Hey everyone, we’re back with the Week 6 edition of Start & Sit. This week we’ve got the Raiders, Chargers, Saints, and Seahawks on bye – despite Russ taking a break from the kitchen this week, there is a lot I’m looking forward to. Can the Titans keep up their impressive start? Will the Falcons finally get a win? Will it be Gallup or Lamb for the Cowboys in Dalton’s first start?
Let’s dive in.
Quarterback
START: Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben has exceeded expectations so far this year, averaging 20.21 fantasy points per game in his first four games. That hot start is likely to continue with a matchup against the Browns next on the docket, who are 24th against QBs this season.
He’ll be without Diontae Johnson for this one who injured his back during last week’s game, although that doesn't seem to be much of a concern based on last week’s result – against the Eagles, Big Ben completed 79% of his passes and finished with a 125.4 QB rating while helping make Chase “Mapletron” Claypool a household name overnight.
Look for Ben to spread the love this week between JuJu, James Washington, Claypool, and Eric Ebron. Start him with confidence.
Honorable mentions: Matthew Stafford (at Jaguars), Cam Newton (vs. Broncos)
SIT: Matt Ryan
No one was a bigger fan of Ryan coming into this year than I was, and no one has been more disappointed in his start to the season. He has only topped 300 yards once in 5 games, and over his last 3 games is averaging 10.25 fantasy points. That’s not good... He’s got a solid matchup against Minnesota this week (21st in fantasy points against QBs), but with a banged-up Julio Jones and an offense that isn’t showing much promise outside of Calvin Ridley, Ryan just can’t be trusted as a top-12 QB.
Honorable mentions: Teddy Bridgewater (vs. Bears), Joe Burrow (at Colts)
Running Back
START: Raheem Mostert
When healthy, Mostert has been very impressive dating back to last season. He’s Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded RB this season with a score of 89.2.
Volume has been the biggest question mark for him on the 49ers – he’s averaging 11 rushes and 3 receptions per game this year – but he hasn’t needed it. Mostert has looked quick and decisive as a runner, and the 49ers are going to need to keep the ball on the ground and away from the Ram’s offensive weapons this week. Mostert is a solid RB2 who should only be getting more work as the season goes on and the team’s confidence in him grows.
Honorable mentions: Antonio Gibson (at Giants), Myles Gaskin (vs. Jets)
SIT: Devonta Freeman
As of this writing, Freeman is ranked as the RB22 in FantasyPros ECR this week, and I get it – he had 17 rushes last week in a tight duel with the Cowboys, and his opponent this week, the Washington Football Team, have given up 6 rushing TDs over their past 3 games. But look a little closer, and you’ll see that last week the Giants were doing all they could to run the clock and cling to their surprising lead. You’ll also see that Washington’s last 3 opponents have all been teams with top-notch running games (Browns, Ravens, and Rams are 1st, 3rd, and 7th in rushing this year). Where are the Giants when it comes to rushing this year? Dead last – averaging a hefty 109 yards/game less on the ground than the Browns.
Freeman hasn’t looked great this year, averaging 3.1 yards/carry and not being as involved in the passing game (only 7 targets this season). Washington’s defense is no slouch either.
Honorable mentions: Mark Ingram (at Eagles), Adrian Peterson (at Jaguars)
Wide Receiver
START: Justin Jefferson
Jefferson has shown flashes of brilliance so far this year, including a 7 catch, 175 yards, and 1 TD performance against the Titans in Week 3. He’s the clear #2 option in the Minnesota passing game, racking up 19 targets in his last 3 games. This week he gets a good matchup against a Falcons defense that is #24th against WRs. Couple that with a Dalvin Cook-less Vikings team that will need to rely on the passing game more than usual, and you’ve got yourself a solid WR2.
Honorable mentions: Robby Anderson (vs. Bears), DeVante Parker (vs. Jets)
SIT: T.Y. Hilton
This won’t be a surprise for anyone who’s seen Hilton play this year, but he just hasn’t looked good.
Last week Hilton had his best performance of the season – 6 catches for 69 yards – but his routes looked uninspired and sloppy, and he’s not getting much help from Phillip Rivers who is really struggling through the air. The Bengals have a sneaky-good pass defense (11th best against WRs), and I’d look for the Colts to lean on their RBs if they want to get back in the win column this week.
Honorable mentions: Tyler Boyd (at Colts), Will Fuller (at Titans)
Tight End
START: Eric Ebron
Ebron and the Steelers get a promising matchup with the Browns this week. The Browns have been 27th best against TEs in fantasy so far this season, allowing at least 11.5 PPR points to 4 different TEs in their first 5 games. With Diontae Johnson out this week, Ebron figures to have a bigger role in the offensive gameplan, building on his 6 target, 5 catch game last week. With tight end being a bit of a lottery outside the top 5 or so, you can’t go wrong taking a shot on Ebron this week. I’ve got him as my TE8, projected for 6 catches and 78 yards.
Honorable mentions: TJ Hockenson (at Jaguars), Mike Gesicki (vs. Jets)
SIT: Rob Gronkowski
Similar to TY Hilton, Gronk has been disappointing for fantasy owners expecting him to live up to his name this year. He ranks as the TE31 in half-point PPR so far this season, yet every week he seems to sneak into the top 16 or so in ECR. In the Buccs’ first full game without OJ Howard last week Gronk racked up his highest yardage total of the year so far (52 yards on 3 catches).
But he’s not running downfield routes as much anymore – he’s averaging 7.0 yards per target, by far the lowest of his career. His red-zone production has also faltered with Mike Evans on his team – Gronk has 0 red zone TDs this year compared to Evans’ 5. Gronk also gets the Packers this week, who rank #6 against fantasy TEs.
Honorable mentions: Hayden Hurst (at Eagles), Chris Herndon (vs. Dolphins)
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