Allegheny County Fantasy Football League

RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 6

Fri Oct 15 9:47am ET
By MIKE BARNER
Contributing Writer

Jackson is worth high price tag

Week 6 brings the first round of teams on a bye. While that might limit our options in DFS, there are still some great players to consider for your lineups. Let’s highlight some of them at each position, as well as some players to possibly avoid.

Quarterbacks

Lamar Jackson, BAL vs. LAC ($7,400): Jackson is coming off of a monster performance against the Colts in which he had over 500 total yards and four touchdown passes. He completed 86.0 percent of his passes, leading the Ravens to a comeback win. In addition to his passing prowess, he turned his 14 carries into 62 yards. That marked his third game with at least 10 carries and his fourth with at least 58-rushing yards. Look for him to do plenty of damage in a matchup against a Chargers team that has allowed the most rushing yards per game in the league.

Taylor Heinicke, WAS vs. KC ($5,800): Last week brought a rough outing from Heinicke, who had two interceptions and no touchdown passes. There have been reports that Ryan Fitzpatrick (hip) could return as early as Week 7, so this might be Heinicke’s last game as Washington’s starting quarterback. If it is, he could go out with a bang against a Chiefs team that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.

Player to Avoid

Ryan Tannehill, TEN vs. BUF ($6,400): With injuries limiting his options at wide receiver, Tannehill is off to a slow start. He has thrown one or no touchdown passes four of five games and has thrown for 212 yards or fewer three times. This is not a good matchup for him to get back on track, considering the Bills have nine interceptions and have allowed only five touchdown passes all season.

Running Backs

Austin Ekeler, LAC at BAL ($7,900): Ekeler has been a touchdown machine in the Chargers’ potent offense, recording seven total touchdowns in the early going. His rushing numbers aren’t always great, evident by the fact that he has run for fewer than 67 yards in four of five games. However, he helps to make up for that in the passing game with at least five targets in each of the last four weeks. That’s noteworthy given that the Ravens have allowed 30 receptions to opposing running backs, which is tied for the ninth-most in the league.

Darrel Williams, KC at WAS ($5,000): Not only did the Chiefs fall to the Bills last week, but they lost starting running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire to a knee injury that has since landed him on IR. In his absence, Williams is expected to take on a larger role. He’s shown an ability to be productive when given the opportunity, including rushing 26 times for 130 yards and a touchdown across two playoff games versus the Browns and Bills last season.

Player to Avoid

Josh Jacobs, LV at DEN ($5,900): The Raiders will have a new head coach for this game, which makes things a little more complicated to project. They have options at running back, which can be partly to blame for Jacobs not topping 15 carries in any of the three games in which he has played. His limited workload contributed to him recording fewer than 50-rushing yards all three contests. Up next could be an uphill battle against the Broncos, who have allowed the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game.

Wide Receivers

Terry McLaurin, WAS vs. KC ($7,100): The bad news is that McLaurin only caught four passes for 46 yards last week. The good news is that he received 11 targets, giving him 49 total for the season. Washington should have to throw a lot in this game to keep up with Patrick Mahomes, and with the Chiefs’ defensive struggles already detailed, a juicy stat line could be coming from McLaurin.

Emmanuel Sanders, BUF at TEN ($5,200): The Titans’ secondary has been a weak spot for them in the early going. In fact, they’ve allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. That might have many DFS players flocking to Stefon Diggs ($7,200), who is certainly an appealing option. However, if you’d like some exposure to this matchup, but need to save more of your budget, Sanders is also worth a look. He has four touchdowns catches over his last three games and has received at least six targets four of five games.

Player to Avoid

A.J. Brown, TEN vs. BUF ($6,400): In his return from a hamstring injury, Brown caught just three of six targets for 38 yards last week against the Jaguars. It continued a disappointing season in which he hasn’t topped 49-receiving yards in a game yet. With Julio Jones (hamstring) likely to return and the Bills being so adept at defending the pass, Brown might be too risky of an option at his salary.

Tight Ends

Mark Andrews, BAL vs. LAC ($5,400): Andrews was the main beneficiary of Jackson’s prolific stat line last week. He was targeted 13 times, which he turned into 11 receptions for 147 yards and two touchdowns. He even hauled in a couple of two-point conversions. That marked his second game of the season with at least 100 receiving yards and his third straight game with at least seven targets. His volume, combined with the Chargers allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, makes him one of the top options at his position.

Ricky Seals-Jones, WAS vs. KC ($3,000): Logan Thomas rarely comes off the field for Washington. He played all of their offensive snaps in each of the team’s first three games this season. However, he went down with a hamstring injury early in Week 4, which resulted in Seals-Jones playing 91.9 percent of their offensive snaps in that game. With Thomas on IR, Seals-Jones followed that up by playing 98.7 percent of their offensive snaps in Week 5. The end result was him catching five of eight targets for 41 yards. At this cheap salary, his new role could help him provide significant value.

Player to Avoid

Robert Tonyan, GB at CHI ($3,800): Touchdown regression has kicked in with Tonyan. After logging 11 touchdowns despite only receiving 59 targets last season, he only has one score this season on his 17 targets. His salary is starting to come down, but with Seals-Jones having a larger role with his team, and a significantly cheaper salary, there’s no need to take a chance on Tonyan.

Mike Barner has been covering fantasy sports since 2007. His work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, SportsLine and RotoWire. Mike was also a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.

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Player Notes

Marquez Valdes-Scantling May 14 10:20am ET

The Buffalo Bills signed veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. MVS is no stranger to playing with elite quarterbacks between his time with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay and Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, and he'll now be in line to catch passes from Josh Allen in Buffalo. The 2018 fifth-round pick out of South Florida has not posted monster fantasy football numbers, but he has spike-week upside thanks to his field-stretching speed. That said, he's likely going to be more useful in "real life" compared to fantasy football based on his production profile thus far. In six NFL seasons, the 29-year-old has not eclipsed 690 yards or six touchdowns in a single season. Last year, he caught just 21 passes for 315 yards and one touchdown in 16 games. He's an interesting late-round flyer in best ball formats, but he might be a wasted roster spot in traditional leagues. MVS will compete with Khalil Shakir and Curtis Samuel for snaps in 2024, as second-round rookie Keon Coleman should be a locked-in starter.

From RotoBaller

Phillip Dorsett May 14 12:20am ET

The Denver Broncos signed free-agent wide receiver Phillip Dorsett and cornerback Quinton Newsome to undisclosed deals on Monday, according to the team. In corresponding moves, the Broncos waived punter Nik Constantinou and receiver Lincoln Victor. Dorsett was released by Denver last Friday after initially signing with the team's practice squad before the 2023 season. The 31-year-old former 29th overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2015 out of Miami was elevated just twice during the regular season last year and was unable to reel in any of his three targets. In his eight NFL seasons, Dorsett has a total of 151 catches for 2,001 yards and 12 touchdowns in 94 games (20 starts). He'll serve as receiver depth for the Broncos this summer behind Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, Marvin Mims Jr., rookie Troy Franklin and Tim Patrick.

From RotoBaller

Marquez Valdes-Scantling May 13 10:30pm ET

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, free-agent wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling made a stop in Buffalo on Monday night. The wideout had a recent visit with the Chargers, although it appears nothing came of it. MVS hasn't been productive in years, and he finished the 2023-24 campaign by recording career lows in catches (21), receiving yards (315), and touchdowns (one). However, the Bills moved on from Stefon Diggs this offseason, so Valdes-Scantling could work his way up the depth chart. Yet, he'll need to prove his value to fantasy managers no matter where he signs, which won't come until he has at least a few decent performances.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff May 13 10:13pm ET

Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff's four-year deal includes an option in the fourth year, per source on Monday, May 13.

From TheHuddle

Marquez Valdes-Scantling May 13 8:03pm ET

Free-agent WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Chiefs) is meeting with the Buffalo Bills Monday, May 13, according to a source.

From TheHuddle

Courtland Sutton May 13 7:30pm ET

The Denver Broncos continued voluntary offseason workouts on Monday. However, the team remains without wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who continues to work out at his residence in Florida. The veteran has two years left on a four-year, $60 million extension, but has made it clear he wants a raise. He also requested a trade, although the team is apparently not looking to move him. Of course, there will be updates on the situation moving ahead. Yet, it won't be as much of a concern until the summer when Denver begins training camp. With that said, several teams will monitor things, especially with Sutton coming off a massive year, which included a career-high 10 touchdowns. But if he stays with the Broncos, his fantasy outlook is directly related to how Bo Nix and Zach Wilson look heading into the 2024-25 campaign.

From RotoBaller

Phillip Dorsett May 13 5:53pm ET

Free-agent WR Phillip Dorsett (Broncos) signed with the Denver Broncos Monday, May 13. The team also signed undrafted free-agent CB Quinton Newsome (Nebraska). Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

From TheHuddle

Jared Goff May 13 5:00pm ET

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff agreed to a four-year $212 million contract extension that includes $170 million guaranteed, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. Lions general manager Brad Holmes said the two sides were working on an extension last week, and they evidently worked quickly and got the deal done. The 2016 No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams has been fantastic since being dealt to Detroit along with draft picks for Matthew Stafford. He led Detroit to a playoff win for the first time since 1991 last year, and he's posted 12,258 yards, 78 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions through his first 48 games with the organization. He's now under contract through the 2028 season and will remain a fringe QB1 option in fantasy football as long as his offensive weapons remain on the roster. Given his job security and upside in Detroit's offense, he should be viewed as a strong dynasty QB2 in Superflex formats.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff May 13 4:53pm ET

Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension with the Lions Monday, May 13, worth $212 million, according to sources. The deal includes $170 million in guaranteed money.

Fantasy Spin: Goff will be the starting quarterback for the Lions for the foreseeable future and is coming off a terrific 2023 season. He could be a possible low-end No. 1 fantasy quarterback in deeper leagues but probably will be a No. 2 quarterback in most standard leagues that can also be a starting option against favorable matchups.

From TheHuddle

Trey Hendrickson May 13 4:50pm ET

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson was spotted at voluntary offseason activities on Monday despite his recent request to be traded. It's a notable development considering the practices and workouts are entirely voluntary, but it's too early to assume it means he wants to remain with the team if he does not receive a new contract. The 2017 third-round pick by the New Orleans Saints had a monster season in 2023, racking up a Bengals' franchise record 17.5 sacks. He is the 11th-highest-paid edge rusher (average salary) and is entering the final year of his four-year, $60 million contract he signed as a free agent in 2021. The 29-year-old's situation will be worth monitoring this offseason, as there will likely be no shortage of interested suitors if the team is willing to listen to offers. With quarterback Joe Burrow already signed to a $275 million contract, and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins seeking a new deals, Hendrickson may be expendable.

From RotoBaller

Ross Dwelley May 13 4:30pm ET

The Atlanta Falcons signed free-agent tight end Ross Dwelley on Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Dwelley was undrafted out of the University of San Diego in 2018, but he stuck around on the San Francisco 49ers' roster for six seasons and played in 84 games. Overall, the 29-year-old has 44 receptions for 518 yards and five receiving touchdowns to his name. He'll look to compete with Charlie Woerner and John FitzPatrick to see the field in multi-tight end sets and to be Kyle Pitts' direct backup in 2024. For now, he's nowhere near the fantasy football radar heading into his seventh NFL campaign.

From RotoBaller

Nick Vannett May 13 4:23pm ET

Free-agent TE Nick Vannett (Chargers) agreed to terms with the Tennessee Titans Monday, May 13. Terms of the contracts were not disclosed. The team also waived CB Rod Gattison.

From TheHuddle

Nick Vannett May 13 4:20pm ET

Free-agent tight end Nick Vannett is signing with the Tennessee Titans, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. The 31-year-old spent last season with the Los Angeles Chargers and caught one pass for three yards in eight games played. Vannett is a former third-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2016 and has spent time with seven organizations in seven years. Overall, he's hauled in 91 of his 130 career targets for 877 yards and six touchdowns. He'll likely compete with 2023 fifth-round pick Josh Whyle for the TE2 role in 2024, but Chigoziem Okonkwo remains the lead tight end for quarterback Will Levis after this signing.

From RotoBaller

Parker Hesse May 13 3:10pm ET

The Detroit Lions signed free-agent tight end Parker Hesse to an undisclosed deal on Monday. Hesse entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2021 with the Atlanta Falcons. He has spent all three of his seasons in the NFL with the Falcons and has totaled 14 receptions on 17 targets for 132 yards and no touchdowns in 28 games played (eight starts). The 28-year-old tight end played in only three games last year in Atlanta while also playing 28 snaps on special teams. In his three games played, Hesse wasn't targeted at all in the passing game. He'll merely be hoping to stick around on Detroit's roster after training camp and the preseason while providing depth at the position behind Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, James Mitchell and Shane Zylstra.

From RotoBaller

Antoine Winfield Jr. May 13 2:30pm ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. reached an agreement on a four-year, $84.1 million on Monday that will make him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history, according to sources. It's the first time in modern NFL history that a safety has set this mark. The deal was negotiated and confirmed by agent David Mulugheta of Athletes First. The new extension for the 25-year-old means Winfield won't have to play the 2024 season on the franchise tag, which would have paid him $17.1 million this year. The All-Pro safety is one of the most productive players at the defensive back position in IDP fantasy formats and had 122 tackles (76 solo), six sacks, three interceptions, 12 passes defended, six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 17 stars in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Averett May 13 2:20pm ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed free-agent cornerback Anthony Averett to an undisclosed one-year deal on Sunday, according to a source. The deal for Averett comes after he worked out at the team's rookie minicamp over the weekend on a tryout basis. The 29-year-old split time between the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions last year but didn't play in any regular-season games. His last NFL action came in 2022 with the Las Vegas Raiders, when he recorded 13 tackles and a pass defended in seven games (six starts). He was originally a fourth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018 out of Alabama. In his four seasons in Baltimore, he had 101 tackles, three interceptions and 22 passes defended. Averett will have plenty of competition at the cornerback position in training camp this summer as he tries to make the final roster.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers May 13 2:10pm ET

The New York Jets agreed to terms with first-round pick Olu Fashanu on his rookie deal on Monday. The deal is for four years and $20,510,710 fully guaranteed and includes the standard fifth-year team option. It was reported on Sunday that Fashanu strained his quadriceps while running the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine and could miss some or all of the Jets' organized team activities this offseason. The Jets took the 21-year-old with the 11th overall pick in this year's NFL draft to give veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers some more protection in 2024. Barring a setback, Fashanu should be ready to go for the start of his rookie season this fall. So far, he's been working off to the side with trainers during the team's rookie minicamp.

From RotoBaller

Zay Jones May 13 9:52am ET

Dynasty | The Cardinals have signed wide receiver Zay Jones. Dynasty Analysis: Jones has had some nice moments over his seven seasons in Buffalo, Las Vegas, and Jacksonville, though he's never posted more than 823 receiving yards or seven touchdowns in any given season. Jones could be viable opposite Marvin Harrison, Jr. if he can beat out Michael Wilson but that's no given. At this point, Jones looks like a roster worthy player but a potential roster clogger at the same time.

Ja'Tavion Sanders May 12 12:00pm ET

Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders said his goal in the NFL is to be as good as former All-Pro Greg Olsen. Sanders, a converted receiver at Texas, averaged 49.5 catches a year with the Longhorns with an average of 648 yards and 3.5 touchdowns. His role with the Panthers is not clear yet, but head coach Dave Canales said on Saturday that Sanders will play both the "F" and the "Y" roles, dependent on pass plays versus 12 personnel. "He's a guy, you can move around a little bit more, maybe play him in the slot a little bit," Canales said, adding, "we look for those versatile type of tight ends." The 21-year-old was taken with the 101st overall pick in the fourth round this year but could immediately become the team's best pass-catching tight end over both Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas. Still, fantasy managers in single-year leagues in 2024 should temper expectations for Sanders in Carolina's offense.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye May 12 11:20am ET

New England Patriots first-year head coach Jerod Mayo said that rookie quarterback Drake May, who was taken third overall in last month's NFL draft, "has a lot to work on." Saturday's practice featured a heavy emphasis on footwork fundamentals, with Maye spending the first few periods of practice taking snaps directly under center instead of the shotgun, which he mostly used the last two years at North Carolina. "The guy can sling it, man," said wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk, the second-round pick from the University of Washington. "He's very confident. He's a leader, very vocal; he's setting the tone in practice, trying to get guys moving around and operating at a high level." Maye is expected to compete with veteran Jacoby Brissett for starting duties in 2024. The Patriots aren't going to rush Maye's development, so he's more of a dynasty/keeper asset in fantasy this year than a redraft one.

From RotoBaller