RADIO
Week 6 of the fantasy football season is underway and while we may have drafted certain players at a premium, it is okay to consider benching them despite their name value. We often hear the phrase "start your studs" and it is a tried and true method, especially earlier in the season. When injuries, tough matchups, and/or questionable team situations arise, we must adjust. Today, I'll be looking at Brock Purdy, Saquon Barkley, and Amari Cooper.
This may be difficult to stomach benching a player drafted within the top 100 for a possible free-agent acquisition, but sometimes such measures must be taken to ensure victory throughout the fantasy football season.
Here is a look at some fantasy football players who have shown warning signals recently, and you should think twice about putting them in your lineup in Week 6. Will they bounce back, or continue to underperform? For any and all issues or concerns, contact @RotoSurgeon on Twitter.
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Quarterback Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 6?
Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers @ Cleveland Browns
Brock Purdy's had a fantastic start to the season despite coming off of elbow surgery. He currently sits at QB8 in PPG just ahead of Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson but faces his toughest test of the season against the Browns' top-ranked defense in Cleveland. While claiming that Purdy thrived this past week against a very good Cowboys' defense, it is important to note that Dallas had recently lost their top CB Trevon Diggs just a week prior and SF was playing at home.
The weather forecast in Cleveland this Sunday is windy and rainy which will surely test Purdy who typically plays in an idyllic situation. In an easier matchup, this would not be much of an issue but with Cleveland fresh from their BYE week, there may be an awaiting storm.
Who To Start Instead?
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals
Matthew Stafford's fantasy season has been largely mediocre despite positive on-field results. He looks much stronger than last season when an elbow injury limited his arm and has a competent set of weapons that are creating separation before and after the catch. With his breakfast buddy Cooper Kupp back in the fold, Stafford's upside going forward is much higher.
Matthew Stafford converting on this 4th down by throwing this ball through a vortex pic.twitter.com/50StRoDZdX
— JP Acosta (Pug Dederson Stan Acct) (@acosta32_jp) October 2, 2023
The Rams face a struggling Cardinals' defense that ranks 30th in DVOA (via FTN) this week. In the McVay era, the Rams have had a significant leg up on the Cardinals yearly and almost always play a fast-paced, high-scoring game against them. This may change with Kliff Kingsbury no longer manning the organization but based on early returns, we have little to believe the Rams, and Stafford in particular, will struggle getting downfield.
Running Back Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 6?
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants @ Buffalo Bills
While Saquon Barkley remains one of the NFL's premier running backs, he is coming off of a high-ankle sprain which is notably significant for skill players in fantasy. Not only that, the Giants' offensive line has struggled to pass and run block throughout the start of the season given their general lack of talent and absence of premier LT Andrew Thomas.
Kind of wild that Saquon Barkley still needs that much tape on his ankle 3.5 weeks out from his high ankle sprain. https://t.co/VXRYbqmZcK
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 11, 2023
Barkley is potentially returning this week to face a Bills' defense ranking 4th in DVOA. While the run defense is middle-of-the-pack, part of Saquon's value derives from his receiving ability which is likely limited due to the injury as well. Another significant injury to mention is that of QB Daniel Jones (neck) who may sit out Week 6. Backup QB Tyrod Taylor has plenty of starting experience but would limit the offense as a whole. Barkley is best left on benches this week given these circumstances.
Who To Start Instead?
Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots @ Las Vegas Raiders
Rhamondre Stevenson has been disappointing for fantasy managers throughout the season. Despite being drafted in the range of low-end RB1s he is producing like a low-end RB3 through five weeks with just two double-digit fantasy performances. The biggest issue thus far aside from his poor efficiency is a lack of targets. Stevenson is averaging a mere 3.6 targets per game after seeing 5.2 per game in 2022. Targets drove Stevenson to RB1 value despite just six total TDs on the season!
Luckily, Stevenson faces a porous Raiders' defense this week which ranks bottom-10 against both the run and pass. Given Stevenson's versatility and the fact that he is not entering this week with any known health issues, he should be re-inserted into lineups.
(Also, it is worth mentioning that Rhamondre Stevenson is from Las Vegas and he went nuclear against them last year)
Wide Receiver Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 6?
Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns vs San Francisco 49ers
While Amari Cooper remains an incredible WR, his situation is once again challenging. Deshaun Watson remains out of practice due to a shoulder contusion. This would leave recently upgraded backup P.J. Walker as the starter against a 49ers' defense that ranks 5th in DVOA against the pass and just shut down Dak Prescott.
As mentioned earlier, the weather forecast in Cleveland this weekend is windy and rainy which typically limits passing attacks. Cooper is averaging a respectable, but disappointing 12.5 fantasy PPG this season but is best left on the bench even if Watson were to be announced as starter.
Who To Start Instead?
Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears
With Justin Jefferson on IR, recent first-round selection Jordan Addison steps into the WR1 role for Minnesota. Addison's season to date has been promising as he has produced 249 yards on 29 targets (8.5 yards/target) with three touchdowns in five games. Most notably, Addison is running the third-most routes among Vikings receivers behind the aforementioned Jefferson and veteran K.J. Osborn.
“My expectation is we hit the gas with Jordan (Addison) this weekend. No pun intended.”
Coach 💀 pic.twitter.com/IXC9uQjiUf
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 11, 2023
Addison has not surpassed 75% of the snaps in a single game this season yet is producing like a fantasy WR3 despite a goose egg in Week 4 (where he played just half of the game). This week, Addison faces a Bears' defense that ranks second-last in pass defense and is expected to establish himself further in an offense that is passing 69% of the time.
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