Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Smash Starts for Week 6 Include Zay Flowers, Tank Dell, Chris Godwin, Jalen Tolbert

Week 5 was phenomenal. From incredible shootouts to last-second wins and even big upsets, it was hands down the best week so far. As we head toward a third of the season under our belts, we can only hope that there are more weeks like this. 

In this article, I will highlight four wide receivers who are in positions to explode for fantasy this week. I will select some big-name players and some WRs who are outside the top 36, all with the opportunity to have a big fantasy day.

My name is Ellis Johnson and I am the top wide receiver ranked in the FantasyPros ECR competition through four weeks. In last week’s article, I highlighted both Tee Higgins and Garrett Wilson, who finished as the WR5 and WR6, respectively, on the week. I also whiffed on calling for huge games from Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed, so I’m hoping this week we can get all four correct!

• 2025 fantasy football rankings (redraft)
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings
• 2025 NFL rookie fantasy football rankings
• Best ball fantasy football rankings
• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings

Zay Flowers (WR, BAL)

Considering the Ravens are averaging only 30 passing attempts per game, Zay Flowers' 39 targets on the season are fairly impressive. What stands out is that these targets are drastically different in games where the Ravens cannot get their run game going and are forced to pass.

More specifically, in the three games where the Ravens have trailed at some point during the game, Lamar Jackson averaged 39 passing attempts. In the two games where the Ravens never trailed, he averaged 16.5 attempts. This directly correlated to Flowers' targets, as in games they have trailed, he averages 11 targets, compared to three targets in the other two games.

This week, they face the Commanders in what should be an electric game. Both passing defenses have struggled this season, and both offenses have had fireworks. However, the Commanders defense has seemed to turn a corner, holding the Cardinals and Browns to under 150 passing yards apiece over the last two weeks.

Meanwhile, the Ravens have been exposed through the air, giving up nearly 400 yards and five touchdowns to Joe Burrow last week.

Even with the Commanders defense stepping up its game, the Ravens offense is a different beast. In a game where I expect a high score, Flowers is this team’s go-to WR. The target volume will be there, but if he can find the end zone, he has a good chance at finishing as a top-10 WR this week.

Good morning.

Here are Zay flowers highlights

That is all pic.twitter.com/5TRX9HpNm1

— Calvin (@FlockCwood) September 13, 2023

Tank Dell (WR, HOU)

It’s been a slow season for the sophomore WR. After making explosive play after explosive play in his rookie season, he has not been able to break a big play this year.

Last week, Nico Collins left the game after injuring his hamstring. Since then, the only reports have been that they have changed his injury designation from “day to day” to “week to week.” That makes his availability for Sunday's game against the Patriots less likely. 

If so, Stefon Diggs and Dell will be the primary options. This year, Christian Gonzalez has been a menace covering top WRs. Although he has not been shut down like Patrick Surtain II, I expect him to follow Diggs all game. That will leave Jonathan Jones on Dell, a matchup he should win.

I think this is the week that the stars align and Dell catches a big touchdown. The only concern is that if the Texans get up early, the ground game might take over… 

Tank Dell has 1 target on a post, 1 target on a crossing route, and 0 targets on go balls.

Target depth has dropped from 15.0 to 11.4.

Have to think that gets corrected if Nico is out.

— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) October 8, 2024

Chris Godwin (WR, TB)

Godwin has had a resurgence this season. After tearing his ACL and working back last season, he has hit the ground running this year. Even after a relatively disappointing Week 5, Godwin still led the team in receiving.

Averaging eight targets per game with at least five receptions, he has one of the safest floors in fantasy. This week, the Bucs take on their divisional rival. The Saints have a long history going against Mike Evans, highlighted by punches thrown by Marshon Lattimore. So far this season, Lattimore has only allowed five receptions when in coverage. As a result, Baker Mayfield will be looking at Godwin early and often in this game.

We know the Bucs passing offense goes through Evans and Godwin. Considering Evans has only three receptions in each of his last three games against the Saints, Godwin should be relied upon heavily. With the Saints averaging the eighth-most yards to the position and fifth-most receptions, Godwin is a clear top-15 play this week.

Good manipulation, timing, and placement from Baker Mayfield to Chris Godwin. #Buccaneers pic.twitter.com/AwpwfgXEEj

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) October 6, 2024

Jalen Tolbert (WR, DAL)

The Cowboys against the Lions is a fascinating yin and yang matchup this Sunday. The Lions are incredible at stopping the run and the Cowboys are bleeding rushing yards each week. On the other side, the Lions are allowing the most yards to opposing WRs with 228 yards per game, while the Cowboys are allowing fewer than 130 yards per game to the position.

The Lions are going to want to run the ball and should have great success against this defense. The Cowboys will not have the same success on the ground and instead need to rely on the passing game to move the chains.

Tolbert has been a pleasant surprise all season, posting 20 receptions, 247 yards, and two scores on the season. This includes a last-play, game-winning touchdown against the Steelers in Week 5.

With Brandin Cooks heading to IR, Tolbert is the clear second wide receiver, fighting for targets with Jake Ferguson behind CeeDee Lamb. This game should be a high-scoring affair, and Dak Prescott will rely heavily on all three passing options. I think Tolbert has a good chance of finishing inside the top 30 at the position this week.

Dak said during training camp that the WR he spends the most time with over summer historically has a great season. This year, Jalen Tolbert was that guy pic.twitter.com/ViWwF2DGV3

— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) October 7, 2024

More Fantasy Football Analysis