Fantasy Football: Top 10 Start ‘Em Picks for Week 6
By Genna Preston
Heading into Week 6 Fantasy Football, make sure to start any of these top 10 players to ensure victory this week.
Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller (86) blows kisses to fans after he scores a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Every week, fantasy football owners scrounge through the waiver wires, drafted players and their bench trying to create the greatest starting lineup. Not only is this a tedious task but, it can become the most difficult choices depending on the week.
Related Story: Fantasy Football: Top 10 Sit 'Em Picks for Week 6
This week, we have teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers playing the Miami Dolphins. It doesn’t take rocket science to know that is a favorable matchup for the Steelers.
But, what happens when the Tennessee Titans take on the Cleveland Browns? Or, when the San Francisco 49ers meet the top 10 defense of the Buffalo Bills?
These are all questions you need to ask yourself this week. Based on the weekly matchups, bye weeks, and past outings I have identified 10 fantasy football players to start in Week 6. Let’s take a look at this week’s top players.
Next: 10. This tight end will break the defense
10. Zach Miller, TE, Chicago Bears
Zach Miller had a rough start to the season having been injured. However, his last couple of performances has proven he is back to himself despite being listed as questionable.
Miller has consistently earned double-digits fantasy football points for the last three weeks. He has even had seven or more completions and 65 or more yards in two of the last three matchups.
This week, Miller takes on the Jacksonville Jaguars who have not allowed more than 45 yards to the position. However, with Brian Hoyer’s recent success, it seems as if Miller could change that.
With Miller being a huge benefactor in the Bears’ offense, he is a must-start despite his weekly matchup. Miller is a TE1 option in Week 6.
Next: 9. Expect his team to use a heavy run game
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi
9. Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers
It’s no secret the San Francisco 49ers have had a rough start to the season. And now, with Colin Kaepernick stepping in at starting quarterback, we’re not sure what to expect from the team.
What we do know is that Carlos Hyde will continue his amazing 2016 performance. Not only is Hyde consistently earning double-digit fantasy football points but, he has earned over 20 points in three of his last five games.
Hyde has scored a touchdown in his last three games and has six touchdowns for the season. This week, he takes on the Bills who have offered six touchdowns to the position this season.
With a questionable quarterback situation and a lack of a receiving corps, Hyde is expected to have another great week. He is a must-start in Week 6.
Next: 8. This quarterback is fresh off a bye
Oct 2, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) running away from New York Jets cornerback Buster Skrine (41) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. Seattle Seahawks defeat the New York Jets 27-17. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
8. Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Is there anything Russell Wilson cannot do? In Week 4, Wilson was considered questionable due to an injury. An injury wasn’t stopping Wilson as he threw three touchdowns for 280 passing yards.
Last week, Wilson had a bye which gave him an entire week to rest his not so injured leg. Wilson should be able to top his Week 4 performance.
Let’s not forget his Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons who rank 26th against the pass. The Falcons have also allowed the most to quarterbacks and have given opponents 13 touchdowns this seasons.
Given those statistics, I hope it’s clear! Wilson is a QB1 starter this week.
Next: 7. This receiver had two touchdowns last week
Oct 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches the ball for a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea (41) during the third quarter at Levi
7. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Larry Fitzgerald has had an on and off fantasy football season. Not because he’s not great but, when you’re as elite as Fitzgerald, you can expect to have a ton of defensive coverage on you.
After barely earning double-digits in Week 3 and 4, Fitzgerald was able to break away in Week 5 earning over 20 points. He completed 6-of-8 targets for a little over 80 yards and two touchdowns with a backup quarterback!
This week Fitzgerald takes on the ever most disappointing defense of the New York Jets whose secondary ranks 31st in the league. The Jets have given at least 20 fantasy points to the position in four of their last five games.
With Carson Palmer cleared from his concussion, Fitzgerald’s value only increases. I don’t have to tell you, you already know what to do with him this week!
Next: 6. His opponent allows the most yards per game to tight ends
Oct 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) attempts to make a reception as Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) defends during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
6. Delanie Walker, TE, Tennessee Titans
Delanie Walker is one of those players you love and want to start but, you just can’t bring yourself to rely on every week. If there was ever a week to take that chance, it’s Week 6.
Last week, Walker had his first double-digit fantasy football outing since Week 2. He completed 5-of-8 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown.
Walker looks to continue his success this week against the Cleveland Browns. In the last two weeks, the Browns have allowed five touchdowns to the position; I repeat, that’s the last two weeks.
All signs point to Walker in this matchup. Start him in this week’s fantasy football lineup.
Next: 5. This running back has multiple 100-yard games
Sep 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) runs the ball during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bears won 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
5. Jordan Howard, RB, Chicago Bears
I am going to keep adding Jordan Howard to my weekly start list until he’s owned in 100 percent of fantasy football leagues! Shame on you if he’s still available in yours.
Not only does he excel as a running back but, he has a great passing game as well. Last week Howard had 16 carries for 118 yards. He also caught three passes adding 45 passing yards and a touchdown in Week 5.
Howard has only had a starting role these past two weeks and has had over 100-yards in both outings. Even if Jeremy Langford returns, Howard may have earned the starting role.
This week’s matchup does offer a difficult challenge as he takes on the Jacksonville Jaguars whose defense is on point against the run; they have only allowed two rushing touchdowns this season. Despite the statistics, I am confident Howard will continue to shine. If you’re not as confident definitely look at Howard in an RB2 position.
Next: 4. This quarterback earns another starting role
4. Brian Hoyer, QB, Chicago Bears
Something has definitely happened to the Chicago Bears. I am assuming it’s Brian Hoyer; now I am not saying he’s the next Tom Brady but, he has substantially helped in the last three weeks.
Hoyer has had three back-to-back 300-yard games. Since Week 3, Hoyer has earned over 20 fantasy football points per game. Last week, he completed 33-of-43 passes for almost 40 yards and two touchdowns.
This week the Bears take on the Jacksonville Jaguars who lack in defending passing touchdowns. Over the last four games, the Jaguars have offered opponents eight passing touchdowns.
Although the Jaguars have held their opponents to less than 200 yards per game on average, Hoyer’s recent success suggest he should still have a great fantasy football outing. Look for Hoyer to be a QB2 option in his Week 6 matchup.
Next: This team earned 25 or more fantasy points last week
Oct 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Jerry Hughes (55) celebrates stopping Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) from getting a 1st down during the 2nd half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
3. Buffalo Bills D/ST
The Buffalo Bills defense is looking nice! Actually, they’re looking better than nice; Week 2 was the only week they didn’t earn more than 25 fantasy points per game.
The last two weeks combined brought owners almost 70 points. The Bills forced six turnovers and eight sacks over their last two matchups.
The Bills have been in the top 10 fantasy D/ST every week except their Week 2 matchup against the Jets. This week, the Bills play the San Francisco 49ers and are expected to stay a top 10 defense.
With the recent success of the Bills D/ST, they are a must start heading into Week 6.
Next: 2. Another Cardinal receiver makes the list
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
I suggested earlier that Fitzgerald has an easy matchup against the Jets; the same goes for John Brown. Even if Fitzgerald has the most targets, Brown will still have an opportunity to score big.
Last week, Brown struggled without Palmer at starting quarterback. He only completed 1-of-4 targets for 11 yards. This will change in Week 6.
Not only do the Jets secondary rank last in the league but, Palmer is healthy and ready to go. In recent weeks, 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. Let's add a little humor to this week's roster
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi
1. Colin Kaepernick, QB, San Francisco 49ers
I couldn’t resist adding Colin Kaepernick to this week’s start ‘em list. Wait, is starting him really that bad? No!
Let’s put it like this, Kaepernick restricted his contract and will be a free agent in March. If tomorrow was March, nobody would sign him; this is his opportunity to prove his worth.
This week, he takes on the Bills whose defense has been tremendous. However, the 49ers have one of the fastest paced offenses in the NFL which could slow down the Bills’ defense.
Must Read: Fantasy Football Start or Sit Week 6: WR Brandon Marshall
We have seen Kaepernick do some great things in earlier years. He is projected to earn almost 20 fantasy football points this week and should be considered as a QB2 Week 6 filler.