Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Picks for Fantasy Football Week 6: Alvin Kamara, James Cook, DeAndre Hopkins

Week 6 is here and that means fantasy managers will have to make more tough start and sit decisions. With two teams on byes (Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers) and injuries piling up, you could have limited options on your bench. 

For this article, we will see if you should be starting or sitting Alvin Kamara, James Cook, and DeAndre Hopkins. Kamara has been a PPR stud since his return from suspension, Cook is coming off his worst performance of the season, while Hopkins totaled over 100 yards for the first time this year. 

So, should you start these players in Week 6? Let's dive in. 

Should I Start Alvin Kamara for Fantasy Football?

Kamara has been a lineup lock since his return from a three-game suspension to begin the year. That shouldn't change in Week 6, facing a Texans defense that is allowing the seventh most fantasy points to running backs in 2023.

The Saints running back re-joined the team in Week 4 and has immediately jumped into RB1 territory. He has 18-plus PPR points in back-to-back games and has at least 24 touches in both of those contests. New Orleans is using Kamara a ton on the ground and through the air this season, and he should be in store for another big game on Sunday. 

He is the RB7 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

Should I Start James Cook for Fantasy Football?

Cook has been a solid RB2 this season. However, most fantasy managers were likely frustrated by the running back's production in Week 5. He finished the game with just five carries for negative four yards and three catches for 25 yards. 

Despite the RB40 finish in half-PPR formats last week, Cook should be started in most cases against the New York Giants in Week 6. New York's defense comes into the contest allowing the fifth most fantasy points to running backs this season. They also just allowed Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane to both finish as top-12 backs in Week 5. 

The Bills should be controlling the game from the start, meaning more rushing opportunities could be in store for Cook in this one. It's a game that could get the 24-year-old back on track. 

He is the RB18 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

Should I Start DeAndre Hopkins for Fantasy Football?

Hopkins is coming off his best fantasy game of the season in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts, catching eight passes for 140 yards on 11 targets. His production has been shaky through the first five weeks. But he does have the talent to go off in any game. 

Hopkins has totaled 10-plus PPR fantasy points in three of five games this season and will now face a Ravens defense that is middle-of-the-pack against fantasy wide receivers. With Treylon Burks (knee) ruled out for Sunday, the All-Pro could continue to see a high volume of targets. However, he has a low floor in a Week 6 game that could be a defensive battle in London. 

He is the WR32 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

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