NFL Week 6 Overreactions: Cowboys, Saints and Jaguars get blown out
Mackenzie Salmon breaks down the top storylines from Week 6 in the NFL.
Sports Seriously
One of the most difficult decisions fantasy managers need to make over the course of the season is how to evaluate results in small samples.
Going strictly by the numbers, the top running back in Week 6 was Sean Tucker of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who ran for 136 yards and a touchdown, while catching three passes for 56 yards and another score. However, he racked up most of that during the fourth quarter of a blowout in which starter Rachaad White was inactive and backup Bucky Irving was done for the day.
While Tucker is a fine speculative pick if White has to miss another game, there are several better options to add to your roster this week.
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Due to the wide variance in types of leagues and individual team needs, the players listed here are in the lowest to highest availability rates in Fantrax leagues, which may or not match rates on other platforms. (Suggested bid values based on $100 free agent acquisition budget for the season.)
Doubs may have ended up on the chopping block last week after he was suspended for one game for conduct detrimental to the team. All appears forgiven after he hauled in a pair of touchdown passes from QB Jordan Love on Sunday. Christian Watson and Jayden Reed are still the primary targets, but Doubs is a more consistent option than teammates Dontayvian Wicks and Bo Melton. FAAB bid: $7.
An injury to another starting running back gave us our first good look at the rookie fourth-rounder, and what we saw was quite impressive. Filling in for James Cook (toe), Davis filled the lead back role capably, with 97 yards rushing (4.9 yards per carry) and 55 more on three catches. He seems to have overtaken veteran Ty Johnson as Cook’s backup and should continue to see touches even when Cook returns to full strength. FAAB bid: $15.
We have ample evidence that this Davis is the epitome of an all-or-nothing player. Two weeks after logging a single reception for minus-2 yards at Houston, the veteran had his best game of the season Sunday with five grabs for 45 yards and two touchdowns. The thing is, it could have been even better but he dropped what would have been a sure third touchdown. It’s hard to start him with confidence, but Davis could be a handy bye-week fill-in down the road. FAAB bid: $6.
With Gus Edwards placed on IR, the rookie sixth-round pick saw his first action of the season. He didn’t do much on the ground (four carries, 11 yards), but he caught a swing pass in stride for a nice 30-yard touchdown. J.K. Dobbins will remain the workhorse, but Vidal will have the opportunity to contribute on a weekly basis with Edwards out. FAAB bid: $5.
These two are linked by more than their percentages and their uniforms. Maye’s ascension to the starting role after five weeks behind Jacoby Brissett didn’t come at a great time against the powerful Texans, but after a shaky start, he looked like a capable NFL quarterback. He competed over 60% of his passes for 243 yards, with three TDs and a pair of interceptions. Perhaps more important, Maye showed an ability to scramble to buy more time in the pocket or turn upfield and run (five carries, 38 yards). Brissett did not top either of those yardage totals in any of his five starts. FAAB bid: $3
The Patriots offense should be a bit more productive going forward with Maye under center. Douglas will be the main beneficiary, as was evidenced by his season-high 92 receiving yards and first touchdown catch on Sunday. Maye’s big arm opens up the passing lanes for more chunk plays. Sure enough, Douglas averaged a season-best 10.2 yards on his nine targets, which included a 35-yard score. FAAB bid: $11.
Thankfully, the Cam Akers experiment is almost certainly over. Houston’s running game should be a bit more potent going forward with Joe Mixon (102 yards, 2 TDs) back from an ankle sprain and Pierce over his hamstring injury. Pierce proved he was good to go with a 54-yard touchdown sprint in the fourth quarter. Although Mixon is still the unquestioned bell cow, Pierce should see ample opportunities as the team looks to keep both healthy and available the rest of the season. FAAB bid: $6.
Guerendo’s value will depend on the availability of Jordan Mason and, down the road, Christian McCaffrey. If nothing else, his 99 yards on 10 carries vs. Seattle on Thursday shows he can be an effective runner when needed. Most of that yardage came on a 76-yard near-touchdown, but the rookie fourth-rounder has value as a member of a potent Niners offense – especially this week with Mason day-to-day due to a shoulder injury. FAAB bid: $9.
The Lions seemed to be just toying with the Cowboys in Sunday’s blowout win. (Don’t expect to see multiple plays designed to go to offensive linemen many more times this season.) Patrick shared in the love, catching all three of his targets for 68 yards with an apparent touchdown catch overturned by replay. He doesn’t really have much week-to-week value, but if Amon-Ra. St. Brown or Jameson Williams should miss time, Patrick becomes a must-add. FAAB bid: $4.
Where’s Chris Bermann when we need him? “Bub. Means. Business!” The receiving equivalent of Bucs RB Sean Tucker, Means had an opportunity during Sunday’s lopsided loss to see his first meaningful action of the season. After top wideout Chris Olave left early with a concussion, the fifth-round pick caught five of eight targets from fellow rookie Spencer Rattler for 45 yards and a touchdown. If Olave doesn’t clear the concussion protocol, Means could get the start this week, albeit against a tough Broncos pass defense. FAAB bid: $3.
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