In the ever-changing world of fantasy football, Week 6 of the NFL season brought about several significant developments that are reshaping the landscape for fantasy managers. From the shifting roles of prominent running backs to the challenges faced by star quarterbacks and the unexpected twists in the fortunes of emerging talents, this article delves into the latest headlines and their implications for your fantasy football squads.
Whether you’re seeking insights on players like James Cook and Geno Smith, or the unfortunate injury to Anthony Richardson, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we navigate the highs and lows from this past weekend’s NFL action.
James Cook Cooked?
After a hot start to the season, James Cook has finished outside the top 30 fantasy football running backs for two straight weeks. More concerning, he has seen his touches decline every game since Week 2 as well. Latavius Murray played on 48-percent of the snaps in Week 5 and had 12 rushing attempts compared to 14 for Cook.
Fantasy managers expected Cook to be in a timeshare in 2022 due to his smaller frame. The problem is a lack of touchdown opportunities and pass game usage. He’s No. 26 in the NFL in red zone touches and No. 24 in target share among running backs. Latavius Murray and Damien Harris have consistently substituted near the goal line, resulting in Cook scoring one touchdown in 2023. His usage in the passing game is inconsistent too. Cook isn’t a priority in the passing game, which is surprising considering he is averaging 10 yards per reception.
With a declining snap share and a lack of red zone and pass-catching opportunities, Cook doesn’t have the ceiling many fantasy managers anticipated. These factors, combined with the Bills’ tendency to lean away from the run in close games, make him a low-end RB2 in fantasy football moving forward. Injuries and bye weeks are already taking a toll, leaving few better options.
Fantasy Football Week 6 Dynasty Implications:
While Cook may be held back by his current role in the offense, he is still one of the most talented running backs in the league. He’s No. 9 in yards per touch and No. 18 in True Yards Per Carry. Cook was also on the field for the vast majority of the Bills’ two scoring drives on Sunday. Given the offense’s struggles in the game, the Bills will look to get Cook more involved going forward.
Cook represents a nice buy-low for savvy fantasy managers as a result. Consider sending a second-round pick (late) and a young wide receiver such as Jonathan Mingo to acquire him in a deal. I would also prefer him over players such as Javonte Williams, Quentin Johnston, and Dameon Pierce in a similar price range.
Geno Smith Slides Back Down to Earth
After finishing as a top 5 fantasy football quarterback in 2022, Geno Smith is only No. 22 in fantasy points per game to start this season. His QBR has decreased by 30 points, and the offense is struggling to find a rhythm. This has translated to the receiving corps as well, with Metcalf failing to record a top-15 fantasy finish through five games.
While the offense’s struggles are troubling, there is a clear reason for the difference in Geno Smith‘s performance. His Protection Rate ranked No. 15 in the NFL last season, and that has decreased to No. 31 in 2023. Seattle’s offensive line has struggled to stay healthy. Both their starting tackles have missed significant time, and Smith is consistently facing pressure as a result.
Geno Smith Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
However, the silver lining is that their offensive line finally played an entire game and stayed healthy in Week 6. They struggled once again, but they should be expected to improve as they get healthier and gain more playing time. Unfortunately, that might not matter with impending matchups against the Browns, Ravens, 49ers, Cowboys, and Eagles on the schedule.
Smith has struggled in the red zone at times but has ultimately played very good football in 2023. His upcoming schedule is brutal though. He is playing the best defenses in the league over the next nine weeks and has to face the 49ers twice. Without rushing upside, Smith is only a streaming option in 1QB leagues and can be safely dropped.
Fantasy Football Week 6 Dynasty Implications:
Similar to most of the pocket-passing quarterbacks in the NFL, his fantasy production is subject to the offense around him. Without time to throw, his air yards per attempt has gone from No. 15 in the NFL in 2022 to No. 34 in 2023. Metcalf and Lockett aren’t able to make plays downfield, severely limiting the offense’s upside.
As a result, Smith is a low-end QB2 in dynasty fantasy football rankings, right below players like Jared Goff and Kirk Cousins. Given the state of the position, he will likely be a starter for the foreseeable future. However, he will never finish as a top 5 fantasy quarterback again. He’d be an intriguing buy too if it weren’t for the schedule. Smith will add little to a team competing for a playoff spot, and fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a quarterback to target.
Anthony Richardson Resting for the 2024 Season
After initially being placed on injured reserve after suffering an AC sprain, Jim Irsay stated that Anthony Richardson will now likely miss the rest of the season. This is a devastating blow for fantasy football managers who only saw glimpses of what he was capable of. Richardson was No. 1 in fantasy points per dropback and was No. 12 in the NFL in QBR.
Richardson’s brief rookie season was very similar to players such as Jalen Hurts or Justin Fields. This is remarkable. Neither player was able to finish in the top 25 in Accuracy Rating their first year as starters. Richardson, on the other hand, was No. 9 in the NFL. He also had particularly high numbers in the red zone and under pressure. Richardson by all accounts vastly exceeded expectations and was a must-start option immediately in fantasy football leagues.
Anthony Richardson Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
Regardless, it will be Gardner Minshew under center now for the Indianapolis Colts, which will benefit the Colts’ pass catchers’ fantasy production. Anthony Richardson was very good in small sample sizes. However, in the two games that Richardson played a full complement of snaps, the offense averaged 31 pass attempts per game. This compares to 49.5 pass attempts per game in the two full games Minshew has started.
Pittman was already a valuable fantasy asset but becomes a WR2 with Minshew under center. He has received double-digit targets in four games this season, and he is No. 1 in the NFL in snap share. The next two matchups against the Browns and Saints will be tough for the Colts’ offense, but the schedule opens up after that. Josh Downs will be on fantasy radars as well with 14 targets over the last two weeks and back-to-back top-30 fantasy finishes. He can be left on benches this weekend against Cleveland but will be a flex option depending on the matchup.
Fantasy Football Week 6 Dynasty Implications:
After appearing on the verge of becoming a top five dynasty fantasy football quarterback, Richardson will have to wait. While the metrics on his 84 career pass attempts exceeded expectations, he still faces long-term concerns as a passer. He is very raw, and obviously, he is going to be missing out on much-needed reps.
More concerning, though, is Richardson’s injury history dating back to college. He takes unnecessary hits and missed a game earlier in the season due to a concussion as well. At Florida, he suffered several shoulder, knee, and hamstring injuries throughout his tenure. This was despite him only playing one full season as the starter. It will be imperative for Richardson to learn how to minimize the hits he takes despite his physical frame.
Nonetheless, with his potential, there aren’t many quarterbacks that should rank ahead of him in dynasty formats. He’s firmly in QB1 territory, in the same tier as other young quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud and Tua Tagovailoa. The injury makes him an easy target for rebuilding dynasty teams too. Many competing fantasy managers will be scrambling for a quarterback if they were holding out hope for his return. Consider sending a package of veterans or a young skill position player such as Jaylen Waddle or Breece Hall in superflex leagues.
