Welcome back to Fluke or Truth! After an explosive, fantasy scoring bonanza in Week 5, overall fantasy production regressed to a much more normal level in Week 6. Although as always, players made headlines on both ends of the spectrum. Stefon Diggs recorded a career-high fantasy performance with 167 yards and 3 TDs, Jared Goff logged negative points as the Rams struggled at home against the 49ers and the Matt Ryan and Austin Hooper stack proved valuable once again in DFS. Now as we head into the halfway mark of the season, you already know the drill! Let’s take a look at some of Week 6’s top fantasy scorers to determine whether they are the real deal or nothing more than a one-week mirage!
Running Backs
Jamaal Williams (GB): 14 car, 104 yards, 4 rec, 32 yards, 1 TD – 21.60 points
Without a doubt, the most talked about game of the week was the Sunday Night Football showdown between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. With multiple controversial penalties and no-calls late in the game, most fans were left scratching their heads, contemplating the manner in which NFL games are officiated. Despite the controversy, one of the biggest fantasy beneficiaries in this game was Packer’s second string running back, Jamaal Williams. Heading into the season, Matt LaFleur told reporters that Aaron Jones and Jaamal William would see an even workload. Although, over the past few weeks, Aaron Jones has been freed and took over the majority of rushing and receiving work. But, with a disappointing showing Sunday night including a fumble and a wide-open pass for a touchdown dropped, Williams was given the opportunity to see the late game touches. In future games, Williams will still see time on the field but expect Jones to continue with the bulk of the work. In addition, Williams successful outing was in large part due to the Lions defense and high efficiency. Throughout this season, the Lions have already shown weakness to the run game, allowing the 4th most rushing yards per attempt and 6th most rushing yards per game. Pair that with a one of the most efficient nights of his career and the result is Williams’ 21 point performance. Don’t anticipate another 20+ point performance for Williams this season!
FLUKE
Wide Receivers
Robby Anderson (NYJ): 5 rec, 125 yards, 1 TD – 21.00 points
One of the biggest surprises of the week came with the upset win of the New York Jets over the Dallas Cowboys. After starting the season 0-5, the New York Jets were extremely grateful for the return of their sophomore quarterback, Sam Darnold. After four weeks of battling mononucleosis, Darnold finally gained the strength and recorded the practice time necessary to play Sunday. With his return, this New York offense greatly improves and Robby Anderson’s value rises to a season-high. Anderson quickly showed what he is capable of, with Darnold at the helm, after a 92 yard score late in the 2nd quarter. Before Darnold’s return, Anderson was drastically limited with Siemian and Falk since neither threw the ball deep downfield. Over the second half of the season, Anderson can return to his role as the deep threat and the go-to target on this offense. Additionally, Anderson position continues to improve with the introduction of Chris Herndon. Herndon was suspended for the first four games of the season after violating the league’s substance abuse policy and suffered an injury in practice, making him a scratch for Week 5. But, with Herndon likely playing on Monday, Anderson will no longer be the only focus for secondaries. Maybe Anderson won’t see 100 yards or a score in every game, but he will remain as a formidable WR3 or FLEX option. Not to mention the Jets schedule is easier heading forward with the Dolphins (x2), Giants, Bengals and Redskins.
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Terry McLaurin (WAS): 4 rec, 100 yards, 2 TDs – 24.00 points
After an extremely rocky start to the season, the Washington Redskins finally locked up their first win against the Dolphins on Sunday. Among the injuries, the firing of head coach, Jay Gruden, and the holdout of Trent Williams, the Redskins can at least hang their hat on finding a gem in Terry McLaurin. After five weeks of play, the third-round draft pick from Ohio State has already found the endzone a total of five times. The only team who has prevent McLaurin from a touchdown this season is the highest-rated defense in the league, the New England Patriots. When reviewing film, McLaurin looks nothing like a rookie with his presence and ability on the field. Excelling at route running, “Scary Terry” garners a minimum of seven targets per game and has become the first option on mid and deep range passes. Although, one of the biggest concerns for McLaurin owners moving forward is consistency at the quarterback position. With Keenum’s foot injury earlier in the season and the debate on whether Dwayne Haskins should receive another opportunity in thenear future, McLaurin’s best opportunity for success comes with continuing to developing a strong connection with the same quarterback. It won’t be surprise to see McLaurin finish the season with a fair share of 100 yard games and plenty of touchdowns. With his statlines to date, McLaurin remains a WR2 option with WR1 potential.
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Tight Ends
Hunter Henry (LAC): 8 rec, 100 yards, 2 TDs – 26.00 points
Over the past two seasons, plenty of hype has been built around Hunter Henry and his role in the Los Angeles Chargers offense. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to see his true capabilities due to his growing injury history. With a lacerated kidney in 2017, torn ACL in 2018 and a tibia plateau fracture this season, chances to see Henry in action have been slim to none. Although nothing held him back Sunday night as he racked up 100 yards and two scores in his return. With the volatility at the tight end position, if he is somehow still on waivers in your league, now is the time to roster him. Despite the struggling state of the Chargers, Hunter Henry should benefit greatly from this offense and it all starts with Philip Rivers. Rivers has a history of throwing to tight ends with the most notable target in his career being Antonio Gates. Gates had an extremely successful career with plenty of red zone opportunities and large share of the targets. Henry has already shown his ability to fill that role throughout the first two years of his career and should continue to prove that in future weeks. During his first two seasons in the league, Henry was one of nine tight ends to record over 1,000 yards and at least 12 touchdowns. With this feat, he joins elite company in Antonio Gates and Rob Gronkowski. Henry should remain in your starting lineup weekly and continue to produce TE1 numbers.
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**All point values are in Half PPR scoring format