Only the Monday Night Football remains before the book is closed on Week 6. In the ever-changing NFL landscape, there were pleasant surprises, disappointments and other happenings that warrant further investigation for their fantasy football implications as we advance.
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Surprises
Atlanta’s Passing Attack Might Have Life
It wasn’t a good real-life showing for Desmond Ridder in Week 6. Nevertheless, he exceeded 300 passing yards for the second consecutive week after failing to reach even 250 passing yards in his first eight games as a pro.
As a result, Drake London had nine receptions for 125 receiving yards, Kyle Pitts secured four for 43 and a touchdown and Jonnu Smith had four for 36 and a touchdown. Arthur Smith could pull the rug out from under fantasy gamers and revert to a run-heavy approach, but Ridder has shown signs of life for supporting multiple fantasy options.
In addition, Taylor Heinicke is waiting in the wings if Ridder’s real-life play doesn’t improve. Thus, the stock is up for London, Pitts, Smith and even Bijan Robinson since a functioning passing game would enhance his touchdown and receiving ceiling.
Kansas City Has Two Ascending Talents
The Isiah Pacheco backfield takeover continued on Thursday night. First, he handled 88.9% of Kansas City’s backfield rush share, toting the rock 16 times for 62 rushing yards. Second, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Pacheco’s 18 routes were tied with Jerick McKinnon‘s 18 for the backfield lead. The second-year running back parlayed his routes into six targets, six receptions and 36 receiving yards. Pacheco is an upside RB2 and either a hold or buy-high player.
Rashee Rice also had a career day. The rookie ran the second-most routes (23) among Kansas City’s wideouts and had four targets, four receptions and 72 receiving yards. The second-round pick’s routes and receiving yards were professional highs. With an extended break before the Chiefs take the field on Sunday due to playing on Thursday in Week 6, Rice could enjoy a fake-bye rookie bump in playing time and usage.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.