After a high-scoring week six across the NFL, some fantasy players made a heavy leap in the overall season rankings. Let’s dive into week six and highlight four metrics that were the highlight of Week 6.
Metrics that Matter In Week 6 Of Fantasy Football
Chris Godwin Has Overtaken The Number One Receiver Role In Tampa Bay
Mike Evans will be remembered as one of the best wide receivers of the last decade and certainly the best in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history. However, in 2024, Chris Godwin has emerged as the team’s top receiving option. This season, the offense is favoring Godwin, and rightfully so.
Before the season, it was expected that Godwin would make significant progress by playing more in the slot, where he usually excels. This year, he has indeed done that and more, as he currently leads the NFL in yards after the catch (335) and ranks in the top 10 in receiving touchdowns. Additionally, Godwin is ahead of Evans in receptions (43 to 25) and receiving yards (511 to 310). The two are tied with five touchdowns, however. With 53 receiving targets, Godwin is among the top 10 receivers, making him a top seven fantasy receiver so far.
In a pass-happy offense, Godwin is the primary option for quarterback Baker Mayfield. While Evans is still incredibly talented, Godwin seems to offer more physicality, and as a result, Godwin’s fantasy value has been one of the best bargains of 2024. Some might even call him the “steal of the draft.” Godwin has consistently outperformed this season, and it seems like he is on track for a career-best year.
Derrick Henry Continues His Reign As Fantasy’s Best Running Back
Derrick Henry was expected to have a significant impact on the field in 2024 when he joined the Baltimore Ravens. At this stage in his career, he deserved to spend his later years in a favorable situation. Now in 2024, Henry has become one of the top running backs in fantasy football and in all positions. The statistics for Henry’s season are outstanding. He is currently averaging a career-best 5.9 yards per carry and has scored a touchdown in every game this season, with three of those games resulting in over 130 rushing yards. These numbers place him at the top of every major rushing category in fantasy for 2024.
Henry has seemingly not lost a step, and his burst and power are still evident. An excellent offensive scheme has elevated Henry in ways he might not have expected. In week five, Henry ran for over 132 yards, scored a touchdown, and amassed over 25 fantasy points in the game. Furthermore, he has achieved this without being much of a threat in the receiving game. Henry has showcased his skills in the traditional way, by running the football through the tackles, making it look effortless.
Looking ahead, Henry will likely continue this dominant performance, and at the end of the season, fans might consider him the fantasy player of 2024.
Detroit Lions Offensive Line Producing Two Top 15 Running Backs
The Detroit Lions have been one of the best-constructed teams in the NFL for the past three years. Despite not winning the “big game” yet, the Lions have shown signs of dominance and are expected to be in contention as the season progresses. In fantasy football terms, the Lions have a talented lineup at every position, starting with their running backs. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs have formed a formidable duo, making them one of the best pairs in the last decade. Both have had a great season, and they both rank in the top 15 in rushing production by the numbers.
The success of the Lions starts with their strong offensive line. Led by Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, the Lions’ offensive front dominates opposing defenses, making it easier for Montgomery and Gibbs to run. What makes the Lions’ offensive line so effective is their ability to pull on each side and block effectively. Metrics show that Sewell and Decker both rank in the top 10 in run block rate, while guard Graham Glasgow ranks in the top five in pass block rate. Both Montgomery and Gibbs contribute in the running and passing game, thanks to the support of the offensive line.
In five games (four with both RBs), the Lions now rank in the top five in both rushing yards and yards per game. Following a two-year contract extension, Montgomery slightly leads the two in fantasy points. However, both can be trusted as low-end RB1s from this point forward.
At Full-Strength Jordan Love Is Now A Top 5 Fantasy Quarterback
The NFL and fantasy community have been eagerly anticipating Jordan Love’s progression to becoming one of the league’s best quarterbacks, and after Week 6, he is showing promising signs. With a strong arm, impressive accuracy, and a favorable situation, Love is putting on a stellar performance this year. Despite missing two games, Love is tied for second in the NFL in passing touchdowns with 12. Additionally, he has elevated the performance of his key receivers. Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft are now both top 10 options, while Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs have the potential to be consistent contributors.
Love’s average of 22 fantasy points per game ranks him as the ninth-best quarterback in fantasy football. At this rate it is likely that he will break into the top five soon. Over the next two weeks, Love will face the Texans and Jaguars, both of which have struggled against the pass this season. Green Bay’s Love an appealing fantasy option for the near future.
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