Slate Breaker: FD NFL DFS Week 6

Quarterbacks

Play of the Day: Kirk Cousins, Vikings (@ Bears)

Cousins has been a great fantasy player all season long and he gets a dream matchup this week. The Bears defense has not been able to stop anyone this year, allowing every QB they have faced to score 22+ FD points except Baker Mayfield who scored 18.38. The Vikings have failed to develop a reliable running game so Kirk has been the majority of this offense. In a game that the Vikings offense should thrive, Kirk is primed for a huge game; but you never really know what to expect from this Vikings team.

Obvious Plays: Jalen Hurts, Eagles (@ Jets)

Solid Plays: Sam Howell, Commanders (@ Falcons) & Desmond Ridder, Falcons (vs Commanders)

Sam Howell has been a surprisingly reliable fantasy option this year. He has scored at least 16.18 in every besides the Bills disaster game. The Falcons defense is no pushover, but they are much stronger against the run than they are against the pass. Expect the Commanders passing attack to be the driving force of this team on Sunday so his usage alone should make him a decent play at this relatively cheap price. The Commanders defense was able to stop Josh Dobbs after he was newly installed as the leader of the Cardinals offense, but since then they have not been able to stop QBs. They have allowed opposing QBs to score at least 22 points in every game since so this seems like more of a trend than a coincidence. This week will put that to the test as they get the weakest QB matchup since Dobbs in Desmond Ridder. I like Ridder's chances of success as the Commanders secondary has been nonexistent over the past couple weeks so Ridder does not even need to be good to succeed, he just needs to be competent.

Other Plays: Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars (vs Colts); Mathew Stafford, Rams (vs Cardinals) & CJ Stroud, Texans (vs Saints)

Fade of the Day: Jared Goff, Lions (@ Buccaneers)

This Buccaneers defense does not get enough respect. They have been keeping the Buccaneers relevant and competitive all year long and have become a nightmare for opposing QBs. They have only allowed one QB to score more than 17.5 points this year and that was Jalen Hurts and he needed a rushing TD to hit that mark. With the emergence of David Montgomery as the primary driving force for this Lions offense, Goff has both a low floor and ceiling so there is no reason to put him in any of your lineups this week.

Other Fades: Josh Dobbs, Cardinals (@ Rams) & Jimmy Garoppolo, Raiders (vs Patriots)

Bust Alert: Justin Fields, Bears (vs Vikings)

Although the Vikings are 1-4, their defense has not been as bad as many had expected. They have only allowed the Eagles to top 30 points this year and they held Jalen Hurts under 200 passing yards and limited him to under 3 yards a carry that game. Fields had a couple strong games, but I am still not convinced he is a fantasy stud. After having only 3 passing TDs over the first three weeks, I think his 8 passing TDs over the past two weeks has been more of fluke than anything as he took on two of the worst secondaries in the league. The Vikings are good at containing mobile QBs so Fields' floor is not very high, but he has a chance to score a long rushing TD on any possession so he is truly a boom or bust player this week.

Running Backs

Play of the Day: Raheem Mostert, Dolphins (vs Panthers)

The Panthers have allowed 7 RBs to hit double digits this year with 5 of them topping 15 points. If the Panthers are playing on a slate, get their opponents lead back in your lineup. The Panthers have not even faced an offense anywhere close to the Dolphins. With the Dolphins fast paced and explosive nature, they are going to put up a lot of points this week and with Mostert the only truly healthy back available expect a big day. I even like him more than CMC this week.

Obvious Plays: Christian McCaffrey, 49ers (@ Browns) & Kyren Williams, Rams (vs Cardinals)

Solid Plays: D'Andre Swift, Eagles (@ Jets) & Joe Mixon, Bengals (vs Seahawks)

D'Andre Swift is the guy in this Eagles backfield. He is getting elite usage after finishing with 17 carries and 6 targets a week ago. Expect Swift to capitalize on that usage as he gets a struggling Jets defense who has given up at least 14.4 FD points to their opponent's lead back in 3 of their last 4 games. With Swift's usage, he has a great floor and with this matchup his ceiling is as high as any other backs on this slate. Talking about elite usage, Mixon's usage this season has been unrivaled. Mixon is averaging 17 carries and 3 targets per game. While this heavy usage has not translated to good fantasy results, this Bengals offense looks to be headed in the right direction and once everything clicks expect a string of monster games from Mixon. Could this be the week that happens? I am not sure, but he is worth the risk with heavy usage and a 7k price.

Other Plays: Alvin Kamara, Saints (@ Texans); Alexander Mattison, Vikings (@ Bears) & Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots (@ Raiders)

Grab Bag: Chuba Hubbard, Panthers (@ Miami); D'Onta Foreman, Bears (vs Vikings) & Emari Demercado, Cardinals (@ Rams)

As we get deeper into the season, this section will continue to grow. These are backup RBs that have been thrusted into a starting role because of injury, but they are backups for a reason. All these guys will likely find themselves in a losing game script which can limit their production. They all will be heavily utilized and could find the endzone; but their lack of talent and competent offense makes them nothing more than a dart throw.

Fade of the Day: Jerome Ford, Browns (vs 49ers)

There is absolutely no reason to have Ford in any of your lineups. Besides a blowup game against the Steelers, Ford has not had more than 40 rushing yards in a game. He is involved in the passing game with right around 4 targets in his last three games, but that is not enough on its own. Add in the fact that PJ Walker will be the starting QB and this Browns offense has no chance against the 49ers.

Other Fades: Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders (@ Falcons) & Breece Hall, Jets (vs Eagles)

Bust Alert: Josh Jacobs, Raiders (vs Patriots)

The reigning rushing champ has looked a bit slow this year. He is yet to top 70 rushing yards in any game this year. He has been bailed out by a heavy workload in the passing game with 27 targets over the last 4 games. The Patriots offense has been hit or miss. They have been able to hold RBs like Tony Pollard & Breece Hall under 10 points, but have also gotten demolished by Raheem Mostert. If Jacobs stays involved in the passing game and scores a TD he will be a fine play; but if the Patriots defense shows up to play, prepare to be disappointed.

Wide Receivers

Play of the Day: Jordan Addison, Vikings (@ Bears)

I love the Kirk/Addison stack this week. With Justin Jefferson out, Addison is ready to step up and become the alpha on this offense. He has been great in a complimentary role getting at least 50 yards in 4 of 5 games. Now that he is in line for 10+ targets, the sky truly is the limit for Addison. There is absolutely no way Addison disappoints at $6,700. Get this man in your lineup.

Obvious Plays: Tyreek Hill, Dolphins (vs Panthers); Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals (vs Seahawks) & Cooper Kupp, Rams (vs Cardinals)

Solid Plays: Michael Pittman Jr., Colts (@ Jaguars); Calvin Ridley, Jaguars (vs Colts) & Drake London, Falcons (vs Commanders)

Gardner Minshew is back at QB for the Colts which can only mean good things for Pittman. In their two games together, Pittman got at least 11 targets. That is great usage for a $6,500 player, while his ceiling is not super high since he is yet to top 100 yards and has only scored once. His price and usage make him a great play. Weeks 2-4 are more of fluke than anything for Ridley. He is obviously the best player on this offense and is hyper explosive with the ball in his hands. The Colts are very weak against receivers having allowed the opposing WR1 to score at least 18 points in 4 out of 5 games including 20.1 points to Ridley in Week 1. Drake London is nowhere close to a guarantee. This Falcons passing attack is anything but consistent, this week will be different though. The Commanders cannot stop receivers. They have allowed an opposing receiver to tally at least 111 yards in each of the last 4 games including allowing DJ Moore to match his 2022 production in a single game just a week ago. London does still make me nervous but he is definitely worth the gamble this week.

Other Plays: Nico Collins, Texans (vs Saints); Marquise Brown, Cardinals (@ Rams) & KJ Osborn, Vikings (@ Bears)

Fade of the Day: 49ers WRs @ Browns

Game script and a tough matchup make the Niners top two WRs an easy fade. The Browns have only allowed one WR to top 60 yards this year and it was on a broken play to George Pickens. They faced Ja'Marr, Higgins, Hopkins and Flowers and all of them got smothered and taken out of the game by the Browns good pass rush and secondary. Add in the fact that the Niners should dominate this game on the ground and on defense and there is a chance that the Niners will not even throw a single pass in the second half. With the price tag attached to these guys, it is best to look somewhere else.

Other Fades: Terry McLaurin, Commanders (@ Falcons) & Chris Godwin, Buccaneers (vs Lions)

Bust Alert: Davante Adams, Raiders (vs Patriots)

After the season ending to Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots ability to shutdown opposing WR1s was gone; but they have shown otherwise. They kept CeeDee Lamb in check for the rest of that game and limited Chris Olave to just 12 yards last week. Now, Davante Adams is no normal receiver so he has the ability to explode regardless of matchup. Adams will probably be fine; but be warned, he will have the entire defense's attention on him when he is on the field.

Tight Ends

Play of the Day: Logan Thomas, Commanders (@ Falcons)

Logan Thomas has established himself as the number 2 target in this Commander offense. He's had at least 8 targets in 2 of his 3 full games so the usage alone makes him a great play. He plays the Falcons this week who have not been able to cover the tight end position as of late. They have allowed at least 9 points to their opponent's tight end in 4 of their 5 games and an average of 14.6 points over their last 3 games. Thomas is a great deal at just $5,400.

Obvious Plays: TJ Hockenson, Vikings (@ Bears) & Sam LaPorta, Lions (@ Buccaneers)

Solid Plays: Evan Engram, Jaguars (vs Colts) & Jonnu Smith, Falcons (vs Commanders)

Evan Engram has quietly been a solid fantasy player this year. He has 8 targets in 4 straight games which is phenomenal usage for a tight end. This Jaguar offense has not looked super potent so his upside is not that high, but his consistent usage props up a solid floor. Jonnu Smith has been everything that people hoped Kyle Pitts would be. He has at least 6 targets every game and has averaged 62 yards per game. He has not been smoking hot, but that is great production for a tight end who is priced at just $5,100.

Other Plays: Dallas Goedert, Eagles (@ Jets) & Cole Kmet, Bears (vs Vikings)

Fade of the Day: Hunter Henry, Patriots (@ Raiders)

After a goose egg by Henry, I am out. The zero is the latest in what has been a concerning downward trend for the tight end. After two 14 point games to start the season, Henry has had less than 20 yards in 2 of his last 3 games and maxed out at 4 catches during that span. Henry's floor is zero so with better options at a cheaper price tag, avoid Henry until he proves he can consistently produce.

Other Fades: Kyle Pitts, Falcons (vs Commanders) & Noah Fant, Seahawks (@ Bengals)

Bust Alert: Zach Ertz, Cardinals (@ Rams)

After being a target monster to start the season, Ertz's usage has seen a drastic downturn. Ertz had received at least 8 targets in 3 of his first 4 games, but saw just 4 last week. This downturn has come hand in hand with an increase in playing time and usage for fellow TE Trey McBride. Ertz should remain one of the top targets on this offense; but if McBride continues to play more and more, Ertz's usage will go from elite to just decent.

Defenses

Play of the Day: 49ers @ Browns

This 49ers defense has dominated every offense they have played so far this year and now they get a PJ Walker led Browns. Don't overthink it, pay up and get the Niners in your lineup.

Other Plays: Eagles (@ Jets); Dolphins (vs Panthers); Raiders (vs Patriots) & Vikings (@ Bears)

Dream Team

QB: Kirk Cousins, Vikings (@ Bears)

RB1: Raheem Mostert, Dolphins (@ Panthers)

RB2: Salvon Ahmed, Dolphins (@ Panthers)

WR1: Cooper Kupp, Rams (vs Cardinals)

WR2: Calvin Ridley, Jaguars (vs Colts)

WR3: Jordan Addison, Vikings (@ Bears)

TE: Logan Thomas, Commanders (@ Falcons)

Flex: Drake London, Falcons (vs Commanders)

D/ST: 49ers @ Browns

**DISCLAIMER: Remember, sports and fantasy are supposed to be fun. Please play responsibly.**