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Fantasy football is all about balancing risk and reward. Sometimes, the players you depend on week in and week out can feel like a safe bet, but there’s always the looming danger of a bad matchup, situation, or poor performance.
These landmines can derail your entire fantasy week, especially if you don’t see them coming. So, for Week 6, we’re sounding the alarm on five players who might not live up to their usual expectations. If you have better alternatives, it might be time to bench these guys, even if it feels uncomfortable.
Let’s dive into why Justin Fields, J.K. Dobbins, Amari Cooper, Dallas Goedert, and Rashid Shaheed could blow up your fantasy lineup this week.
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Justin Fields, QB, vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Justin Fields’ 2024 season has been a rollercoaster, but Week 6 could be one of those frustrating drops rather than a thrilling rise. His season stats (961 passing yards, 5 TDs, one INT, and 172 rushing yards with three rushing TDs) are solid, and his 18.3 fantasy points per game is decent QB2 territory. But heading into a matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, things look dicey.
The Raiders' defense has been quietly effective. They've only allowed eight passing touchdowns all season. They’re giving up just 201.4 passing yards per game, and their overall defensive stats (333.2 yards per game, 8th best in the NFL) show that they can contain explosive offenses. Fields, who has been inconsistent as a passer, could struggle to reach even his modest averages.
Las Vegas also excels at limiting big plays, and Fields' fantasy value is tied to his ability to make game-changing runs or connect on deep balls. If the Raiders can neutralize his rushing upside (only 34.4 rushing yards per game this season), you’re left with a QB who might be looking at a low-end performance.
This isn’t to say Fields can’t pop off at any moment—he’s just that type of player—but this week’s matchup looks more like a minefield than an open runway. If you’ve got a safer option like Jared Goff or Baker Mayfield, this might be the week to swap.
Not sure what Justin Fields was reading/seeing here. Looks like he has Austin on the over with the vertical clearout to flood Cowboys zone.
Comes off it to throw to Jefferson on single side with S over the top. Nearly picked. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/ZQH8PTztqq
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) October 8, 2024
J.K. Dobbins, RB, vs. Denver Broncos
J.K. Dobbins has been quietly impressive, putting up 342 rushing yards on a stellar 6.1 yards per carry, along with two touchdowns. He’s handling a 59.9% snap share and has given fantasy managers a respectable 15.2 points per game. However, Week 6 brings a nightmare matchup against the Denver Broncos, who boast the 3rd best defense in the NFL.
Denver's run defense is fierce, allowing just 111.4 rushing yards per game and only three rushing touchdowns on the season. With Dobbins already being used in a timeshare role (and only 10 receptions for 44 yards through five games), his ceiling is capped even on a good day. Against a defense that swarms to the ball and suffocates running lanes, Dobbins might struggle to find daylight.
Denver’s defense doesn’t just stop you—they wear you down, and with the Chargers’ penchant for rotating backs, there’s a real risk Dobbins could see his touches limited if Las Angeles falls behind early or struggles to move the chains.
If you’re hoping for big yardage or a goal-line plunge, this week might disappoint you. Consider a higher-floor option like Brian Robinson Jr. or Javonte Williams if you’re looking for safety at the RB2 spot.
Amari Cooper, WR, vs. Philadelphia Eagles
It’s not Amari Cooper’s fault—he’s still one of the most talented route runners in the league, and his 23.2% target share shows he’s getting the opportunities. But with just 208 receiving yards and two touchdowns on the season, Cooper’s fantasy managers are starting to feel the sting of Deshaun Watson’s horrendous quarterback play.
Watson is on pace for a historically bad season, completing passes at an inconsistent clip and failing to take advantage of open receivers. In Week 6, Cooper faces the Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off a bye week and prepping for one of the NFL’s most struggling offenses. The Eagles’ defense is rock solid, allowing only 10 passing touchdowns all season and 365.8 yards per game overall.
With Darius Slay Jr. and Quinyon Mitchel healthy, Cooper could be in for a long day. The Browns offense hasn’t shown they can compete, and this Eagles squad will be fully rested and ready to go.
Cooper could still see his fair share of targets, but the catch rate and yardage are likely disappointing. Bench him for a more reliable option like Christian Kirk or a high-upside flier like Tank Dell.
WOW.
The refs throw a very late flag on a play where Deshaun Watson found Amari Cooper for a 80+ yard touchdown 😳
This play would’ve put the Browns in front of the Raiders 22-20
— Last Take™ (@TheRealLastTake) September 29, 2024
Dallas Goedert, TE, vs. Cleveland Browns
Dallas Goedert has been a solid contributor at the tight end position, with 301 receiving yards on 24 catches. Despite seeing a respectable 16.7% target share, Goedert has yet to find the end zone this season, and the Browns defense isn’t likely to make that easier.
Cleveland’s pass defense has been sneaky good. They’ve allowed just four passing touchdowns all season and rank 6th against tight ends, giving up only 6.9 fantasy points per game to the position. They’re only allowing 184.4 passing yards per game, the 7th best mark in the NFL.
With the Browns’ pass rush (starting with Myles Garrett) breathing down Jalen Hurts’ neck and their secondary locked in, Goedert might be relegated to short-yardage check-downs, which are unlikely to produce the big numbers fantasy managers need from him.
The Browns are particularly good at keeping tight ends out of the red zone, which further limits Goedert’s touchdown potential.
Rashid Shaheed, Flex, vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rashid Shaheed has been a sneaky flex play this season, tallying 338 receiving yards and three touchdowns on just 19 receptions. His 24.1% target share and big-play ability make him tempting, but Week 6 presents major red flags.
The Saints are expected to be without Derek Carr, who’s dealing with an injury, and will be starting rookie Spencer Rattler instead. Throwing a fifth-round rookie into the fire against the Buccaneers’ defense is a recipe for disaster.
The Buccaneers have only allowed five passing touchdowns all season and are giving up just 258.4 yards per game. With their potent offense often forcing teams to play from behind, opposing quarterbacks are under constant pressure to take risks, which plays right into the hands of Tampa Bay’s opportunistic secondary.
Rattler is likely to struggle under these conditions, which spells trouble for Shaheed’s fantasy output. His deep-threat ability is wasted if the quarterback can’t get him the ball consistently.
On 3rd and 12,
Rattler to St. Brown...
TOUCHDOWN SAINTS! ⚜️#Saints | 📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/ZNwc6rrFBs
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 25, 2024
Final Thoughts
Week 6 presents some tough matchups for these usually dependable fantasy stars. While trusting your studs is tempting, smart fantasy managers know when to pivot. If you’ve got safer options, now’s the time to use them. Avoid the landmines, and you’ll keep your fantasy season on track.
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