Fantasy Football 2018: Start or sit for Week 6
By Donnie Druin
Start
Nyheim Hines at New York Jets- Nyheim Hines has been the player that has most benefited from Andrew Luck’s love for checking down, as Hines is currently on pace to catch over 90 balls this season. According to FantasyPros.com, Hines has also been the fifth highest targeted back in fantasy this season, eclipsing the likes of Christian McCaffery and Todd Gurley.
Hines is mostly used in the passing game, despite hitting 15 rushing attempts last week in New England. Week six pits Hines against a Jets defense that has given up a solid 4.0 yards per carry in 2018, and despite not knowing the extents he’ll be used on the ground, Hines has been able to top seven catches in three of five games thus far. Hines is by no means a super-safe option, but the workload has certainly been alive and well for him to capitalize, and to this point he has.
Dalvin Cook vs. Arizona- Cook’s return to the field has been rocky at best. Averaging just 5.2 points per contest due to limited opportunities and health, Cook’s outlook has certainly darkened over the past few weeks. Yet Cook is back to full participation at practice ahead of Sunday’s game, and as NFL.com’s Graham Barfield points out, good things are ahead for Cook.
Dalvin Cook’s workload has been insane when he’s healthy (5 full games; last two years): 72% snap rate, 17.4 carries, 4.8 targets, 22 routes per game. Also averaging 111 yards from scrimmage per game.
— Graham Barfield (@GrahamBarfield) October 11, 2018
He’s back at full practice ahead of Week 6.
Cook’s Week 6 appeal is also boosted by facing a Cardinals defense that has been absolutely atrocious against the run, allowing eight touchdowns thus far with 142.4 yards per game allowed on the ground. Combine this with Cook’s pass-catching abilities, and he might just be back rocking with the Chipmunks after this week.
Sit
Isaiah Crowell/Bilal Powell vs. Indianapolis- Yeah, I’ll be that guy this week. Isaiah Crowell is essentially the Amari Cooper of running backs, providing inconsistent scoring on a consistent basis. Crowell enjoyed an enormous day at the office against the Broncos, yet can he string back to back solid outings? After hitting 18+ point performances twice this year, Crowell has followed up with a 1 and 5-point outing, respectively.
Crowell is currently dealing with an ankle injury and is questionable for Sunday. If unable to go, I’m not confident in Bilal Powell’s abilities, either. This game will likely turn to a Colts passing affair, a service Powell hasn’t shown to consistently provide with Sam Darnold. I’m not a big fan of anybody coming out of the Jets backfield in Week 6.
Kenyan Drake vs. Chicago- Drake’s production may be the definition of boom-or-bust, seeing performances of 8, 16, 2, 2 and 23 thus far. With Frank Gore’s grasp on the ground, most of Drake’s appeal relies on catching the ball. Despite being on the field for 62 percent of the Dolphins snaps, according to FantasyPros, Drake has been limited in his opportunities thus far, only averaging five targets per game.
The top defense in the league in Chicago strolls to town in Week 6, further shadowing Drake’s appeal in start/sit decisions. With the Bears allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs this season, Drake will have to overcome many obstacles to claim a solid fantasy day this week.