Fantasy football starts and sits for Week 6

It’s Week 6 of the NFL season, and if you have been struggling in fantasy, there isn’t much time to turn things around. Those who are flying high should also mind themselves as no spots in the playoffs have been clinched yet.

This week you should reconsider following one trendy backup that people are talking about playing, and one running back who could flourish against a great matchup.

On the Bye: Buffalo, Indianapolis, Oakland and Chicago

Must starts

• Chris Thompson, RB, Washington: The change in coaching from Jay Gruden may have an impact on how many carries Adrian Peterson gets early in the game, but the question becomes whether Washington can stay in this game. The Dolphins who have given up the most fantasy points to opposing running backs, according to Fantasy Pros. I’m giving Thompson the edge over Peterson as he is heavily involved in the passing game (leads the team in receptions), which makes him the less risky option.
• Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon, WRs, Patriots: Both of these receivers are listed as questionable at the time of writing this, but reports are also saying they are safe bets to play. You should still double check before the game Thursday night. The reason you should be playing these guys is because the Giants have given up 31 points per game to opposing wide receivers, which is the second highest in the NFL. Edelman is currently the safer option (especially in PPR leagues), but New England always game plans to go the route of least resistance. That will be through the air against the Giants.
• Austin Hooper, TE, Falcons: Atlanta has been really bad this season, but Hooper has been enjoying a breakout season. He actually leads the Falcons with 34 catches and 363 yard. He is matched up against the Cardinals this week who are the best matchup for tight ends in 2019. No need to over think this one.

Defenses to stream

• Washington’s defense against the Dolphins
• The Dolphins defense against Washington

Sits

• Todd Gurley and Malcolm Brown, RBs, Rams: Gurley is dealing with a thigh contusion, and at the time of writing this he has yet to practice. Even if he is able to give it a go the 49ers have given up the fewest points to opposing running backs. An unhealthy Gurley should be a no go at this point. Brown also falls into this category. If the Rams had a better matchup then Brown would be a great bet, but you shouldn’t risk Brown or Gurley in a week where they will be touchdown dependent.
• Corey Davis and A.J. Brown, WRs, Titans: Both of these young receivers had big weeks two weeks ago against the Falcons, but it is safe to say unless they have a good matchup they can safely be sat on the Bench. Marcus Mariota just hasn’t been good enough to make his receivers that appealing in fantasy this season.
• O.J. Howard, TE, Bucs: Howard has probably been one of the most disappointing aspects of the 2019 season. He just hasn’t seen the volume needed to be a viable fantasy tight end. This week he is going against the Panthers who have only given up four points per game. Safe to say, Howard needs to be on the bench.