Well folks, we’re officially a third of the way through the NFL regular season, even though it feels like this year just started. We’ve been through a lot during these six weeks, and it’s not quite over yet, as we still have a primetime matchup featuring Justin Herbert and the shell of Russell Wilson to go! But, no matter how much football we watch, we (and Vegas) still don’t know everything. Week 6 brought a TON of upsets with the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Jets not only covering huge spreads but outright winning their matchups. And the shootout we were supposed to see between the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks…a snoozer to say the least. It must have been another weekend of Double XP in Call of Duty because Kyler Murray did not look like he watched Seattle’s game film.


But, the unpredictability of the NFL is what makes these hot takes so fun! We take the trends and run with them before everyone else jumps on the bandwagon. Case in point? I hope you read last week’s piece and started Brandon Aiyuk against the Falcons in your matchups. He was only started in 42% of Sleeper leagues this week, and if you were part of that 42%, I’m sending you a digital fist bump and a high five! And, because you all have been such loyal readers, I’m giving you the spiciest takeaways from this week to get you ready for Week 7. We could talk about how the Bills are the favorite to make a play for Christian McCaffrey or that the Rams are unceremoniously breaking up with Cam Akers, but that’s been done. We think outside the box here, and that’s what wins you championships!

 


Sell Clyde Edwards-Helaire Before it’s too Late

If you didn’t listen when I told you to sell Dalvin Cook, it’s okay. I don’t hold grudges. I’m giving you another chance here with a second sell candidate in Clyde Edwards-Helaire. “But why sell?” you ask. Despite being the overall RB12 in PPR leagues, CEH has been nothing but fool’s gold the entire season.

He’s only played over 50% of the snaps once through six weeks, and to make matters worse, his workload has decreased significantly over the past two weeks, especially in the passing game. He was held without a target today against the Buffalo Bills, and has been outscored for two weeks in a row by Jerick McKinnon. Those less-savvy fantasy managers in your league who look at overall ranking could still be open to buying CEH before the bottom falls out, and even if you need to package him up, get him off your roster. It could be a nightmare situation if you don’t.

Deon Jackson Will Take Over Passing Down Duties From Nyheim Hines

Despite suffering a quad injury that forced him out of the game, Deon Jackson made a STATEMENT. He wasn’t highly efficient on the ground, only averaging 3.5 yards per carry, but he was an absolute force in the passing game, catching all ten of his targets for 79 yards. On the flip side, Nyheim Hines’ yards per target has steadily fallen since the start of the season, from 8.3 in Week 1 to a paltry 1.5 in Week 4. Hines has been the gentle Mogwai in this running back rotation, but Jackson added some water and transformed into an unstoppable gremlin this week. Matt Ryan and the Colts offense as a whole hasn’t been able to produce at all this season, but Jackson gave them the extra oomph they needed to take control and get a win. As long as the quad injury isn’t serious, expect Jackson to mix in more and more on passing downs, with Hines being left out to dry.

Bailey Zappe is the Answer to the Patriots’ Offensive Woes

Bailey Zappe may not be the hero Patriots fans wanted, but he’s the hero they need! Since he took over at quarterback for the injured Mac Jones, New England is 2-0, and the credit doesn’t belong solely to the defense. Zappe put up over 300 passing yards and two touchdowns Sunday and spread the ball around to all of his weapons (seriously, even Jonnu Smith and Tyquan Thornton), making it nearly impossible to defend against the passing game. The offense finally looks like they have shaken off their identity crisis, and they’ll need to keep it up if they expect to contend with the rest of the AFC West. Zappe gives them the best chance to do this going forward, as he actually looks like a legitimate quarterback instead of just a game manager. And, from a historical perspective, we all know how Belichick likes his day three quarterbacks…


Daniel Jones is a Must-Stream Bye Week Option Over the Next Two Weeks

I feel like I’m living in some twisted episode of “The Twilight Zone” here, but I’m going to swallow my pride and say it. Danny Dimes is a high-end QB2 option and should be on your radar as a streaming option, especially over the next two weeks. Who cares if he doesn’t have a receiving corps to throw to? Not this guy.


Jones has been able to MacGyver his way into fantasy production with a healthy Saquon Barkley, and he currently ranks as QB15 in traditional scoring systems. In Week 7, the Giants face the Jaguars, who just gave up 389 yards to the ghost of Matt Ryan, then the Seahawks in Week 8 who, up until today, ranked last in total yards allowed per game. Jones may not be the sexiest start at quarterback, but with four heavy-hitting teams on bye next week and Chiefs and Chargers the next, you’ll need someone with a safe floor to keep you and your team rolling into the second half of the season.

The J-E-T-S are Officially Back

Is there some witchcraft going on in MetLife Stadium? Not one, but TWO New York teams are on top of the conference standings! While I still advocate for Joe Flacco to be under center going forward for the sake of every single pass-catcher on the team, the Jets have managed to cobble together a 4-2 start to the season for second place in the AFC West. While Breece Hall has been a huge part of this resurrection, the defense deserves just as much credit. Sauce Gardner nearly had a pick-six off of Aaron Rodgers, and Quinnen Williams had a DAY. Their defense has held opponents to 20 points or fewer each of the past three weeks, while also recording five interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and nine sacks. Paint me in peanut butter, and call me Skippy, but I am all in on this defense, especially as a streaming option. They may not be startable in Week 9 against the Bills, but keep them on your radar. Robert Saleh is building a talented young team on defense, and they will only get better going forward.

 

Related Fantasy Football Links