The grind of the NFL season is in full swing. While world-class athletes put their bodies on the line every Sunday, fantasy managers have plenty to play for as well. This is the time of year when contenders separate themselves from pretenders, and bottom-feeders see their title hopes begin to unravel.
Whether you’re thinking long-term or hoping to pick up a much-needed win, Week 6 is crucial for any team. Here are some sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS matchup, a season-long matchup, or even a fantasy championship.
Top Fantasy Football Sleepers
QB Daniel Jones, New York Giants ($5,300)
The much-maligned Jones has somehow been an NFL starter for six straight years. During that time span, he’s only had one season ranked better than QB24 (QB9 in 2022). It’s fair to doubt the Giants’ signal-caller given his shaky past, but he’s playing quality football in 2024. After a nightmarish two-interception performance against the Vikings in Week 1, Jones has thrown for 952 passing yards and six touchdowns (one interception) over his past three games.
Several big names at quarterback are on bye this week, so finding a starting option could prove difficult. With his dual-threat ability (108 rushing yards) and the potential return of star wide receiver Malik Nabers ($7,500) this week, Jones should be rostered in deeper leagues. A primetime showdown against the Bengals’ terrible defense (26th in yards allowed) makes Danny Dimes a top QB sleeper for Sunday’s slate.
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants ($5,700)
We’ll stay in New York, where the G-Men have had a surprisingly respectable offense this season (20th in yards per game). Last week’s 29-20 victory over the Seahawks wouldn’t have been possible without Tracy Jr., who was thrust into action with starting running back Devin Singletary (groin) ruled out. The rookie from Purdue gashed Seattle for 129 rushing yards on just 18 carries (7.2 yards per carry). According to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, Tracy Jr. has the ninth-highest rush percentage over expected (46.4%) and the 12th-highest rush yards over expected per attempt in football.
Given his explosiveness, Tracy Jr.’s role in the Giants offense should only grow over time. Singletary ($6,300) has yet to impress in limited action, and he’s at risk of missing this week’s contest vs. Cincinnati (limited in practice). Whether TTJ starts or not on Sunday, at the very least he needs to be stashed on your bench.
RB Jeremy McNichols, Washington Commanders ($4,500)
Managers are always trying to grab a share of great offenses, but an RB3? Sounds crazy, but the Commanders are that good; on the year, they lead the league in points per game (31 PPG). This week’s showdown with the Ravens could be a shootout, with the over/under at 51.5 points. On paper, that game script would seem to favor receiving back Austin Ekeler ($5,600), yet McNichols has been the one to find the end zone lately. Over the past two weeks, he’s scored three touchdowns on 15 carries.
It’s not clear where McNichols stands in this running back room, but it is clear that he’s impressed. Aside from the TDs, the speedster has gained a whopping 7.1 yards per attempt. Although Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. ($6,600) are sure to get the lion’s share of carries moving forward, it would be coaching malpractice if Washington didn’t keep their third back involved. In leagues of 14 teams or less, McNichols isn’t a viable flex play, but there’s no harm in stashing a talented piece of this dynamic D.C. scoring attack.
WR Xavier Hutchinson, Houston Texans ($)
Now that superstar wideout Nico Collins (hamstring) is headed to the injured reserve, the Texans’ offense is in flux. Stefon Diggs ($) is the clear WR1, but everything after that is murky. Tank Dell ($6,200) should see more targets, but his role out of the slot is unlikely to change. Across from Diggs, a big-bodied red zone threat is needed. Enter Xavier Hutchinson.
The former sixth-round pick didn’t do much as a rookie in 2023, hauling in 124 receiving yards on 11 receptions. However, at 6’3 and 210 pounds, he’s built to thrive in a Houston offense that loves to take deep shots (sixth-most passes of 20 yards or more this season). Although the Texans are favored by 6.5 points against the Patriots this week, health issues to Collins and running back Joe Mixon (ankle) will force C.J. Stroud ($7,000) to get creative with the ball. Hutchinson is a deep-league play that has a key role in an elite offense for the foreseeable future; if you’re desperate enough, he could be a fun dart throw in fantasy and DFS.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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