.759.2
5WR52Joshua Palmervs DEN45.5-4.525.008.3
5WR53Chase Claypoolvs TB46.09.518.256.7
5WR54Allen Robinson IIvs CAR41.5-10.025.755.7
5WR55Randall Cobbvs NYJ45.0-7.526.258.4
5WR56Robbie Andersonat LAR41.510.015.757.5
5WR57K.J. Osbornat MIA45.5-3.524.507.6
5WR58Donovan Peoples-Jonesvs NE43.0-2.522.757.0
5WR59Marquez Callawayvs CIN43.03.020.006.1
5WR60Noah Brownat PHI42.06.517.7510.6
5WR61DeVante Parkerat CLE43.02.520.256.6
6WR62Khalil Shakirat KC54.0-2.528.256.9
6WR63Darius Slaytonvs BAL45.56.019.758.0
6WR64Mecole Hardmanvs BUF54.02.525.756.5
6WR65Ben Skowronekvs CAR41.5-10.025.757.2
6WR66Olamide Zaccheausvs SF44.55.519.508.7
6WR67Richie James Jr.vs BAL45.56.019.756.5
6WR68Jauan Jenningsat ATL44.5-5.525.004.8
6WR69A.J. Greenat SEA50.5-2.526.503.7
6WR70Nelson Agholorat CLE43.02.520.257.7
6WR71Parris Campbellvs JAC42.0-2.022.004.4
6WR72Wan'Dale Robinsonvs BAL45.56.019.751.5
6WR74K.J. Hamlerat LAC45.54.520.502.1
6WR83Tre'Quan Smithvs CIN43.03.020.006.4
6WR75Equanimeous St. Brownvs WAS38.0-1.019.505.5
6WR76Demarcus Robinsonat NYG45.5-6.025.753.4
6WR73DeAndre Cartervs DEN45.5-4.525.006.8
7WR77Skyy Moorevs BUF54.02.525.752.1
7WR78Kendrick Bourneat CLE43.02.520.255.1
7WR79David Sills Vvs BAL45.56.019.753.9
7WR80Quez Watkinsvs DAL42.0-6.524.254.0
7WR81Braxton Berriosat GB45.07.518.755.0
7WR82Dyami Brownat CHI38.01.018.508.7
7WR84Cedrick Wilson Jr.vs MIN45.53.521.002.9
7WR85Tyquan Thorntonat CLE43.02.520.252.7
7WR86David Bellvs NE43.0-2.522.752.6
7WR87Trent Sherfieldvs MIN45.53.521.003.4
7WR88Shi Smithat LAR41.510.015.753.7
7WR89Jamal Agnewat IND42.02.020.005.3
7WR90Greg Dortchat SEA50.5-2.526.509.5
7WR91KhaDarel Hodgevs SF44.55.519.505.7
7WR92Velus Jones Jr.vs WAS38.0-1.019.503.0
7WR93Dante Pettisvs WAS38.0-1.019.502.4
7WR94Dee Eskridgevs ARI50.52.524.001.3
7WR95Justin Watsonvs BUF54.02.525.753.0
7WR96Scotty Millerat PIT46.0-9.527.755.4
7WR97Cam Simsat CHI38.01.018.500.6
7WR98Marcus Johnsonvs BAL45.56.019.756.5
7WR100Mike Thomasat NO43.0-3.023.003.9

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.

PlayerWeekRoutesTPRRTargetsADOTAir YardsEZ Tgts3rd/4th Down TargetsPA TargetsPPRPPR Rank
Marquise Brown295%20%23%10.139%0%50%20%12.836
395%29%31%8.041%0%50%6%28.03
493%27%32%11.450%100%50%11%20.811
598%23%26%9.134%0%11%60%21.89
YTD95%23%26%10.442%30%40%21%19.55


 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.

PlayerWeekRoutesTPRRTargetsADOTAir YardsEZ Tgts3rd/4th Down TargetsPA TargetsPPR
Gabriel Davis20%0%0%0.00%0%0%0%0.0
396%9%11%11.020%33%7%17%6.7
498%7%9%8.311%0%0%0%2.3
585%18%18%28.036%25%25%33%32.1
YTD77%11%11%17.122%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

TierPos RnkPlayerOppTotalSpreadImplied PointsPPG
1TE1Travis Kelcevs BUF54.02.525.822.4
1TE2Mark Andrewsat NYG45.5-6.025.818.2
2TE3Dallas Goedertvs DAL42.0-6.524.312.7
2TE4Zach Ertzat SEA50.5-2.526.513.0
2TE5Tyler Higbeevs CAR41.5-10.025.812.4
2TE6George Kittleat ATL44.5-5.525.06.3
2TE7David Njokuvs NE43.0-2.522.811.3
2TE8Kyle Pittsvs SF44.55.519.56.3
2TE9Gerald Everettvs DEN45.5-4.525.010.1
3TE10Dawson Knoxat KC54.0-2.528.35.8
3TE12Taysom Hillvs CIN43.03.020.014.7
3TE11Hayden Hurstat NO43.0-3.023.09.5
3TE13Evan Engramat IND42.02.020.07.6
3TE14Cameron Brateat PIT46.0-9.527.85.3
4TE15Irv Smith Jr.at MIA45.5-3.524.56.7
4TE16Robert Tonyanvs NYJ45.0-7.526.37.2
4TE17Tyler Conklinat GB45.07.518.89.2
4TE18Dalton Schultzat PHI42.06.517.83.8
5TE19Hunter Henryat CLE43.02.520.33.7
5TE20Will Disslyvs ARI50.52.524.09.1
5TE21Cole Kmetvs WAS38.0-1.019.53.8
5TE22Zach Gentryvs TB46.09.518.35.5
5TE23Noah Fantvs ARI50.52.524.05.9
5TE24Mo Alie-Coxvs JAC42.0-2.022.07.3
5TE25Daniel Bellingervs BAL45.56.019.88.1
5TE26Mike Gesickivs MIN45.53.521.05.0
5TE27Juwan Johnsonvs CIN43.03.020.04.6
6TE28Isaiah Likelyat NYG45.5-6.025.83.2
6TE29Harrison Bryantvs NE43.0-2.522.84.3
6TE30Cade Ottonat PIT46.0-9.527.84.4
6TE31John Batesat CHI38.01.018.53.3
6TE32Adam Trautmanvs CIN43.03.020.06.6
6TE33Albert Okwuegbunamat LAC45.54.520.53.0
6TE34Noah Grayvs BUF54.02.525.83.3
6TE35Tommy Trembleat LAR41.510.015.82.3
6TE36Eric Saubertat LAC45.54.520.54.3
6TE37Kylen Gransonvs JAC42.0-2.022.04.8
6TE38Greg Dulcichat LAC45.54.520.50.0

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.

PlayerWeekRoutesTPRRTargetsADOTAir YardsEZ Tgts3rd/4th Down TargetsPA TargetsPPR
Tyler Higbee284%29%26%7.023%33%0%22%14.1
385%17%16%-0.30%0%29%50%10.1
484%30%32%3.821%25%30%36%17.3
576%27%24%3.611%0%20%10%11.6
YTD84%25%25%3.814%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