Week 6 Start'em/Sit'em
This is the Fantasy Football Nerd's look at the best and worst matchups for Week 6 of the 2020 NFL season. Analysis is aggregated from multiple sources including FFN. FFN rankings are based upon PPR (point per reception) scoring. Given the known conditions, these matchups are the ones to watch and/or avoid.
Please Note: This list does not generally include the elite players that you are going to start regardless of matchup. You don't need us to tell you to start Christian McCaffrey, Travis Kelce, or Michael Thomas. Instead, we take a look at other players on your team that we believe either have great matchups or should be avoided for multiple reasons. Factors like opposing defense, performance trending, and peer comparisons may influence our decisions.
Start 'em Ryan Fitzpatrick (MIA, QB)You have to keep rolling with Fitzmagic. He's on a four-game, 20+ fantasy point streak, and a game against the Jets is part of the reason why he's inside our Top 10 this week. Kyler Murray just took them for 26 fantasy points last week.
Start 'em Ryan Tannehill (TEN, QB)Yes, the Titans are a run-first offense, but Ryan Tannehill has been one of the most efficient passers in the league. Facing a tough Buffalo on Tuesday night, he provided fantasy owners with a remarkable 30 fantasy points! QBs are averaging 20 fantasy points against the Texans this year, so if your QB is on bye this week, Tannehill could be the ultimate bye-week replacement.
Start 'em Andy Dalton (DAL, QB)There's simply no replacing a guy like Dak Prescott, but Andy Dalton is at least a seasoned veteran. He'll get his first start as a Cowboy this week facing an Arizona secondary that gave up 26 fantasy points to Teddy Bridgewater in Week 4. He could flirt with 20 fantasy points this week.
Start 'em Alexander Mattison (MIN, RB)With Dalvin Cook in real possibility of missing Week 6, this would be an incredible week to plug Alexander Mattison into your lineups. He's a talented backup that has already demonstrated his potential. He'll face a Falcons defense that has given up an average of 23.5 fantasy points to Mike Davis, Aaron Jones, and Jamaal Williams over the past two weeks.
Start 'em David Montgomery (CHI, RB)29.5 points. That's how many points Carolina has given up on average to Todd Gurley, Leonard Fournette, and Josh Jacbos this year. It is by no means a stretch to expect 20 fantasy points out of David Montgomery. If you're looking for a sneaky DFS play, we have Montgomery listed as a value play in our DFS Lineup Optimizer.
Start 'em Myles Gaskin (MIA, RB)The Miami backfield belongs to Myles Gaskin. Every RB atop their depth chart has produced double-digit fantasy points against the Jets. In fact, the Jets are surrendering the 6th-most fantasy points to the position. As long as Jordan Howard doesn't vulture his touchdowns, Gaskin remains a solid RB2.
Start 'em AJ Brown (TEN, WR)Back from injury, we got to see the AJ Brown that fantasy owners remember on Tuesday night. With no Corey Davis, Brown was targeted nine times hauling in seven catches for 82 yards and a trip to the endzone at the start of the game. He has a solid history against Houston and should be the primary target for Tannehill once again.
Start 'em Jamison Crowder (NYJ, WR)There's not much to get excited about in New York, but Jamison Crowder has surpassed all expectations so far this year averaging 22.5 fantasy points each week. Another double-digit day should be expected even with Joe Flacco under center.
Start 'em Justin Jefferson (MIN, WR)You probably picked Jefferson up on waivers after his breakout game, and now's the time to put him into your lineup. The talented rookie has a fantastic matchup with the Falcons this week who are inside the Top 10 in points allowed to wide receivers including 19 points to both D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson just last week.
Start 'em Robert Tonyan (GB, TE)Baby Kittle comes into our rankings this week at #13, but we're willing to take a chance here. Tonyan is coming off a monster 6-98-3 performance before his bye, and while it's extremely unlikely that he comes close to those numbers this week (Davante Adams is expected back), he has earned himself a spot in the TE1 discussion. He has visited the endzone in each of his last three games and is averaging an impressive 13 yards per reception.
Start 'em TJ Hockenson (DET, TE)The Jaguars have allowed the 7th-most fantasy points to tight ends on the season including almost 14 points to Darren Fells last week and 24 points to Jonnu Smith in Week 2. TJ Hockenson has a great opportunity this week to find success.
Start 'em Indianapolis Colts (IND, DEF)Our #1 defense this week is Indianapolis who has consistently produced double-digit fantasy points for a position that isn't known for doing so. A matchup with the Bengals is tasty as they've surrendered the 5th-most fantasy points to opposing DSTs.
Start 'em Rodrigo Blankenship (IND, K)The best kicker that you've never heard of is Rodrigo Blankenship. The rookie leads all kickers in fantasy points after five games. He'll face a Bengals team that has surrendered almost 10 fantasy points every week.
Sit 'em Carson Wentz (PHI, QB)It's become awfully difficult to trust Carson Wentz. With an injury-filled receiving corp and an offensive line that has him largely running for his life, the last thing he needs is a difficult matchup with Baltimore who is giving up the 9th-fewest fantasy points to the position.
Sit 'em Baker Mayfield (CLE, QB)One thing we love is Baker Mayfield's commercials. They are far more fantastic than this matchup this week against Pittsburgh who hasn't allowed any QB to reach 20 fantasy points including Desahun Watson who was held to just 17. Add in the fact that Mayfield is dealing with a rib injury, and it's no wonder he lands in our weekly rankings at #25.
Sit 'em Joe Burrow (CIN, QB)Joe Burrow has better days ahead of him, but the matchup with Indy is going to be a tough one for the rookie. The Colts are surrendering the 2nd-fewest fantasy points to QBs this year and have actually taken the ball away more than they've allowed touchdown passes.
Sit 'em Frank Gore (NYJ, RB)With Le'Veon Bell released this week, Frank Gore should be man in New York...but he was already the man with Bell on IR and didn't show us much. He's ranked 33rd this week on FFN with a favorable matchup making him no more than a low-end flex option.
Sit 'em Mark Ingram (BAL, RB)Mark Ingram is as talented a back as they come, but the problem is usage - they're just not using him. The committee approach in Baltimore with Ingram, Dobbins, and Edwards has diluted each of their fantasy values to the point that even with an OK matchup, he can't be counted on to get enough volume to make him fantasy-relevant.
Sit 'em Leonard Fournette (TB, RB)With a one-year deal worth a maximum of $3.5 million, Fournette may struggle to hit some of his incentives. Playing the role of backup to Ronald Jones, Fournette has had one good game. He's dealing with an ankle injury and isn't guaranteed to have enough touches that we can count on him to deliver. Leave him on your bench.
Sit 'em Chase Claypool (PIT, WR)Let's put Chase Claypool in perspective. Yes, he had a monster 42-point fantasy day last week, but he averaged just 9 fantasy points for the previous three weeks. What we saw last week was his ceiling. He definitely deserves a spot on your roster, but he's not going to put up those numbers every week. He's a roll of the dice at this point. He's got a great matchup this week, but we're going to stash him on our bench until we know that Week 5 wasn't a fluke.
UPDATE: Since publication, WR Diontae Johnson has been ruled out. Be sure to check the FFN rankings for any updates on Chase Claypool.
Sit 'em Michael Gallup (DAL, WR)Michael Gallup has been a frustrating roller coaster for fantasy owners this year. Other than a big day in Week 3, Gallup has largely been quiet averaging just 8 points in the other contests. When Arizona has given up points to receivers this year, they've only done so to the WR1 on the team. Unfortunately, we don't know who Andy Dalton is going to favor coming into this one making Gallup a risky WR3/Flex option at best.
Sit 'em Deebo Samuel (SF, WR)Ugh. After getting 8 targets last week from the combo of Jimmy Garoppolo and C.J. Beathard, Deebo was only able to haul in two of those catches. Our expectations are low for an offense that has been shaky and facing a tough secondary. The Rams have been brutal against tight ends giving up the fewest fantasy points to them on the year.
Sit 'em Rob Gronkowski (TB, TE)It's amazing that Gronk is still rostered in nearly three quarters of all the major platforms. With a quarter of the season in the books, Gronk has yet to find the endzone. His luck is not likely to change this week against a Packers defense that has not allowed a TE into the endzone and is giving up the 4th-fewest fantasy points.
Sit 'em Chris Herndon (NYJ, TE)So much talent - so little production. Chris Herndon was supposed to be a sleeper last year, and then there was optimism that perhaps 2020 could be his year, but we haven't seen it. He ranks 34th among all TEs on the season and 19th in this week's rankings. The Dolphins have given up the 2nd-fewest fantasy points to the position, so unless Joe Flacco leans on him heavily, Herndon needs to remain on your bench.
Sit 'em Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB, DEF)In most weeks, Tampa Bay is a startable, or at least streamable, fantasy defense. Against a surprisingly resurgent Green Bay Packers, they're not even in the streamable category. Nobody has given up fewer points to opposing fantasy defenses than Green Bay.
Sit 'em Randy Bullock (CIN, K)The 4th-best fantasy kicker on the season should probably be on your bench this week. With the exception of last week's 12-point performance from Cody Parkey, the Colts have allowed an average of just 2.3 fantasy points each week.
Join the Discussion
If asking a sit/start question, be sure to provide your scoring format and contribute to answering questions from other FN members as well.
tramz18 CommentedOct 15, 2020 11:43 am
I have Carson and Jacob's on bye's. I need to use one of these( i know it's slim pickings) Gore or Preline, it's full PPR?
Nerd CommentedOct 15, 2020 11:48 am
Gore (fingers crossed)
Sarge831 CommentedOct 16, 2020 12:13 pm
Is F.Gore the starting rb1 now that l.bell is in kc or is preline going to be the starter
Nerd CommentedOct 16, 2020 2:49 pm
I don't know why the situation would be any different than what we've seen while Bell was on IR. Gore should be the lead, but if I were a betting man, I could see Perine getting a larger share as the season progresses assuming he steps up and makes the most of it. 3.7 ypc isn't going to cut it unless he's involved heavily in the passing game.
Nerd CommentedOct 17, 2020 1:54 pm
Not knowing your format, I'd probably go Conner and Montgomery
Check the rankings for your specific scoring format.
FalconForever84 CommentedOct 18, 2020 9:15 am
Full point ppr
Nerd CommentedOct 17, 2020 1:55 pm
Can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd sit JuJu out of that bunch.
spittdogg CommentedOct 17, 2020 1:31 pm
Struggling to decide who to start in a standard format: Marquise Brown or Mike Evans. Also have OBJ, but think I've decided to sit him. Thoughts on Brown vs. Evans?
Nerd CommentedOct 17, 2020 1:56 pm
Agreed on OBJ. Probably start Hollywood.
spittdogg CommentedOct 17, 2020 1:38 pm
One more: Also a tough decision with Gaskin vs. Crowder in flex spot, PPR format. Thoughts?
Nerd CommentedOct 17, 2020 1:58 pm
Close. Typically I would choose the RB, but Crowder has been pretty solid averaging 22.5 points each week he plays. I'd play Crowder in the flex. (Of course, now that I say it, that's when Gaskin will go off - but that's fantasy football...)
spittdogg CommentedOct 17, 2020 8:27 pm
@nerd Appreciate your thoughts on both accounts, thank you!
Dr J CommentedOct 17, 2020 2:08 pm
PPR league. In my flex I need to play Todd Gurley, D.J. Moore, or Terry McLaurin
Nerd CommentedOct 18, 2020 10:18 am
Wow - that's a great dilemma to have. I'm hoping we get another productive week out of Gurley - fingers crossed.
Nerd CommentedOct 18, 2020 10:19 am
Hoping for a shootout here. I'd play Watson...but I feel like it's awfully close.
mrock CommentedOct 18, 2020 10:26 am
i think it will go the other way and tannehill
dagooch2984 CommentedOct 17, 2020 3:04 pm
Lost Dak last week. I was able to grab Dalton. Also have Stafford. Thoughts? Thanks!
mrock CommentedOct 18, 2020 10:26 am
play stafford
ReidWiersema CommentedOct 17, 2020 4:19 pm
Joe Flacco or Phil Rivers as a replacement for Dak in a 2QB league. (My other QB is Kyler Murray.)
mrock CommentedOct 18, 2020 10:25 am
rivers as flacco will only play one week
mrock CommentedOct 18, 2020 10:24 am
lamb
Meat Dragon CommentedOct 17, 2020 6:02 pm
For my flex in PPR:
JuJu, Cooks, Singletary, or Slayton?
I’m thinking JuJu because of no Johnson?
Nerd CommentedOct 18, 2020 10:20 am
Agreed - go with JuJu
mrock CommentedOct 18, 2020 10:24 am
gaskin
The old man CommentedOct 17, 2020 10:34 pm
Mclaurin , tannehill Murray ,Godwin , Juju , Gaskin .Hey I’m just another fantasy player but those are my thoughts
FloridaWatcher CommentedOct 18, 2020 7:06 am
NFL analysis is often about who is hot, who is not and who needs to prove themselves before you can trust them. Gronk is a different case because of Brady. Gronk is progressively finding his legs and moves. Now that people are just about ready to give up on Gronk it is time for his to have a monster game once Brady decides this or another is the week to focus on Gronk. That week will be 21 fantasy points for Gronk. A matter of when, not if.
jamisdiablo CommentedOct 18, 2020 8:54 am
Jacobs on a bye, need one of these guys this week... who’s got the highest ceiling? Akers, swift or Edmonds? Standard. Thx!
mrock CommentedOct 18, 2020 10:25 am
its swift time
jamisdiablo CommentedOct 18, 2020 8:55 am
Also, start jjefferson over both hardnan and slayton, right?
Nerd CommentedOct 18, 2020 10:22 am
yep
tramz18 CommentedOct 18, 2020 9:40 am
Slim pickings here i need 1 of these TE'S. Higbee or Fells? It's full PPR.
Nerd CommentedOct 18, 2020 10:22 am
I think Higbee has a better floor/ceiling
jamisdiablo CommentedOct 19, 2020 10:58 am
just want to say THANK YOU for your input on Swift and Jefferson! I am winning this week by 60 points and still have mahomes and diggs to go tonight! LOL! (And I had Henry after trading for him last week - WOW, so glad I made that move! FYI, it was - Henry and Slayton for Carson and ACooper. I think I WON that one so far! LOL!)
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