Fantasy Overview: Week 6

As we enter Week 6 of the 2024 season, I want to share some tips, advice, and thoughts on various players, teams, and situations. With resources available at every turn, including information and opinions shared on social media, it is becoming more difficult to separate yourself from the rest of the pack regarding knowledge and strategy. To gain that extra edge, you must make proactive moves that cash in, plan ahead, know your players' schedules, read helpful columns, and execute the game plan for success. In no particular order, here are a few items that can help you gain that edge.

Be Aware of Players Returning from Injury

RB Joe Mixon, Houston

Mixon has been out for the last three weeks with a sprained ankle, but the severity and type of injury are unknown. It could be a right high-ankle sprain, a medial sprain, or some have said a pedal bruise, but he has needed time to heal, and the Texans have not rushed him back. Previous injuries to the same ankle (2017, 2020, and 2021) are also concerning regarding his recovery length. Cam Akers has filled the void since the injury with a 32%, 64%, and 50% team carry share in the last three games, respectively, but he has not stolen the job from Mixon once he returns, which could be this week at New England. Mixon was a key component of the Texans offense in Week 1 to the tune of 30 carries for 159 yards and 1 rushing touchdown. It is also important to note that he has three receptions in both Week 1 and Week 2 before getting injured. If Mixon is deemed active, it is wise to start him, especially in a matchup against the Patriots, who have allowed one rushing touchdown to running backs in each of their five games this season.

RB Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco

The highly anticipated return of Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf) can't come soon enough. Aside from fantasy managers being excited about his return, the 49ers, who are 2-3 without him, are anxiously waiting for him to set foot on the field once again. He is eligible to return in Week 6, but it might be a few more weeks before he makes his season debut. Even upon his return, there is no guarantee that he will be 100%, but even a less-than-100% McCaffrey is still a viable fantasy weapon that would instantly improve your roster. 

RB Jonathon Brooks, Carolina

We have not seen the Panthers rookie running back yet, but his arrival is due soon. Carolina may have the worst roster in the league, especially on defense, but their offensive line has been decent and has graded well in the first quarter of the season. Chuba Hubbard (RB7 through five games) has a touchdown in each of the last three games (all Andy Dalton starts), plus games of 114, 104, and 97 rushing yards, respectively. However, good things don't seem to last long in Carolina. Week 5 saw their starting center, Austin Corbett, go down with a season-ending bicep tear, and their right tackle, Taylor Moton, left the game with an elbow injury. This could have negative impact on the ground game. Game script is also a concern for running back performance. Brooks won't immediately see fantasy-worthy snaps, so don't assume he will jump in when ready and make a big splash. Consider at least 2-3 weeks of ramp-up time before he makes an impact that will benefit your fantasy roster. If we're speculating, it may not be until after their Week 11 BYE when he will be a fantasy-relevant option for your roster. Carolina plans to have him for their future build, so they will be extra careful with their prized possession. 

RB Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis

A right ankle injury, likely a mild high-ankle sprain, has kept him shelved for at least one week (Week 5) so far with the possibility of another week or two. Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson will fill the void with the majority of touches going to Sermon, who had a decent Week 5 with 10 carries for 38 yards and a score plus 6 receptions for 25 yards. Expect Taylor to regain his normal volume of carries once he returns, which could be Week 6 at Tennessee or Week 7 at home vs Miami. In the meantime, Sermon is a viable solution if Taylor is inactive. 

QB Tua Tagovailoa, Miami

Tua Tagovailoa is eligible to return off IR in Week 8. Once cleared from the concussion protocol, it is believed that Tagovailoa will return to play, which may not be great news for his long-term well-being, but the team would benefit. 

RB Nick Chubb, Cleveland

Nick Chubb  (PUP) will return when he is deemed ready. That could be anywhere between Week 6 and Week 11. There is no guarantee that he will be able to produce effective numbers for us when he does return. It is possible that he won't ever be the same caliber of player that he was in the past. The Browns aren't exactly a juggernaut right now and have been rumored to be trading Amari Cooper to the highest bidder. Even if Chubb returns full steam ahead, it is not an appealing fantasy situation. 

TE T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota

The earliest we could see T.J. Hockenson (knee recovery) is Week 7, which is one week after the Vikings' bye. However, depending on how the Vikings view his recovery efforts, it could be later than that. When he does return, he will enter one of the better-performing offenses in the NFC. Monitor the news on his practice sessions. When he does return, he should have an immediate impact. 

WR Cooper Kupp, LA Rams

Provided there are no setbacks, Week 7 could be when Kupp (left high-ankle sprain) returns to the active roster for the Rams. These types of ankle injuries can have lasting, lingering effects. Don't expect him to be 100% for a while. He may still see a high volume because Matthew Stafford trusts him, and quite honestly, the Rams are a better offense with him on the field.

WR Puka Nacua, LA Rams

The other half of the Rams' receiving corps, Nacua (right knee PCL sprain), could be back in Week 7, barring any setbacks. It is possible that the Rams may have both of their star receivers back for the game against the Raiders. Like Kupp, don't necessarily expect big numbers out of the gate, as it will take time for Nacua to fully rebound to health.