The Primer: Week 6 Edition (2024 Fantasy Football)

Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Giants

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• CIN -3.5, O/U 47
• Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Giants Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Pace and playcalling notes

• The Bengals have the ninth-slowest neutral pace and the fifth-highest neutral passing rate.
• New York has the eight-slowest neutral pace while ranking 13th in neutral passing rate.

Bengals Players & Weekly Rankings

Giants Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Joe Burrow
• Ja’Marr Chase
• Tee Higgins

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Daniel Jones (QB)

Jones is the QB18 in fantasy points per game with three QB1 weeks this season (QB6, QB11, QB11). His passing numbers are largely forgettable, but the entire package has had him flirting with QB1 status weekly. Among 35 qualifying passers, Jones is 21st in passer rating, 26th in yards per attempt, and 19th in highly accurate throw rate. See. Nothing jumps off the page there. Ok, now to the rushing stats. Jones ranks fifth in carries per game, fourth in red zone carries, and 13th in rushing yards among quarterbacks. This has helped inflate his fantasy status. Cincinnati could help Jones keep the good times rolling along this week. The Bengals pass defense has been a shell of is former self in 2024, allowing the third-most passing touchdowns, the seventh-highest passer rating, and the 12th-highest CPOE.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB)

Tracy Jr. stepped up last week as the Giants’ starting running back and the RB18 for the week. He played 59% of the snaps overall and 71.9% of the snaps for rushing plays, but he only saw a 35.7% snap rate in the red zone. He had 19 touches and 130 total yards. With the extended playing time, he displayed better tackle-breaking numbers that he had prior in the season, with an 11.1% explosive run rate, a 22% missed tackle rate, and 3.11 yards after contact per attempt. Tracy Jr. is an RB2 with upside. The Bengals have allowed the third-most rushing yards per game, the eighth-highest missed tackle rate, and the highest rushing success rate.

Zack Moss (RB)

Moss opened the week with a DNP on Wednesday, but he had a limited practice on Thursday and a full session on Friday. He has been listed with no injury designation for Week 6. Over the last two games, he has played 60-67% of the snaps while averaging 15.5 touches and 65 total yards. Since Week 5, Moss has retained the leadback role. While his rushing play snap rate has fallen to 45.5%, his passing down snap share has been 79.1%, and his red zone snap rate has remained at 66.7%. Moss hasn’t been efficient with his touches this season, ranking 30th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 40th in yards after contact per attempt. He has a solid matchup to return RB2/flex value this week. The Giants have been gashed by backs all year, allowing the tenth-highest explosive run rate, the highest missed tackle rate, and the second-highest yards after contact per attempt.

Chase Brown (RB)

Brown was limited on Thursday and Friday with a quad issue. He has been listed as questionable, but he’s still expected to play this week. Over the last three games, Brown has seen an elevated role, playing 24-40% of the snaps, averaging 13.6 touches and 71.6 total yards. Among 59 qualifying backs, he ranks 11th in explosive run rate, ninth in missed tackle rate, and fourth in yards after contact per attempt. The Giants have been gashed by backs all year, allowing the tenth-highest explosive run rate, the highest missed tackle rate, and the second-highest yards after contact per attempt. Brown is a high-upside flex this week who could return RB2 value.

Wan’Dale Robinson (WR)

Robinson has been a pleasant surprise this season as the WR27 in fantasy points per game. He is second among wide receivers in red zone targets. Robinson hasn’t finished lower than WR35 in any week so far. He has soaked up a 25.7% target share and 27.1% first-read share while producing 1.51 YPRR. The Bengals has utilized single high on 56.7% of their defensive snaps. Against single-high, Robinson’s target share has increased to 29.3%, and his YPRR has climbed to 1.77. Robinson should enjoy another wonderful week against a Bengals secondary that has allowed the eighth-highest PPR points per target to slot receivers.

Darius Slayton (WR)

Last week, Slayton exploded as the Giants utilized him in the “Malik Nabers” role. Slayton had a wonderous 32.4% target share, a 71.6% air-yard share, 3.49 YPRR, and a 37% first-read share. Slayton has four deep targets this season and saw his first red zone target last week. With Nabers out again this week, Slayton is set to log another huge game. Cincy has allowed the tenth-most receiving yards per game and the 11th-highest passer rating to perimeter wide receivers. Slayton will run about 77% of his routes against Cam Taylor-Britt (70% catch rate and 131.3 passer rating) and D.J. Turner (64.3% catch rate and 85.4 passer rating).

Fantasy Football Week 6 Flex Plays & Fades

Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.

Malik Nabers (WR)

Nabers has been ruled out (concussion) for Week 6.

Devin Singletary (RB)

Singletary has been ruled out for Week 6.

Andrei Iosivas (WR)

Iosivas is the WR58 in fantasy points per game. He has drawn two deep targets, and four red zone looks this season. He already has two WR2 performances on his 2024 resume (WR21, WR22). He has only managed an 11.6% target share, 0.97 YPRR, and an 11.9% first-read share. This doesn’t project as a big Iosivas week against a Giants’ secondary that has allowed the 12th-fewest PPR points per target to slot receivers. Sit Iosivas.

Mike Gesicki (TE)

Gesicki has had a 50.5% route share (51% last week) with a 12.1% target share, 1.84 YPRR, a 14.4% first-read share, and two end-zone targets. He is a low-end TE2 this week. The Giants have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game and the 14th-lowest yards per reception to tight ends.

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

Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets

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• BUF -2.5, O/U 41
• Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Pace and playcalling notes

• New York ranks 15th in neutral pace with the third-highest neutral passing rate.
• The Bills have been a vanilla pace and passing rate team, ranking 19th in neutral pace and passing rate.

Bills Players & Weekly Rankings

Jets Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Josh Allen
• James Cook
• Dalton Kincaid
• Breece Hall
• Garrett Wilson

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Braelon Allen (RB)

Allen could see more work this week as New York should lean into their ground game to win this week’s battle with Buffalo. Allen has played 26-36% of the snaps this season, averaging eight touches and 43 total yards. Among 59 qualifying backs, he ranks 18th in missed tackles forced per attempt and sixth in yards after contact per attempt. Buffalo has allowed the sixth-highest explosive run rate, the seventh-most rushing yards per game, and the seventh-highest yards per carry to gap runs (Allen 53.1% gap).

Fantasy Football Week 6 Flex Plays & Fades

Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.

Aaron Rodgers (QB)

Rodgers is the QB22 in fantasy points per game with two QB1 outings this season (QB10, QB12). Rodgers has flashed, but overall, the returns in 2024 have been underwhelming. Among 35 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks 30th in yards per attempt, 33rd in CPOE, 26th in passer rating, and 28th in fantasy points per dropback. Rodgers is a must-sit this week. If New York wins this game, it’ll be because of their defense and their running game. Buffalo has allowed the fifth-lowest yards per attempt, the ninth-lowest passer rating, the tenth-fewest fantasy points via passing, and the 13th-lowest success rate per dropback.

Allen Lazard (WR)

Lazard has been a pleasant surprise as the WR28 in fantasy points per game this season. He is fourth among wide receivers in red zone targets and has already scored four touchdowns (third-most). Lazard has a 17.9% target share, a 26.3% air-yard share, 1.36 YPRR, and a 20.8% first-read share. Buffalo has the fifth-highest rate of two-high (58.9%). Against two-high, Lazard’s target share has bumped to 20%, and his first-read share has skyrocketed to 26.1%. Even with the volume bump this week, Lazard still is only a middling flex play. Buffalo has put the clamps on wide receivers, allowing the fifth-lowest PPR points per target and the second-fewest receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Keon Coleman (WR)

Last week, Coleman took his only reception 49 yards to the house for a score. This isn’t the week to chase Coleman’s Week 5 fantasy points. He has only seen an 11.9% target share and an 18.9% first-read share with 1.72 YPRR. The volume isn’t enough to overcome a horrendous matchup with the Jets secondary. New York has allowed the third-fewest receiving yards per game and the lowest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Khalil Shakir (WR)

Shakir didn’t practice until Saturday of this week. He only managed a limited session. With playing time and health concerns for Week 6, Shakir is an easy sit against a secondary that has allowed the tenth-lowest PPR points per target and receiving yards per game to opposing slot receivers.

Mike Williams (WR)

Williams is an easy sit this week. He has only surpassed 34 receiving yards once this season. Buffalo has the fifth-highest rate of two-high (58.9%). Against two-high, Williams only has a 10% target share, 1.15 YPRR, and a 13% first-read share. Buffalo has crushed wide receivers, allowing the fifth-lowest PPR points per target and the second-fewest receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Tyler Conklin (TE)

Conklin is the TE16 in fantasy points per game. He has three deep targets, and two red zone looks this season. He has finished as a TE1 in two of his last three games (TE4, TE12). Buffalo has the fifth-highest rate of two-high (58.9%). Against two-high, Conklin has seen a bump in usage with a 16% target share, 1.70 YPRR, and a 10.1% first-read share. The matchup is tough this week, which makes Conklin a low-end streaming option. Buffalo has allowed the 13th-fewest receiving yards and the 12th-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends.

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

San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks

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• SF -3, O/U 49.5
• San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Pace and playcalling notes

• The 49ers continue to do 49ers things with the fourth-slowest neutral pace and the 14th-highest neutral rushing rate.
• Seattle continues to operate in a fantasy-friendly manner, with the fastest neutral pace and second-best neutral passing rate.

49ers Players & Weekly Rankings

Seahawks Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Jordan Mason
• Kenneth Walker III
• DK Metcalf
• George Kittle

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Brock Purdy (QB)

Purdy has been his usual efficient self, but passing touchdown luck has hurt his fantasy production as the QB15 in fantasy points per game. Among 35 qualifying quarterbacks, Purdy ranks first in yards per attempt and CPOE and fifth in passing yards per game, but he is only 12th in passing touchdowns this season. This could be the boxscore stuffing game for Purdy. Seattle’s pass defense has shown cracks in the pavement. They have allowed the 14th-highest passer rating and CPOE while also struggling against a 49ers’ offensive staple. San Francisco loves utilizing motion in their game plan. Purdy has the seventh-most pre-snap motion dropbacks. Seattle has allowed the 11th-highest passer rating and the highest CPOE to pre-snap motion.

Geno Smith (QB)

Chef Geno continues to cook as the QB7 in fantasy points per game. Much of his success has been volume-driven in Seattle’s pass-happy attack, but Smith has stood out in some efficiency metrics. He is first in passing attempts and passing yards per game while also ranking fifth in CPOE and sixth in catchable target rate. Smith should also benefit this week from Seattle’s use of pre-snap motion (Smith is 13th in pre-snap motion dropbacks). San Francisco can be passed on as they have allowed the ninth-highest yards per attempt and the 12th-most passing touchdowns (tied). They have also surrendered the sixth-highest passer rating and CPOE and the third-highest yards per attempt to passing plays that involved pre-snap motion.

Brandon Aiyuk (WR)

The Brandon Aiyuk bounceback game occurred last week as he finished as the WR10 in weekly PPR scoring which pulled him up to WR47 in fantasy points per game for the season. Aiyuk now has a 22.8% target share, a 26.6% air-yard share, 1.93 YPRR, and a 22.1% first-read share while ranking second in end-zone targets (four). Seattle has the seventh-highest single-high rate (59.1%). Aiyuk leads the 49ers in TPRR (25%) and YPRR (2.68) against single-high while ranking second in first-read share (26.4%). Aiyuk will run about 81% of his routes against Devon Witherspoon (72% catch rate and 86.1 passer rating) and Tre Brown (66.7% catch rate and 139.7 passer rating). Seattle has been run of the mill against perimeter wide receivers, allowing the 15th-most receiving yards per game.

Deebo Samuel (WR)

Samuel is the WR35 in fantasy points per game, commanding a 20.5% target share, a 21.3% air-yard share, and a 25.3% first-read share with 1.89 YPRR. He is fourth on the team with five red-zone targets and he hasn’t drawn an end-zone target. Seattle has the seventh-highest single-high rate (59.1%). Samuel ranks third on the team in target share (21.7%), second in YPRR (2.24), and first in first-read share (29.3%) against single-high. His usage against single-high has dropped some recently as Aiyuk has resumed his status as the go-to receiver for this offense against single-high. Since Week 4, against single-high, Samuel is fourth in TPRR (18%) and second in YPRR (2.03). Aiyuk should lead the way again this week against Seattle. Samuel will run about 52% of his routes against Devon Witherspoon (72% catch rate and 86.1 passer rating)and Tre Brown (66.7% catch rate and 139.7 passer rating). Seattle has been run of the mill against perimeter wide receivers, allowing the 15th-most receiving yards per game.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR)

Smith-Njigba is the WR36 in fantasy points per game with three top 36 weekly finishes this season (WR8, WR32, WR28). Smith-Njigba has a 20.1% target share, a 24.1% air-yard share, 1.34 YPRR, and a 19.7% first-read share. He leads the team in red-zone and end-zone targets with three a piece. Over the last two games, San Francisco has leaned more into single-high coverage with the 12th-highest rate (61.1%). Against single-high, Smith-Njigba ranks second on the team in target share (19.8%) and first-read share (22.4%), but he has been relatively ineffective with only 1.10 YPRR (fifth on the team). He could get an efficiency bump this week, though, against a 49ers’ secondary that has allowed the fourth-highest PPR points per target and the seventh-highest passer rating when targeted to slot receivers. Smith-Njigba will run about 89% of his routes against Deommodore Lenoir (58.3% catch rate and 69.4 passer rating).

Fantasy Football Week 6 Flex Plays & Fades

Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.

Tyler Lockett (WR)

Lockett is the WR51 in fantasy points per game, but he has displayed a decently high floor. He has at least four receptions and 61 receiving yards in three of his five games, but he hasn’t scored a touchdown yet, so it’s pulling his fantasy status down. Lockett has had a 14.6% target share, a 22.9% air-yard share, 1.62 YPRR, and an 18.1% first-read share. Over the last two games, San Francisco has leaned more into single-high coverage with the 12th-highest rate (61.1%). Against single-high, Lockett’s numbers have remained largely unchanged while noting that his first-read share has increased mildly to 19.4%. Lockett will run about 72% of his routes against Isaac Yiadom (68.8% catch rate and 115.9 passer rating) and Charvarius Ward (56.5% catch rate and 99.5 passer rating). Lockett is a sit this week against a pass defense that has allowed the second-lowest PPR points per target and the sixth-fewest receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Noah Fant (TE)

Fant remains a fantasy ghost this season. He has only a 9% target share, 0.96 YPRR, and an 11.8% first-read share. He has drawn only one end-zone target. The 49ers have held tight ends in check with the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game and the fifth-fewest receiving yards allowed to the position. Sit Fant.

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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*All data utilized in this article is courtesy of Fantasy Points Data, PFF, FTN, rbsdm.com, and Playerprofiler.com unless otherwise specified.*