It is hard to believe we are a full month into the NFL season, but it’s true. These past five weeks have given us new data to work with, which means we can now hone in on trends, patterns, tendencies and more.
At this point in the season, there are some names we didn’t expect to see on the top of the fantasy football scoring leaderboards. Perhaps it’s Brock Bowers sitting as the TE1. Maybe it’s Jordan Mason as the RB6. Even Baker Mayfield, as the QB3, is alarming people. That’s the beauty of this game we love.
So, let us get into Week 6 and build ourselves a strong NFL DFS lineup!
(NFL DFS salaries are courtesy of DraftKings)
Week 6 NFL DFS Picks & Lineup Advice (2024)
Quarterback
Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons) | $6,200
It took five weeks in the new system, but Kirk Cousins was unleashed last week. Cousins went nuclear on “Thursday Night Football,” scoring a whopping 38.4 DraftKings points. The stat line itself was unreal, setting an Atlanta Falcons record with 509 yards and four touchdowns.
This week, Cousins takes on the Carolina Panthers, who have been more than generous to fantasy quarterbacks. So far this season, they rank 27th, allowing an average of 20.6 fantasy points per game. The Panthers also allow quarterbacks to score about 4.5 points over their projection per game. If you’re putting Cousins in, it could bode well for your NFL DFS lineup.
Do I expect Cousins to duplicate the same kind of game this week against the Panthers? Saying yes would be irresponsible. But I do think he has a big game playing in Carolina. The Panthers have allowed the 10th-most yards through the air so far (1,162) and are tied for allowing the most passing touchdowns (11).
Running Back
Jahmyr Gibbs & David Montgomery (Detroit Lions) | $7,000 & $6,500
It might seem crazy to highlight two running backs from the same team for an NFL DFS lineup. But in this case, I’m more than happy playing either one of these two. Both running backs have been efficient throughout the season. Now, with the bye behind them and an extra week to prepare, the Lions backs should be ready to rip.
The Lions face the Dallas Cowboys, who continue to prove that you can run on them. They’ve allowed the ninth-most rushing yards (675) and are tied for allowing the second-most rushing touchdowns (eight). Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery have a role on this Lions team that has so far allowed them to score four touchdowns each.
You get the upper hand on receptions and receiving yards with Gibbs, but if the Lions do get any kind of a lead, it will be time to feed Montgomery. As the cheaper of the two and with a lot of goal-line opportunities, I prefer Montgomery. Still, both running backs have been solid all year, and this duo can have great fantasy performances in this one.
Wide Receiver
Terry McLaurin (Washington Commanders) | $6,400
The Baltimore Ravens have become one of the teams to target when starting wide receivers in fantasy football. But that also goes for NFL DFS lineups. The Ravens have allowed the most passing yards (1,520) and are tied for the third-most passing touchdowns allowed (nine). They have also allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers (38.4). This sets up the high-flying Washington Commanders’ offense well.
Terry McLaurin has come alive in the last three weeks. During this three-game span, McLaurin has talllied 15 receptions, 264 yards and two touchdowns. He’s the alpha receiver on this team. If Jayden Daniels can continue to do what he’s doing, there’s no reason why McLaurin’s success should stop.
As noted in previous weeks, targeting high-point total games is a successful way to win the week. This week, the Commanders-Ravens game has a whopping 52 implied points, the second-highest on the slate. You’ll want pieces of this game, and McLaurin should be near the top of the list.
Tight End
Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys) | $5,000
The woes continue in the tight end fantasy football landscape this season. But have no fear; Jake Ferguson is here. The Wisconsin product has been one of the bright spots for tight ends in 2024. In four games played (missed one to injury), Ferguson is averaging 11.22 DraftKings points per game. That is more than enough to satisfy the point pallet on a Sunday.
With Brandin Cooks on Injured Reserve (IR), Ferguson should continue to be a main target for quarterback Dak Prescott. Ferguson hasn’t seen under seven targets in any of the last three games. That target share will do! Even though Detroit is pretty solid against tight ends – allowing the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game – the Cowboys will need to push the ball and rely on their tight end.
Once again, this game has a high implied point total of 52.5, the highest of the main slate. Ferguson is a solid start that shouldn’t give you that goose egg that can ruin your NFL DFS lineup.
Defense/Special Teams
Houston Texans D/ST | $3,600
As you can see, the Houston Texans aren’t a cheap option this week. They’re the second-most expensive on the slate, but for good reason. The Texans take on an abysmal New England Patriots offense that is one of the worst in the league. Not only that, but they are rolling out rookie quarterback Drake Maye in this one. It honestly seems like a terrible idea if you’re the Patriots, but I’m here for it.
The Patriots’ offense as a whole has been bad, but to make matters worse, the offensive line has more holes than Swiss cheese. They’ve allowed the second-most sacks with nine on the season, and they’re now putting their rookie quarterback in. I’d be foaming at the mouth if I were a Texans defender. Houston is tied for the sixth-most sacks this season with 15, and I’d be willing to bet that number increases substantially after Sunday. If you’re willing to pay up a bit more for your defense, I think you’ll be rewarded handsomely.
Check out all of our Week 6 fantasy football content:
- PropKings: NFL Week 6 (2024)
- Week 6 In the Scope Targets (2024)
- Week 6 Shore Thing Sleepers (2024)
- Week 6 NFL DFS Picks & Lineup Advice (2024)
- Fantasy Football Trade Targets | Week 6 (2024)
- Week 6 Fantasy Football Advice Mailbag (2024)
- Fantasy Football Whiplash! | Week 6 News & Notes (2024)
Thanks for reading my Week 5 NFL DFS picks! Check out more of our fantasy football and other written content here at In-Between Media, or head over to our YouTube channel to get your fix via video.
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*Photo Credit: Junfu Han – USA TODAY Sports*