Fantasy football update

As the fantasy season roars toward what should be an electric Week 6 of the NFL season, there are plenty of matchups worth monitoring, for better or worse, and waiver wire pickups that could single-handedly win games for fantasy owners this week.

Start ‘em: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, Commanders), Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Panthers), Xavier Worthy (WR, Chiefs)

After his breakout game against the Chargers last week with 27 points (111 rushing yards, two touchdowns), it’s still somewhat difficult to figure out if Croskey-Merritt is worth starting after splitting snaps in the weeks previous with Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols.

The Commanders were so enamored with Croskey-Merritt that they traded Brian Robinson away, so expect them to let the rookie out of Arizona to do his thing this week against a Bears defense that is the fourth-worst against opposing running backs (29.85 points allowed on average).

Yes, fellow rookie McMillan has been solid so far, but he hasn’t taken the massive step forward that owners are looking for from a wide receiver drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. His best week so far was 16 points on six catches for 100 yards against the Cardinals in Week 2.

Despite Carolina’s offensive struggles at times, it feels like they’re so close to turning that corner and providing McMillan with all of the volume he needs to score his first touchdown and become one of the top fantasy receivers, and this week is the time to prove it.

The Panthers face off against the Cowboys this week, who own the worst defense against opposing wide receivers, allowing 45.32 combined points per game to opposing wide receivers.

Since his return from the IR, Worthy has been solid, scoring 10 or more points in both games. While that’s solid for a flex player, it’s not quite worth what Worthy’s average draft position was in most leagues.

This week, he’s “Worthy” of an instant start, as he faces a Lions secondary that allows 35.58 combined points per week against opposing wide receivers. Don’t be surprised if the Chiefs’ current WR1 finds his stride again on Sunday night.

Sit ‘em: Jaylen Waddle (WR, Dolphins), Derrick Henry (RB, Ravens), Justin Fields (QB, Jets)

While Waddle’s fantasy value is theoretically high due to the unfortunate injury to Tyreek Hill, don’t let his 23 points last week against the Panthers be a marker for what’s to come this week. The Chargers' defense is already good as is, but they’re also one of the best at stopping opposing wide receivers.

Los Angeles only allows 27.02 combined points on average to opposing wide receivers, the fourth best in the league. If Waddle is the best owners have for a flex option, his current spot on the team makes him worth playing, but if there are better options, bench Waddle this week.

Henry owners, it’s time to come to reality. Between the fumbles in early weeks and multiple disappointing performances, Henry’s time as RB1 on rosters may be over.

The Ravens are very hurt, but that’s not helping their star running back thrive at all, and that’s clear in his production over the last few weeks with less than 10 points in three of his last four games.

Pair that with his matchup against the third-best run defense in the league in the Rams and that’s a clear recipe for disaster.

So far, Fields ranks as the 12th best quarterback in terms of fantasy scoring with only one game holding him back (3.98 points against the Bills, exited with injury). Other than that game, Fields has scored 25 points or more.

This week, however, Fields goes toe-to-toe with the same Broncos defense that held Jalen Hurts to just two carries for three yards in the rushing department, a section that Fields excels in. The Broncos also only allow 12.96 points on average to opposing quarterbacks, making this a nightmare matchup for Fields this week.

Waiver Wire Pickups: Hassan Haskins/Kimani Vidal (RBs, Chargers), Rico Dowdle (RB, Panthers)

With rookie star Omarion Hampton heading for the IL after getting hurt last week against the Commanders, owners should look to capitalize on the opportunity. After he exited the game, Haskins and Vidal split snaps in his absence.

It’s hard to tell which one is best to pick up if both are available, as Haskins is currently listed as the new starting running back, but Vidal is more explosive (3.6 yards per carry in 2024 by Vidal versus Haskins’ 2.6 yards per attempt in 2024).

Either way, both have the bonus of facing a Dolphins run defense that allows 27.1 combined points on average to opposing running backs, so either option is worth the pickup this week.

If Dowdle is somehow available after last week’s monster 32.4 point performance (206 rushing yards, one touchdown), don’t just run, sprint to the waiver wire.

Not only is Chuba Hubbard’s status still very questionable for this week, but the Cowboys defense is just as bad at stopping the run as they are the pass, ranking the sixth worst in the league in terms of fantasy.

Dylan Sechrist is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email dks5749@psu.edu.