The 49ers keep their stride, Baker and the Browns continue their struggles, and Los Angeles was practically home sweet home for the Steelers this past week as week 6 is now in the books. There is a lot to discuss this week so let’s jump right in. Point totals done in the basic ESPN PPR point format.

Must Starts:

Josh Allen- Quarterback- Buffalo Bills: Even with turnovers being an issue for him, Allen has only had one game where he posted less than 16 fantasy points. He is consistent and has huge fantasy appeal with his legs. The Bills are coming off a bye week and take on the, wait for it, Miami Dolphins. Do I really need to give stats? Okay, fine, I will. The Dolphins have allowed the second most FPPG to opposing QBs. Also, remember the last time a mobile QB played Miami? Lamar Jackson put up 33.6 fantasy points. I’m all in on Allen and the Bills this week.

Michael Gallup- Wide Receiver- Dallas Cowboys: This might be my favorite matchup of the entire week. The Eagles secondary is terrible. I mean just straight up bad. They are allowing 46.6 FPPG (second highest in the NFL) to opposing WRs and the most TDs to WRs (11) as well. Gallup is not the WR1 in Dallas but has really shown out underneath Cooper as he is putting up 17.1 PPG. Last week, the WR2 in Minnesota, Steffon Diggs, put up a monster 43.5 fantasy points. He was up against the Eagles CB2 all game and Gallup now faces the same spot. I am all in on Gallup this week who has the potential to see himself as a top 10 play.

Jordan Akins- Tight End- Houston Texans: Akins has really found himself with an increased role this year with the Texans. Even though he is not a truly viable starter yet, he is still averaging 7.4 FPPG and is TE15. This week the Texans go on the road against the Colts who have been nothing but friendly to TEs all year. They allow 16.7 FPPG to the TE position (3rd highest in the league) and have allowed the 8th most receptions to the position as well (and they have already had their bye week…). Akins has a very high ceiling this week and could explode like he did in week 3 where he had 22.3 points against the Chargers.

Do Not Start:

Chris Thompson- Running Back- Washington Redskins: He is coming off a small injury in week 6 and now has to face a 49ers defense that is lock down. Thompson mainly finds himself with heavy usage in the passing game, but that will not save his production this week. The 49ers have allowed the second lowest FPPG to opposing RBs, a league low 18 receptions to RBs, and have not allowed a single TD to them as well. Thompson will be in for a rough day.

DJ Chark Jr- Wide Receiver- Jacksonville Jaguars: You may think to yourself, but why? It’s the Bengals?  Well, your right. It is the Bengals. A Bengals team that is the worst defense in the league against the rush and is tied for the league lead with nine TDs allowed to opposing RBs. Why is this important? The Bengals rush defense is so bad teams really are not throwing the ball against them. In fact, the Bengals have allowed the lowest amount of FPPG to opposing WRs all year. Yes, you read that stat right. Lower than Buffalo and San Francisco. In a very unfavorable matchup where most of the ball will most likely be given to Leonard Fournette, I would bench Chark.

Any Tennessee Titan Wide Receiver: Why not just pick one Titan WR? Because between Corey Davis, Adam Humphries, and AJ Brown, it is nearly impossible to distinguish a number one. With that said, Marcus Marriotta has had serious troubles this year passing and it hasn’t gotten any better as he was benched last week. This week they take on a Chargers team who has allowed the second lowest FPPG to opposing WRs all season. With the QB struggles and a super unfavorable matchup none of these guys are viable plays this week.

Waiver Wire Pickups:

Auden Tate- Wide Receiver- Cincinnati Bengals: Tate has really shined with the injuries to AJ Green and John Ross. He has gone north of 10 fantasy points since filling the roll and is getting a great target share in one of the most pass happy offenses in the league. He is currently only owned in 21.4% of ESPN leagues and is a great guy to have on your bench to fill in a roster spot with if needed.

Chase Edmunds- Running Back- Arizona Cardinals: A repeat pick from last week, Edmunds is finding himself with some sneaky fantasy value. 17.6 and 14.7 point performances in the last two weeks while working alongside David Johnson shows great promise. He has 24 touches over the past three games while working with Johnson, it’s scary to think what could happen if Johnson gets sidelined with his back issues. He is only owned in 22.6% of ESPN leagues.

Demaryius Thomas- Wide Receiver- New York Jets: Sam Darnold’s return really brought life to all the New York Jets offensive pieces. Thomas recorded 10.2 fantasy points in his first game with the sophomore QB and will for most of the season be working against opposing CB3s which is very appealing. Thomas is a viable stash in middle or deeper leagues and is only owned in 3.5% of ESPN leagues.