Welcome to Week 6, friends. As always, we’re here to provide you with some Quick Grades (or Start/Sit Grades, if you prefer) for the week.

We tapped into our consensus projections and rankings and Derek Brown’s weekly Primer to generate this week’s Quick Grades. See below for the results and accompanying notes.

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Week 6 QB Start/Sit Grades

Notes

Jimmy Garoppolo: Since reassuming the starting job in San Francisco, Garoppolo is the QB27 in fantasy points per game. This is the lens to view him through as a mid to low-end QB2. While he has been playing solid football, ranking 16th in PFF passing grade, eighth in yards per attempt, and 12th in big-time throw rate, his overall raw volume and accuracy hold him back. Since Week 3, Garoppolo has been 20th in passing attempts and 15th in passing yards while struggling to 32nd in adjusted completion rate. The Falcons offer a solid matchup as they are second in success rate and 13th in EPA per dropback. This secondary is also 22nd in explosive pass rate.

Marcus Mariota: Mariota is a must-sit quarterback this week. As the QB22 in fantasy points per game, his dreadful quarterbacking play could catch up with him soon and end up with a benching. He’s 27th in PFF passing grade, 39th in adjusted completion rate (out of 40 QBs), tenth in turnover-worthy play rate, and holding the ball forever with the sixth-highest time to throw (minimum 25 dropbacks). The 49ers will smother him this week. They are fifth in pass defense DVOA, ranking top-six in passing yards allowed per game, EPA per drop back, and explosive pass rate allowed.

Jacoby Brissett: Brissett has been an adequate mid QB2 this season which honestly says more about the state of the quarterback position than it does about Brissett. Over the last four weeks, he’s finished as the QB16, QB12, QB16, and QB14. He’s done so while ranking 12th in PFF passing grade and protecting the football with the 11th-lowest turnover-worthy play rate (minimum 25 dropbacks). He’s still just a middling talent, as he’s 22nd in adjusted completion rate and 19th in big-time throw rate (minimum 25 dropbacks). The Patriots again field a tough pass defense. They have allowed the sixth-lowest success rate and ninth-lowest EPA per dropback. While they have the eighth-highest passing touchdown rate permitted this year, they have held opposing passers to the 11th-lowest yards per attempt mark. Brissett finds himself on the low-end spectrum of QB2s this week.

Zach Wilson: Wilson is a low-end QB2. The Jets hid him last week with only 21 passing attempts, and that could easily be the plan again this week. Green Bay is 13th in success rate and tenth in EPA per dropback. They have allowed the ninth-lowest passing touchdown rate while blitzing at the fifth-highest rate in the NFL. Wilson is 19th in adjusted completion rate with the fourth-highest turnover-worthy play rate since Week 4 (minimum 25 dropbacks). If the blitz can get home, Wilson will fold. He’s 31st in PFF passing grade (out of 37 QBs) and 35th in yards per attempt against the blitz (minimum ten blitzed dropbacks).

Aaron Rodgers: Rodgers has begun to heat up in fantasy as he’s playing good football. He’s been the QB13, QB14, and QB14 over the last three weeks. He’s thrown multiple touchdown passes in each of the last four games. He’s eighth in PFF passing grade, 11th in accuracy rating, and seventh in true passer rating. The Jets’ secondary has surprised, but this is still a team you can throw on. They have given up the tenth-highest EPA per dropback and the 12th-highest passing touchdown rate. They have done a fine job at manufacturing pressure (third) despite not blitzing (fourth-lowest). Rodgers has had no issues with pressure, with the sixth-highest PFF passing grade, sixth-best big-time throw rate against pressure, and the 12th-best adjusted completion rate. Rodgers is a rock-solid QB1.

Kyler Murray: Murray is the QB5 in fantasy, finishing as a top-12 quarterback in four of five games despite playing poorly in real life. He’s 21st in PFF passing grade with the seventh-lowest big-time throw rate. The pluses for Murray are that he’s 11th in adjusted completion rate and first in pass attempts, so accuracy and volume have been on his side. He’s also started to run more, as his rushing yards have increased in each of the last three games. Murray is a top-five fantasy option this week with breakout potential. Seattle has been generous to quarterbacks ranking fifth in success rate and first in EPA per dropback. They are allowing a ton of production through the air sitting at 24th in passing yards and explosive pass rate.

Geno Smith: Chef Geno heads back to the friendly culinary confines of the Northwest. Smith has the kitchen smelling good over the last three weeks as the QB7, QB2, and QB4 in fantasy. He’s first in PFF passing grade, third in yards per attempt (tied with Josh Allen), and first in big-time throw rate. He’s passed for at least 300 yards completing at least 72% of his passes in two of his last three games. Smith is about to stick the Cardinals in the oven and set it to broil. Arizona is first in success rate per dropback, fifth in EPA per dropback, 21st in passing yards per game, and 31st in explosive pass rate allowed. This is bad news against a Seattle passing attack that leads the NFL in explosive passes. Smith has top-three upside this week.

If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant, which allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.

Week 6 WR Start/Sit Grades

Notes

Deebo Samuel: Samuel is the WR17 this season with a 27.6% target share (15th among wideouts) and 0.50 weighted opportunity (27th). He leads the 49ers in endzone target share (50%). The biggest problem with Samuel’s usage is that the team has returned to their old ways of using him as a dump-off artist with a 4.2 aDOT. This hasn’t stopped Samuel from producing, ranking second in YAC per reception, 31st in yards per route run (minimum ten targets), and 33rd in receiving yards. His rushing usage has declined as the season has progressed, with only two rushing attempts in each of the last two games. He’s a WR2 that’ll run about 66% of his routes against Casey Hayward and A.J. Terrell. Hayward’s play has improved as he has allowed a 52% catch rate and a 75.1 passer rating. Terrell still looks lost this season, with a 67.7% catch rate and a 132.7 passer rating in coverage.

Brandon Aiyuk: Aiyuk is a WR4/5 seeing a 20.1% target share (5.4 targets per game) and 29.9% air yard share. He’s the WR45 this season that’s held back by a run-first offense and noodle-armed quarterback. He’s 31st in PFF receiving grade but 47th in yards per route run (minimum ten targets). He hasn’t crossed 60 receiving yards since Week 2. He’ll run about 74% of his routes this week against Terrell and Hayward.

Drake London: London is a superstar being held back by a run-first offense and shoddy quarterback play. His efficiency metrics have been stellar, as he’s fifth in PFF receiving grade, 22nd in yards per route run, third in target share, and sixth in weighted opportunity. The problem is that this has amounted to only eight targets and 53.2 receiving yards per game. With his incredible play, he’s still managed to be the WR27 in fantasy. The 49ers are a tough matchup but one that London can excel against if given the volume. The 49ers utilize zone coverage heavily (69-70%), which is fantastic for London. He’s seen 65% of his target volume against zone, ranking third in yards per route run and second in PFF receiving grade against the coverage (minimum five targets). If Mariota throws more this week because of the tough rushing matchup, London can have a successful week. He’ll run about 86% of his routes against Charvarius Ward and Samuel Womack. Ward has allowed a 51.9% catch rate and 69.7 passer rating. Womack has given up a 70% catch rate and a 75.8 passer rating in coverage. London is a WR3 with WR2 upside this week.

Amari Cooper: Cooper has surpassed my expectations for him entering this season. He’s the WR18 in fantasy points per game and has finished as a WR1 in three of five games. Cooper is 24th in PFF receiving grade and 36th in yards per route run (minimum ten targets). He’s been a high-value target magnet, ranking tenth in weighted opportunity and 14th in red zone targets. He’ll see Jalen Mills and Jack Jones in coverage on about 77% of his routes. Mills has allowed a 66.7% catch rate and a 95.3 passer rating. Jones has surrendered a 55.6% catch rate and a 42.6 passer rating. The Patriots are an average matchup for wide receivers ranking 17th in fantasy points per game allowed. Cooper is a WR2.

Garrett Wilson: Since Week 2, Wilson has led New York with a 23.8% target share and a 55.6% end zone target share. With Zach Wilson back under center over the last two games and the offensive design changing, Garrett Wilson has seen his numbers nerfed. He’s averaged five targets, 2.5 receptions, and 34 receiving yards. He leads the team, ranking 19th in PFF receiving grade and sitting at 40th in yards per route run (minimum ten targets). He’ll run about 58% of his routes against Rasul Douglas (76.5% catch rate, 85.7 passer rating) in the slot. Wilson is a WR3/4.

Corey Davis: Davis is second among the wide receivers, tied with Elijah Moore with a 14.5% target share. He leads the team with a 27.3% air yard share (15.2 aDOT) as the team’s deep threat. He’s tied with Moore for the team lead in targets. Davis has been equally volatile with Zach Wilson back at the helm as the WR15 and WR72 since Week 4. He’ll run about 78% of his routes against Eric Stokes (87.5% catch rate, 114.6 passer rating) and Jaire Alexander (87.5% catch rate, 75.5 passer rating). Davis is a WR4 with some upside against a Packers’ secondary that’s 29th in DVOA against deep passing.

Elijah Moore: This season, Moore has barely registered on the fantasy radar as the WR74 in fantasy points per game. He’s surpassed 50 receiving yards once and hasn’t finished higher than WR44 in any week. He’s not drawing targets (14.8% target share, 66th) and has done very little with the volume he’s seen (1.06 yards per route run). Moore is a sit until further notice.

Allen Lazard: Lazard is the WR27 in fantasy points per game on the strength of touchdowns. He has scored in three of his four games played despite eclipsing 50 receiving yards in only one game. Lazard has seen a 19.2% target share with a 34.4% share of the team’s air yards. He’s been a high-value touch factory with seven deep targets and five red zone targets in only four games. He’s a strong WR3 this week. Lazard has seen 41.7% of his target volume via the slot, which means he’ll draw his looks against Michael Carter (82.4% catch rate, 108.1 passer rating).

Christian Kirk: In Week 2 against the Colts, Kirk secured all six of his targets with 78 receiving yards and two scores. This is a perfect bounce-back spot for Kirk, who has finished as the WR46 and WR93 over the last two weeks. He’s seen a 23.5% target share (29th) and 26.7% target per route run rate (23rd) while excelling against zone coverage. He’s 17th in yards per route run and 23rd in PFF receiving grade against zone (minimum five targets). He’ll run nearly 75% of his routes from the slot against Kenny Moore (70% zone), who has allowed a 65.4% catch rate and 125.3 passer rating. Kirk is a strong WR2.

Michael Pittman: Don’t let consecutive down games as the WR58 and WR37 in fantasy scoring sway belief in Pittman’s skills, but Ryan’s struggles have hurt him. While he’s 33rd in PFF receiving grade, he’s dipped to 50th in yards per route run. He’s drawn a 22.9% target share and five red zone targets (22nd). He’s yet to be targeted deep, though, and his aDOT (6.6) is ranked 89th among wideouts. Pittman can have a bounceback game against two burnable corners if Ryan can get him the ball. He’ll run about 77% of his routes against Shaquill Griffin (68.4% catch rate, 128.4 passer rating) and Tyson Campbell (63% catch rate, 91.6 passer rating). Pittman is a mid WR2.

Ja’Marr Chase: Chase has struggled this year with only one top-24 fantasy wide receiver finish this season. His usage has still been elite, though, with a 28% target share (14th) and 33.9% air yard share (20th). Despite ranking second in red zone targets (11), he only has two touchdowns on his 2022 resume. He’s 35th in PFF receiving grade and 53rd in yards per route run (minimum ten targets). Chase is a screaming regression candidate. This could be the week he balls out. The Saints’ corners’ have utilized zone coverage on 55-60% of their snaps. Against zone, Chase has seen 59.2% of his target volume, ranking 23rd in PFF receiving grade and 25th in yards per route run (minimum seven zone targets). Chase will face Marshon Lattimore (52.6% catch rate, 71.4 passer rating) and Paulson Adebo (77.8% catch rate, 158.3 passer rating) on nearly 75% of his routes. Chase can succeed against Lattimore and cook Adebo. Chase still leads the team with six deep targets and now gets to tee off against a secondary that’s 26th in DVOA against deep passing. Chase remains a WR1.

Week 6 RB Start/Sit Grades

Notes

Jeff Wilson: Since assuming the starting running back role for the 49ers, Wilson is the RB14 in fantasy. He’s averaged 17.8 touches and 103.8 total yards, with at least 74 rushing yards in every game. Wilson has been a steady source of fantasy goodness and volume despite being a league-average (or below) rushing talent. He’s 38th in yards after contact per attempt and 48th in PFF’s elusive rating (out of 66 RBs with at least 15 carries). Where he’s made his money is ranking eighth in breakaway rate. Wilson is a rock-solid RB2 in a plus matchup. Atlanta is third-worst in rushing success rate and rush EPA. They have surrendered the 13th-most fantasy points per game to running backs and rank 16th in explosive run rate allowed.

Tevin Coleman: Coleman finally broke into the boxscore in Week 5. He was active in Week 4 but only played one offensive snap. In Week 5, he logged 28% of the snaps with 11 touches, 67 total yards, and two touchdowns as the RB9 for the week. Coleman ran hot with touchdowns as his efficiency metrics more closely resemble a washed-up 29-year-old running back. He’s only managed 1.00 yards after contact per attempt with his eight rushing attempts while failing to register any missed tackles forced. Coleman is a low-end stash candidate, but I can’t possibly recommend that anyone put him in their lineups this week despite the “revenge game” narrative.

Rhamondre Stevenson: With Damien Harris succumbing to injury last week, Stevenson turned into a volume monster playing 90% of the snaps with 27 touches and 175 total yards. He handled 75.8% of the rushing attempts and a 9.5% target share with a 63.6% route run rate. Harris looks like he will miss a substantial amount of time, meaning “MONDRE SZN” is upon us. Stevenson has been one of the most efficient running backs in the NFL. He ranks third in yards after contact per attempt, ninth in missed tackles forced, 20th in breakaway rate, and tenth in PFF’s elusive rating (minimum 15 carries). While Pierre Strong will be active this week to spell Stevenson, he should still operate as the clear lead. The Browns are a smash matchup for Stevenson with the fourth-highest rushing success rate, second-highest explosive run rate, and fifth-most rushing yards per game allowed. Stevenson is a strong RB1 this week.

Nick Chubb: Chubb has been a Greek god in fantasy this season. He’s the RB2 in fantasy rushing for over 100 yards in four of five games. He’s averaged 20.8 touches and 126 total yards. He’s essentially STILL a lock for 20 touches and over 100 rushing yards each week, which is insane. He’s a top-five real-life NFL running back. He’s fourth in yards after contact per attempt, first in missed tackles forced (nine more than the closest running back), 14th in breakaway rate, and first in PFF’s elusive rating (minimum 15 carries). The Patriots are another advantageous opponent for Chubb, who have the second-highest rushing success rate, sixth-highest EPA per rush, and 11th-most rushing yards per game allowed. They have not allowed a touchdown to a running back yet, but this feels like small sample variance.

Breece Hall: Hall has taken over this backfield since Week 4. He’s finished as the RB15 and RB4 while playing 67.5% of the snaps averaging 19.5 touches and 137.5 total yards. He’s the RB10 in fantasy points per game overall this season. While Carter has still factored into the red zone work, Hall owns most of the early downs and routes. He’s running behind an offensive line that’s 11th in second-level yards, so they have had no issues springing him for big plays. Hall is sixth in yards created per touch, second in breakaway run rate, and tenth in evaded tackles. He will decimate a Green Bay run defense that’s allowed the highest rush success rate in the NFL while also sitting at 29th in rush EPA and 27th in explosive run rate allowed. Hall is a top-ten running back.

Travis Etienne: Last week Etienne continued his takeover of this backfield. His snap share increased for the fourth consecutive week. He’s now out-snapped Robinson in back-to-back weeks. Over the last four weeks, he has averaged 12.3 touches and 68.5 total yards. He’s finished as a top-30 running back in three of his last four games (RB30, RB28, RB56, RB22). Since Week 3, Etienne is 26th in yards after contact per attempt, 18th in breakaway rate, and 22nd in PFF’s elusive rating (minimum 15 carries). His 9.2% target share (15th in yards per route run) will come in handy this week. The Colts are a putrid matchup for backs in the rushing department, ranking top-seven in rushing success rate (seventh), explosive run rate (second), and every adjusted line yard metric I value. Indy has, however, played poorly against running backs in the passing game. They are 23rd in DVOA with the seventh-most receptions, fourth-most receiving yards, and seventh-highest yards per reception. Etienne is an RB3 with RB2 upside.

James Robinson: Robinson’s slide continues as his snap share has dropped from 61.8% to 43.1% over the last four games. He’s finished outside the top 48 running backs (RB58, RB50) in back-to-back weeks. His efficiency continues to crater as his yards after contact per attempt has fallen every game since Week 2. He hasn’t recorded a run of 10-plus yards since Week 3. The only role that Robinson still holds over Etienne is the red zone work. Since Week 3, he’s averaged 13.4 touches and 61.3 total yards. With a bad rushing matchup upcoming and a declining pass game role, Robinson is a touchdown-or-bust RB3.

Dalvin Cook: Cook has been hot and cold this year. He’s run for at least 90 yards and posted 3.10 or higher yards after contact per attempt in three plus matchups against GB, DET, and CHI. Against tougher opponents in PHI and NO, he couldn’t crest 2.20 yards per contact per attempt or 80 rushing yards. His overall efficiency numbers are concerning, as he’s 35th in yards after contact per attempt and 33rd in PFF’s elusive rating (minimum 15 carries). The biggest red flag for Cook that has my spider sense tingling is his lack of explosive plays. His 2.5% (40th) breakaway run rate is by far the lowest of his career. Cook is still the RB16 averaging 18.4 touches and 89.4 total yards, but it’s possible he’s lost a step from his peak. The Dolphins offer a reason to keep your Cook love in check this week. Miami is top seven in adjusted line yards, second-level yards, and open field yards. They have also conceded the 13th lowest explosive run rate, rushing yards per game, and rush success rate. The only ray of hope for Cook is Miami’s susceptibility to running backs in the passing game. The Dolphins are 29th in DVOA with the tenth-most reception and third-highest yards per reception allowed. The issue here is that Cook hasn’t been good as a receiver, either. He’s 33rd in target share (8%) and 38th (out of 43 RBs) in yards per route run (minimum ten targets). Cook is a low-end RB1.

Alexander Mattison: Mattison is a touchdown or bust flex in deep leagues. He’s only handled 7.4 touches per game while averaging 30.4 total yards. The caveat is that he has nine red zone opportunities to Cook’s ten, so the red zone equity gives him viability in deep leagues or a dynasty format if you are struggling to fill out a lineup.

Week 6 TE Start/Sit Grades

Notes

Irv Smith Jr. Smith could pop off with a big game this week. He’ll be ranked comfortably inside my top 12 tight ends. Since Week 2, he’s seen his route run rate climb from 60% to 68.2%. Over that stretch, he’s seen a 14.6% target share (17th) while ranking 14th in weighted opportunity. Miami has been wretched against tight ends ranking 29th in DVOA with the fourth-most receptions and third-highest catch rate surrendered. They have forked over the 11th-most fantasy points to inline tight ends (Smith 54.8% inline).

Mike Gesicki: If you’re in a pinch, and I do mean PINCH. Gesicki is a panic mode streamer option this week. Over the last two weeks, he’s been reintegrated into this offense with 59% and 66.7% route run rates. The problem is that he’s only drawn a 9% target share which has amounted to 1.5 receptions and 26.5 receiving yards per game. His numbers are ugly, but the matchup against Minnesota is beautiful. They are 28th in DVOA against tight ends allowing the highest catch rate, tenth-highest receiving yards, 11th-best yards per reception, and 10th-highest fantasy points to slot tight ends (Gesicki 56.4% slot over the last two games). Add in that Tyreek Hill is banged up, and Gesicki could get a bump in the passing game this week.

Taysom Hill: Hill has been feast or famine. He has finished as the TE3, TE50, TE16, and TE1. Hill shouldn’t be listed as a tight end, but that’s a battle for a different day. He’s run a total of 14 routes all season while catching one pass for two yards. The bulk of his production has come via rushing, with 5.3 carries and 57 rushing yards per game (1.3 touchdowns per game). Toss a dart with Hill in your tight end spot if you need the upside, but he’s a risky TE2.

Zach Ertz: Ertz is the TE5 in fantasy points per game with a 19.8% target share (fifth) and 20.2% air yard share (fourth). He’s garnered the second-most red zone targets at the position. He’s 22nd in yards per route run and 14th in PFF receiving grade (minimum ten targets). Ertz is another must-start player this week from this game. Seattle is 32nd in DVOA against tight ends allowing the second-most receiving yards. The Seahawks have given up the highest yards per reception and most fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Noah Fant: Both of these Seattle tight ends are streamer worthy this week. The matchup is that good. These two have split the receiving role weekly and shared the field on many plays. SEA has utilized 12 personnel at the fourth-highest rate, which means both of these players will see plenty of snaps. Arizona is 30th in DVOA against tight ends allowing the fifth-highest catch rate, seventh-best yards per reception, and second-most fantasy points per game.

Will Dissly: If Fant and Dissly are both on the waiver wire and you’re flipping a coin on which to stream this week, I lean slightly in Dissly’s favor. Dissly has been slightly more efficient with his target volume besting Fant in yards per route run (1.78 vs. 1.18) and YAC per reception (4.8 vs. 3.1). Stream Dissly if you need a tight end this week.

Dallas Goedert: Goedert is so underappreciated. He’s the TE6 in fantasy points per game and a metric behemoth. I love drooling over his stats weekly. He’s sixth in target share, 12th in target per route run rate, and second in yards per route run. He’s an elite YAC producer. Elite. Among all wide receivers and tight ends with ten or more targets, he’s first in YAC per reception and first in YAC. He’s 18 yards after the catch better than Cooper Kupp. Yep. You read that correctly. Dallas has been tough on opposing tight ends ranking ninth in DVOA with the fourth-fewest receiving yards and lowest yards per reception allowed. Honestly. I could care less. They have faced Cameron Brate, Hayden Hurst, Logan Thomas, Daniel Bellinger, and Tyler Higbee. None of these tight ends are in Goedert’s talent area code. None of them. Goedert will crush again this week.

Week 6 D/ST Start/Sit Grades

Week 6 K Start/Sit Grades