Most fantasy owners have found their optimal lineup after five weeks, but there’s always uncertainty about one or two spots in the lineup every week. Here are the players to pay attention to for Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 6.
Last week’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em wasn’t the best in terms of how it unfolded. Geno Smith and Trey Sermon were the biggest successes. On the other hand, Kirk Cousins, Trevor Lawrence and Rico Dowdle were the biggest misses. Sometimes that’s how fantasy goes, but the goal for this week is to step it up and be better.
Note: This article is for players who are considered flex options or for matchup-specific reasons. You won’t see players like David Montgomery or Patrick Mahomes on here because they should be starting all the time.
Fantasy Football 2024: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 6
Quarterbacks
Start: Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield has had a strong start to the season so far, finishing in the weekly Top 10 for quarterbacks four times. While the Saints have a strong defense, Mayfield should see the field a lot with Spencer Rattler starting for the Saints in place of the injured Derek Carr. Mayfield averaged 277.5 passing yards per game and 2.5 touchdowns per game last year in Tampa Bay against New Orleans.
Sit: Drake Maye
Drake Maye is the new, shiny toy that everyone wants to play with now. However, the Patriots offense has struggled this year, to say the least. The Texans defense isn’t exactly one you want to face in your debut either. Houston’s 274.4 yards per game against is the fourth-fewest in the NFL right now. Unless you have no other options, wait another week before starting Maye when he has a better matchup.
Start: Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones is doing everything he can to save his job and, as of now, he’s been playing above average football. Since Week 2, he’s averaged 238 yards per game and thrown just one interception. He faces a Bengals defense this week that has conceded 17 touchdowns through five weeks. Jones showed he can perform without Malik Nabers last week, so expect it to happen again if the rookie doesn’t suit up.
Read More: Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings Week 6
Running Backs:
Start: Chase Brown
While Zack Moss was the feature back for the first two games, Brown has been much more productive since Week 3. He’s earned himself more touches and found the endzone in Weeks 4 and 5. Whether or not Moss plays this week, Brown is a solid RB2 or flex option as he provides value in the run game with his explosiveness and his pass-catching ability.
Sit: Braelon Allen
Braelon Allen has been the better of the two Jets running backs recently, but the entire offense is a mess right now. Most of the yardage gained by the Jets has been through the air (as long as Aaron Rodgers isn’t turning the ball over to his opponent). The Bills might be a good matchup for running backs, but it’s tough to trust anyone in Green and White right now.
Sit: Javonte Williams
Javonte Williams has put together decent performances in Weeks 4 and 5. While he thrives as a pass catcher for rookie quarterback Bo Nix, the Chargers defense isn’t a good matchup. Jim Harbaugh’s defense has given up the fourth-fewest rushing yards in the league through five games. It’s tough to see Williams having a lot of success in this matchup.
Read More: Fantasy Football Week 6 Running Back Rankings
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Wide Receivers:
Sit: Brian Thomas Jr.
Brian Thomas Jr. has been one of few bright spots in Jacksonville so far this season. It’s going to be tough to leave him on the bench, but the Bears secondary is one of the stingiest in the league. Through five weeks, just four receivers have racked up 60+ yards against them. Thomas is a flex option at best this week, but other options would be preferred.
Start: Diontae Johnson
Diontae Johnson fell victim to that stingy Bears secondary last week, but he should have a much better performance in Week 6. Prior to last week, Johnson was averaging 7.5 catches for 102.5 yards and a touchdown in two games this season with Andy Dalton. He’s the WR1 in Carolina right now, and he has the tools to get back on track against the Falcons.
Start: Dontayvion Wicks
Dontayvion Wicks had one of the most frustrating games last week as he dropped multiple passes from Jordan Love. However, he’s Love’s favorite target outside of Jayden Reed. Wicks has even seen one more target than Reed, showing he’s an integral part of the offense. Expect a bounce-back performance from him against the Cardinals.
Read More: Fantasy Football Week 6 Wide Receiver Rankings
Tight Ends:
Start: Tucker Kraft
In a season where tight ends have been luck of the draw each week, Tucker Kraft is one of a few tight ends that is a must-start right now. While he won’t score two touchdowns every game like he did against the Rams, he’s seen a significant uptick in targets from Weeks 1-3. There’s no guarantee as to how long his strong performances will last, but ride them out while you can.
Read More: Fantasy Football Lessons Ahead of Week 6
Sit: Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz had a decent start to the 2024 season as Jayden Daniels was settling in to his rookie season. With Daniels and Terry McLaurin lighting it up each week, Ertz’s targets are becoming less consistent. The Ravens defense isn’t one where you want to get aggressive and take the chance that he may see a high workload.
Main Photo Courtesy of Dan Powers – USA TODAY Sports
