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Unexpected fantasy football performances and waiver wire sleepers and trade targets for Week 7 (2023). Will these NFL players sustain their Week 6 success?
Sunday Bloody Sunday. Every year, there’s usually a week of the season when it seems like a multitude of players have some sort of injury. This was that week. Whether it was role players or mega-stars, a ton of players got nicked in some form or another during Week 6.
Along with the injuries, another downside of this week was the lack of scoring. After weeks of high-scoring affairs, only two teams eclipsed 30 points this week. However, there were some chaotic outcomes that made the slate more enjoyable as both previously undefeated teams lost to heavy underdogs.
Considering the low scoring and injuries, there were bound to be a few unexpected boom performers as well, although they weren’t on the same level of scoring as they have been in recent weeks. So, keep that in mind when reading the players’ stat lines. Alright, with that intro out of the way, let’s get into these Week 6 unexpected boom performers.
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Surprise Fantasy Football Performances
Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints
Despite having only two receptions, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed had a strong outing in Week 6. When this second-year receiver gets the ball, he seems to always have the ability to score, and he showed that ability against the Houston Texans.
Against the Texans, Shaheed caught two of six targets for 85 yards and a touchdown along with two carries for 18 yards. His solid day led to 17.3 half-PPR points, making him the WR5 on the week.
It was a great day for Shaheed, but it could’ve been even better. On his second reception, he had the cornerback beaten by a country mile, but quarterback Derek Carr may have given him the worst possible pass. The speedster had to come back on the pass and practically rip the ball from the cornerback’s hands.
This was the second solid outing of the season for the young receiver, and the hope is that he can build off this better than he did the previous one. Consider him a boom-bust option off the waiver wire heading into Week 7.
Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns
In the upset of the season up to this point, a familiar face had a strong outing. After being recently picked up off free agency, Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt managed to put up some solid numbers against, arguably, the NFL’s top defense.
During Cleveland’s Week 6 upset over the San Francisco 49ers, Hunt had 12 carries for 47 yards and a touchdown along with three receptions for 24 yards. His solid production led to 14.6 half-PPR points, making Hunt the RB10 in Week 6.
Prior to this week, many assumed that the veteran running back would take a backseat to fellow running back Jerome Ford after Nick Chubb's catastrophic injury. While that has been mostly the case, this week proved it may be more of a 1A/1B situation in this backfield from now on.
With some easier matchups coming up on the schedule for the Browns, Hunt may be a valuable name to target on the waiver wire, if available. Considering all the recent injuries to prominent fantasy stars, monitor him as a solid fill-in option.
Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions
Finally, a solid outing from the former first-rounder. If you’ve followed any coverage about Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams over the past couple of seasons, there’s been few positive developments. Whether it be entering the league with a torn ACL, setback injuries, or a gambling suspension, it’s certainly been a rocky road to start his career.
In Week 6, however, Williams may have finally made a real step in the right direction.
During Detroit’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Williams caught two of three targets for 53 yards and a touchdown, which resulted in 12.3 half-PPR fantasy points. A 45-yard touchdown mainly held his performance up, but it was a great sign for his outlook nonetheless.
If Williams can build on this, then look out. Detroit has already proven to be a stellar team so far. However, the only thing they’ve been missing on offense is a true deep threat in the receiving game.
The Lions are definitely happy to have Williams back in the picture, and he’s a name to watch out for while he gets ramped up further as the season rolls on.
Jonnu Smith, Atlanta Falcons
Well, the Falcons fell back to Earth. After their win over the Houston Texans in Week 5, the team regressed a bit against the Washington Commanders in Week 6. Even with their lackluster performance, there were some solid outings, including one from a tight end who’s been rejuvenated as of late.
Now, you might expect me to say Kyle Pitts after that preamble, but no. Pitts has his fair share of believers, but few believed they’d see a Jonnu Smith career revival with the Falcons.
Against Washington, Smith caught four of five targets for 36 yards and a touchdown, leading to 11.6 half-PPR points and a TE4 finish.
That isn’t the most awe-inspiring stat line, but it means a lot considering Smith looked like he was finished during his recent time with the New England Patriots. Now that he’s back with his former coach from the Tennessee Titans, Arthur Smith, he appears to be back on track.
Jonnu Smith isn’t a player who deserves to be heavily invested in, but he offers some intrigue at a position that is a complete crapshoot for fantasy. Heading into Week 7, consider him a fill-in with upside.
Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders
In addition to Jonnu Smith, another tight end had an unexpected performance this week. However, instead of the player being a longtime veteran, it was from a rookie.
It’s funny how quickly people forget about some top prospects from NFL draft season. While he wasn’t the first one selected, there was a time when many thought of Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer as the unquestioned top tight end in the 2023 class.
After falling further than expected in the draft and starting off the season slowly, many had written off the former Notre Dame standout. But in Week 6, he showed his potential.
Against the New England Patriots, Mayer caught five of six targets for 75 yards, making him the TE5 on the week.
This could be a glimpse of what’s coming for the rookie. With rookie tight ends showing out this season, why not add Mayer to the mix? He’s a name to consider as a solid pickup heading into Week 7.
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