X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Week 6 Busts? Players Who May Disappoint

amari cooper fantasy football rankings NFL DFS lineup picks

Who should I sit or bench for fantasy football Week 6 of the 2021 season? Tommy identifies 7 potential fantasy football busts and duds to consider avoiding.

Welcome back RotoBallers! As we head into Week 6 of the NFL season, we are approaching the time where getting off to a slow start can cross the line and get into "I may be digging too deep of a hole to climb out of " territory. It's more critical than ever to make the right lineup decisions and start the right players to put out your optimal lineups. If you're looking at a 1-4 or 0-5 record, this is a must-win week for fantasy managers.

With that being said, it's just as important to sit the proper players who may end up having rough days, and hurt your chances of winning your Week 6 matchups. Listed below will be some players who could be in for a disappointing performance relative to their overall expectations.

No matter how bad of a matchup some of these players may have, fantasy managers likely aren't in a position to leave them on their bench. Having said that, there are a couple of guys who are by no means a must-start in Week 6.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Who Should You Bench or Sit in Week 6

QB - Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

Cousins is on the road against the Carolina Panthers defense that has given up the fewest passing yards per game (161.6) and the third-fewest yards per attempt (6.3) When considering the run-heavy playbook of the Minnesota offense, there could simply not be enough volume in the passing game to feel confident with Cousins in your starting lineup. To salvage a potentially poor performance through the air, Cousins does not possess much of an ability to get fantasy points with his legs, so fantasy managers may need to rely on a few touchdown passes in this game.

With Dalvin Cook potentially making his return in Week 6, he could be in for a significant workload. Whether or not he plays, Alexander Mattison has handled 30+ touches in both games that Cook sat out, so the offensive game plan wouldn't change much regardless of who is leading the backfield. Surprisingly, Cook and Mattison have combined for just one rushing touchdown this season, which came all the way back in Week 1. This stat is noteworthy considering how frequently the Vikings run the ball, so we could be in for some positive touchdown in this category. All things considered, the Minnesota signal-caller is an easy fade this week.

 

Should You Start Josh Jacobs in Week 6?

RB - Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders

Jacobs has been pretty mediocre to start the season, and that may be putting it lightly. In the three games he has been active, he has not surpassed 50 rushing yards, nor has he been particularly efficient. The only appealing factor of his game has been his usage near the goal line, as he has scored three touchdowns so far. He faces a tough matchup on the road against the Denver Broncos, who have given up the sixth-fewest rushing yards (85.4 per game) and the fourth-fewest yards per carry (3.7) The Broncos don't give up many chunk plays either, as they have given up just one 20+ yard run all season, so it is unlikely Jacobs breaks off a long run to skew his numbers in this game.

The Raiders offense as a whole is likely in for a rough game in the Mile High City, so the third-year back is an easy fade in this one. Sure, there is always the possibility he can find the end zone and make up for lackluster rushing numbers, but at some point, something has to give when it comes to his touchdown pace. The Broncos have only given up three rushing touchdowns this season, so this could be the game where he doesn't find the end zone and completely lays an egg for fantasy managers. Jacobs is by no means a must-start this week and is a FLEX option at best.

 

Should You Start Devontae Booker in Week 6?

RB - Devontae Booker, New York Giants

Booker was one of the hottest commodities on the waiver wire this week as Saquon Barkley is set to miss some time with a low-ankle sprain. The veteran will likely be in a lot of starting lineups as bye weeks start to kick in, but the former Bronco could be in for a tough day. Fantasy managers could see a performance reminiscent of Alex Collins in Week 5, where he carried the ball 15 times for just 47 yards and didn't find the end zone. The Los Angeles Rams are right near the middle of the pack in terms of rushing yards allowed, so the matchup isn't all that concerning. Nonetheless, the game script in this one could be problematic for the usage of Booker in the run game.

When you match up the high-powered Rams offense and a weak Giants defense, whoever is under center for the Giants in Week 6 will likely have to throw the ball a ton to play catchup. Even though the Giants got blown out by the Cowboys in Week 5, Booker still saw 19 touches. However, that was without Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, and Darius Slayton in the lineup. Golladay will be held out in Week 6, but it is expected that Shepard and Slayton will be ready to go, meaning that Daniel Jones or Mike Glennon will likely have more of a green light to air it out. Booker seems like a solid FLEX option this week, but don't get carried away in terms of expectations as he runs behind a suspect offensive line.

 

Should You Start Darrel Williams in Week 6?

RB - Darrel Williams, Kansas City Chiefs

Williams was the other popular pickup on the waiver wire this week, but he, like Booker, could be in for a disappointing game in Week 6. The Chiefs take on the Washington Football Team who are one of the worst defenses against the pass through the first five games of the season, as they have given up the sixth-most passing yards. Washington is in the middle of the pack in terms of run defense, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce get back on track and see a ton of volume. After their loss to the Chargers, Mahomes came out firing against the Eagles and threw five touchdown passes as he dominated the Philadelphia pass defense.

Expect to see much of the same in this game as Mahomes dominates through the air and attacks a weak secondary, leaving limited volume for Williams. The 26-year-old should see most of the touches out of the backfield, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Jerick McKinnon take on an increased role in the passing game. Williams will be the goal-line back, but considering how frequently the Chiefs look for Hill and Kelce close to the end zone, there is reason to not feel confident that Williams scores a touchdown in this one. He is a solid FLEX option this week, but fantasy managers shouldn't get carried away in terms of their expectations for him with Clyde Edwards-Helaire sidelined.

 

Is Amari Cooper A Risky Start in Week 6?

WR - Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys

Cooper once again finds himself on the potential bust list as the Cowboys travel to Gillette Stadium to take on the New England Patriots. After going nuclear in the season opener, he has caught three passes in four consecutive games since then. He has not surpassed 70 receiving yards since Week 1 and has been targeted for a total of just 18 times since seeing 17 in the season opener. Over the past four weeks, it is obvious that the Cowboys will be a run-heavy team moving forward, as Ezekiel Elliott has looked the best he has been since his rookie season. Elliott is likely in for another hefty workload, as the Patriots have been one of the better pass defenses so far this season, as they have given up the fifth-fewest yards per game.

Cooper could get the Chris Godwin treatment from the Pats defense, as Godwin was completely taken out of the game plan after catching just three passes for 55 yards. It is apparent that Dak Prescott won’t force the ball to his No. 1 receiver, as his target share the past four weeks confirms it. CeeDee Lamb and Dalton Schultz will get the fair share of looks, so it seems nothing favors Cooper for this matchup, whether that be the matchup or high-volume. He is likely a must-start option in most formats, but the last four games are likely more of a representation of the usage the 27-year-old will see the rest of the season.

 

Is Adam Thielen A Risky Start in Week 6?

WR - Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings

Thielen has been very disappointing to start the season, and that could easily continue into Week 6 against the Panthers. As mentioned above, Cousins is likely in for a dud performance as well, so there will likely be a trickle-down effect into one, if not both Vikings’ receivers. Thielen seems like the obvious choice if choosing to bench one of Cousins’ pass-catchers, as he has surpassed 50 receiving yards just once this season all the way back in Week 1. Yes, Thielen has had a nose for the end zone in the past couple of seasons, but still, he has the look of an untrustworthy option moving forward.

Justin Jefferson is clearly the No. 1 wide receiver now, that should be obvious at this point. The Panthers have given up the fewest receptions this season, which is not a good match with the Vikings' run-heavy scheme, especially for the clear No. 2 receiver in the offense. With just five receptions in his past two games, the 31-year-old is a low-end WR2 at best on Sunday. He will likely need to score a touchdown to have any sort of noteworthy production, as it would be surprising to see him stuff the stat sheet in the reception and yards categories. Sure, he could find the end zone in this game. But, fantasy managers should likely look elsewhere for a WR2 option if he needs to rely on a touchdown to salvage his fantasy production on a weekly basis.

 

Should You Start or Sit David Njoku in Week 6?

TE - David Njoku, Cleveland Browns

Njoku is in for an extremely tough matchup with the Arizona Cardinals defense, which has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends. In an extremely thin position, fantasy managers could go out and start chasing points after his explosion in Week 5 against the Chargers. He caught all seven of his targets for 149 yards and a touchdown, so even half of this production would still be solid for the TE slot in fantasy lineups if you are in need of a streaming option.

Still, considering Austin Hooper will have a role in the passing game, Njoku is an easy fade this week, even with all the hype surrounding him from last week. Odell Beckham Jr. was almost non-existent in the offense in Week 5, which is safe to say will likely change against the Cardinals. When you combine the run-heavy Cleveland offense and a horrible matchup that allows just 5.54 fantasy points per game to the position, Njoku is an easy fade on Sunday.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Griffin Conine

To Have Shoulder Surgery On Tuesday
Luke Keaschall

Twins Prospect Luke Keaschall Suffers Broken Forearm
Logan Gilbert

Leaves Friday's Start With Forearm Tightness

Vikings Select Tai Felton To Finish Day 2

Seahawks Select Quarterback Jalen Milroe With The 92nd Pick Overall

Browns Select Dillon Gabriel 94th Overall

Packers Pick Savion Williams At No. 87 overall

Steelers Snag Kaleb Johnson In Round 3

Broncos Select Wide Receiver Pat Bryant With The 74th Overall Pick

Texans Select Jaylin Noel With 79th Pick

Lions Select Wide Receiver Isaac TeSlaa With The 70th Overall Pick
Jack Leiter

To Start On Sunday

Patriots Add Wide Receiver Kyle Williams In Round 3

Browns Draft Harold Fannin Jr. With 67th Pick
Garrett Mitchell

Makes Early Exit
Luke Keaschall

Removed Early On Friday
Blake Snell

Likely Avoids Major Injury
Cole Ragans

Dealing With Mild Groin Strain

Broncos Add RJ Harvey To Backfield With 60th Pick

Raiders Select Jack Bech With 58th Pick

Chargers Add Wide Receiver Tre Harris In Round 2
Detroit Lions

Lions Acquire 57th Pick From Broncos

Seahawks Draft Elijah Arroyo 50th Overall
Carolina Panthers

Panthers Acquire 51st Pick From Broncos
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Snag Will Johnson At No. 47

Jets Add A Pass-Catcher With Mason Taylor At No. 42

Rams Select Terrance Ferguson With 46th Pick
Houston Texans

Texans Acquire 48th Pick From Raiders, Draft Aireontae Ersery

Saints Snag Tyler Shough At No. 40
Brenton Doyle

Out For Personal Reasons On Friday
Brandin Podziemski

Not On Injury Report For Game 3
Jimmy Butler III

Warriors Optimistic About Jimmy Butler III Playing Saturday
Jae'Sean Tate

To Remain Out Saturday
Jock Landale

Unavailable For Game 3
Terry Rozier

Out On Saturday
Jrue Holiday

Ruled Out For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Orlando
Kevin Love

To Miss Saturday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Available For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Magic
Gary Payton II

Iffy For Saturday's Action
Jayson Tatum

Officially Available On Friday For Game 3 Against Magic
Will Smith

Back From Injury On Friday
Luke Kennard

Questionable For Game 4 On Saturday
Darius Garland

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Ja Morant

To Miss Game 4 On Saturday
Rui Hachimura

Available For Game 3 In Minnesota
Aaron Ekblad

Available To Return Saturday
Erik Swanson

Ryan Burr Progressing
Daulton Varsho

To Return On Tuesday At The Latest
Max Scherzer

Takes Positive Step On Friday
Aleksander Barkov

Questionable For Saturday
Gabriel Landeskog

Set For Larger Role In Game 4
Calvin Pickard

To Start Game 3 For Oilers
Randy Arozarena

Resting For First Time This Year
Jonas Siegenthaler

To Play Limited Minutes In Game 3
MLB

Red Sox-Guardians Game Postponed On Friday
Luke Hughes

Remains Out On Friday
MLB

Tigers-Orioles Postponed On Friday
Patrik Laine

A Game-Time Decision Friday
Yainer Diaz

Out On Friday Against Royals
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Hopes To Start Rehab Assignment Next Week
Salvador Perez

Sitting Out For First Time This Season
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 3 On Friday
Brendan Donovan

Back In Action On Friday
Jimmy Butler III

Could Miss Game 3 On Saturday
Coby Mayo

Getting On A Roll At Triple-A
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Cade Cunningham

Collects Double-Double In Loss
Jalen Brunson

Drops 30 Points In Game 3
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads All Scorers In Game 3 Victory
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Nicolas Dalby

An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Set To Open Up UFC Kansas City Main Card
Ikram Aliskerov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Lightning In Game 2
Cam Fowler

Finishes Thursday's Win With Five Points
Robert Thomas

Posts Four Assists In Game 3 Win
Pavel Buchnevich

Celebrates Hat Trick During Four-Point Performance
Dylan DeMelo

Battling An Illness
Marcus Johansson

Exits Early Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Hurt In Game 2
Jrue Holiday

Tagged As Questionable For Friday
Jayson Tatum

Likely Out Again On Friday
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go Thursday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Looks To Bounce Back In Game 2
Rasmus Ristolainen

To Miss Training Camp
Jonas Siegenthaler

Returns To Practice
Aliaksei Protas

Traveling With Capitals
Gabriel Vilardi

Still Out On Thursday
Max Pacioretty

Set To Join Maple Leafs Lineup For Game 3
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF