Fantasy

10/10/23

22 min read

2023 NFL Week 6 Fantasy Football Rankings

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These are the 2023 Week 6 fantasy rankings for points per reception (PPR) and half-PPR leagues. There are 30 ranked quarterbacks, 51 ranked running backs, 67 ranked wide receivers and 23 ranked tight ends.

Note: There are two teams on a Week 6 bye: Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers.

On Thursday, rankings from Matthew Hill and Kev Wheeler will be added in, and positional rankings will then be ordered by averaging the rankings from the three of us.

There also are the top-12 defense rankings from Ryan Reynolds.

For each player, you can view their ranking, matchup and implied team total according to Las Vegas sportsbooks. For example, the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers have a Vegas game total of 50.5, with the Cowboys favored by two points (26.25 points implied for the Cowboys, 24.25 points implied for the Chargers). Seeing the implied point totals can help you understand which games are projected to be high-scoring and filled with fantasy points.

Meanwhile, xPPR (expected PPR points) looks strictly at usage rather than a player’s ability. Think of this as each player’s average expected fantasy points per game based on the type of touches they are getting.

The Proj. column in the table (projected fantasy points, added on Wednesday) is courtesy of our data scientist, Ben Wolby. His projections won’t fully align with my fantasy rankings, but it’s another good piece of the puzzle to consider.

Detailed player write-ups appear below each set of positional rankings for additional context, and will be updated throughout the week as injuries and other news come out.

Be sure to check out our Week 6 Waiver Wire article here.

Join our FREE Discord for help each week with start-sits, trades, and general fantasy advice. We’ll also drop player prop bets and DFS strategy in there throughout the season.

Week 6 Fantasy Rankings

Top 30 Quarterbacks

Rank Player Average Larky Rank Hill Rank Wheeler Rank Team Opp Team Total xPPR Proj
1 Josh Allen 1 1 1 1 BUF NYG 29.25 17.8 25.5
2 Patrick Mahomes 2 2 2 2 KC DEN 29.75 19.1 24
3 Jalen Hurts 4 4 3 5 PHI NYJ 24.25 24.4 20.5
4 Justin Fields 4.7 5 5 4 CHI MIN 21.5 20 20.3
5 Lamar Jackson 4.7 7 4 3 BAL TEN 21.75 18 19.9
6 Tua Tagovailoa 5 3 6 6 MIA CAR 31 17.4 23.4
7 Justin Herbert 7.3 8 7 7 LAC DAL 23.5 21 20.6
8 Trevor Lawrence 9 10 8 9 JAX IND 25.25 17.2 19.8
9 Matthew Stafford 9.3 6 11 11 LA ARI 27.25 16.8 19.2
10 Joe Burrow 9.3 9 9 10 CIN SEA 24.5 14.1 18
11 Kirk Cousins 9.7 11 10 8 MIN CHI 24 18 17.8
12 Geno Smith 12.7 12 13 13 SEA CIN 22 14.4 15.8
13 Jared Goff 13.7 17 12 12 DET TB 23.5 15.3 16.5
14 Brock Purdy 15 13 17 15 SF CLE 22 15.8 15.5
15 Dak Prescott 15.3 15 14 17 DAL LAC 26 15.5 18.1
16 Russell Wilson 16.3 20 15 14 DEN KC 19.25 18 16.2
17 C.J. Stroud 16.7 18 16 16 HOU NO 20 17.1 -
18 Sam Howell 17.3 16 18 18 WAS ATL 19.75 16.7 14.2
19 Gardner Minshew 18.3 14 20 21 IND JAX 21.25 8.3 14.1
20 Joshua Dobbs 19.7 19 21 19 ARI LA 20.75 16 14.7
21 Baker Mayfield 20.7 23 19 20 TB DET 20 19.2 14.7
22 Derek Carr 21.7 21 22 22 NO HOU 21.5 14.1 13.7
23 Bryce Young 23.3 24 23 23 CAR MIA 17.5 13.5 13.7
24 Desmond Ridder 24 22 25 25 ATL WAS 22.25 15.1 15.1
25 Jimmy Garoppolo 24.3 25 24 24 LV NE 22.5 15.6 15
26 Ryan Tannehill 27 26 27 28 TEN BAL 18.25 14.9 10.9
27 Tyrod Taylor 27.3 27 26 29 NYG BUF 15.25 2.2 -
28 Mac Jones 27.7 28 29 26 NE LV 20 12.3 15.1
29 Zach Wilson 28 29 28 27 NYJ PHI 17.75 13.4 11.7
30 P.J. Walker 30 30 - - CLE SF 17 - -

Justin Fields, Chicago Bears

After fewer than 18 fantasy points in his first three games, the Chicago Bears are letting Justin Fields have more freedom in the passing game. He’s topped 30 fantasy points the past two games, and the offensive line has afforded him solid protection, too. He has the potential for another huge outing against a beaten down Vikings team in Week 6.

Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford is the premier streaming option this week. He’s pacing for more than 4,900 passing yards but only 17 touchdowns through five weeks. Cooper Kupp’s Week 5 return to the Los Angeles Rams lineup didn’t result in a great Stafford stat line, but the Eagles defense is mostly to blame there. Stafford faces a Cardinals team that has given up at least 34 points in back-to-back weeks, and Kupp and Puka Nacua are a strong receiving duo. 

Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers

Brock Purdy has averaged 254 passing yards per game while tossing nine touchdowns (zero picks). His 123 quarterback rating would be the highest in NFL history if he continues this pace. After the San Francisco 49ers shredded the Cowboys, no matchup should be of particular concern for Purdy. This 49ers offense is too talented and should keep overpowering opponents.

Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Richardson will miss four to six weeks due to  a Grade 3 AC joint sprain, so Gardner Minshew will run the Indianapolis Colts offense this month. Minshew should operate a pass-heavier attack than Richardson, but offers far less with his legs. Fantasy managers can stream Richardson most weeks but isn’t a top-12 weekly option like Richardson was.

Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott’s fantasy season for the Dallas Cowboys has been disappointing, if not alarming. He’s averaging fewer than 13 fantasy points per game, along with a career-low 6.6 yards per pass attempt. However, he faces a Chargers defense that allows 21.7 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks — fourth-highest in the NFL. With a game total of more than 50 points, you can stream Prescott if you’re in a pinch. 

 Sam Howell, Washington Commanders

Sam Howell had a great fantasy day in Week 5 for the Washington Commanders, throwing for 388 yards and two touchdowns. However, he’s taken at least four sacks in every game and is pacing for 99 sacks taken — the NFL record is 76. He’s a health risk, and there’s still potential Washington benches him at some point for Jacoby Brissett.

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

Jared Goff has been one of the most accurate and consistent quarterbacks when not under pressure throughout his career and faces a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that has blitzed almost 40 percent of the time but have managed a below average 22.4 percent pressure rate this season. Their Cover-3 shell and modest pressure rates should allow Goff to pick apart the middle of the field through Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta.

Top 51 Running Backs

Rank Player Average Larky Rank Hill Rank Wheeler Rank Team Opp Team Total xPPR Proj
1 Christian McCaffrey 1.7 1 1 3 SF CLE 22.00 23 20.5
2 Tony Pollard 3.3 3 5 2 DAL LAC 26.00 17.5 17.9
3 Travis Etienne 3.7 4 3 4 JAX IND 25.25 16.5 16.5
4 Bijan Robinson 3.7 2 4 5 ATL WAS 22.25 14.2 19.6
5 Austin Ekeler 4.3 5 2 6 LAC DAL 23.50 23 13.9
6 Raheem Mostert 6.3 9 9 1 MIA CAR 31.00 16.6 15
7 Kenneth Walker 7.7 7 7 9 SEA CIN 22.00 16.2 -
8 David Montgomery 8.7 8 6 12 DET TB 23.50 20.3 15.7
9 Alvin Kamara 9.7 6 10 13 NO HOU 21.50 22.4 17.3
10 Josh Jacobs 10.3 15 8 8 LV NE 22.50 19.2 14.6
11 Kyren Williams 10.7 14 11 7 LA ARI 27.25 18 16.1
12 Isiah Pacheco 11 11 12 10 KC DEN 29.75 13.7 14
13 Derrick Henry 13.3 16 13 11 TEN BAL 18.25 13.2 14.3
14 Joe Mixon 13.7 12 15 14 CIN SEA 24.50 13.8 13.8
15 D'Andre Swift 14.3 13 14 16 PHI NYJ 24.25 15 15.1
16 James Cook 14.7 10 17 17 BUF NYG 29.25 11.9 15.6
17 Breece Hall 16.3 18 16 15 NYJ PHI 17.75 9.6 14.2
18 Jonathan Taylor 19 17 22 18 IND JAX 21.25 4.3 13.1
19 Alexander Mattison 19.7 22 18 19 MIN CHI 24.00 14.8 11.7
20 Brian Robinson 21 19 23 21 WAS ATL 19.75 11.7 -
21 Rachaad White 22.7 21 25 22 TB DET 20.00 14.2 13.9
22 Rhamondre Stevenson 22.7 24 24 20 NE LV 20.00 11.4 13.7
23 Saquon Barkley 22.7 20 19 29 NYG BUF 15.25 17.8 15.8
24 Chuba Hubbard 23 23 20 26 CAR MIA 17.50 7.5 7.7
25 D'Onta Foreman 24.3 27 21 25 CHI MIN 21.50 6.4 -
26 Dameon Pierce 25 25 27 23 HOU NO 20.00 13 11.9
27 Zack Moss 27.3 29 29 24 IND JAX 21.25 18.9 9.5
28 Jerome Ford 28 26 28 30 CLE SF 17.00 11.7 10.3
29 Javonte Williams 30.7 30 26 36 DEN KC 19.25 9.7 9
30 Jaleel McLaughlin 31 28 30 35 DEN KC 19.25 5.8 6.7
31 Emari Demercado 31 31 31 31 ARI LA 20.75 4.7 9.8
32 Justice Hill 32.3 35 34 28 BAL TEN 21.75 8.1 8.3
33 Gus Edwards 32.7 38 33 27 BAL TEN 21.75 7 7.3
34 Tyler Allgeier 32.7 34 32 32 ATL WAS 22.25 10.4 11.6
35 Tyjae Spears 33.7 33 35 33 TEN BAL 18.25 7.9 8.4
36 Zach Charbonnet 37.7 40 39 34 SEA CIN 22.00 6.2 7.3
37 Antonio Gibson 38.7 32 44 40 WAS ATL 19.75 5.7 7
38 Ezekiel Elliott 38.7 36 36 44 NE LV 20.00 7 9.3
39 Jerick McKinnon 39.3 37 43 38 KC DEN 29.75 4.9 6.9
40 Cam Akers 40.7 44 41 37 MIN CHI 24.00 7.2 9.5
41 Latavius Murray 41.7 39 40 46 BUF NYG 29.25 5.5 -
42 Samaje Perine 42 47 38 41 DEN KC 19.25 7.2 7.8
43 Kenneth Gainwell 45 48 42 45 PHI NYJ 24.25 8.9 7.9
44 Keaontay Ingram 47.3 42 37 63 ARI LA 20.75 1.9 -
45 Joshua Kelley 48.3 46 51 48 LAC DAL 23.50 10.4 -
46 Devin Singletary 49 49 48 50 HOU NO 20.00 4.2 -
47 Elijah Mitchell 50 50 - - SF CLE 22.00 6.5 -
48 Kareem Hunt 51.3 41 55 58 CLE SF 17.00 4.1 7
49 Ronnie Rivers 55 43 60 62 LA ARI 27.25 3.1 -
50 Jordan Mason 56 51 57 60 SF CLE 22.00 3.5 -
51 Darrynton Evans 74.3 45 94 84 CHI MIN 21.50 - -

Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers

Christian McCaffrey gets a difficult on-paper matchup against the stout Cleveland Browns, a defense allowing just 3.2 yards per carry and two rushing scores to opposing backfields this season. Even so, the 49ers present a matchup unlike what the Browns have seen to this point in the season after playing a broken Bengals team in Week 1, the Steelers in Week 2, the Titans in Week 3, and the Ravens in Week 4. The quarterback situation in Cleveland allowed the Ravens to see continuous short fields and increased scoring chances, which eventually broke through their defense. Expect more of the same in Week 6 with McCaffrey riding a 13-game touchdown streak.

Miami Dolphins Backfield

De’Von Achane suffered a knee injury that should keep him out for multiple weeks. Raheem Mostert will split reps with Jeff Wilson, who is returning from injured reserve. Last season, Mostert and Wilson each averaged nearly 11 PPR points per game, with Wilson getting the slight edge in any games they overlapped. The Miami Dolphins offense is historic, so both Mostert and Wilson have high-end fantasy RB2 upside while Achane is out. Most likely, it’s a slightly frustrating hot-hand approach, where the initial drive of each game lets you know which runner will flirt with 20 touches that week. The Week 6 expectation based on these rankings is that Mostert is the lead back, with Wilson easing in.

Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne is handling nearly all of the Jacksonville Jaguars backfield touches, and he has increased his pass-game role from last season. He’s one of only a handful of backs who get around 20 touches most weeks, with some pass game involvement. Etienne handled three of the four red zone carries last week, so his two touchdowns weren’t entirely unpredictable in Week 5.

David Montgomery, Detroit Lions

David Montgomery has at least 17 touches in every game this year for the Detroit Lions, and his 20.7 fantasy points per game are nearly identical to my expected fantasy points model. He has an outrageous workload near the goal line and is an every week mid-range fantasy RB1 type.

Indianapolis Colts Backfield

Jonathan Taylor was eased in last week, as Zack Moss handled 23 carries to Taylor’s six. Moss’ success provides optimism for Taylor, who is the far better running back. Expect Taylor to lead the Indianapolis Colts in carries in his second game of 2023.

Breece Hall, New York Jets

Breece Hall handled 22 of 29 carries and chipped in three receptions for the New York Jets against the Broncos. As expected based on coach speak, it was his backfield in Week 5, and should remain that way going forward. QB Zach Wilson will unfortunately limit the touchdown opportunities, but Hall should have a top-10 (if not top-5) role going forward.

Atlanta Falcons Backfield

Tyler Allgeier out-carried Bijan Robinson 17-14 in Week 5, but Robinson out-snapped him 46-31 for the Atlanta Falcons. Robinson also led in routes run, 22-9. There shouldn’t be any concern for Robinson’s fantasy managers going forward.

Chicago Bears Backfield

Khalil Herbert has a high ankle sprain, and Travis Homer has a hamstring injury. Roschon Johnson is in the league’s concussion protocol, but there’s optimism he won’t miss time, given the injury happened during the Chicago Bears' victory last Thursday night — he’ll have 10 days to recover. Johnson likely gets 8-12 carries, along with 3-6 targets, while veteran D’Onta Foreman should handle 10-15 carries per game. It’s unclear how red zone or goal-line work will be distributed.

Minnesota Vikings Backfield

Alexander Mattison handled eight carries to Cam Akers’ five last week. Mattison barely led in targets, three to two. The Minnesota Vikings may lean more heavily on their run game during WR Justin Jefferson’s injury absence, but Mattison is at risk of this becoming a full-blown committee. The Week 6 matchup with the Bears is a strong one, but Mattison may not receive more than 12 efficient touches.

Denver Broncos Backfield

Jaleel McLaughlin’s Week 4 and Week 5 rushing yardage are the two highest single-game marks by a Denver Broncos back this season. All five weeks, Samaje Perine has led this group in routes run. Javonte Williams looks like someone who should remain on fantasy benches because he’s not the best runner or pass-catcher in this backfield.

Carolina Panthers Backfield

The first three weeks, Miles Sanders averaged 14 carries and nearly seven targets per game, while Chuba Hubbard received just four carries and three targets per game for the Carolina Panthers. The past two weeks, Hubbard has averaged 11.5 carries and two targets per game, while Sanders has hovered at 10 carries and two targets per game. Neither running back should be confidently started in fantasy because we are looking at a 1A/1B committee on one of the NFL’s worst scoring offenses.

Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans

In Week 5, Dameon Pierce handled all 20 running back carries, along with one of two targets. A big game should happen soon for him given his workload and the improving health of the Houston Texans offensive line.

Arizona Cardinals Backfield

James Conner has a multi-week knee injury. In his absence, expect 2023 undrafted free agent Emari Demercado and 2022 sixth-round pick Keaontay Ingram to split work for the Arizona Cardinals. Both backs have size and above average speed. Since we have limited info on both at the NFL level, we can look at their prospect profiles. Demercado should be the superior runner, and likely handles more of the early down work. Ingram had three college seasons with at least 22 receptions and should be the preferred pass-catching option. It’s unclear which back will receive the goal-line carries, given their similar sizes. Ultimately, the appeal with Conner in fantasy was pure volume, and neither of these backs projects to get the vast majority of the pie. Demercado and Ingram are in the RB3/flex conversation until we gain more clarity on the situation.

New England Patriots Backfield

The New England Patriots have a 50-50 committee with Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott splitting work nearly down the middle. Stevenson cannot be started in fantasy until he separates himself again from Elliott.

Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams

Kyren Williams has scored multiple touchdowns in three of five games overall and three of four where he operated as the unquestioned lead back. He now gets a matchup against a Arizona Cardinals defense that has already allowed seven rushing scores through five weeks and has struggled to contain pass-catching backs. Wheels up on Williams in Week 6.

Top 67 Wide Receivers

Rank Player Average Larky Rank Hill Rank Wheeler Rank Team Opp Team Total xPPR Proj
1 Tyreek Hill 1 1 1 1 MIA CAR 31.00 17.8 27
2 Ja'Marr Chase 2 2 2 2 CIN SEA 24.50 19 19.9
3 Stefon Diggs 3 3 3 3 BUF NYG 29.25 16.9 23
4 Cooper Kupp 4 4 4 4 LA ARI 27.25 19.2 19.9
5 Keenan Allen 6 5 6 7 LAC DAL 23.50 17.5 22.1
6 Davante Adams 6.3 9 5 5 LV NE 22.50 17.8 18
7 Amon-Ra St. Brown 7.3 6 7 9 DET TB 23.50 14 20.3
8 A.J. Brown 9.3 14 8 6 PHI NYJ 24.25 17.4 17.6
9 Puka Nacua 9.7 8 11 10 LA ARI 27.25 18.1 16.9
10 CeeDee Lamb 10 13 9 8 DAL LAC 26.00 11.6 17.1
11 DJ Moore 10.3 10 10 11 CHI MIN 21.50 13.8 16.6
12 Calvin Ridley 12 7 14 15 JAX IND 25.25 13.2 13.2
13 Jaylen Waddle 12.3 11 13 13 MIA CAR 31.00 10.7 16.3
14 Brandon Aiyuk 13.7 17 12 12 SF CLE 22.00 13.4 14.3
15 Chris Olave 14.3 12 17 14 NO HOU 21.50 14.9 14.8
16 Michael Pittman 16 16 16 16 IND JAX 21.25 14.2 -
17 DK Metcalf 17 19 15 17 SEA CIN 22.00 11.3 15
18 Marquise Brown 20.7 15 23 24 ARI LA 20.75 13.4 16.6
19 DeVonta Smith 21 25 20 18 PHI NYJ 24.25 11.9 12
20 Adam Thielen 21 22 19 22 CAR MIA 17.50 15.3 13.4
21 Deebo Samuel 22.3 27 21 19 SF CLE 22.00 13 13.7
22 Jordan Addison 22.3 20 24 23 MIN CHI 24.00 11.2 15.5
23 Zay Flowers 23.7 21 25 25 BAL TEN 21.75 12.9 11.3
24 Christian Kirk 25.7 34 22 21 JAX IND 25.25 12.2 14.3
25 Nico Collins 25.7 30 18 29 HOU NO 20.00 11.3 14.5
26 Mike Evans 26 26 26 26 TB DET 20.00 13.9 17.6
27 Chris Godwin 26.3 31 28 20 TB DET 20.00 13.6 14.1
28 DeAndre Hopkins 26.7 18 32 30 TEN BAL 18.25 14.1 13.1
29 Jakobi Meyers 28 23 33 28 LV NE 22.50 16.4 13.8
30 Amari Cooper 29.7 35 27 27 CLE SF 17.00 13 12.3
31 Tyler Lockett 31.3 28 34 32 SEA CIN 22.00 12.7 12.9
32 Jerry Jeudy 32 29 36 31 DEN KC 19.25 10 10.4
33 Tee Higgins 33.3 24 29 47 CIN SEA 24.50 13.8 -
34 Gabe Davis 33.7 32 35 34 BUF NYG 29.25 11.1 12.4
35 Garrett Wilson 34 38 31 33 NYJ PHI 17.75 13.9 13.4
36 Terry McLaurin 34 37 30 35 WAS ATL 19.75 9.8 10.2
37 Michael Thomas 37.7 36 39 38 NO HOU 21.50 13 8.9
38 Joshua Palmer 38.3 33 42 40 LAC DAL 23.50 8.5 -
39 Drake London 40.3 48 37 36 ATL WAS 22.25 11.4 11.3
40 K.J. Osborn 41 40 38 45 MIN CHI 24.00 9.6 13
41 Rashee Rice 41.7 41 41 43 KC DEN 29.75 8.5 7.6
42 Josh Downs 42.3 42 43 42 IND JAX 21.25 9.9 14.2
43 Courtland Sutton 42.3 45 45 37 DEN KC 19.25 11.2 13.3
44 Tutu Atwell 43 44 46 39 LA ARI 27.25 13.5 8.9
45 Josh Reynolds 43 39 40 50 DET TB 23.50 9.1 9.7
46 Elijah Moore 45 43 48 44 CLE SF 17.00 11.3 10.7
47 Tyler Boyd 46 50 47 41 CIN SEA 24.50 9.8 13.7
48 Jahan Dotson 47 49 44 48 WAS ATL 19.75 9.4 8
49 Robert Woods 48.7 46 51 49 TEN BAL 18.25 13 11.7
50 Curtis Samuel 51 52 50 51 WAS ATL 19.75 10.7 8
51 Wan'Dale Robinson 51.3 47 54 53 NYG BUF 15.25 8.3 8.5
52 DJ Chark 54.7 54 53 57 CAR MIA 17.50 8.6 6.2
53 Quentin Johnston 55.3 51 59 56 LAC DAL 23.50 5.3 10.5
54 Jaxon Smith-Njigba 55.7 56 57 54 SEA CIN 22.00 7.3 8.4
55 Michael Wilson 56.7 66 52 52 ARI LA 20.75 6.6 9.8
56 Rashid Shaheed 57 61 55 55 NO HOU 21.50 8.5 8.4
57 Kendrick Bourne 57.3 63 49 60 NE LV 20.00 10.9 11.8
58 Marvin Mims 57.7 62 65 46 DEN KC 19.25 7.1 -
59 Michael Gallup 59.3 59 60 59 DAL LAC 26.00 7 7.5
60 Brandin Cooks 60.3 65 58 58 DAL LAC 26.00 7.6 -
61 Darnell Mooney 61.3 55 64 65 CHI MIN 21.50 5.9 7.4
62 Jonathan Mingo 64 64 61 67 CAR MIA 17.50 10.4 7.8
63 Nelson Agholor 67.3 53 74 75 BAL TEN 21.75 6.7 -
64 Kalif Raymond 67.7 58 72 73 DET TB 23.50 5.4 -
65 Trenton Irwin 70 60 71 79 CIN SEA 24.50 4.9 -
66 Jameson Williams 70.3 67 70 74 DET TB 23.50 3.6 -
67 Odell Beckham Jr. 74 57 81 84 BAL TEN 21.75 6.7 -

 Justin Jefferson Injury Fallout

With Justin Jefferson heading to injured reserve (minimum four games missed), expect larger Minnesota Vikings pass game roles for veteran K.J. Osborn and rookie Jordan Addison. Looking at targets per route run, TE T.J. Hockenson has been targeted on 22 percent of his routes, while Addison and Osborn sit at 17 and 13 percent, respectively. Addison should be a top-24 fantasy option until Jefferson returns, while Osborn should garner flex consideration each week, with a slightly elevated ranking in easier matchups. Hockenson remains the second-best tight end in fantasy behind only Travis Kelce, though he could temporarily usurp him while Jefferson is out — depending on his usage spike.

 Los Angeles Rams Receivers

In Cooper Kupp’s return, he led the team with 12 targets, catching eight for 118 yards. Puka Nacua chipped in seven catches (on 11 targets) for 71 yards and a score. Tutu Atwell only had five targets. This is the likely Los Angeles Rams hierarchy rest of season, where shades of the 2021-2022 Bengals are at play. Think of Kupp and Nacua like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, while Atwell is more like Tyler Boyd for fantasy purposes.

DJ Moore, Chicago Bears

DJ Moore is averaging 22 fantasy points per game, though my usage model believes he should only have 13.5 points per game. 22 points per game is unsustainable, but the way the Chicago Bears are using Moore should result in him continuing to outperform his peripherals. Moore is dangerous after the catch, and the Bears have done a great job scheming him open in space the past few weeks. He’s a top-15 fantasy option for the rest of the season.

DeAndre Hopkins, Tennessee Titans

DeAndre Hopkins caught eight of 11 targets for 140 yards in Week 5. On the season, he’s averaging 12.3 PPR points. But, his underlying usage by the Tennessee Titans suggests better days are ahead (14.5 xPPR) because he has yet to score a touchdown, despite six red zone (three end zone) targets already.

 CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys

CeeDee Lamb has just four catches in all but one game and has only reached 15 fantasy points in that one outlier game, too. His target share has been below 20 percent in four of five games. Concern is mounting over his role in the Dallas Cowboys offense, and he’s falling in the rankings, despite a great matchup against the leaky Chargers defense.

 Jacksonville Jaguars Receivers

Zay Jones re-injured his knee in Week 5 and should miss multiple weeks. Calvin Ridley is a fantasy WR1, while Christian Kirk will hover around low-end fantasy WR2 status until Jones returns for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

 Marquise Brown, Arizona Cardinals

Marquise Brown has 10 targets in three of his past four games and averages 15 PPR fantasy points per game. QB Kyler Murray should boost those numbers whenever he returns for the Arizona Cardinals. Brown is one of the best buys in all of fantasy, and should continue to produce WR2 type numbers each week with Joshua Dobbs under center.

 Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers

Adam Thielen looks like an every week fantasy WR2. He has at least 15 fantasy points the past four games, averaging 11 targets, nine receptions, 96 yards, and 23 fantasy points per game. The matchup with Miami is one where the Carolina Panthers will need to throw early and often to attempt to keep it reasonably competitive.

 Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers

Joshua Palmer led the team with a 33 percent target share in Week 4, but that only translated into three catches for 77 yards. His 149 air yards in that game were more than 50 percent of Justin Herbert’s total. He should have an explosion game for the Los Angeles Chargers soon if that usage continues. Quentin Johnston has been targeted on a slightly higher percentage of his routes than Palmer, and while Palmer is the preferred fantasy option in October, Johnston has better tools and the higher upside long-term. With rookie receivers, patience is important — remember, Amon-Ra St. Brown didn’t break out until the second half of his rookie season.

 Gabe Davis, Buffalo Bills

Gabe Davis is the only receiver with at least one end zone target in every game this season. The touchdowns will continue to pile in with his current role for the Buffalo Bills.

 Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders

Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson combined for just 10 targets, seven catches and 79 yards in a Week 5 game where Sam Howell threw 51 times for 388 yards. The Washington Commanders have spread the ball around, and on a mediocre passing offense (most weeks), receivers need a very high target share to be fantasy relevant.

 Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs

Rashee Rice only ran 10 routes in Week 5, after averaging 19 per game in the Kansas City Chiefs’ previous two. However, he was still targeted five times last week. He’s reached five targets in four of five games, and faces the Broncos’ league-worst defense. Overall, Rice has been targeted on 36 percent of his routes and has compiled eight end zone targets through five games. He’s a fantasy WR3 type in this Week 6 matchup, where 15-20 routes run should make him fantasy relevant. 

 Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions

It was a rough season debut, as Jameson Williams was targeted three times on 15 routes, catching two for 2 yards (3 total air yards). He dropped his other target. Managers shouldn't start Williams in fantasy until his Detroit Lions role improves.

Nico Collins, Houston Texans

Nico Collins is in the midst of a true breakout season, ranking near the top of the league in receiving yards (467, eighth) and yards after the catch (213, fourth). But that magic would not be possible without first-time offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who has installed one of the more forward-leaning offenses in the league this season. The Houston Texans will be without Tank Dell in Week 6, placing increased emphasis on Collins in a middling matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles

DeVonta Smith hasn’t had the season fantasy managers were hoping for when they drafted him in the second or third round this offseason, but the per-route efficiency metrics are still there for the promising third-year receiver. He ranks in the top 12 in fantasy points per route run and average separation at target against man coverage this season, which indicates a player that continues to win on the field. The targets will come eventually, and a matchup with the zone-heavy Jets could provide that opportunity should they dedicate additional attention to alpha wide receiver A.J. Brown.

Top 23 Tight Ends

Rank Player Average Larky Rank Hill Rank Wheeler Rank Team Opp Team Total xPPR Proj
1 Travis Kelce 1 1 1 1 KC DEN 29.75 15.4 18
2 T.J. Hockenson 2.3 2 2 3 MIN CHI 24.00 11.4 13.7
3 Mark Andrews 2.7 3 3 2 BAL TEN 21.75 11.5 12.5
4 Evan Engram 5 5 5 5 JAX IND 25.25 9.5 10.7
5 Sam LaPorta 5.7 4 4 9 DET TB 23.50 9.4 12.5
6 Darren Waller 7.7 7 8 8 NYG BUF 15.25 9.5 10.1
7 Jake Ferguson 8 9 9 6 DAL LAC 26.00 9 10.2
8 Dallas Goedert 8.7 8 7 11 PHI NYJ 24.25 9.1 9.7
9 George Kittle 8.7 10 6 10 SF CLE 22.00 7.9 10.8
10 Logan Thomas 8.7 12 10 4 WAS ATL 19.75 10.6 7.6
11 Zach Ertz 9.7 6 11 12 ARI LA 20.75 10.4 9.4
12 Cole Kmet 10.7 13 12 7 CHI MIN 21.50 10.9 12.1
13 Kyle Pitts 12.7 11 13 14 ATL WAS 22.25 10.5 10.6
14 Dalton Schultz 15 17 15 13 HOU NO 20.00 9.7 7.1
15 Hunter Henry 15.3 14 14 18 NE LV 20.00 8.4 8.8
16 David Njoku 17.3 20 16 16 CLE SF 17.00 5.9 -
17 Tyler Conklin 18.7 15 22 19 NYJ PHI 17.75 7 8.1
18 Tyler Higbee 19 16 20 21 LA ARI 27.25 8.2 6
19 Gerald Everett 19.7 21 18 20 LAC DAL 23.50 5.2 9.3
20 Chigoziem Okonkwo 20.7 19 19 24 TEN BAL 18.25 6.2 6.1
21 Dawson Knox 21.3 18 23 23 BUF NYG 29.25 6.8 8.5
22 Hayden Hurst 25 23 26 26 CAR MIA 17.50 5.9 -
23 Durham Smythe 25.7 22 27 28 MIA CAR 31.00 5 9

 Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles

After 22 yards per game through four weeks, Dallas Goedert exploded for eight catches, 117 yards and a touchdown in Week 5. He has reached a 20 percent target share in three of five games and looks to have rebounded from a shaky start to the season. The Philadelphia Eagles offense doesn’t appear to be at its full potential either, which helps all of the pass-catchers for the rest of the season.

Darren Waller, New York Giants

Darren Waller set season-highs for New York Giants receivers across the board in Week 5: 11 targets, eight receptions and 86 yards. He will have some frustrating performances in this offense, but fantasy managers should start him each week given that he’s led the team in targets in all but one game.

 Logan Thomas, Washington Commanders

Logan Thomas has averaged more than six targets and four receptions per game, with 46 yards per game for the Washington Commanders. He averages 12 PPR points per game, and my expected fantasy points model pegs him at 10.6, which is the fifth-best among tight ends. He has a great matchup against a Falcons defense that’s struggled to defend the position. Thomas should be scooped off waivers and started in Week 6. He looks like a top-12 option for the rest of the season.

 Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons

Kyle Pitts has the highest average target depth among any tight end. However, he’s catching passes from Desmond Ridder. Until we see week-to-week consistency from Ridder and the Atlanta Falcons offense, Pitts will remain a highly volatile fantasy option because he’s at the mercy of Ridder’s poor accuracy.

 Hunter Henry, New England Patriots

After a hot start, Hunter Henry has been victim to an atrocious New England Patriots offense. Managers can drop him to waivers in most league formats until the Patriots can show any kind of consistency.

T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings

The injury to Justin Jefferson is likely to provide tight end T.J. Hockenson the opportunity to be one of the focal points of the pass offense. It just so happens that the first opportunity to do so comes against a bottom-two pass defense in the Chicago Bears. Volume should be there for Hockenson in Week 6.

Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears

Justin Fields has passed for eight touchdowns over the previous two games. Seven of those scores were thrown to wide receiver D.J. Moore or tight end Cole Kmet. Almost 80 percent of the receiving yardage during that two-game stretch were accounted for by Moore and Kmet. In other words, this Bears pass offense is highly concentrated in its current form, and the matchup against the zone-heavy Minnesota Vikings defense presents a solid opportunity for Kmet to add to his counting stats in Week 6.

Top 12 Defenses

Rank Name Opp Opp Total
1 Bills NYG 15.25
2 Eagles NYJ 17.75
3 Dolphins CAR 17.5
4 49ers CLE 17
5 Chiefs DEN 19.25
6 Falcons WAS 19.75
7 Ravens TEN 18.25
8 Lions TB 20
9 Saints HOU 20
10 Texans NO 21.5
11 Cowboys LAC 23.5
12 Raiders NE 20

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense not only faces Zach Wilson, but they have a trench advantage.

Atlanta Falcons

With the Atlanta Falcons’ defense, we want to bet against Washington’s offensive line.

Baltimore Ravens

There is a considerable reliability drop off after the Baltimore Ravens’ defense this week.

New Orleans Saints and Houston Texans

Both the Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints have had some offensive line issues, which creates volatility on both sides of that matchup.

Dallas Cowboys

In leagues where I have the Dallas Cowboys’ defense, I’m going to look at streaming options. The Chargers have a strong enough offensive line to mitigate the Cowboys pass rush. Kellen Moore is also familiar with his former team.

 Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders’ defense is a very volatile play that’s primarily a bet against New England’s quarterback situation. The Jaguars’ defense vs. Gardner Minshew’s Colts would be the next option.

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Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens See More

Josh Larky

Josh Larky is the Director of Fantasy and Gambling at The 33rd Team.  He joins us with a unique blend of educational and professional experience.

Matthew Hill

Writing and providing draft and in-season rankings since 2014, Matthew Hill was chosen FantasyPro's “Most Accurate Expert” for 2018. In addition to his 2018 first place in-season accuracy finish, Matthew’s draft rankings are among the industry's most accurate, finishing in the top 12 for 2019 to 2021.

Kev Wheeler

Kev Wheeler is a former high school baseball and football coach who has been a fantasy football addict for more than 25 years. As a coach, Wheeler's teams accomplished five county and two regional championships. Wheeler has translated his on-field success to the fantasy football arena.

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