5 Start, 5 Sit for Week 6 of the 2023 NFL Season
It’s getting easier to know who is worth playing now. Trends are a little more visible and guys we thought might be lightning in a bottle have turned out to be a fart in a jar. What I have for you this week is a list of players that I think are worthy of your starting rosters, followed by guys that might need to start applying for day jobs.
Start:
Russell Wilson vs KC – Start
Even if the Broncos haven’t been winning games, Russ has still been scoring fantasy points. He’s finished in the top half of quarterbacks in four out of five games and is currently QB8. It doesn’t hurt that he has to throw at least 30 times a game in order to even have a chance to win. I expect that is what he will have to do against the Chiefs on Thursday night. It’s not a super flashy option, but Wilson just might win you a game this week (but probably not the Broncos).
Isiah Pacheco vs DEN – Start
On the other side of the ball, Isiah Pacheco has been running like a madman. He has racked up three straight weeks of top 15 finishes and three straight weeks of scoring touchdowns. This matchup against the Broncos this week should make Pacheco owners’ mouths water. In their first five games, the Broncos’ run defense has allowed the opposing starting running back to have their best career game. The only outlier being Josh Jacobs in week one. That stat alone makes Pacheco an auto-start in my book.
K.J. Osborn vs CHI – Start
The Vikings’ season continues to spiral as star receiver Justin Jefferson was placed on short term IR this week. In his stead, K.J. Osborn and Jordan Addison must pick up the slack. The latter of the two is dealing with an ankle injury that may restrict his playing ability, leaving Osborn as the most reliable option. In seasons past, Osborn has stepped up and delivered big time. Thankfully, the Vikings get a softer defense from Chicago in their first ever game without Jefferson. Osborn should see a healthy target share and convert that volume into plenty of points for you.
Cole Kmet vs MIN – Start
Again, staying in the same game, Cole Kmet has begun a bit of a streak. 12 catches for 127 yards and 3 touchdowns in the last two games is amazing production from a tight end. It seems that the Bears have gained an identity for their offense which is great for Kmet owners. The Vikings’ defense is bottom 5 in almost every category, meaning Kmet will be able to continue earning top 10 finishes. The tight end position can be barren of points at times, so take Kmet while you can.
Josh Reynolds vs TB – Start
Reynolds’ value this season is fleeting as Jameson Williams catches up to speed with the offense. However, while he remains the #2 receiver for the Lions, he is a sneaky good flex play (especially if Amon-Ra St. Brown is sidelined again). His volume isn’t the best, but his potency as a downfield target makes him a big threat to defenses. He probably isn’t going to blow up and get you 40 points, but you should be able to rely on him to get you 12-17. For a flex, that ain’t bad!
Sit:
Daniel Jones vs BUF – Sit
This might end up being a moot point if he isn’t healthy enough to go this weekend, but the logic here is the same even for Tyrod Taylor. The Giants’ offensive line is perhaps the worst I’ve seen in several years. Jones has had no time to do anything in the pocket and when he does, his receiving weapons aren’t good enough to be open. One, single 30-point performance has been providing hope for his fantasy value, but it simply isn’t there. Even with Barkley in the backfield, Jones just can’t make anything happen. This is before I even mention that they play the Bills this week…Avoid Giants at all costs.
Rhamondre Stevenson vs LV – Sit
Rhamondre Stevenson was supposed to have a great year and has only been putting out subpar production. He has yet to finish inside the top ten running backs and has finished outside the top 30 three times. The Patriots’ offense did not take the step that people thought they were going to, and that is reflected in Rhamondre’s fantasy points. The matchup against the Raiders realistically should make him a start, but I have no confidence that he’ll be able to make the best of the situation.
Deebo Samuel vs CLE – Sit
This one may burn me, but I don’t think Deebo Samuel has been performing to the level we expected him to. His first three weeks were phenomenal, but in the past two he’s only been targeted three times (he has taken eight handoffs however). That’s not to say Samuel is useless for the rest of the season, but it either means his production is lowering or he’s moving into boom/bust territory. Both of which aren’t great for weekly consistency. With Deshaun Watson’s injury status up in the air, it’s possible this game turns into a blowout at the half and we don’t get to see much of Deebo anyway. I would consider replacing him with someone who you can be more confident in week over week.
Logan Thomas vs ATL – Sit
Thomas is coming off one of the best games of his career. But don’t let that fool you into thinking he can do that every week. He is a fairly consistent tight end, but don’t expect Travis Kelce numbers against Atlanta this week. The Commanders’ offense has been wildly inconsistent this year and Logan’s production has matched. I think you can still play him this week, but don’t go into it expecting to get another top 5 finish.
Garrett Wilson vs PHI – Sit
Garrett Wilson is a great receiver that has been stuck with lackluster quarterback play. My reason for fading him this week isn’t even his fault. It’s because of the Jets’ offensive line. I don’t think Zach Wilson is going to ever have more than three seconds with the ball before he sees pressure from somewhere. The Eagles’ pass rush is so oppressive that it’s going to make it nearly impossible for the Jets to make anything happen downfield. Wilson may end up with 7-8 catches, but I don’t see him getting many yards or getting into the end zone.
If you want more offensive start/sit advice, follow me on X @TFFGRobbie. If you need IDP start/sit advice, give @ThePPRShow a follow as well.