Week 6 WR Start, Sit Fantasy Strategy: Mecole Hardman Is Well Worth The Risk

As we get into the bye weeks, you might have some limited options. I tend to focus on lesser names that might not be on your radar as guys to slide right in. Injuries have also piled up now at the wide receiver position, so if a name in the sit section is the only option and have been producing, you can take your shot. However, I would advise you to look and see if any of the names in the start section this week are out there to be picked up. Check out our rankings, start sit tool, and fantasy football projections for this week to help make those tough decisions.

Start Em

Mecole Hardman @ Buffalo Bills

With Sammy Watkins sidelined for the next few weeks, Mecole Hardman is ready to take over a bit. He played 50 snaps this past week and I expect Hardman to potentially get a bit more against the Bills. Hardman has been somewhat of a boom-or-bust option as he is still second to a few names in targets like Hill and Kelce. Buffalo’s secondary was banged up last week and there is a chance this defense overall isn’t put together fully which doesn’t bode well against the Chiefs.

Tee Higgins @ Indianapolis Colts

It hasn’t been AJ Green to be the most productive wide receiver alongside Tyler Boyd, it has been Tee Higgins. With AJ Green set to miss this week, Higgins is in a great spot against a Colts secondary that is a bit overrated given the current schedule. Higgins should find himself around 7-8 targets this week with the potential for more if the Colts can jump out to a quick lead. They have allowed six touchdowns to receivers this season.

Justin Jefferson Vs Atlanta Falcons

Week 5 was frustrating for Justin Jefferson as he was in a great spot against Seattle and had just three catches for 23 yards. This was following back-to-back 100-yard performances. Don’t sweat it, as he gets a prime matchup this week against the Falcons. This game has shootout potential and the Falcons secondary is certainly one to fire away at. They have allowed over 1,000 receiving yards to receivers this season.

Keelan Cole Vs Detroit Lions

This Jaguars injury report needs to be paid attention to this week as Laviska Shenault and DJ Chark are both questionable. Keelan Cole has emerged as a WR3 in this offense regardless but would get a major bump if either of these names misses the Detroit game. Cole has seen at least five targets in each game this season and while his yardage is a bit average the touchdowns have been there. This Detroit secondary is targetable, allowing the 8th most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Brandin Cooks @ Tennessee Titans

Oddly enough, Brandin Cooks broke out in the first week without Bill O’Brien. He had a season-high 12 targets and posted an 8-161-1 line. This came after a terrific matchup against the Vikings. Tennessee has allowed the 11th most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts this season and this has a chance to be a shootout type game.

Sit Em

Jerry Jeudy @ New England Patriots

The temptation of Jerry Jeudy lies within his target share due to the Broncos offense being decimated with injuries. He has seen 8, 7, 9, and 4 targets over the first four games of the season and now will have another tough matchup. Outside of the Seattle game, the Patriots have limited wide receivers. They allowed three double-digit scorers to Russell Wilson and company which pumps up their points allowed.

Deebo Samuel Vs Los Angeles Rams

Deebo Samuel is only two games removed from injury and has 11 targets over the last two games. He will of course see a high-end amount of targets but against a strong Rams defense. Los Angeles has held opposing wide receivers to the fewest fantasy points this season. Even with teams playing four games. While Samuel will move around and dodge Jalen Ramsey, we have seen Ramsey move around a lot more this season.

Jarvis Landry @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Jarvis Landry has yet to find the end zone and has only topped 50 yards twice this season but still has yet to cross over the 100-yard mark. He looked like he was going to do so last week but disappeared in the second half. Landry also doesn’t quite look healthy out there. While the Steelers have allowed the 5th most fantasy points it has been to more vertical threats in comparison to shorter route wide receivers like Landry.

Travis Fulgham Vs Baltimore Ravens

The recency bias might be kicking in here as Travis Fulgham has 12 receptions over 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns over the last two weeks. You likely didn’t know who he was before this and in the chaotic season, he might have found his way into being a potential start this week. The Ravens secondary is one of the best in the business and is top-five in DVOA against the pass. They are also holding wideouts to the 6th lowest fantasy points per game this season.

T.Y. Hilton Vs Cincinnati Bengals

T.Y. Hilton had a better week but 6-69-0 has been the ceiling game for him so far this season. He is going to go back in the sit em area as this game will not likely have the game flow for the Colts chasing this one. The Bengals are actually in the top-third in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers and a lot of this comes down to volume going mostly on the ground. This is a prime spot for Jonathan Taylor this week.