Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos
Pace and playcalling notes
- Denver has the tenth-fastest neutral pace while ranking 17th in neutral passing rate.
- The Bolts have the second-slowest neutral pace while ranking fifth in neutral rushing rate.
Chargers Players & Weekly Rankings
| Justin Herbert | QB | QB2 |
| Gus Edwards | RB | Out |
| J.K. Dobbins | RB | RB3 |
| Ladd McConkey | WR | WR3/4 |
| Joshua Palmer | WR | WR5 |
| Quentin Johnston | WR | WR4/5 |
Broncos Players & Weekly Rankings
| Bo Nix | QB | QB2 |
| Javonte Williams | RB | RB3 |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | RB | RB4 |
| Courtland Sutton | WR | WR4 |
| Troy Franklin | WR | WR7 |
| Josh Reynolds | WR | Out |
| Lucas Krull | TE | TE2/3 |
Must-Start
These are no-brainer MUST starts.
- N/A
Strong Starts
Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.
- N/A
Fantasy Football Week 6 Flex Plays & Fades
Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.
The nightmare has been realized. The new run-first offense of the Chargers has crushed Justin Herbert‘s fantasy value. He is the QB32 in fantasy points per game, and he hasn’t finished higher than QB23 in any week this season. Among 35 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks 33rd in passing yards per game, 28th in yards per attempt, 31st in CPOE, and 17th in fantasy points per dropback. He’s not even close to consideration in 1QB leagues this week against a standout Denver secondary. The Broncos have limited quarterbacks to the third-lowest yards per attempt, the fifth-lowest passer rating, and the fourth-lowest CPOE.
Nix finished as the QB8 in fantasy last week, but I wouldn’t put a ton of stock in that as it was fueled by two passing scores and a rushing touchdown and not some insane performance. Nix is still just the QB21 in fantasy points per game. Among 35 qualifying quarterbacks, he remains 32nd in yards per attempt, passer rating, and CPOE. Nix ranks 26th in fantasy points per dropback. None of it is pretty. He should return at least serviceable QB2 numbers again this week against the Chargers. Los Angeles ranks 18th in CPOE while holding passers to the 14th-lowest yards per attempt and passer rating and the fourth-fewest passing touchdowns.
Dobbins got off to a hot start this season, but he’s run into some tough run defenses, and the pain train continues in Week 6. Dobbins is the RB16 in fantasy points per game. He ranks 29th in weighted opportunities and 37th in red zone touches. Among 59 qualifying backs, he is 12th in explosive run rate and 13th in missed tackles forced per attempt while averaging 16.5 touches and 96.5 total yards. Dobbins faces a Denver run defense that has brick-walled backs with the 12th-lowest explosive run rate, the third-lowest rushing success rate, and the third-highest stuff rate.
Williams has been a volume play all season. The problem is the volume hasn’t gotten anyone anywhere profitable. He is the RB38 in fantasy points per game, ranking 30th in opportunity share, 19th in weighted opportunities, and 22nd in red zone touches. Williams has averaged 14 touches and 64 total yards while ranking 32nd in explosive run rate and 41st in yards after contact per attempt. He’s in for a long day against a Bolts run defense that has quieted rushers with the fifth-lowest explosive run rate, the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game, and the second-lowest missed tackle rate allowed.
Edwards has been ruled out for Week 6.
Only Sutton had more than a 60% route share in the Denver passing attack in Week 5. Sean Payton has utilized a full-blown committee behind Sutton. Sutton is the WR57 in fantasy points per game, ranking fifth in deep targets and red zone targets among wideouts. He has a 24.2% target share, a 48.1% air-yard share, 1.53 YPRR, and a 32.4% first-read share. With Nix’s rollercoaster play, Sutton still only has 57.5% of his target volume deemed as catchable. Sutton faces a secondary that has held perimeter wide receivers to the 12th-fewest receiving yards per game. Sutton will run about 82% of his routes against Kristian Fulton (58.3% catch rate and 67.0 passer rating) and Asante Samuel Jr. (66.7% catch rate and 87.3 passer rating).
McConkey is the WR42 in fantasy points per game, but he has two WR2 weekly finishes this season (WR19, WR19). He has been the Bolts’ clear WR1 with a 25.8% target share, a 30% air-yard share, 2.20 YPRR, and a 30.5% first-read share. Denver has the tenth-highest single-high rate (58.3%). Against single-high, McConkey has seen similar market share metrics, but his YPRR has jumped to 2.71. This efficiency will help McConkey combat a challenging matchup this week. Denver has allowed the lowest PPR points per target and the ninth-fewest receiving yards per game to slot receivers. McConkey will run about 67% of his routes against Ja’Quan McMillian (69.7% catch rate and 81.9 passer rating).
This isn’t the week to look to Johnston for help in fantasy. He is likely going to draw shadow coverage from Patrick Surtain (71.4% catch rate and 55.1 passer rating). Surtain has followed D.K. Metcalf, Mike Evans, George Pickens, Garrett Wilson, and Jakobi Meyers on 50-95.8% of their routes. Surtain hasn’t allowed a receiver in his shadow coverage to surpass 30 receiving yards (zero touchdowns). Sit Johnston.
Palmer hasn’t recorded more than three receptions or 36 receiving yards in any game this season. I don’t think he will break the streak this week. Denver has the tenth-highest single-high rate (58.3%). Against single-high this season, he has only had a 9% TPRR, 0.34 YPRR, and an 11.1% first-read share. Palmer isn’t rosterable in fantasy at this point. He needs to have a prove-it game to get back on the fantasy radar for 2024.
SF vs. SEA | JAC vs. CHI | TB vs. NO | ARI vs. GB | IND vs. TEN | CLE vs. PHI | HOU vs. NE | WAS vs. BAL | LAC vs. DEN | PIT vs. LV | ATL vs. CAR | DET vs. DAL | CIN vs. NYG | BUF vs. NYJ
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Pace and playcalling notes
- The Steelers have the 11th-slowest neutral pace with the fourth-highest neutral rushing rate.
- Las Vegas has the fifth-slowest neutral pace while rocking the 12th-highest neutral passing rate.
Steelers Players & Weekly Rankings
| Justin Fields | QB | QB1/2 |
| Jaylen Warren | RB | RB4 |
| Najee Harris | RB | RB2/3 |
| George Pickens | WR | WR2/3 |
| Pat Freiermuth | TE | TE1 |
Raiders Players & Weekly Rankings
| Aidan O’Connell | QB | QB2 |
| Zamir White | RB | TBD |
| Alexander Mattison | RB | RB3 |
| Davante Adams | WR | Out |
| Jakobi Meyers | WR | WR4 |
| Tre Tucker | WR | WR5/6 |
| Brock Bowers | TE | TE1 |
Must-Start
These are no-brainer MUST starts.
Strong Starts
Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.
At this time of writing this, Fields looks like the Week 6 starting quarterback for the Steelers. He is the QB11 in fantasy points per game. Among 35 qualifying quarterbacks, he is 21st in yards per attempt, 11th in passer rating, 14th in CPOE, and seventh in fantasy points per dropback. He remains top-seven among quarterbacks in carries per game (fourth), red zone carries per game (third), rushing yards per game (seventh), and rushing touchdowns (second). Fields should rebound with a better game this week. The Raiders pass defense has allowed the ninth most passing touchdowns, the ninth-highest passer rating, and the second-highest CPOE. He should have plenty of time in the pocket against a defense that ranks 17th in time to pressure.
Harris has been the lead back for Pittsburgh all season in a run-first offense, and he’s done very little with the role. He’s the RB36 in fantasy points per game, averaging 18.8 touches and 77.8 total yards. He is fourth in weighted opportunities and 13th in red zone touches. Among 59 qualifying backs, he ranks 45th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 42nd in yards after contact per attempt. This offense desperately needs Jaylen Warren to get healthy. Harris should have his best game of the season this week against a putrid Raiders’ run defense that has allowed the 11th-highest explosive run rate, the tenth-most rushing yards per game, and the fifth-highest missed tackle rate.
Freiermuth is the TE9 in fantasy points per game, ranking second on the team in red zone targets (four). Freiermuth has had a 16.1% target share, 1.46 YPRR, and an 18.6% first-read share. Freiermuth has been strong on a per-route basis, ranking tenth in separation and 13th in route win rate (among 41 qualifying tight ends). The Raiders have faced the ninth-fewest targets to tight ends this season, but they have allowed the tenth-highest yards per reception to the position.
Fantasy Football Week 6 Flex Plays & Fades
Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.
O’Connell gets the starting nod this week for Las Vegas, but it’s tough to expect much different results than we have seen so far this season from this offense. Last year, O’Connell was the QB25 in fantasy points per game. Among 48 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked 33rd in yards per attempt, 37th in CPOE, and 38th in fantasy points per dropback. It’s not a pretty picture, no matter how long you stare at it. Pittsburgh remains a strong pass defense, allowing the tenth-lowest passer rating, the eighth-lowest CPOE, and the 12th-fewest passing touchdowns.
Mattison should be the lead back again this week. Last week, he was the RB29 in fantasy, playing 57% of the snaps with 17 touches and 61 total yards. This offense is a dumpster fire outside of Brock Bowers. The offensive line ranks 16th in yards before contact per attempt. Mattison has simply gotten what is blocked and very little else this season, ranking 49th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 37th in yards after contact per attempt. Mattison will spend Week 6 running into brick walls. Pittsburgh has stood pat with the second-lowest explosive run rate, the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game, and the 11th-lowest missed tackle rate allowed.
White missed practice all week until Friday with a groin issue. He has been listed as questionable, but I expect him to sit this week. Even if he does suit up, he’s a must-sit. Alexander Mattison likely would handle most of the work in a horrible matchup. Pittsburgh has stood pat with the second-lowest explosive run rate, the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game, and the 11th-lowest missed tackle rate allowed.
Warren has been listed as questionable. He managed limited practices all week before upgrading to a full session on Friday. We’ll see if he is back this week. Even if he’s active, Warren is a must-sit. He has only averaged 6.4 touches and 27.3 total yards this season. Warren hasn’t busted an explosive run or forced a missed tackle this season while generating 2.43 yards after contact per attempt. Pittsburgh could ease him back in this week with a handful of touches.
Adams is out again this week as he awaits a trade to another team.
Pickens is the WR50 in fantasy points per game with two top-24 fantasy performances (WR24, WR23). Last week, it looks like he was shoved into the coaching staff’s dog house. Oh, what fun. Arthur Smith has brought his player usage circus to Pittsburgh. Pickens had a 61.3% route share, a 21.4% target share, and a 22.2% first-read share. His route share ranked fourth on the team. Hopefully, his usage rebounds this week, but with Arthur Smith, you just never know. Overall, Pickens has a 25.5% target share, a 45% air-yard share, 2.44 YPRR, and a 32.6% first-read share. Pickens leads the team in red zone targets while ranking 13th in the NFL in this statistical category. The Raiders have been a tough draw for perimeter wide receivers, allowing the seventh-lowest PPR points per target and the eighth-fewest receiving yards per game.
Meyers will be the team’s de facto WR1 this week. With Davante Adams out, Meyers has had a 31.1% target share, a 38.9% air-yard share, 1.95 YPRR, and a 34.1% first-read share. Meyers leads the team in red zone targets (five). He may get shadowed by Joey Porter Jr. (66.7% catch rate and 86.3 passer rating) this week. Porter Jr. has shadowed three times this season, following Drake London, Courtland Sutton, and Quentin Johnston on 65.2-85.7% of their routes. None of those wide receivers finished with more than 44 receiving yards in his coverage. Only Johnston secured a touchdown. Last week, Meyers only saw Patrick Surtain on 50% of his routes, but Gardner Minshew only fed him two targets with Surtain opposite him. Meyers made the most of his opportunities with Surtain, not on him. This week, I don’t see O’Connell challenging Porter Jr. if he is following him throughout the entire game. Sit Meyers this week.
Without Adams in the lineup, Tucker has handled an 18% target share and a 25% first-read share, producing only 29.5 receiving yards per game and 0.97 YPRR. Tucker has zero end-zone targets since Week 4. If Porter Jr. is following Meyers, Tucker will see Donte Jackson (54.2% catch rate and 37.5 passer rating) all day. I expect Jackson to win that matchup. Sit Tucker.
SF vs. SEA | JAC vs. CHI | TB vs. NO | ARI vs. GB | IND vs. TEN | CLE vs. PHI | HOU vs. NE | WAS vs. BAL | LAC vs. DEN | PIT vs. LV | ATL vs. CAR | DET vs. DAL | CIN vs. NYG | BUF vs. NYJ
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Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers
Pace and playcalling notes
- Atlanta is first in neutral pace while ranking second in neutral passing rate.
- With Andy Dalton at the helm, Carolina has had the ninth-slowest neutral pace and the 12th-highest neutral passing rate.
Falcons Players & Weekly Rankings
| Kirk Cousins | QB | QB1/2 |
| Bijan Robinson | RB | RB1 |
| Tyler Allgeier | RB | RB3 |
| Drake London | WR | WR1 |
| Darnell Mooney | WR | WR3 |
| Ray-Ray McCloud | WR | WR4 |
| Kyle Pitts | TE | TE1 |
Panthers Players & Weekly Rankings
| Andy Dalton | QB | QB2 |
| Chuba Hubbard | RB | RB2 |
| Miles Sanders | RB | RB4 |
| Diontae Johnson | WR | WR1/2 |
| Xavier Legette | WR | WR3 |
| Tommy Tremble | TE | TE2/3 |
Must-Start
These are no-brainer MUST starts.
- N/A
Strong Starts
Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.
Kirko Chainz was amazing last week. The Atlanta Falcons passing offense is quickly rounding into form as Cousins looks more and more like his old self. He is the QB16 in fantasy points per game, but that’s on the rise. Cousins ranks tenth in yards per attempt, 13th in CPOE, and fourth in highly acccurate throw rate. Don’t be surprised if he is a QB1 again this week. Carolina’s pass defense has been struggling allowing the sixth-highest yards per attempt, the 13th-highest CPOE, and the second-highest success rate per dropback.
Dalton has come crashing back to earth quickly over the last two games as the QB27 in fantasy. Among 30 qualifying quarterbacks over that span, he ranks 22nd in passing yards per game, 26th in yards per attempt, and 24th in passer rating. He might not light up the stat sheet this week, but Dalton could have a slight bounce-back game this week against Atlanta. The Falcons secondary isn’t one to fear, allowing the 11th-highest success rate per dropback and passer rating and the eighth-highest CPOE.
This isn’t the type of season I envisioned for Robinson as the RB24 in fantasy points per game. Atlanta has scaled back his workload over the last two games. He has played 64-67% of the snaps with 13 touches and 75.5 total yards per game. The big problem for Robinson is that Atlanta has leaned into their passing game so heavily that it has limited his overall volume some. He has been splitting the workload with Allgeier since Week 4. Robinson has had a 57.5% snap rate on rushing plays, a 66.7% snap rate on passing downs, and a 57.1% snap share in the red zone. Among 59 qualifying backs, he ranks 16th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 27th in yards after contact per attempt. This could be the big Robinson game that we have been waiting for. Carolina can’t stop anyone on the ground. Carolina has allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game, the fourth-highest yards per carry to zone runs, and the fifth-highest success rate to zone runs (Robinson 82.1% zone).
Hubbard is the RB12 in fantasy points per game, but he didn’t really take off until Andy Dalton got the starting gig. Since Dalton has been under center, Hubbard has been the RB5 in fantasy points per game, averaging 21.6 touches and 128.3 total yards per game. Overall, among 59 qualifying backs, Hubbard ranks 21st in explosive run rate and 16th in yards after contact per attempt. Hubbard should keep rolling along this week. Atlanta has allowed the fourth-highest missed tackle rate and rushing yards per game, the third-highest rushing success rate, and the seventh-highest zone rushing success rate (Hubbard 72% zone).
Allgeier is a low-end flex this week. Overall, this season, he is the RB52 in fantasy points per game, averaging 7.8 touches and 44.6 total yards. Among 59 qualifying backs, he hasn’t been amazing on a per-touch basis, ranking 25th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 29th in yards after contact per attempt. If Atlanta jumps out to a big lead or is salting the clock away late, Allgeier could get an expanded role this week. If that happens, Allgeier could payoff for Fantasy GMs struggling to fill out lineups this week. Carolina has allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game, the fourth-highest yards per carry to zone runs, and the fifth-highest success rate to zone runs (Allgeier 78.8% zone).
The Drake London breakout season has been wonderful to see. The talent has always been there with London, but one dumpster fire after another under center has held his stats down. That has been corrected in 2024 with Cousins. London is the WR9 in fantasy points per game, tied for sixth in red zone targets. London has gobbled up a 24.7% target share, a 33.9% air-yard share, and a 35% first-read share with 2.25 YPRR. Oh baby, those are some beautiful market share metrics. London is prepared for liftoff again in Week 6 against a Panthers’ secondary that has allowed the most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers. London will run about 68% of his routes against Jaycee Horn (52.2% catch rate and 83.1 passer rating) and Mike Jackson (63.6% catch rate and 94.9 passer rating).
With Andy Dalton under center, Johnson has been reawakened as the WR11 in fantasy points per game with a 27.4% target share, a 46% air-yard share, 2.21 YPRR, and a 39.7% first-read share. Johnson should have a bounceback game this week after last week’s letdown against a tough Chicago secondary. Atlanta has allowed the eighth-highest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers. Jonson is tied for the NFL lead in red zone targets. Johnson will run about 78% of his routes against A.J. Terrell (78.9% catch rate and 98.9 passer rating) and Mike Hughes (66.7% catch rate and 83.6 passer rating).
Legette sustained a shoulder injury in Week 5, but he opened this week with a full practice. In Week 4, Legette was a full-time player with a 24.4% target share, a 33.8% air-yard share, 1.89 YPRR, and a 31% first-read share. Atlanta has utilized single-high on 57.1% of their defensive snaps. Against single-high, Legette has a 19% TPRR, 2.00 YPRR, and a sexy 0.111 FD/RR. Atlanta has allowed the eighth-highest PPR points to perimeter wide receivers. Legette will run about 65% of his routes against A.J. Terrell (78.9% catch rate and 98.9 passer rating) and Mike Hughes (66.7% catch rate and 83.6 passer rating).
Pitts found his way back into Fantasy GMs good graces last week as he upped his season-long stock to TE11 in fantasy points per game. That was only his second game of the season with more than eight PPR points. Overall, he has seen an 11.8% target share with 1.48 YPRR and a 9.4% first-read share. Pitts is second on the team in red zone targets (three). Pitts could stack back-to-back solid performances against a pass defense that has allowed the tenth-most receiving yards and the fifth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.
Fantasy Football Week 6 Flex Plays & Fades
Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.
Mooney has blown any offseason predictions for him in this Atlanta offense out of the water as the WR20 in fantasy points per game. He is tied for third on the team in red zone targets. Mooney has garnered a 21.9% target share with a 37.1% air-yard share, 1.94 YPRR, and a 28.2% first-read share. Carolina has the second-highest single-high rate (71.9%). Against single-high, Mooney’s numbers have dipped some with a 20% target share, a 35.8% air-yard share, only 0.93 YPRR, and a 25.4% first-read share. Mooney will remain heavily involved, but it might not be the most efficient performance for him in Week 6. Mooney will run about 60% of his routes against Jaycee Horn (52.2% catch rate and 83.1 passer rating) and Mike Jackson (63.6% catch rate and 94.9 passer rating). Carolina has allowed the most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.
SF vs. SEA | JAC vs. CHI | TB vs. NO | ARI vs. GB | IND vs. TEN | CLE vs. PHI | HOU vs. NE | WAS vs. BAL | LAC vs. DEN | PIT vs. LV | ATL vs. CAR | DET vs. DAL | CIN vs. NYG | BUF vs. NYJ
Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys
- DET -3, O/U 52.5
- Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys Player Prop Bets via BettingPros
Pace and playcalling notes
- Dallas has the second-fasted neutral pace while ranking fourth-best in neutral passing rate.
- The Lions have the seventh-slowest neutral pace and the eighth-highest neutral rushing rate.
Lions Players & Weekly Rankings
| Jared Goff | QB | QB2 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | RB | RB1 |
| David Montgomery | RB | RB2 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | WR | WR1 |
| Jameson Williams | WR | WR2 |
| Sam LaPorta | TE | TE1 |
Cowboys Players & Weekly Rankings
| Dak Prescott | QB | QB1/2 |
| Rico Dowdle | RB | RB3 |
| Ezekiel Elliott | RB | RB5 |
| CeeDee Lamb | WR | WR1 |
| Jalen Tolbert | WR | WR3 |
| Jake Ferguson | TE | TE1 |
Must-Start
These are no-brainer MUST starts.
Strong Starts
Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.
Prescott is the QB10 in fantasy points per game, which is being fueled by the insane Dallas passing volume. He is second in passing attempts, third in passing yards per game, and fifth in passing touchdowns. The per-dropback metrics paint a more meh picture. Among 35 qualifying quarterbacks, Prescott ranks 16th in yards per attempt and passer rating and 27th in CPOE. As long as he keeps getting this type of volume weekly, it doesn’t really matter. The volume should roll on this week against Detroit’s pass funnel defense. Detroit has allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game and faced the 11th-most passing attempts because teams can’t run the ball against them. The Lions have been a tough pass defense, though, allowing the 12th-lowest passer rating, the seventh-lowest CPOE, and the seventh-fewest passing touchdowns.
Goff has played well overall this season, but his lack of passing touchdowns has kept him in the QB2 depths (QB17). Despite ranking fourth in yards per attempt, ninth in passing yards per game, and 13th in passer rating, he has the 12th-fewest passing touchdowns this season. Dallas is an average matchup for Goff, depending on what defensive metrics you are looking at. The Cowboys are 15th in yards per attempt and 18th in passer rating while also allowing the tenth-highest CPOE and the 14th-highest EPA per dropback. Goff should return rock solid QB2 production this week with QB1 upside if the touchdowns regress in his direction.
Williams is in the midst of a breakout season as the WR26 in fantasy points per game. He has commanded a 19.8% target share, a 43.8% air-yard share, and a 28.4% first-read share with 2.41 YPRR. Williams is second on the team in red zone targets. Dallas has the fifth-highest single-high rate (60.9%). Williams has seen his usage dip some against single-high with a 15% target share, a 29.3% air-yard share, 2.01 YPRR, and a 23.1% first-read share. This isn’t a smash spot for Williams, but it’s also not a stay-away. Dallas ranks 15th in PPR points per target and 17th in receiving yards per game allowed to perimeter wide receivers.
Tolbert has shown growth this year as he’s been forced to step up as the team’s WR2. Tolbert is the WR42 in fantasy points per game with three outings of weekly WR3 or better fantasy production (WR24, WR34, WR12). Tolbert has a 14.4% target share, a 24% air-yard share, 1.52 YPRR, and a 16.4% first-read share. He leads the team with five red-zone targets. This week’s matchup with the Lions should boost his fantasy outlook. Since Week 3, Detroit has the sixth-highest two-high rate (55.6%). Against two high, Tolbert has seen bumps across the board with an 18.4% target share, a 29.8% air-yard share, 1.82 YPRR, and a massive 27.9% first-read share. Tolbert will run about 70% of his routes against Carlton Davis (70.6% catch rate and 118.9 passer rating) and Terrion Arnold (64% catch rate and 98.4 passer rating). Detroit has allowed the third-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
Fantasy Football Week 6 Flex Plays & Fades
Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.
Montgomery is the RB8 in fantasy points per game, averaging 18.1 touches and 91.3 total yards per game. Montgomery and Gibbs have been the twin engines of the Detroit offense. Despite his fantasy production, Montgomery’s efficiency metrics have slowed some this season. Among 59 qualifying backs, he ranks 37th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 31st in yards after contact per attempt. Montgomery could be held in check this week against what has been a surprisingly formidable Dallas run defense. The Cowboys have kept backs in check with the ninth-lowest explosive run rate, the seventh-lowest missed tackle rate, and the 13th-lowest yards after contact per attempt. Montgomery is a volume play this week.
Dowdle is coming off his best game of the season. He had a season-high 50% snap share with 22 touches and 114 total yards. Over the last two weeks, among 41 qualifying backs, he has shown some glimmer of hope, ranking 20th in yards after contact per attempt. Overall, this season, he’s the RB34 in fantasy points per game, averaging 13 touches and 64.4 total yards. This isn’t the week to go chasing last week’s results for Dowdle. He has a horrible matchup this week against Detroit’s top-shelf run defense. The Lions have allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game, the fourth-lowest yards after contact per attempt, and the lowest yards per carry and success rate to zone runs (Dowdle 55.6% zone).
SF vs. SEA | JAC vs. CHI | TB vs. NO | ARI vs. GB | IND vs. TEN | CLE vs. PHI | HOU vs. NE | WAS vs. BAL | LAC vs. DEN | PIT vs. LV | ATL vs. CAR | DET vs. DAL | CIN vs. NYG | BUF vs. NYJ
