There are three things I like smashed: Bros, burgers and my fantasy football starts of the week. Last week, we highlighted Justin Fields (QB6), Rachaad White (RB7), David Montgomery (RB9), Alvin Kamara (RB28) and Michael Pittman Jr. (WR21). Overall, it was a good week for the selections, but we are still chasing the elusive five-for-five smash burger.
Every week, I select players who are primed for big games. These players are a combination of various positions and rankings heading into the week. We have a big week of matchups ahead, and with a few teams on bye, fantasy start sit decisions are all the more important. My name is Ellis Johnson, and this is your Week 6 Smash Starts.
- Waiver Wire Picks
- Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Fantasy Football Smash Starts: Week 6
Jake Ferguson (TE – DAL)
Jake Ferguson has four straight weeks finishing as a top-five tight end. That’s incredible consistency. What’s arguably more impressive is his usage. He leads the position in targets and has 12 more receptions than the next tight end. As long as CeeDee Lamb is missing time, this target share should maintain its elite levels. Even when Lamb returns, it’ll be hard for Ferguson not to be involved each week.
This week, Ferguson has one of the best matchups possible. The Panthers are allowing the most yards per game to opposing tight ends (80.2) and the second-most fantasy points. Thankfully, the Panthers’ offense has also started clicking, as they are coming off a comeback win against the Dolphins. Both of these teams have yet to find their defense and could easily make this a track meet. Ferguson is primed for another massive week in a matchup that can be exploited.
Rico Dowdle (RB – CAR)
Rico Dowdle is the 10th back since 2017 to have a 200-yard rushing game. The list includes Todd Gurley, Jonathan Taylor, De’Von Achane, Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Dalvin Cook, Josh Jacobs, Leonard Fournette and, of course, Isaiah Crowell. That is one heck of a list to be a part of. In Chuba Hubbard‘s absence, Dowdle dominated the Dolphins for 234 total yards and a score. This week, he has a massive revenge opportunity against the team that let him walk to sign Javonte Williams. Although this move is looking good for both parties, Dowdle will want to make a statement.
Thankfully, the Cowboys’ defense is not a tough one to go against. Dallas is allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to the running back position and the most receiving yards to opposing backs. With Hubbard trending in the wrong direction, Dowdle is in line for another huge opportunity. With rookie Trevor Etienne as the only other back on the Panthers’ roster, the entirety of the receiving work should be funnelled to Dowdle. Add that to his rushing upside, and I have him ranked as a top-eight play at the position this week.
Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV)
The last time Jeanty made an appearance in this article, he popped for 155 yards and three scores. It’s hard to top that production, but he is primed for another big-time performance this week. After starting the season losing passing work to Dylan Laube and averaging negative yards before contact, the last two weeks have been very positive for the budding star.
Most notably, last week he led the team with seven targets. With Brock Bowers dealing with a bone bruise, there should be steady targets for the running back each week. Jeanty also paired this with a respectable 107 yards from scrimmage in Week 5. That game against the Colts was a blowout, and Jeanty should have plenty of opportunity in a competitive game script this week.
The Titans are probably the worst team in the league. Although that is debatable, it’s factual that they are allowing the second-most fantasy points to the running back position. This isn’t surprising considering 58.8% of touchdowns against them have been on the ground (second-most in the league). They also allow the most rushing yards (122.6) and rushing touchdowns (1.6) per game, specifically to opposing running backs. Start Jeanty as an elite option this week and hope he springs off another iconic long touchdown run.
Puka Nacua (WR – LAR) and Davante Adams (WR – LAR)
It’s likely unfair to have Puka Nacua as part of this article since he has been the best receiver in fantasy all season. However, it didn’t feel right to only highlight Davanta Adams when this matchup is perfect for both of them. Despite playing for the same team, Nacua and Adams are one and two in expected fantasy points at the wide receiver position over the last month. When you have a gunslinger in Matthew Stafford and a mad scientist in Sean McVay, why wouldn’t you capitalize on having two superstar wideouts?
It’s wild to think of the Ravens as a matchup you want to target for fantasy. After a decade of strong defensive play, this team has so many holes, Flex Seal wouldn’t even stand a chance. The Ravens are allowing the second-most passing yards per game and the most passing touchdowns (2.6) per game. The Ravens desperately need to try and keep this game competitive. Maybe John Harbaugh has some magic up his sleeve, but there is nothing to indicate the Rams won’t be able to sling the ball around the yard for 60 minutes. Nacua is the top wideout this week, and I also have Adams as a top-10 option.
Michael Penix Jr. (QB – ATL)
I’ll be honest, I’m straying from my usual recipe for selecting players with this one. I’m hoping the thought process comes up more Gordon Ramsay than an idiot in a sandwich, but only time will tell. I really like the Falcons this week. Coming off their bye week, they take on the Bills, who were just upset in primetime by their division rivals. This is a home game for the Falcons and an opportunity to put the league on notice.
The Falcons have taken a massive step forward in their rebuild this season, with Michael Penix Jr. looking like a promising quarterback who can deliver in clutch moments. They also have Bijan Robinson, who is looking like the second coming of Saquon Barkley, and Drake London, who regained his footing as a top NFL wideout.
On the other side of the ball, their defense has quietly been very good. In fact, the Falcons are allowing the fewest yards per game to opposing teams. More specifically, they are allowing the fewest passing yards per game (135). Unfortunately, the team allowing the second-fewest passing yards per game is the Bills (154).
Despite this being a duel of strong defenses, we know the Bills will be able to score points. As a result, Penix will be forced to lead methodical drives that lead to points if the Falcons want to win this game. With Robinson, Kyle Pitts and London to lean on, I like the Falcons’ chances to win this game. For fantasy, I think Penix will be a top-15 play. Considering he is currently ranked as the QB22 in FantasyPros’ expert consensus rankings (ECR), Penix is a smash start.
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