Fantasy Football: Top 10 Sleeper Picks for Week 6
By Genna Preston
Heading into Week 6 Fantasy Football action, here are the top 10 sleepers to keep an eye on that will rise to the occasion.
Oct 9, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Heinz Field against the New York Jets. Pittsburgh won 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
It’s Week 6 of fantasy football and we have some ideal matchups, injuries, and two bye week teams. Nothing bothers me more than seeing a bye week player in a starting lineup; remove all Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers players.
Related Story: Fantasy Football Start or Sit Week 6: D/ST of New York Jets
This week we see the return of some injured players like Jamaal Charles and Carson Palmer. And in case you didn’t know, Eric Decker has been placed on injured reserve; drop him immediately.
This week’s matchups will offer some boom or bust results and should be taken into consideration when choosing your Week 6 lineup. Check out this week’s top sleeper options whose matchups offer above average fantasy football results.
Next: 10. Keep an eye out for this Ram
10. Todd Gurley, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Todd Gurley has definitely not been the running back we remember from last year. However, his last week’s performance made up for his less than 10 fantasy football points in Week 1 and 4.
Last week, Gurley had 23 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown. He also completed 3-of-5 targets adding 36 yards bringing home over 20 fantasy points.
This week, Gurley takes on the Detroit Lions who, have been struggling to stop the run this season. On average the Lions are offering opponents about 114 rushing yards per game.
Gurley is projected to earn over 20 points. This is the week to take a chance with the Gurley we remember.
Next: 9. He may be the only healthy receiver for the Bears
9. Cameron Meredith, WR, Chicago Bears
If you need a wide receiver this week, Cameron Meredith is the way to go! Stepping in for Kevin White, Meredith has proven his fantasy football worth.
Keep in mind, his value may drop throughout the season based on his matchup but, Alshon Jeffery owners know he hasn’t produced much this season which means, Meredith could jump into a bigger role.
Last week, Meredith caught 9-of-12 targets for 130 yards and a touchdown! He earned over 20 points and is expected to repeat last week’s performance this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jaguars have offered the position seven touchdowns within their last four games. This is a great matchup for Meredith who’s only owned in 20 percent of fantasy football leagues.
Next: 8. This tight end has scored three times in his last four games
Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) celebrates a touchdown in front of Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Ron Parker (38) during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
8. Jesse James, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
Jesse James is one of those players who’s a boom or a bust and is touchdown dependent. James has scored a touchdown in three of his last four games which bring him to this week’s sleeper list.
Last week was James’ best fantasy week of the season. He completed 6-of-8 targets for 43 yards and a touchdown. He earned about 15 fantasy football points; not too shabby for the position.
This week the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Miami Dolphins. I know the Steelers have elite receivers and backs, so James is a player that falls behind the other, however, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger does find him in the end zone which increases his fantasy value.
James is a great sleeper option if you need to fill a tight end position. Especially, against the Dolphins who rank 24th against the position.
Next: 7. This quarterback has an ideal matchup
Oct 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) under center against the Buffalo Bills during an NFL game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
7. Case Keenum, QB, Los Angeles Rams
Keep in mind this is a sleeper list. So, when I tell you Case Keenum is a great quarterback option this week don’t laugh at me!
Although last week, he earned less than 10 fantasy football points, Keenum did earn over 20 points in his Week 3 and 4 matchups. He also has had two back-to-back games with at least 250 passing yards.
This week’s matchup looks great on paper! He takes on the Detroit Lions who have struggled in recent weeks. The Lions have allowed quarterbacks the most touchdowns in the NFL; 14 touchdown passes for the season.
If you need a Week 6 bye filler or have a QB2 spot open, Keenum is your man this week. Definitely look for him to be a great sleeper option in Week 6.
Next: 6. He's the only Dolphin player that should start
Sep 25, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) celebrates his game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Cleveland Browns at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
6. Jay Ajayi, RB, Miami Dolphins
After watching the Miami Dolphins these last five weeks, it takes a lot out of me to add them to any fantasy football list unless it’s the sit ‘em. However, Jay Ajayi may be the only Dolphin to produce.
With Arian Foster still battling an injury, Ajayi is looking like he will be the lead back after last week’s performance. He had 13 carries for 42 yards and a touchdown!
This week, the Dolphins take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, the Steelers are an incredible team and have done a great job defending the pass this season, however, they don’t block the run.
The Steelers allow the sixth most points to the position. With the Dolphins inconsistent quarterback situation, we can expect to see a run heavy game from Ajayi in Week 6.
Next: 5. He has one more week before his value decreases
Oct 9, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver wide receiver Cole Beasley (11) runs after a catch against Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium. Cowboys beat the Bengals 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
5. Cole Beasley, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Ironically, Cole Beasley had his season low game in Week 5. The ironic part is, he still managed to bring in almost 15 fantasy football points.
Last week, he completed all of his four targets for 53 yards and a touchdown! Although his low production will decrease further when Dez Bryant returns this weekend, Bryant will be limited in his first week back.
Also, now that Dak Prescott has found Beasley in the red-zone, he will look to keep the momentum going if the opportunity arises. Also, keep in mind, Tony Romo is due to return in a couple weeks, which will decrease Beasley’s value as well.
This is the week to take advantage of Beasley while you still can! Especially against the Green Bay Packers whose secondary ranks 24th in the league.
Next: 4. He's back and 100 percent healthy
Aug 11, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead (83) runs with the ball while New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) pursues during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
4. Willie Snead, WR, New Orleans Saints
He’s back! The return of Willie Snead has been the topic of discussion as fantasy football owners have waited patiently to remove him from their bench.
Now, I don’t always suggest starting players immediately after returning from injury but, Snead is an exception. We saw him re-emerge in Week 4, but it wasn’t a healthy Snead.
Now, after last week’s bye, Snead is 100 percent healthy and ready to take on the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers gave Matt Ryan 500 passing yards; how can you not start him after that?
Look for Snead to bounce back this week. He is a great sleeper pick in Week 6.
Next: 3. He's only had double-digit points once
Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Kevin Minter (51) tackles Los Angeles Rams tight end Lance Kendricks (88) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
3. Lance Kendricks, TE, Los Angeles Rams
Lance Kendricks has been irrelevant for fantasy football owners. Week 2 was the only week he earned double-digits.
In three of his last five matchups, Kendricks finished with less than 25 yards. Last week, he caught only 2-of-3 targets bringing in less than five fantasy points.
This week, Kendricks takes on the Detroit Lions so, I couldn’t resist putting him on this week’s sleeper list. Out of their last five games, the Lions have offered all but one tight end a touchdown.
Those statistics make it hard to not believe in Kendricks this week. Look for him to be a beneficial Week 6 sleeper.
Next: 2. This WR2 will post WR1 points
Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) is defended by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) during an NFL game at Levi
2. John Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals
John Brown is a great receiver however, he falls behind Larry Fitzgerald in targets. Even if Fitzgerald has the most targets, Brown will still have an opportunity to score big this week.
Last week, Brown struggled without Carson Palmer at starting quarterback. He only completed 1-of-4 targets for 11 yards. This will change I’m sure as the Arizona Cardinals take on the New York Jets in Week 6.
Not only do the Jets secondary rank last in the league but, Palmer is healthy and ready to go. The Jets have given opponents 12 passing touchdowns this season.
There’s no doubt Brown will have a fantastic week. Actually, all Cardinals will have a great week, start them all!
Next: 1. This tight end is the most targeted player
Oct 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay (85) runs upfield after catching a pass in the 1st quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
1. Charles Clay, TE, Buffalo Bills
High scoring tight ends are hard to come by in fantasy football. When Charles Clay posted double-digit fantasy football points in Week 5, I had to add him to this week’s sleeper list.
Clay completed 5-of-5 targets for a little over 70 yards. Clay was the most successful Buffalo Bills receiver last week as Tyrod Taylor threw 67 percent of his passes to Clay.
This week, the Bills play the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers are 26th in the league for allowing opposing touchdowns; they have allowed 10 for the season.
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Although Clay is currently listed as questionable, he returned to practice Thursday and is expected to be fine for this week’s game. Look for Clay to overcompensate in Week 6.