Fantasy Football Week 6 Start 'Em Sit 'Em Flex picks feat. Bucky Irving, Tyrone Tracy Jr and more
Week 6 in fantasy football brings more byes and an avalanche of injury news. Having depth and being smart with strategic pickups are winning players' secret weapons. We’re without the Chiefs, Rams, Dolphins and Vikings this weekend. Those teams and the seemingly endless list of injured players help to narrow out the talent pool quickly.
This article aims to help players find upside flex plays that are either low-owned or in consideration for a flex spot in a 10-team league. I’ll use PPR scoring and insights from Fantasy Points Data in my research.
Fantasy Football Week 6 Start 'Em Sit 'Em Flex picks
Players to Start:
1] Darius Slayton (WR, NYG)
Replacing the concussed Malik Nabers last week, Slayton did what he always does when given an opportunity: he comes through with a big day. After that monster performance, Slayton is still only 15% owned in Yahoo leagues.
His 122 yards and a touchdown last week will be hard to replicate, but if any team can be had in the secondary, it’s the Bengals. With Nabers set to miss his second straight game, Slayton will face a Bengals defense that plays a ton of single-high safety. That allowed outside receivers to face single coverage and absolutely shred the Bengals. Last week, Zay Flowers was the latest wideout to rip them for 111 yards. Slayton is going to smash again.
2] Bucky Irving (RB, TB)
This is simply a function of Rachaad White being doubtful for the game. That should open up the backfield for Irving to own a three-down role. That’s music to fantasy owner's ears. Injuries and game script have pummeled this week's opponent, New Orleans. Last week, Kareem Hunt gashed the Saints for 100 yards, and two weeks before that, we saw Saquon Barkley rip New Orleans for 147 yards. If you need an RB 2 or a flex, this is a perfect spot for Irving.
3] Xavier Hutchinson (WR, HOU)
When you’re filling in for one of the best receivers in the NFL, you should see your share of targets. Nico Collins is on injured reserve, so Hutchinson steps in and should play nearly all of the Texans' snaps in three-wide sets. Hutchinson is owned in just 3% of Yahoo leagues.
Folks, with the injuries and byes happening, pick this kid up. Houston should continue to lean into the pass as Joe Mixon is set to miss another start. Per Fantasy Points Data, this week’s opponent, New England, allows the 11th most points to outside receivers.
4] Ray Davis/Ty Johnson (RB, BUF)
Watch this Buffalo situation as their lead back, James Cook, is suffering from a toe injury. With Cook likely out of the lineup, the Bills will lean on either rookie bowling ball Davis or the veteran Johnson. I think both players will get touches with Cook out. Last week, Johnson played 36% of the Bills' snaps. He’s been outplaying Davis for weeks now, but I can’t see Buffalo leaning on him full-time. I’d expect both backs to get touches. If the Bills were forced to throw against the Jets, I would see Johnson getting plenty of checkdowns.
5] Tyrone Tracy (RB, NYG)
We’re going back to the well on Tracy. The rookie was unreal in his debut as a leadback. He tallied 18 carries for 129 yards and caught one pass. That sort of volume against Cincinnati will lead to a top-15 finish. This youngster has juice, and the Giants could lean on him with Devin Singletary likely out again. Somehow, Tracy is only owned in 36% of Yahoo leagues. Add him now.
6] Chase Brown (RB, CIN)
Zack Moss has a foot injury, so it’s the Chase Brown show this week. If Brown owns every role for the Bengals, he’s going to come through in a big way. In the last two weeks, he’s gone over 15 fantasy points in PPR, with him splitting the snaps with Moss. The Giants are solid against running backs but they did allow ten receptions to running backs last week. That’s where Brown makes his money this week.