New England Patriots vs. New Orleans Saints
Patriots Players & Weekly Rankings
| Drake Maye | QB | QB1 |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | RB | RB2/3 |
| TreVeyon Henderson | RB | RB3 |
| Stefon Diggs | WR | WR2 |
| DeMario Douglas | WR | WR5 |
| Kayshon Boutte | WR | WR5 |
| Hunter Henry | TE | TE1 |
Saints Players & Weekly Rankings
| Spencer Rattler | QB | QB2 |
| Alvin Kamara | RB | RB2 |
| Kendre Miller | RB | RB3 |
| Chris Olave | WR | WR3 |
| Rashid Shaheed | WR | WR3/4 |
| Brandin Cooks | WR | WR6 |
| Juwan Johnson | TE | TE1 |
| Taysom Hill | TE | TE3 |
Must-Start
These are no-brainer MUST starts.
Strong Starts
Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.
Since Week 4, Stefon Diggs has been awesome. He has had a 67.2% route share, a 39.6% target share, 123.5 receiving yards per game (6.33 yards per route run), and a 44.4% first-read share. He has three red zone targets across his last two games. During this stretch of games, among 110 qualifying wide receivers, Diggs ranks fourth in separation and 15th in route win rate. Diggs should be in your lineups this week. He’s primed to keep the fantasy points train rolling down the tracks this week. New Orleans has allowed the second-most PPR points per target and the tenth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
Hunter Henry has been a wonderful draft value for Fantasy GMs this season as the TE8 in fantasy points per game. He ranks first in deep targets and second in red zone targets among tight ends. Henry has an 18.2% target share, 1.88 yards per route run (50 receiving yards per game), and a 20.6% first-read share. He should destroy the Saints this week, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game and the ninth-most receiving yards to tight ends.
Juwan Johnson has an 18.8% target share, 1.39 yards per route run (44.2 receiving yards per game), and a 23.1% first-read share. This week, he’ll face a Patriots’ pass defense that has the sixth-highest rate of single-high (60.4%). Against single high, Johnson has a 21.4% target share, 1.58 yards per route run, and a 25% first-read share. Last week, with Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau active, Johnson still retained an 81.3% route share as Hill and Moreau combined to only run six routes. Maybe that changes in the weeks to come, but Johnson should still be viewed as the team’s full-time starting tight end. Johnson is a strong TE1 facing a defense that has allowed the second-most receiving yards and the seventh-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.
Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider
Let’s fill out those flex spots.
Spencer Rattler is a bottom-of-the-barrel QB2 weekly. Rattler is the QB27 in fantasy points per game. He has one QB1 performance this season (QB10) and has finished as the QB19 or lower in the other four weeks. He is adding some rushing equity with at least 20 rushing yards in three of five games, but it’s not enough. He has surpassed 6.0 yards per attempt only once and has only one game with multiple passing touchdowns. He has a nice matchup this week, but I don’t know if it really matters at this point. Rattler will likely put up QB2 numbers again this week. New England has allowed the tenth-most passing touchdowns, the 11th-highest yards per attempt, and the fifth-highest CPOE.
Alvin Kamara‘s snap rate has dropped in each of the last four weeks, from 85.1% to 53.2% last week. Last week, he had a season-low 26.7% rushing share while retaining his passing game role with a 59.4% route share and 18.8% target share. His passing game usage has somewhat stabilized with a 17.6-18.8% target share in three of his last four games. Kendre Miller is factoring into this backfield more weekly as Kamara’s early down complement. Last week, Kamara finished with 12 touches and 55 total yards. Kamara’s rushing efficiency has been ok but not amazing with a 4.1% explosive run rate, a 16% missed tackle rate, and 1.81 yards after contact per attempt. Kamara will run into brick walls on early downs, but he could get it done through the air this week. New England has allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game, the sixth-lowest explosive run rate, and the second-fewest yards before contact per attempt. The Patriots have, however, given up the 11th-highest yards per reception and the 12th-most receiving yards to running backs. Kamara picked up an ankle injury this week, per Kellen Moore. He practiced on a limited basis all week and has been listed as questionable.
Let me lead this off with the fact that Christian Gonzalez isn’t shadowing, so that won’t play into how I’m evaluating the Saints’ passing attack for Week 6. Olave is the WR31 in fantasy points per game with four deep targets and six red zone targets (sixth-most among wide receivers). Olave has a 28.7% target share, a 35.3% air-yard share, 1.37 yards per route run (48.8 receiving yards per game), and a 33.8% first-read share. This week, he’ll face a Patriots’ pass defense that has the sixth-highest rate of single-high (60.4%). Against single high, his target share has increased to 32.1% with 1.76 yards per route run and a 34.4% first-read share. Olave is a viable flex this week, facing a secondary that has allowed the fifth-most PPR points per target and the eighth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
Shaheed has a 16.6% target share, 1.75 yards per route run (57.6 receiving yards per game, and a 17.7% first-read share. This week, he’ll face a Patriots’ pass defense that has the sixth-highest rate of single-high (60.4%). Against single high, Shaheed has seen his target share rise with 21.4%, 1.65 yards per route run, and a 21.9% first-read share. Shaheed is a viable flex this week, facing a secondary that has allowed the fifth-most PPR points per target and the eighth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
Concerning Starts & Players to Fade
Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.
Over the last two games, Miller has averaged 11 touches, 57 total yards, and a 35% snap share. He’s been quite good this season as a rusher with a 34% missed tackle rate and 2.42 yards after contact per attempt. Miller has taken on more of the early down load from Kamara. In the right matchup, he’s a strong flex. The Patriots are not that matchup. New England has allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game, the sixth-lowest explosive run rate, and the second-fewest yards before contact per attempt. Sit Miller this week.
Someone line Stevenson’s palms with duct tape, super glue, or chewed bubble gum. SOMETHING to help him hold onto the freaking ball. Stevenson fumbled again last week, which brings the total to three this season through five games. After Antonio Gibson was lost to injury in the first quarter, Stevenson played 47.5% of the snaps (Henderson 65%) with six of the 12 running back carries and a 29.6% route share. Three of those carries came inside the 20-yard line (Henderson had one). Stevenson finished with seven opportunities after the first quarter. The team will continue to work him in without many other options now outside of him and Henderson. It’s crazy with how many times that he has fumbled, that Mike Vrabel hasn’t leaned on his rookie running back more. With Stevenson’s hands being questionable and the matchup not being great, I can’t see playing him this week. New Orleans has allowed the 11th-lowest explosive run rate, the tenth-fewest yards after contact per attempt, and the 14th-fewest yards before contact per attempt.
After Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled AGAIN last week in the first quarter and Antonio Gibson was lost to injury, Henderson played 65% of the snaps with six of the 12 running back carries and a 59.3% route share. He still didn’t get the red zone carries over Stevenson, with only one tote inside the 20-yard line to Stevenson’s three. He finished the game with eight touches and 27 total yards. Henderson hasn’t managed more than 50 total yards in any game this season. His per-touch rushing efficiency remains frightening with zero explosive runs, a 9% missed tackle rate, and 1.91 yards after contact per attempt. With the workload unclear for this backfield and the matchup not great, I’m not looking to flex Henderson this week. New Orleans has allowed the 11th-lowest explosive run rate, the tenth-fewest yards after contact per attempt, and the 14th-fewest yards before contact per attempt.
**Last week, only Hunter Henry and Stefon Diggs had route shares that eclipsed 60%. They are the only receiving options that we can trust in the Patriots’ passing attack until further notice.**
PHI vs. NYG | DEN vs. NYJ | ARI vs. IND | LAR vs. BAL | CLE vs. PIT | SEA vs. JAC | LAC vs. MIA | DAL vs. CAR | NE vs. NO | TEN vs. LV | SF vs. TB | CIN vs. GB | DET vs. KC | BUF vs. ATL | CHI vs. WAS
Tennessee Titans vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Titans Players & Weekly Rankings
| Cam Ward | QB | QB2 |
| Tony Pollard | RB | RB2/3 |
| Tyjae Spears | RB | RB3/4 |
| Calvin Ridley | WR | WR4 |
| Elic Ayomanor | WR | WR4 |
| Tyler Lockett | WR | WR6 |
| Chigoziem Okonkwo | TE | TE2/3 |
Raiders Players & Weekly Rankings
| Geno Smith | QB | QB2 |
| Ashton Jeanty | RB | RB1 |
| Jakobi Meyers | WR | WR3/4 |
| Tre Tucker | WR | WR4 |
| Dont’e Thornton Jr. | WR | WR6 |
| Jack Bech | WR | WR6 |
| Brock Bowers | TE | Out |
| Michael Mayer | TE | TE2 |
Must-Start
These are no-brainer MUST starts.
Strong Starts
Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.
Last week, with Tyjae Spears back, Tony Pollard remained the clear lead back for Tennessee with a 58.3% snap rate, 14 of 19 running back carries, and a 54.8% route share (7.7% target share). He finished with 17 touches and 78 total yards. Pollard is the RB29 in fantasy points per game, averaging 18.2 touches and 78.8 total yards. His passing game usage has increased over the last three games with at least three targets, two receptions, and 11 receiving yards in each game. Among 47 qualifying backs, Pollard ranks 16th in yards after contact per attempt. Pollard should have another solid outing this week against a Raiders’ run defense that has allowed the 12th-highest missed tackle rate, the tenth-highest yards before contact per attempt, and the 13th-highest success rate to gap runs (Pollard 52.4% gap).
Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider
Let’s fill out those flex spots.
Jakobi Meyers‘ star has dimmed over the last few games as Geno Smith‘s struggles have increased. He hasn’t had more than 32 receiving yards over the last two games and hasn’t eclipsed 70 receiving yards in a game since Week 1. Meyers has a 22.7% target share, 1.72 yards per route run (58 receiving yards per game), and a 26.4% first-read share. Meyers has three deep targets, but he hasn’t seen a red zone target since Week 2 (both of his red zone targets this season came in Week 2). Meyers is a middling flex for Week 6. Tennessee has allowed the 12th-fewest fantasy points per game to slot receivers while also ranking 18th in PPR points per target.
Calvin Ridley finished with 131 RECEIVING YARDS LAST WEEK?! (Checks last week’s boxscore) Oh, well damn. Ok, he sure did. That was Ridley’s first 100-yard receiving outing since Week 8 of last season, which coincidentally was his only 100-yard receiving game of the season. Ridley has a 20.1% target share, a 35% air-yard share, 54.4 receiving yards per game (1.89 yards per route run), and a 26.7% first-read share. Ridley has only one red zone and deep target this season. This week, he faces a Raiders’ secondary that, since Week 2, has the sixth-highest single high rate (60.9%). Against single-high, Ridley’s target share has dropped to 16.7% with 1.73 yards per route run and a 25% first-read share. Ridley is back in the flex conversation for Week 6 against a Raiders’ secondary that has allowed the sixth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.
Elic Ayomanor is the WR55 in fantasy points per game with two top-36 weekly finishes this season (WR24, WR27). Ayomanor has four deep targets and three red zone looks. This week, he faces a Raiders’ secondary that, since Week 2, has the sixth-highest single high rate (60.9%). Against single-high, Ayomanor has a 16.7% target share, 1.49 yards per route run, and a 21.4% first-read share. He’s a deep-league/low-end flex play against a Raiders’ secondary that has allowed the sixth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.
Concerning Starts & Players to Fade
Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.
Cam Ward remains unstartable in fantasy football. He has surpassed 250 passing yards only once and has only two passing touchdowns this season. Ward has zero games this season with at least 7.0 yards per attempt or 15 fantasy points. This Tennessee offense remains a broken mess.
The wheels are falling off for Geno Smith. He has failed to surpass 13 fantasy points in three of his five games this season. Across his last two games, he hasn’t finished with more than 228 passing yards, and he has a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 2:5. Among 40 qualifying quarterbacks, Smith ranks 17th in yards per attempt, 26th in highly accurate throw rate, and 37th in catchable target rate. He leads that sample of quarterbacks in interceptions and off-target rate. Smith is a risky QB2 this week, facing a Titans’ secondary that ranks 15th in passer rating and success rate per dropback and 14th in CPOE.
Outside of Tre Tucker‘s monster Week 3 performance, Tucker has had a 14.2% target share, averaged 35.3 receiving yards per game (1.06 yards per route run), and had a 19.5% first-read share. He has managed double-digit PPR points in only two of those four games (11.1, 13.4). Tucker has only three redzone targets and none since Week 3. Outside of Week 3, he has only one red zone target. Tucker could get shadowed by L’Jarius Sneed this week, who followed Marvin Harrison Jr., Davante Adams, and Nico Collins on 75-85.2% of their routes. Adams was the only receiver of that trio to surpass 40 receiving yards in his primary coverage. Sit Tucker.
PHI vs. NYG | DEN vs. NYJ | ARI vs. IND | LAR vs. BAL | CLE vs. PIT | SEA vs. JAC | LAC vs. MIA | DAL vs. CAR | NE vs. NO | TEN vs. LV | SF vs. TB | CIN vs. GB | DET vs. KC | BUF vs. ATL | CHI vs. WAS
San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
49ers Players & Weekly Rankings
| Mac Jones | QB | QB2 |
| Christian McCaffrey | RB | RB1 |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | RB | RB4 |
| Ricky Pearsall | WR | Out |
| Jauan Jennings | WR | WR3 |
| Kendrick Bourne | WR | WR3/4 |
| Demarcus Robinson | WR | WR6 |
| Jake Tonges | TE | TE1/2 |
Buccaneers Players & Weekly Rankings
| Baker Mayfield | QB | QB1 |
| Bucky Irving | RB | Out |
| Rachaad White | RB | RB1/2 |
| Emeka Egbuka | WR | WR1 |
| Chris Godwin | WR | Out |
| Sterling Shepard | WR | WR5 |
| Cade Otton | TE | TE2/3 |
Must-Start
These are no-brainer MUST starts.
Strong Starts
Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.
Brock Purdy isn’t practicing to open the week. I expect Mac Jones to make another start for San Francisco this week. Jones has finished as a QB1 in weekly scoring in two of his three starts (QB9, QB10). The Shanny magic has been real as Jones’ per-dropback metrics SCREAM game manager and system quarterback for Jones. Among 40 qualifying passers, he ranks 21st in yards per attempt, first in passing yards per game, and 17th in CPOE. Those are the good things. Among the same sample of passers, he also has the sixth-lowest aDOT, the lowest deep throw rate, is 27th in highly accurate throw rate, and 24th in catchable target rate. At the end of the day, all we care about is fantasy points, but Shanny’s smoke and mirrors largely fuel his production. Jones could be a QB1 again this week against the Bucs. Tampa Bay has allowed the 13th-most passing yards per game, the ninth-most yards per attempt, the sixth-most passing touchdowns, and the second-highest success rate per dropback.
Receiver injuries don’t matter. Offensive line injuries don’t matter. Baker Mayfield just keeps doing the damn thing as the QB5 in fantasy points per game. He is shoving himself into the MVP conversation this season. His rushing production has helped his fantasy output, with at least 13 rushing yards in each game and three outings with at least 33 rushing yards. Among 40 qualifying passers, Mayfield ranks sixth in passing yards per game, 13th in yards per attempt, and second in hero throw rate. Mayfield will likely post another QB1-worthy stat line this week against a 49ers’ pass defense that has allowed the 12th-most passing touchdowns, the 11th-highest success rate per dropback, and ranks 19th in CPOE.
Rachaad White will be the Bucs’ workhorse again this week with Bucky Iriving being ruled out. Last week, White took over as the team’s bellcow with an 80% snap rate, 18 touches, and 71 total yards. White had a 55.3% route share and 12.1% target share as the RB7 for the week. He has a 16% missed tackle rate and 1.86 yards after contact per attempt this season. White should have another strong day against a run defense that has allowed the sixth-highest missed tackle rate, the tenth-highest yards before contact per attempt, the 14th-highest success rate to gap runs (White 54.1% gap), and has the ninth-lowest stuff rate.
Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider
Let’s fill out those flex spots.
Jauan Jennings has been listed as questionable this week (ankle/ribs). He didn’t practice on Wednesday, but he was a limited participant in practice on Thursday & Friday. In his three games played this season, Jennings has one top-24 weekly finish (WR11) while seeing one deep target and four red zone targets. This season, Jennings has a 16.1% target share, 43 receiving yards per game (1.48 yards per route run), and a 24.6% first-read share. Since Week 4, Tampa Bay has utilized two high at the second-highest rate (63.1%). This season against two-high, Jennings has only a 14% target per route run rate, 1.18 yards per route run, and a 15.4% first-read share. Last year, against two high, Jennings crushed with a team-leading 21.3% target share with 2.55 yards per route run and a 29.3% first-read share (led the team). Jennings should lead the way for the 49ers through the air this week against a secondary that has allowed the 13th-most fantasy points per game and ranks 15th in receiving yards per game against perimeter wide receivers.
This week, Kendrick Bourne will likely play third fiddle to Christian McCaffrey and Jauan Jennings in the passing game. Last week, Bourne was amazing with a 22.4% target share, 142 receiving yards (3.74 yards per route run), and a 25% first-read share. Bourne has one red zone target this season, which he saw last week. Since Week 4, Tampa Bay has utilized two high at the second-highest rate (63.1%). Against two high, Bourne has a 21% target per route run rate (second on the team) with 1.47 yards per route run and a 17.2% first-read share (third on the team). Bourne is a viable flex this week, facing a secondary that has allowed the 13th-most fantasy points per game and ranks 15th in receiving yards per game against perimeter wide receivers.
In his four starts this season, Tonges has two TE1 weekly finishes (TE7, TE9) while seeing two red zone targets (two scores). Both of his red zone targets came last week, with the team depleted of receiving options. Tonges has a 14.4% target share, 1.26 yards per route run (37.8 receiving yards per game), and a 16.1% first-read share. Tonges is a viable streaming option at tight end this week. Tampa Bay has allowed the fifth-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game, the tenth-most fantasy points per game, and the second-most receiving touchdowns to tight ends.
Concerning Starts & Players to Fade
Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.
Ricky Pearsall has been ruled out for Week 6 (knee).
Chris Godwin has been ruled out for Week 6 (fibula).
PHI vs. NYG | DEN vs. NYJ | ARI vs. IND | LAR vs. BAL | CLE vs. PIT | SEA vs. JAC | LAC vs. MIA | DAL vs. CAR | NE vs. NO | TEN vs. LV | SF vs. TB | CIN vs. GB | DET vs. KC | BUF vs. ATL | CHI vs. WAS
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Green Bay Packers
Bengals Players & Weekly Rankings
| Joe Flacco | QB | QB2 |
| Chase Brown | RB | RB3 |
| Samaje Perine | RB | RB4 |
| Ja’Marr Chase | WR | WR1 |
| Tee Higgins | WR | WR3 |
| Andrei Iosivas | WR | WR5 |
| Mike Gesicki | TE | TE2/3 |
Packers Players & Weekly Rankings
| Jordan Love | QB | QB1 |
| Josh Jacobs | RB | RB1 |
| Romeo Doubs | WR | WR3/4 |
| Matthew Golden | WR | WR3/4 |
| Dontayvion Wicks | WR | WR4/5 |
| Tucker Kraft | TE | TE1 |
Must-Start
These are no-brainer MUST starts.
Strong Starts
Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.
Jordan Love is the QB15 in fantasy points per game with one QB1 weekly finish this season (QB6). Among 40 qualifying passers, Love ranks fourth in yards per attempt and passer rating, tenth in CPOE, and ninth in hero throw rate. Love could easily post QB1 numbers this week. Cincy’s pass defense remains dreadful, allowing the eighth-highest success rate per dropback, the fourth-most passing yards per game, the eighth-most yards per attempt, and the second-most passing touchdowns.
Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider
Let’s fill out those flex spots.
In his last two games played, Golden has a 67.5% route share, a 14.7% target share, a 40.8% air-yard share, 55 receiving yards per game (2.12 yards per route run), and a 20% first-read share. Golden was the WR37 and WR30 in weekly scoring. He has two red zone targets and four deep targets this season. Since Week 4, the Bengals’ pass defense has featured two high at the 12th-highest rate (54.2%). Golden leads the team with a 24% target per route run rate, 2.87 yards per route run, and a 26.5% first-read share against two high. He’s a decent flex this week. Cincy is 16th in fantasy points per game and 20th in receiving yards per game allowed to perimeter wide receivers.
Concerning Starts & Players to Fade
Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.
Joe Flacco is barely playable even in Supeflex formats. He hasn’t surpassed 200 passing yards or 6.4 yards per attempt since Week 1. He has zero rushing upside and zero multiple passing touchdown games this season (only two passing touchdowns all year). Among 40 qualifying passers, he ranks dead last in yards per attempt and eighth-worst in catchable target rate. This week, Flacco has to face off against a pass defense that has allowed the fewest yards per attempt, the eighth-fewest passing touchdowns, and the ninth-lowest success rate per dropback with minimal time to learn the playbook. Good luck, Flacco.
Last week, Chase Brown played only 53.2% of the snaps, finishing with 15 touches and 48 total yards. He finished with only a 50% rushing share with a 42.2% route share (20% target share). The route share was fine and in line with his season-long norms, but the rushing share was only the second time this season that he dropped below 66.7%. Brown has been nearly unplayable this season. He has zero explosive runs, a 12% missed tackle rate, and only 1.94 yards after contact per attempt. It’s tough at this point to feel ok even plugging him in as a flex. Green Bay has allowed the third-lowest explosive run rate, the second-fewest rushing yards per game, and the fifth-fewest yards after contact per attempt.
Doubs is the WR23 in fantasy points per game, but that is largely due to his three-touchdown eruption before the bye. Outside of that game, he has only one finish inside the top-36 wide receivers in weekly scoring (WR35). This week, Doubs faces a Bengals pass defense that over the last two games has featured two high at the 12th-highest rate (54.2%). Doubs ranks third on the team in target per route run rate (13%) against two high, with only 0.53 yards per route run and a 14.7% first-read share (third on the team). Doubs has six red zone targets in four games played. The Green Bay passing attack is so unpredictable weekly that I won’t fault anyone for playing Doubs even though the coverage shell matchup says to sit him. Just don’t be surprised if he returns a dud. Cincy is 16th in fantasy points per game and 20th in receiving yards per game allowed to perimeter wide receivers.
Tee Higgins is the WR59 in fantasy points per game with two top-36 weekly finishes (WR28, WR35). He has four red zone targets across his last four games. He has a 16.9% target share, 0.99 yards per route run (31.6 receiving yards per game), and a 24.1% first-read share. Higgins is a dice roll flex play with limited upside and a bad matchup. The Packers have allowed the tenth-fewest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.
PHI vs. NYG | DEN vs. NYJ | ARI vs. IND | LAR vs. BAL | CLE vs. PIT | SEA vs. JAC | LAC vs. MIA | DAL vs. CAR | NE vs. NO | TEN vs. LV | SF vs. TB | CIN vs. GB | DET vs. KC | BUF vs. ATL | CHI vs. WAS
