8 sleepers to play in fantasy football for Week 6

Here are eight sleepers to play in fantasy football for Week 6.

Fantasy football managers have made it through the first five weeks of the season and on top of injuries, they now have to deal with bye weeks.

Only four teams are on a bye in Week 6, but there are several fantasy-relevant players on the bench this week. This means we’ll need to find that production elsewhere. This is when those sleepers come in handy.

We will be using The Huddle’s weekly PPR projections and rankings as a reference. In order to qualify as a sleeper, we are taking a look at quarterbacks ranked outside the top 12, running backs and wide receivers ranked outside the top 24, and tight ends ranked outside the top 10.

Here are eight sleepers to play in fantasy football for Week 6:

Tunnel Vision of Week 5

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
Josh Allen 424-42 4
 Jalen Hurts 239-61 2
Kirk Cousins 396-4 2
Geno Smith 268-13 3
Carson Wentz 359-152 0
Running Backs Rush
Receive
TD
Austin Ekeler 16-173
4-26
2
Leonard Fournette 14-56
10-83
2
Breece Hall 18-97
2-100
1
Nick Chubb 17-134 2
Derrick Henry  28-102
2-30
2
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Gabriel Davis 3-171 2
Justin Jefferson 12-177 0
Tyler Lockett 5-104 2
Cooper Kupp 7-125 1
Dyami Brown 2-105 2
Tight Ends Yards TD
Taysom Hill 1-1
9-112 rush
3
Dallas Goedert 8-95 0
David Njoku 6-88 0
Mark Andrews 8-89 1
Hayden Hurst 6-53 1
Placekickers XP FG
Nick Folk 2 5
Taylor Bertolet 3 3
Chase McLaughlin 0 4
Brett Maher 1 3
Cairo Santos 1 3
Defense Sack – TO TD
Patriots 2-2 1
Cowboys 5-3 1
Bills 3-2 0
49ers 6-1 1
Colts 4-2 0

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

QB Baker Mayfield (CAR) – Foot
QB Teddy Bridgewater (MIA) – concussion
RB Damien Harris (NE) – Hamstring
RB Rashaad Penny – Fractured tibia
RB James Conner (ARI) – Ribs
WR Tyreek Hill (MIA) – Foot
WR Tee Higgins (CIN) – Ankle
WR Nelson Agholor (NE) – Hamstring
WR Chris Olave (NO) – Concussion
WR Christian Watson (GB) – Hamstring
TE Dalton Schultz (DAL) – Knee
TE Pat Freiermuth (PIT) – Concussion
PK Robbie Gould (SF) – Knee

Chasing Ambulances

Baker Mayfield – Injured his ankle and wasn’t sure of the severity, but planning on an MRI today. P.J. Walker finished the game. If Mayfield misses time, P.J. Walker will take the start. Sam Darnold is eligible to come off injured reserve but isn’t ready yet. If Mayfield cannot play, it may actually benefit both D.J. Moore and Robbie Anderson.

Teddy Bridgewater – He was replacing Tua Tagovailoa and was concussed. The seventh-round rookie Skylar Thompson played nearly the entire game but the drop in production was noticeable and significant.

Damien Harris – Injured his hamstring and was held out for most of the game. The Pats only carry two running backs into games lately, so it all went to Rhamondre Stevenson, who responded with 161 yards on 25 carries in the shutout of the Lions. Harris will have his hamstring examined but information is always tough to get from the Patriots.

Rashaad Penny – Fractured his tibia and they will determine if he needs surgery. Early speculation is that he will need surgery, and will miss the rest of the season but he could be okay for 2023. But Penny is on a one-year “prove it” deal and he could be elsewhere next season.

James Conner –  Injured his ribs and did not play in the second half. The Cards also lost Darrel Williams to a knee injury and Jonathan Ward suffered a hamstring injury. Eno Benjamin was the last man standing for the backfield. The Cardinals said that they were just being careful but Conner was reported to be in pain and breathing heavily after the game.

Tyreek Hill – The Miami wideout already had a quad injury when he played this week and he exited with a foot injury. He was seen wearing a walking boot after the game but HC Mike McDaniel said that Hill’s foot was stepped on and that it wasn’t thought to be serious.

Tee Higgins – He was limited in practices this week but was active. He did not record a catch and he was believed to have reaggravated the injury. He’ll be a practice watch again this week.

Chris Olave – He caught a touchdown, and held onto the ball despite being slung onto his head by the defender. His body immediately went limp and he lay in the endzone motionless for a moment. It appeared to be a significant concussion. More should be known by Wednesday.

Dalton Schultz – The Cowboys tight end sprained his right PCL in Week 2 and returned for Week 4 when he failed to catch any of his three targets. Schultz reaggravated the knee injury at the Rams before ever catching a pass, so that’s two goose eggs for fantasy owners with an unclear situation for Week 6.

Pat Freiermuth – Suffered a concussion in the third quarter and left the Steelers’ loss to the Bills. It is concerning that he had two concussions last year. We will know more later in the week if Freiermuth needs to sit out for a week.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

Denver backfield – The Broncos march onward without Javonte Williams (or touchdowns for that matter), and the new backfield split had Melvin Gordon rushing 15 times for 54 yards while Mike Boone was given seven carries for 38 yards. Both running backs caught all three of their targets for 49 and 47 yards. Gordon is taking roughly 2:1 with Boone and he went a game without fumbling.

Packers wideouts – Forget about last week’s “well, they settled on the wide receivers.” The starters are still Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Romeo Doubs. But Doubs recent increases reversed with only three catches for 29 yards against the Giants. Cobb’s standard 40-yard games shot up to 99 yards on seven catches while Lazard’s 116 yards in Week 4 turned into four catches for 35 yards though he did score. And the Packers lost the game, so the offense continues to lack reliability.

QB Kenny Pickett (PIT) – The rookie’s first start was painful with a 3-38 loss in Buffalo. But he passed for 327 yards at perhaps the toughest venue in the NFL this year. He only ran once for ten yards, unlike Week 4 when he ran in two touchdowns on his six runs for 15 yards. And once again, George Pickens (6-83) was the top receiver.

RB Travis Etienne (JAC) – The redshirt rookie ran ten times for 71 yards in the loss to the Texans, and added three catches for 43 yards. James Robinson only managed 27 yards on his ten carries and added two catches for 12 yards. That means that for the last two weeks, the workload is split 50:50 between Etienne and Robinson, and Etienne was the more productive in both games.

RB Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) – He was roughly splitting the backfield with Damien Harris through Week 4, though Harris was the goal line back and  Stevenson added four catches per game. Versus the Lions, Harris left with a hamstring after four carries for 11 yards. Stevenson took over and rushed 25 times for 161 yards and caught two passes in the shutout of the Lions.

RB Kenneth Walker (SEA) – And that is why you spend a 2.09 pick on the second running back drafted in April. Rashaad Penny had an extensive injury history but finally turned in an impressive month to end 2021 while Seattle enjoyed a spectacularly light rushing schedule.  He was re-signed to a one-year “prove it” deal to see if he finally would meet his potential. Against the Saints, Penny fractured his tibia and will be out many weeks, and very possibly the rest of the season, depending on what they find on Monday. Walker had been used for only a handful of carries as the No. 2 back but ended Week 5 with eight runs for 88 yards and a score thanks to his 69-yard break-free run for a touchdown. He’ll face the Cardinals, Chargers, and Giants next.  Travis Homer will be the No. 2 back unless they acquire a free agent.

TE/QB/RB Taysom Hill (NO) – He’s the tight end with one catch on the year, compared to 21 rushes for five touchdowns, and a touchdown pass.  Hill had games of only 3-14 and 5-21 for the last two weeks, so it was unexpected when he ran for 112 yards and three touchdowns on nine rushes, plus threw a 22-yard touchdown against the Seahawks. As a tight end. It’s okay, none of us exactly know what to make of this or what to expect.

RB Alvin Kamara (NO) – It was good to see Kamara finally looking like his productive self again. He ran for 103 yards on 23 rushes yesterday and added six catches for 91 yards as the top receiver. Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry were out, and Chris Olave also became injured, so that impacted his use as a receiver. But it’s just nice to see his back to form and without Jameis Winston who didn’t throw much to him.

RB Breece Hall (NYJ) – The rookie had his breakout game in Week 5 versus the Dolphins. He rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries and caught two passes for 100 as the lead receiver. It’s bothersome that Michael Carter vultured two touchdowns but 197 total yards compared to 36 for Carter says that the transition is complete.

RB Tyler Allgeier / Caleb Huntley (ATL) – First week with Cordarrelle Patterson on injured reserve and the results were a bit disappointing. Allgeier ran for 45 yards on 13 rushes while Huntley handled eight carries for 34 yards. Neither was thrown a target. Playing at the Buccaneers is one of the toughest venues for a running back and the duo face the visiting 49ers this week.

RB Brian Robinson (WAS) – After healing the gunshot wounds, the Commander’s rookie took his first start and already supplanted Antonio Gibson. Robinson ran for 22 yards on nine carries and Gibson only rushed three times for six yards. This was just his first week and against a defense that slowed the run. Gibson also caught three passes for 33 yards while J.D. McKissic turned in five catches for 37 yards. Robinson should see more work against the Bears and Packers next.

RB Enos Benjamin (ARI) – After James Conner left with a rib injury, Benjamin stepped up to score on his eight carries for 25 yards, and he added three catches for 28 yards. If Conner remains out, Benjamin will again be the primary back. What is interesting is that they also lost Darrel Williams to a knee injury and Jonathan Ward to a hamstring strain. If they remain out, the Cards would need to make Keaontay Ingram active for the first time.

Huddle player of the week

Taysom Hill  –  How could you not love Hill this week? Knowing that his 112 yard, three-touchdown performance had no warning signs and no doubt happened with him on benches and waiver wires in most, if not nearly all leagues. He even threw a 22-yard touchdown. And you what will happen when you buy into him. Something like Week 3 (three carries for 14 yards). But with all the duds at tight end this week, Hill was on at least a few starting lineups of fantasy owners that raised their eyebrows and smiled.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Geno Smith 281 2 QB Justin Herbert 241 1
RB Raheem Mostert 122 1 RB Najee Harris 36 0
RB Kenneth Walker 88 1 RB Damien Harris 11 0
WR Dyami Brown 105 2 WR Christian Kirk 11 0
WR Jakobi Meyers 111 1 WR Amon-Ra St. Brown 18 0
WR Khalil Shakir 75 1 WR Brandin Cooks 20 0
TE Taysom Hill 134 4 TE T.J. Hockenson 6 0
PK Nick Folk   2 XP   5 FG PK Younghoe Koo 1  XP
Huddle Fantasy Points = 167 Huddle Fantasy Points = 27

Now get back to work…

Broncos turn to backfield committee after Javonte Williams injury

The Broncos will turn to a backfield committee after losing Javonte Williams to a season-ending injury.

After losing starting running back Javonte Williams to a season-ending knee injury, the Denver Broncos will ask a trio of running backs to step up against the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday Night Football this week.

“We are going to have to disperse it between the guys that will have out there,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said Monday. “Whoever is out there is going to have to do the best job they can.

“We have some good backs, and we want to be sure that we showcase them just like we were with him. And if they’re part of that progression and they get an opportunity, we want to see them be great.”

Melvin Gordon seems to be the front runner to start on Thursday with Mike Boone rotating in behind him. Denver also just signed Latavius Murray off the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad on Monday.

After traveling back from London, though, Murray is probably unlikely to have a heavy workload in his first game with the Broncos on a short week.

Expect all three backs to rotate in against the Colts on Thursday, with Gordon leading the way.

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Fantasy Football: 9 utilization stats to know from Week 4

Here are key utilization stats fantasy football managers should know following Week 4 of the NFL season.

We’re now four weeks into the 2022 NFL season and injuries are piling up and bye weeks are right around the corner. It’s an important time in fantasy football, and managers need to stay on their toes.

Before you make any roster cuts or waiver claims for Week 5, here are the key utilization notes to know following Week 4.

 

Nathaniel Hackett on Broncos RB Melvin Gordon: ‘You can’t put the ball on the ground’

“You can’t put the ball on the ground,” Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett said. “It’s that simple.”

On his first carry against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon fumbled, marking the fifth-straight game that he’s fumbled dating back to last season.

Las Vegas recovered the ball and returned it for a touchdown, a key play in a game that was decided by nine points.

After the loss, Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett was asked about the momentum swing when the Raiders took a six-point lead after Denver was driving in a tied game.

“Obviously, anytime you turn the ball over, it’s a big swing,” Hackett said. “That leading to a touchdown on the same recovery, it’s obviously rough …. that’s a hard way to win games whenever you lose the turnover differential and it being a score.”

Making matters worse for the offense, Javonte Williams suffered a knee injury and left the game. Hackett then turned to third-string running back Mike Boone, perhaps a sign that he’s lost patience with Gordon.

“In the end, you can’t put the ball on the ground,” Hackett said. “It’s that simple. We always say take care of the ball, it’s the most important thing. It’s not like he’s trying to do it, we understand that. But we just have to be even better with our ball security across the board. The other guys did a good job, and Melvin had that one.”

Gordon has rushed 37 times for 139 yards and one touchdown this season. Those are decent numbers, but they are overshadowed by his four fumbles through four games. His role in Denver’s offense might now be in jeopardy.

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Fantasy Football: 15 waiver wire targets for Week 5

Here are 15 players you should consider adding off the waiver wire in fantasy football this week.

The Denver Broncos have lost starting running back Javonte Williams for the rest of the 2022 season to a knee injury, leaving Melvin Gordon and Mike Boone as the team’s top two running backs going forward.

Boone is available in most fantasy football leagues and he should be a top priority waiver-wire target this week. Gordon has fumbled four times through the first four weeks of the season, which might open the door for Boone to get an increased workload.

Elsewhere on the injury front, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is dealing with an ankle injury. Taylor “has a chance” to play on Thursday Night Football this week, but his backup, Nyheim Hines should be a top target on the waiver wire for Week 5.

And another injury to note — Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson is going on injured reserve with a knee injury, leaving Tyler Allgeier as Atlanta’s presumed starting running back for at least the next four weeks.

Those three running backs headline this week’s list of the top 15 waiver wire targets. The list also includes options at wide receiver, tight end and quarterback. Let’s get to it:

Tests confirm catastrophic knee injury for Broncos RB Javonte Williams

Three major torn ligaments have ended Williams’ season and put the start to 2023 in jeopardy.

Tests revealed Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (knee) tore his anterior cruciate ligament, lateral collateral ligament and posterolateral corner in Sunday’s loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Needless to say, his 2022 season is over.

Catastrophic indeed. Two of four torn knee ligaments is a devastating blow to any player’s future, especially at running back. The most relevant recent comparison with similar ligament tears is New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore. He returned to get drafted and star as a Pro Bowler in the NFL, and though one can argue the physicality of playing running back differs from that of cornerback, this isn’t entirely a fantasy death sentence for the second-year rusher. Both positions require tremendous lateral movements skills, and it’s entirely possible Williams never will be the same back again.

Williams’ start to 2023 is in jeopardy at this point, but the immediate focus is on where to turn for help in fantasy football for the remainder of 2022. The obvious place to turn is Williams’ backfield mates, Melvin Gordon and Mike Boone. The former should handle most of the work, including the early-down chores, whereas the latter is a better target in PPR. Boone isn’t likely to have as much value, though, and his utilization figures should pale in comparison to Gordon.

The former Charger is owned in most leagues, yet it remains worthy of your time to take a quick peek. Boone, however, should be universally available and becomes a depth addition of moderate priority.

Given the nature of how important the position is in fantasy, finding valid replacements on the wire will be next to impossible in most competitive formats. With bye weeks a Sunday away, there will be plenty of games in which managers will be forced to plug their nose and field just about any back with a pulse. Be sure to check out our latest Free-Agent Forecast release that covers waiver targets.

Update: Running back Latavius Murray was signed away from the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad. The 32-year-old looked spry in Week 4 action but doesn’t offer much that can’t be found in Gordon, aside from improved ball security. Murray is not a quality receiver, and he’s not a breakaway threat. Add him as a fringe backup, especially if you had handcuffed Gordon to Williams.

3 takeaways from Broncos’ 23-13 win over Vikings

After the Broncos’ win over the VIkings, here are some of the biggest takeaways going into Week 1.

The Denver Broncos won their preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday evening. There could be a bunch of takeaways from this game, but we are only going to focus on the top three as the team wraps up preseason.

Broncos stock up/down: Risers and fallers after final preseason game

After the Broncos’ 23-13 win over the Vikings, there are many decisions to be made. Who stood out from this contest?

After a 10-point victory in their final preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, the Denver Broncos now have significant decisions to make by whittling the roster from 80 players down to 53. Here are six aspects of the game that the Denver decision-makers will look at to aid their conclusions.

Here are the ‘Madden NFL 23’ ratings for Broncos running backs

Melvin Gordon (83 OVR) is the top #Broncos running back in #Madden23, followed by Javonte Williams (82 OVR) and Mike Boone (67 OVR).

(Courtesy: EA Sports)

EA Sports has been rolling out ratings for Madden NFL 23 position-by-position this week, with running backs revealed on Wednesday.

For the Denver Broncos, Melvin Gordon (83 overall) is the team’s top option in the backfield, followed by Javonte Williams (82 OVR), Mike Boone (67 OVR) and Damarea Crockett (59 OVR).

Madden did not include undrafted rookie Tyreik McAllister in the game’s initial roster. Andrew Beck, the team’s fullback/tight end, isn’t in the game, either.

Gordon has a slightly better overall rating than Williams, but the second-year running back has better acceleration (91 vs. 88) and strength (80 vs. 74) ratings than the veteran. Gordon has better agility (89 vs. 85) and more awareness (83 vs. 79) than Williams in the video game.

EA Sports also released the ratings for kickers Wednesday. Denver’s Brandon McManus is 78 overall, with 96 kick power and 79 kick accuracy.

Up next are cornerback and defensive line ratings released on Thursday, followed by quarterbacks and full team ratings on Friday.

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