The best options in daily fantasy football aren’t always the ones with the highest price tags, although that often makes them tougher to find.
Sleeper picks like Josh McCown and Doug Martin could have led you to big money in Week 5. Then again, big names like Tom Brady and Odell Beckham Jr. would have helped as well. The key is to balance the high-priced stars with lesser-known performers ready to explode.
Here is a look at the best overall options for Week 6 along with a few sleepers who can help you win your contest.
Top Sleepers
Colin Kaepernick, QB, San Francisco 49ers ($5,000)
After two miserable weeks at the helm, Colin Kaepernick bounced back with a strong performance in Week 5 against the New York Giants. Even with a loss, the coaching staff had to be encouraged at the quarterback’s 262 passing yards and two touchdowns while completing 65.7 percent of his passes.
Kaepernick explained the positive offensive momentum after the game:
He will try to keep up his solid play against a Baltimore Ravens defense that has looked lost as of late. After giving up 457 passing yards to Josh McCown, the unit now ranks dead last in the NFL with 21.4 fantasy points allowed per game to opposing quarterbacks, via ESPN.com.
Considering Kaepernick will cost the same amount on DraftKings as backups like Taylor Heinicke with zero career passes, the value is there.
Duke Johnson Jr., RB, Cleveland Browns ($4,500)
The Denver Broncos have had a terrifying defense this season, but one area opponents have had success is targeting running backs in the passing game. The Broncos have allowed 43 catches to opposing running backs this season, second most behind only the Atlanta Falcons.
This is good news for Duke Johnson Jr., who is still behind Isaiah Crowell on the depth chart but has been a major factor in the passing attack. Over the last three weeks, the rookie has 21 catches for 172 receiving yards and a touchdown.
With points-per-reception scoring, Johnson has a chance to pick up easy points to justify his relatively cheap cost. If things go well, he could end up being a major steal overlooked by many.
Charcandrick West, RB, Kansas City Chiefs ($4,000)
It’s amazing how a player rarely mentioned can become the hottest name in fantasy football within a few days. This is what happens when a big-time player like Jamaal Charles goes down with a torn ACL and everyone is left scrambling to find a backup.
Knile Davis had been the backup for Charles in past seasons, but it appears Charcandrick West has taken over these duties over the past few weeks. According to Pro Football Focus, Davis only totaled four snaps after Charles got hurt in Week 5, marking his only game action in three weeks. West has been on the field for 44 plays in that same stretch.
Although no one exactly knows how the coaching staff will split carries going forward, West more closely resembles Charles and would be the obvious choice to replace him. He fits Andy Reid’s offense with the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make plays all over the field.
While both running backs are big risks this week, West is the one with the most upside and can give you plenty of value for the price.
Willie Snead, WR, New Orleans Saints ($3,300)
He might end up being a popular pick in all contests in Week 6, but Willie Snead should be in your lineup until his price starts catching up to his ability. The undrafted free agent has six catches in each of his last two games with a combined 230 receiving yards.
Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Advocate notes what makes Snead so valuable:
Drew Brees might be on the decline, but he still throws the ball quite a bit and will target players who get open. Snead does that and makes plays when he gets an opportunity. For the price, there might not be a safer option on the board to be productive in PPR.
Dwayne Harris, WR, New York Giants ($3,100)
The New York Giants were struggling to find receivers earlier in the season, and things have only gotten worse with injuries. According to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Post, both Odell Beckham Jr. and Rueben Randle are question marks with hamstring injuries.
This leaves Dwayne Harris as one of the only remaining healthy options, which should bring him a heavy dose of targets throughout the upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In reality, Harris was playing well even before injuries to his teammates. He finished Week 5 with 72 receiving yards while bringing in six of his eight targets. He also scored a touchdown in Week 4 while catching five passes for 51 yards.
With Eli Manning playing well and a favorable matchup, Harris could be set for a breakout performance.
Note: All prices and fantasy score info courtesy of DraftKings. Unless otherwise noted, all stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.
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