Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Week 6 Fantasy Football Winners and Losers: 2022 Edition

 Quarterback

MVP: Joe Burrow (Bengals)

The Bengals found themselves in an unlikely shootout with the injury-depleted Saints on Sunday afternoon and when they needed him to step up the most, Burrow delivered. After a slow start to the game, Burrow regrouped beautifully and put together his best game of the year so far (300 YDS/3 TD passing, 25 YDS/1 TD rushing) to lead the Bengals to a hard-earned road victory. Burrow has a date with a beatable but very frisky Falcons defense in Week 7.

Honorable Mentions: Josh Allen (Bills), Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars), Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)

LVP: Justin Herbert (Chargers)

A tough Broncos defense, poor offensive line play and the continued absence of Keenan Allen turned Herbert into Alex Smith. The electric 3rd year pro was hitting his checkdowns on nearly every drop back and it fittingly led to a very Smithian result: unspectacular fantasy numbers (238 YDS/0 TD/1 INT) in a close victory for his team. Herbert hasn't done much from a statistical standpoint since he fractured his rib cartilage late in the Chargers Week 2 contest with the Chiefs and he should greatly benefit from the bye week the Bolts have after this Sunday's meeting with the increasingly stubborn Seahawks.

Dishonorable Mentions: Russell Wilson (Broncos), Geno Smith (Seahawks), Aaron Rodgers (Packers)

Running Back

MVP: Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots) 

While Stevenson wasn't the wire-to-wire force he was the previous week against the Lions, he was still able to take advantage of being the Patriots bellcow while Damien Harris remained out of the lineup-earning 91 scrimmage YDS and 2 rushing TD's on 23 touches (19 carries, 4 receptions) versus the Browns. Regardless of Harris' availability, Stevenson will be a must start this week against the porous Bears rush defense. 

Honorable Mentions: Christian McCaffery (Panthers), Breece Hall (Jets), Deon Jackson (Colts)

LVP: Jeff Wilson Jr. (49ers)

Wilson Jr. owners received a very unpleasant surprise this week when the 49ers had to abandon the run early after the Falcons jumped out to an early 14-point lead. Even worse, a Wilson fumble that got returned for a TD was a large part of the reason why. Ultimately, Wilson only saw 7 carries on the day and since he only turned that light workload into 25 YDS, he had the misfortune of putting together one of the worst games any RB has had in fantasy football this season. If things don't get sideways again, he should be able to put up respectable numbers against the Chiefs so-so rush D.

Dishonorable Mentions: Clyde-Edwards Helaire (Chiefs), Melvin Gordon (Broncos), Aaron Jones (Packers)

Wide Receiver 

MVP: Ja'Marr Chase (Bengals)

A return to his home state of Louisiana proved to be the remedy for the slump Chase had been in over the past few weeks. Joe Burrow leaned heavily on Chase in his efforts to keep the Bengals alive and ultimately win the game and that heavy dosage of looks resulted in a robust 7 REC/132 YD/2 TD line for the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year. Chase will look to parlay this strong outing into the start of a hot streak when he goes against a weak Falcons pass defense that has allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing receivers this season on Sunday.

Honorable Mentions: Stefon Diggs (Bills), Brandon Aiyuk (49ers), Tyreek Hill (Dolphins)

LVP: Courtland Sutton (Broncos)

Being a part of the Broncos wretched offense finally caught up with Sutton. Denver's top wideout was invisible against the Chargers last night-securing only 2 catches for 14 YDS in yet another ugly, gut-wrenching loss for Russell Wilson and co. Sutton will remain a risky WR2 play when the ascending Jets roll into the Rocky Mountains in Week 7.

Dishonorable Mentions: Mike Williams (Chargers), Tyler Lockett (Seahawks), DJ Moore (Panthers)

Tight End

MVP: Mark Andrews (Ravens)

The Ravens resident target monster was at it again as he turned 7 catches into 106 YDS and a TD in what ended up being another shocking loss against a gritty Giants team that continues to pull wins out of their ass through sheer resilience. Andrews will be in the overall TE1 mix for Week 7 as he's set to face an awful Browns secondary that just gave the world the first confirmed sighting of Jonnu Smith since 2020.

Honorable Mentions: Travis Kelce (Chiefs), Hunter Henry (Patriots), George Kittle (49ers)

LVP: Tyler Higbee (Rams)

With Allen Robinson finally showing some sign of life, Higbee took his place in no man's land. The Rams TE caught 1 of 2 targets for 7 YDS in their not exactly dominant win over the listless Panthers. Higbee has been one of only a handful of reliable TE1's to start the year and a single poor performance won't imminently endanger that status.

Dishonorable Mentions: Gerald Everett (Chargers), Dallas Goedert (Eagles), Hayden Hurst (Bengals)

Defense/Special Teams

MVP: Patriots

Bill Belichick flat-out abused his former player Jacoby Brissett on Sunday. By shutting down Nick Chubb and putting a ton of pass-rushing pressure on Brissett, the Patriots defense were able to make a whole lot of impact plays (4 sacks, 2 INT's, 2 FUM REC) that helped pave the way for an easy 38-15 road win. After a few rough outings to start the season, the Patriots defense has come on very strong over the past few games and should be a viable fantasy play for at least the next month or so while their schedule remains highly favorable. 

Honorable Mentions: Rams, Bills, Eagles

LVP: Jaguars

If you listen closely, you'll be able to hear the Jaguars D hype train flying off the tracks. Mike Caldwell's group was on their heels all game long-surrendering 34 points while getting zero sacks or takeaways to a Colts offense that was without Jonathan Taylor and coming off a comically anemic performance against the Broncos. After this embarrassment, there's no reason to not send them back to the waiver wire.

Dishonorable Mentions: 49ers, Packers, Buccaneers 

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